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Sydney Cove #3
Enduring Love
Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down. Years ago, John was in prison when he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off?
Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants?
This conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy will draw readers in with its suspenseful, romantic, and tender narrative.
Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants?
This conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy will draw readers in with its suspenseful, romantic, and tender narrative.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Leon
32 books183 followersBonnie Leon is the author of twenty-three novels, including the recently released One Hundred Valleys, To Dance With Dolphins, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find bonnie at
https://www.bonnieleon.com
https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAu...
https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com
https://www.@bonnie_leon
https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2012
I loved this book but MERCY! It kept me in a frustrated tizzy! Then again, that tends to make for some good reading. :) Once again I felt such connection with the characters (especially Hannahs spirited best friend Lydia). It is so refreshing to read books that hold the beauty of the Lord with nothing there to be a temptation of the heart but rather make you want to draw closer to your friends, family and the Lord Himself. I heard someone say they read this book without reading the 1st 2 books first. NOPE....dont do that. Character development is so important in this series. You couldnt understand how Mighty the Lord is to bring them from literal squaller to a higher place for His glory. Anyway....my fave series read this summer.
April 11, 2012
Story Description:
Baker Publishing Group | May 1, 2009 | Trade Paperback |ISBN 978-0-8007-3178-6
Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down. Years ago, John was in prison when he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off? Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants? This conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy will draw readers in with its suspenseful, romantic, and tender narrative.
My Review:
Hannah and John Bradshaw and their son, Tommy, are happy living on their sheep farm in Sydney Town. Little by little they are adding more and more sheep to the farm so they can begin shearing and selling the wool to finance their lives.
A few years ago when John was in prison, he was told that his first wife, Margaret, had died. John, of course, was devastated. Once out of prison he met and married Hannah and together they took in Tommy after both his parents died and they’ve become quite the family.
Well, lo and behold, the long dead, Margaret, shows up in Sydney Town alive and well and wants John to take her back. She found out that he was out of prison and living on the farm. John had a terrible decision to make – stay with Hannah or take Margaret back. It was an easy decision since he was still legally married to Margaret making his marriage to Hannah null and void. John couldn’t even have a judge grant him a divorce from Margaret because there were no grounds.
Tommy and Hannah moved out making way for, Margaret. Tommy was terribly upset that he and his mother were being forced to move but as a 10-year-old child, he didn’t have a choice.
Soon one of Hannah’s friends gets word that, Margaret, isn’t all she professes to be and is up to something, but what? Hannah isn’t totally convinced at first but when a second person repeats a rumour they heard about Margaret, Hannah decides she had best investigate. What she learns will throw the entire situation into a heart-pounding conclusion. This is the last book in the Sydney Cove trilogy which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Baker Publishing Group | May 1, 2009 | Trade Paperback |ISBN 978-0-8007-3178-6
Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down. Years ago, John was in prison when he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off? Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants? This conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy will draw readers in with its suspenseful, romantic, and tender narrative.
My Review:
Hannah and John Bradshaw and their son, Tommy, are happy living on their sheep farm in Sydney Town. Little by little they are adding more and more sheep to the farm so they can begin shearing and selling the wool to finance their lives.
A few years ago when John was in prison, he was told that his first wife, Margaret, had died. John, of course, was devastated. Once out of prison he met and married Hannah and together they took in Tommy after both his parents died and they’ve become quite the family.
Well, lo and behold, the long dead, Margaret, shows up in Sydney Town alive and well and wants John to take her back. She found out that he was out of prison and living on the farm. John had a terrible decision to make – stay with Hannah or take Margaret back. It was an easy decision since he was still legally married to Margaret making his marriage to Hannah null and void. John couldn’t even have a judge grant him a divorce from Margaret because there were no grounds.
Tommy and Hannah moved out making way for, Margaret. Tommy was terribly upset that he and his mother were being forced to move but as a 10-year-old child, he didn’t have a choice.
