Born in Ireland but raised in Australia, Bridget Kittrick, headstrong and independent, is ready to show her worth. She meets Lincoln Huntley, a man with a mysterious past, which only heightens Bridget’s attraction to him. As much as she admires Lincoln, his secrets drive a wedge between them.
Left in charge of her mother’s estate while her parents return to Ireland for business, Bridget is determined to prove to her family that she is capable. However, a vicious neighbour, Mr Roache, holds a grudge against the family and turns his attentions on Bridget. Roache orchestrates for Bridget to be kidnapped by wanted men, bushrangers. They take her deep into mountainous country to a hideout where an educated convict hides. Donovan is unlike any other man Bridget has known, and he soon shows her a side to him that pulls at her heart. Only, he is a runaway convict, and she the daughter from a wealthy family.
Her brothers, with Lincoln Huntley, are searching for her, but when Bridget is forced to defend herself with harrowing consequences, she knows there is no going home. Living rough with Donovan is her life now.
Yet, Lincoln Huntley refuses to give up. He will find Bridget and, perhaps, her love will be the salve to his wounds, or will he be too late to save Bridget from herself?
One woman. Two men with two hidden pasts. What is her fate?
Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book. https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear http://www.annemaribrear.com
loved The Distant Legacy by AnneMarie! It is an exciting addition to the Irish Australian saga of the Kittrick family. The first two books were brilliant and this one is just as riveting. It is one of those stories you just don’t want to end! I found it hard to put it down once I started, as it contains such a page turning plot, led by a diverse cast of intriguing characters. There’s a loathsome landowner villain who is flanked by a set of dangerous bushrangers and a fiery bold heroine with fiercely protective brothers. Then there are two charming handsome heroes (one more English gentleman type and the other an Irish educated convict). Both, though, are carrying a dark secret from their past. And if that information falls into the wrong hands, it could bring each of them down from their longstanding safe-guarded worlds.
Bridget Kittrick was born in Ireland but grew up in Australia as the eldest daughter of the great rebel, Ellen, who left Ireland during the famine years and came to this country determined never to be poor or hungry again. Ellen helped other downtrodden souls and gave them chances to improve their stations, too. As a generous (though tough) woman who had a talent for acquiring land and running businesses, she taught her children to do the same. Her daughters, particularly, grew up under her guidance with the aim to be independent first, choose their mates carefully, and to retain claims on their own property. Ellen never wanted her children to suffer as she had and so she taught them what she felt were much needed skills. And for her girls, if their husband’s failed, died or left, they would be still standing and financially secure. Security for Ellen was owning as much property/land as possible.
Since this is Bridget’s story, the focus is on her character development. She is a bold strong young woman that appears fearless. But will she change over the course of the novel? Her parents must return to Ireland on business so she is left in charge. This gives her a chance to prove herself. And although we admire her skills and strength at the beginning of the story, we see how speaking her mind could get her into trouble. And, sadly, it does, when she goes against some sound advice. Thankfully, initially she is not alone to bear the weight of her responsibilities. But there is a task at hand that requires assistance. More property is to be purchased. But it is from a long standing enemy. Due to the feud between her mother and Mr. Roache, the seller of the land, the task of acquiring it is given to Mr Lincoln Huntley, a friend of Bridget’s brother, Patrick. He is a man Bridget becomes drawn to. But when they get close, he pulls back and leaves her confused.
Then Bridget is kidnapped by the horrid Mr Roache who hands her over to some bushrangers. They deliver her in the mountains to Donovan, an Irishman with a curious, coloured past. Bridget is stunned by his kindness and willingness to protect her. Who is this man that becomes her saviour? Like Lincoln, he is hiding from a past that has darkened his present. And Bridget is not sure what to feel as the kidnapping has unleashed a whole set of events that have threatened to change her perspective and high standing reputation. These traumas are so horrible, it drives her into seclusion. She wishes to stay hidden from family and friends—even after she is promised freedom. Then the rumours fly that she is dead. But one man will not give up the hunt to find her. He has failed her once and vows never to again. If he can rescue her, he is determined to tell her the truth. Will he be too late?
The Distant Legacy is a story of love, survival, determination, kindness, justice and overcoming the odds in the face of horrific dangers present in 1866. Land wars were common, vast gaps between the rich and poor, bushrangers that stole, killed and maimed those who fought back. It was a colourful past here in Australia. AnneMarie has given us all these scenarios in The Distant Legacy, including dark hearts full of vengeance. These elements and her skilful writing have created a fast paced, on the edge of your seat, reading experience through clear descriptive scenes, a powerful delivery and a transforming message. I hope there are more books planned for this series as it is by far my favourite collection by this author. There is a special historical spark in The Distant set, that makes it rise above others in its category. And I am certain its flame will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of readers across the world. I highly recommend it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key take-aways: - Bridget respected her mother and behaved as her mother would in her interactions as well as business dealings. - There are people who have committed grave deeds/crimes but out of circumstance/survival not choice. In this story both Bridget and Lincoln have a past which haunts them but the crimes committed were a last resort and for the survival of themselves or their families. - Environments can affect a person's outlook and behavior and this can influence their future actions whether good or bad. One of the examples the author gives is how the church blamed a woman after she was raped and had child which caused the woman's suicide. This turned the woman's brother away from the church and filled him with hate of one of the key institutions of the time. - Some people were convicted for crimes such as stealing bread for their starving families but "the stain of chains" stayed with them forever. - The main plot of this story was Bridget's survival and ability to fight or persevere despite her terror and her fear of the situation she was in.
It was lovely to catch up with Ellen and all the family once again. The main character in this story was Ellen's headstrong daughter Bridget who went through an awful lot in the book. I will not spoil it anymore, so you must read this delightful book. I simply loved this book as I have all AnneMarie's books from the beginning to the end. The end of this story has left an opening for another one to carry on, hopefully there will be a number four, please AnneMarie.
Wow can Annemarie Bread tell a story. I have just finished the 3 rd book in the series. Go ahead and get all three. Each book makes you want to go for the next one. I have always thought that of all the places to visit, Australia would be where I would want to go. Annemarie paints such vivid pictures of the areas in her stories I feel I really have to go someday. I believe another book in this series would be fun to read ( hint hint ).
Another wonderful story of how the Irish overcame poverty, degradation, to thrive achieve dreams, money to fulfil their dreams. One woman's survival against horrible situations, to find lose love and find love again
A worthwhile read. Thoughtful narrative that brought the Australian frontier to life. A well worked plot with plenty of twists and turns. Some great characters, especially Bridget, the heroine. There was a slightly predictable romance but this remains a really good novel