Soon one of Hannah’s friends gets word that, Margaret, isn’t all she professes to be and is up to something, but what? Hannah isn’t totally convinced at first but when a second person repeats a rumour they heard about Margaret, Hannah decides she had best investigate. What she learns will throw the entire situation into a heart-pounding conclusion. This is the last book in the Sydney Cove trilogy which I thoroughly enjoyed.
May 1, 2011
This was my favorite book in the series. After all the hardship that hannah and John have endured to get the prosperous sheep farm, accept an orphan child as their own...you think nothing can tear them apart...but honor does.
margaret, John's first wife who supposedly died before he left for prison is not dead at all and comes back to claim her husband. At first John isn't inclined to believe her tales of devotion, but then after trying to get his marriage to Maraget dismissed, he finds no one will do it because there has been no wrong done. The problem is he can't have two wives and the reverend has said that Hannah and his marriage is voided with this new revelation.
John and Hannah try to do what's right and at fist John stays in the barn. Hannah then moves back with the Atherton's and works as a housemaid. She tries to still her heart and train her mind to not think of John, but it is difficult. Her friend Lydia tells her of rumors of Margaret's unfaithfulness and with the help of Dalton and Lydia they find truth to the rumors...a plot to kill John and take his wealth that he is unaware of.
Even though John has accepted that Margaret is his wife legally, he doesn't act as her husband and often compares her to Hannah. When Hannah has Quincey tell him of the plot he is full of thoughts of revenge for Weston Douglas and Margaret and can't wait for them to get their just reward for the hurt they've cost his family, but Hannah's sense of compassion helps him to feel sorry for margaret instead. Hannah is then able to tell John that they are going to have a great life together and their new addition. It just goes to show that our timing isn't always what God has in mind, but He is always mindful of us.
margaret, John's first wife who supposedly died before he left for prison is not dead at all and comes back to claim her husband. At first John isn't inclined to believe her tales of devotion, but then after trying to get his marriage to Maraget dismissed, he finds no one will do it because there has been no wrong done. The problem is he can't have two wives and the reverend has said that Hannah and his marriage is voided with this new revelation.
John and Hannah try to do what's right and at fist John stays in the barn. Hannah then moves back with the Atherton's and works as a housemaid. She tries to still her heart and train her mind to not think of John, but it is difficult. Her friend Lydia tells her of rumors of Margaret's unfaithfulness and with the help of Dalton and Lydia they find truth to the rumors...a plot to kill John and take his wealth that he is unaware of.
Even though John has accepted that Margaret is his wife legally, he doesn't act as her husband and often compares her to Hannah. When Hannah has Quincey tell him of the plot he is full of thoughts of revenge for Weston Douglas and Margaret and can't wait for them to get their just reward for the hurt they've cost his family, but Hannah's sense of compassion helps him to feel sorry for margaret instead. Hannah is then able to tell John that they are going to have a great life together and their new addition. It just goes to show that our timing isn't always what God has in mind, but He is always mindful of us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2011
This is the third book in the author’s Sydney Cove series. John’s thought to be dead wife comes back to Australia in order to search for him, invalidating his marriage to Hannah, the woman that he loves. He tries to make a life on the farm with his wife Margaret while still having feelings for Hannah. He has to live apart from Hannah in order to flee from temptation since this is a Christian fiction book. Throughout the book both him and Hannah have to learn how to live apart since it is very difficult to obtain a divorce in the time period that the book is set in. The two of them also have to raise their adopted son separately. Hannah finds out the real reason that Margaret had reappeared in John’s life after being gone for a long period of time and betraying him along with his cousin.
September 20, 2013
Wow, what an interesting third book. I applaud Ms. Leon for exploring this unique storyline. I was frustrated with John in most of this story but I did enjoy Hannah's inspirational insight. It actually has allowed me to look at life differently which is quite a feat. lol
I wished John had been able to fight the system harder but I understand why he had to submit due to those times marriage vows were for life.
To have Hannah and John so viciously ripped apart made me mad, but I was thrilled with how things ended for them. :-) I can't wait to read Ms. Leon's other stories.
I wished John had been able to fight the system harder but I understand why he had to submit due to those times marriage vows were for life.
To have Hannah and John so viciously ripped apart made me mad, but I was thrilled with how things ended for them. :-) I can't wait to read Ms. Leon's other stories.
March 13, 2013
This book was so much better than #2 in the series. I liked this so much I had a hard time putting it down. The suspense of Hannah and John being separated when Margaret shows up in the picture was fun. It left me wondering how they could be torn apart and would they get back together? And what about Thomas, their son. By the end of the book, I was disappointed that it ended so abruptly. Obviously, you can guess what happens next. But I would have loved it if the author would have gone a little farther into what life would have been like for them.
March 12, 2014
I thought this series was really good. I liked Hannah and Johns characters. All the other characters were very realistic and down to earth as well. There were some good points of faith in here without being overly preachy. The kind of moral dilemas that real people face. I found the first book to be the most exciting as I am crazy for a story with pain and suffering. Hard trials that I will never have to face. Each book was like a piece of the puzzle and I definatly say you must read all three, in order to appreciate the end.
September 22, 2009
While the end was predictable I felt for Hannah in this story. The idea of your husband's dead wife showing up would be hard for anyone to deal with. The was Leon dealt with the conflicting emotions in Hannah was very well done along with the way so many people reacted so the situation.
July 22, 2015
Remarkable ending to a fine series of Sydney Cove. Book 3 is ever the better than 2. I'm happy to have finished this tear-jerker. So happy that John and Hannah have the happy ending they truly deserve. Full marks!
December 30, 2019
Bonnie Leon's Enduring Love is Book 3 in the Sydney Cove trilogy- a historical romance set in and around Sydney town in first decade of nineteenth century.
I picked up this book from a local book swap, mainly to fill a Popsugar Reading Challenge item - a book with Love in the title, so it I didn't realise it was book 3 and had no preconceptions about the story. The book worked as a standalone story though, no doubt, I would have been more invested in the characters if I'd read Book 1 & 2 (the convict makes good typical of novels set in the early years of the colony in Australia).
Enduring Love starts with a happily married couple (who have gone through many difficult circumstances to find happiness together) and rips them apart, when David's previous wife (whom he'd assumed died after betraying him) turns up live and well with the intention of reuniting with him. In the face of his suspicion and anger, Margaret declares her innocence and love. Suddenly, his marriage with Hannah is declared invalid (as he was already married) & he and Hannah are put in an impossible situation as they try to work out the right and best thing to do. It's a dramatic situation with no easy answers.
Leon writes well and recreates life in early Australia. She has some great characters and moments of humour. I sympathised with Hannah and David, though sometimes wondered if they were almost too saintly. While there were slower patches, the book leads to a dramatic finale. My hesitation with Enduring Love was that I thought the outcome predictable and felt that while the emotional reactions were delved into, that the resolution skated over the sharpness of the dilemma (as also in a similar situation between the informally adopted son & his original family). It felt almost like a plot device rather than delving deep into nuances and difficulties such a situation entails.
Even so, I am inclined to read Bonnie Leon other books set in Queensland, Australia.
I picked up this book from a local book swap, mainly to fill a Popsugar Reading Challenge item - a book with Love in the title, so it I didn't realise it was book 3 and had no preconceptions about the story. The book worked as a standalone story though, no doubt, I would have been more invested in the characters if I'd read Book 1 & 2 (the convict makes good typical of novels set in the early years of the colony in Australia).
Enduring Love starts with a happily married couple (who have gone through many difficult circumstances to find happiness together) and rips them apart, when David's previous wife (whom he'd assumed died after betraying him) turns up live and well with the intention of reuniting with him. In the face of his suspicion and anger, Margaret declares her innocence and love. Suddenly, his marriage with Hannah is declared invalid (as he was already married) & he and Hannah are put in an impossible situation as they try to work out the right and best thing to do. It's a dramatic situation with no easy answers.
Leon writes well and recreates life in early Australia. She has some great characters and moments of humour. I sympathised with Hannah and David, though sometimes wondered if they were almost too saintly. While there were slower patches, the book leads to a dramatic finale. My hesitation with Enduring Love was that I thought the outcome predictable and felt that while the emotional reactions were delved into, that the resolution skated over the sharpness of the dilemma (as also in a similar situation between the informally adopted son & his original family). It felt almost like a plot device rather than delving deep into nuances and difficulties such a situation entails.
Even so, I am inclined to read Bonnie Leon other books set in Queensland, Australia.
August 27, 2021
I liked reading this book.
I thought the storyline was really interesting with bringing back the thought to have been dead wife.
I really liked Hannah’s character in this book because I felt like she was more spiritually mature and more stable in her faith, specially considering what she goes through in this book.
This time it was John’s character that I didn’t love in this book.
Overall I enjoyed this book series and I do look forward to reading more books from this author.
I thought the storyline was really interesting with bringing back the thought to have been dead wife.
I really liked Hannah’s character in this book because I felt like she was more spiritually mature and more stable in her faith, specially considering what she goes through in this book.
This time it was John’s character that I didn’t love in this book.
Overall I enjoyed this book series and I do look forward to reading more books from this author.
October 8, 2018
5 star rating teams I loved it and cant wait to re read it.
July 14, 2009
I was lucky enough to win this book from the Goodreads Firstreads contest!! I hadn't read the first two books in Leon's Christian 'Sydney Cove' series, but she did a great job of getting me up to speed in the first chapter. Set on a sheep farm in 1807 Australia, John and Hannah have already been through many hardships by the start of this book. The main conflict of "Enduring Love" starts right away when John's presumed dead former wife returns to him. John and Hannah, and their adopted son, Thomas, are torn apart by Margaret's return. Leon tells a simple, tender love story that will pull at your heartstrings.
I didn't have a lot of sympathy for John's character, perhaps because I didn't read the first two books to get to know him. I felt very uncomfortable as he tried to fall back in love Margaret. It seemed like he was betraying Hannah. Thankfully, the supporting cast felt the same way that I did as a reader, that Margaret was up to no good and that John needed to shape up! Hannah was a very kind and loving character that Christian fiction readers will love. Thomas, their adopted son, was my favorite character in the book because he wanted to take care of his mother and keep his family together--the things I would have liked to see his father do!
The book never comes across as preachy and the Christian elements are very relatable and not forced. There are plenty of tender, emotional moments and lots of action as well in this fast-paced read. Overall, this was a nice, satisfying piece of Christian historical romance that I think fans of the genre will love!
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
I didn't have a lot of sympathy for John's character, perhaps because I didn't read the first two books to get to know him. I felt very uncomfortable as he tried to fall back in love Margaret. It seemed like he was betraying Hannah. Thankfully, the supporting cast felt the same way that I did as a reader, that Margaret was up to no good and that John needed to shape up! Hannah was a very kind and loving character that Christian fiction readers will love. Thomas, their adopted son, was my favorite character in the book because he wanted to take care of his mother and keep his family together--the things I would have liked to see his father do!
The book never comes across as preachy and the Christian elements are very relatable and not forced. There are plenty of tender, emotional moments and lots of action as well in this fast-paced read. Overall, this was a nice, satisfying piece of Christian historical romance that I think fans of the genre will love!
Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/
December 7, 2015
*** Contains spoilers ***
I was eager to read the final book in the Sydney Cove series, and this one had a rather grim main idea, I must admit. Hannah and John find out that John's deceased wife is in fact, alive and wants to continue the marriage from where they left off. How awkward is that? Or rather, sad. How sad for the couple who have only recently just managed to eek out a life together.
What I love most about this book though is Hannah and John's resolve to do what's right even though it's extremely hard for them both. Yes it's painful to read about them being separate when it is clear they belong to eachother but their desire to be obedient to God is stronger and this will really make you think about situations in your own life where God has called you to be obedient during a hard time.
The only problem I had with this book, and it happens in Leon's other books as well is she keeps on repeating annoying phrases. In this book it's 'That it is.' Seriously, almost every single question is answered with this phrase by all the characters! It gets soo ANNOYING! I can think of one hundred and ten other ways the characters could respond to a question but since the author is writing in older english (or is attempting to) she seems to think that this is the only way people responded to questions in that time period. I think there were other phrases as well but I can't remember them right now.
All I can say is the repetition of some words and phrases make the characters less distinctive and boring, which is why I wouldn't give it 5 stars. Nevertheless was a great read.
I was eager to read the final book in the Sydney Cove series, and this one had a rather grim main idea, I must admit. Hannah and John find out that John's deceased wife is in fact, alive and wants to continue the marriage from where they left off. How awkward is that? Or rather, sad. How sad for the couple who have only recently just managed to eek out a life together.
What I love most about this book though is Hannah and John's resolve to do what's right even though it's extremely hard for them both. Yes it's painful to read about them being separate when it is clear they belong to eachother but their desire to be obedient to God is stronger and this will really make you think about situations in your own life where God has called you to be obedient during a hard time.
The only problem I had with this book, and it happens in Leon's other books as well is she keeps on repeating annoying phrases. In this book it's 'That it is.' Seriously, almost every single question is answered with this phrase by all the characters! It gets soo ANNOYING! I can think of one hundred and ten other ways the characters could respond to a question but since the author is writing in older english (or is attempting to) she seems to think that this is the only way people responded to questions in that time period. I think there were other phrases as well but I can't remember them right now.
All I can say is the repetition of some words and phrases make the characters less distinctive and boring, which is why I wouldn't give it 5 stars. Nevertheless was a great read.
January 21, 2013
Once again, I felt the first half of the book was a little slow. A lot of background. A lot of suspicion. A lot of setting the stage. Once the drama started to unfold, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to find out how it would end. I was a little sad about the ending. It felt somewhat abrupt after everything the characters had just gone through. Overall, it was a great read!
November 15, 2014
I started the trilogy with high hopes. I enjoyed the first book, but not so much the second. I was hoping the last one would be better when I read the blurb on it. It wasn't too bad. It ended with satisfying the character's dreams. I just didn't get the emotional interest in the characters in this novel.
Want to read
May 3, 2011
January 7, 2012
I picked this book up from the Library, not realizing it was a third book in the series. I enjoyed reading it, but I didn't fall in love with the characters enough to run and check out the first two books in the series. 3.5 stars
December 3, 2012
This was,the conclusion to a beautiful story but once again I feel like Bonnie Leon left some things hanging.....leave us an epilogue at least please! That could have included John and Hannah's second wedding, John's reunion with Thomas, even the birth of the new baby......
December 15, 2016
This was my first time reading a book by Bonnie Leon. I also started on the third book of a series but luckily for me I can figure story lines out! This was a great read! I liked the characters and I liked how there was a bit of a mystery! I would highly recommend this book!
July 12, 2009
I enjoyed the book - even though I didn't read the first two in the series. There were a couple twists in the book that kept it interesting. I will read more of her books in the future.
June 30, 2009
Really good series.
September 28, 2012
The final book in this series brings lots of heartache to the main characters, but ends well when the first wife is found in the middle of a plot to kill her husband. Enjoy Bonnie's writing.
January 31, 2014
Bonnie Leon writes easy-to-read Christian historical novels; Enduring Love concludes the Sydney Cove Series place Down Under.
May 9, 2014
Not a bad story - although I am disappointed that is the last book in the series. Why can't Bonnie write about some good times with Hannah and John? Other than that, not bad.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews