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East of Alice
A gem-fossicking discovery echoes through time and leads to a dangerous journey through the red dust outback. A gripping mystery from Australian author Annie Seaton.
Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs for a new job as a primary school teacher. It's been six years since her family broke apart following the disappearance of her twin brother. And the scars still run deep.
Hard on the heels of her homecoming, Saul Pearce, the man she once loved, is reposted from Parks and Wildlife in Darwin back to Alice. When an old car wreck is uncovered, washed down the river to Ruby Gap, Saul investigates only to find that the wreck belonged to Ethan, Gemma's twin - and there's a coded note for her in the glovebox.
Joining forces, they trek through the rugged outback, piecing together clues that not only bring them to the attention of a criminal organisation, but lead them to uncover an even older puzzle ... One now lost to the history books.
With targets on their backs, will they unearth the truth in time?
'A taut, page-turning mystery, set in the magnificent Eastern MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, linking the past and the present into an adrenaline-fuelled rush for the truth. Couldn't put it down!' - Tanya Heaslip, author of Alice to Prague on East of Alice
PRAISE FOR ANNIE
'Emotional, mysterious, and gripping from page one, Seaton transports you to two different timelines in one of the greatest Australian settings ... The Great Barrier Reef.' - Better Reading
'With an insightful glimpse into the environmental issues at the heart of one of our nation's most treasured locations, combined with some fascinating history, compelling family relations and an equivocal adventure mystery, Osprey Reef has it all.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews
Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs for a new job as a primary school teacher. It's been six years since her family broke apart following the disappearance of her twin brother. And the scars still run deep.
Hard on the heels of her homecoming, Saul Pearce, the man she once loved, is reposted from Parks and Wildlife in Darwin back to Alice. When an old car wreck is uncovered, washed down the river to Ruby Gap, Saul investigates only to find that the wreck belonged to Ethan, Gemma's twin - and there's a coded note for her in the glovebox.
Joining forces, they trek through the rugged outback, piecing together clues that not only bring them to the attention of a criminal organisation, but lead them to uncover an even older puzzle ... One now lost to the history books.
With targets on their backs, will they unearth the truth in time?
'A taut, page-turning mystery, set in the magnificent Eastern MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, linking the past and the present into an adrenaline-fuelled rush for the truth. Couldn't put it down!' - Tanya Heaslip, author of Alice to Prague on East of Alice
PRAISE FOR ANNIE
'Emotional, mysterious, and gripping from page one, Seaton transports you to two different timelines in one of the greatest Australian settings ... The Great Barrier Reef.' - Better Reading
'With an insightful glimpse into the environmental issues at the heart of one of our nation's most treasured locations, combined with some fascinating history, compelling family relations and an equivocal adventure mystery, Osprey Reef has it all.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2022
74 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Annie Seaton
176 books700 followersAnnie Seaton lives near the beach on the mid-north coast of New South Wales. She is fulfilling her lifelong dream of writing and has been delighted to discover that readers love reading her stories as much as she loves writing them. Her career and studies spanned the education sector for most of her working life until she took up a full-time writing career. Each winter, Annie and her husband leave the beach to roam the remote areas of Australia for story ideas and research.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Readers can contact Annie through her website annieseaton.net or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 13, 2022
When it comes to descriptions of the Australian outback Annie Seaton certainly knows her stuff. In East of Alice she takes the reader to the town of Alice Springs and then to Ruby Gap where there was once a ruby "rush" prior to the gold rushes which historically are better known.
Principally the book is about Gemma Hayden and her search for her twin brother, Ethan, who she refuses to believe is dead. When his vehicle is found washed down river at Ruby Gap, Gemma and her ex boyfriend, Saul, an employee of Parks and Wildlife, set out into the bush to discover what they can. It is not easy and becomes increasingly more dangerous. There is a parallel story of some early settlers of the region and the discovery of the first rubies which is also very interesting and a little sad.
I enjoyed the book very much. Both stories are well told, there is a lot of action and danger, but there is also a sweet romance and a fitting conclusion. Well worth reading.
Thankd to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Principally the book is about Gemma Hayden and her search for her twin brother, Ethan, who she refuses to believe is dead. When his vehicle is found washed down river at Ruby Gap, Gemma and her ex boyfriend, Saul, an employee of Parks and Wildlife, set out into the bush to discover what they can. It is not easy and becomes increasingly more dangerous. There is a parallel story of some early settlers of the region and the discovery of the first rubies which is also very interesting and a little sad.
I enjoyed the book very much. Both stories are well told, there is a lot of action and danger, but there is also a sweet romance and a fitting conclusion. Well worth reading.
Thankd to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 5, 2022
When Rose and William were married in England in the 1880s, with first William, then Rose, travelling to Australia to mine in the newly discovered ruby rich country, Rose expected to one day return to see her father and sister again. But her life was to be in the red dirt country, giving birth to two boys, Rufus and Bennett, living in the small cottage William built for his family.
Gemma Hayden returned to Alice Springs six years after her twin brother Ethan went missing, and her family in their grief, went their different ways. Working as a teacher at the tiny local school, Gemma knew peace with her kindy kids. But that all changed the day Saul Pearce, good friend of Ethan's and her young love, sought her out at the school, with news of a shattering kind. Saul worked with the Parks and Wildlife, transferring back to Alice from Darwin and when an old wreck was sighted out in the wilderness, he checked it out and was shocked to discover it belonged to Ethan. Gemma had never believed her twin was dead - surely she would know? As she and Saul began investigating into what had happened six years ago, they both wondered what they'd find - who they'd find...
East of Alice is another gripping, intense read by Aussie author Annie Seaton and I couldn't put it down. Fast paced and filled with tension, the descriptions of the vast Australian outback came to life as I raced through the pages. I have no hesitation in recommending East of Alice highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Gemma Hayden returned to Alice Springs six years after her twin brother Ethan went missing, and her family in their grief, went their different ways. Working as a teacher at the tiny local school, Gemma knew peace with her kindy kids. But that all changed the day Saul Pearce, good friend of Ethan's and her young love, sought her out at the school, with news of a shattering kind. Saul worked with the Parks and Wildlife, transferring back to Alice from Darwin and when an old wreck was sighted out in the wilderness, he checked it out and was shocked to discover it belonged to Ethan. Gemma had never believed her twin was dead - surely she would know? As she and Saul began investigating into what had happened six years ago, they both wondered what they'd find - who they'd find...
East of Alice is another gripping, intense read by Aussie author Annie Seaton and I couldn't put it down. Fast paced and filled with tension, the descriptions of the vast Australian outback came to life as I raced through the pages. I have no hesitation in recommending East of Alice highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
Gemma Hayden returns to her hometown of Alice Springs, she’s been employed at Trephina Primary School and she’s busy setting up her new classroom. Gemma grew up in Alice Springs, her twin brother Ethan disappeared six years ago, her parent’s marriage ended and she moved away with her mum. No one has seen or heard from Ethan since, Gemma was very close to her brother and she holds onto hope that he's still alive. Everything in Emma’s life fell apart when Ethan went missing, her mother thinks he's dead and she hasn’t spoken to her dad in ages.
Saul Pearce is posted back to Alice Springs, he works as an officer for the Parks and Wildlife service. Like Emma he grew up in "the Alice", he was friends with Ethan and he and Emma were dating. Saul comes from the wrong side of town, some people weren’t happy about his relationship with Emma and it ended rather abruptly. Now both are back in town, Saul discovers an old car in a creek bed, near Ruby Gap and where they used to go camping together as teenagers. Saul and Gemma join forces, trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Ethan, the only clue they have is a coded note left for her in the glove box of her brother’s wrecked car.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s set in present time and in the late 1800’s. The easy to follow and well written narrative, is told from two perspectives, Gemma’s and her great-great-grandmother Rose Woodford’s.
Rose Woodford leaves England, she hasn’t seen her husband in over a year, and she has no idea he's living in such a remote place. Artlunga is the closest town to their isolated homestead at Ruby Gap, it’s the first town to be settled in the area and it’s part of the East MacDonnell Ranges, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rose find herself residing in a four room hut, William is sure he’s found a seam of rubies and he has to prove their not garnets?
I received a copy of East of Alice by Annie Seaton from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A story about Alice Springs and living in the Australian outback, Ethan’s fascination with the past, gemstones and fossicking, Ruby Gap, the old homestead, and how he stumbled across a dangerous crime gang, long buried secrets, a coverup, and the consequences. I highly recommend East of Alice, I was hooked after reading the first page and five big stars from me.
Saul Pearce is posted back to Alice Springs, he works as an officer for the Parks and Wildlife service. Like Emma he grew up in "the Alice", he was friends with Ethan and he and Emma were dating. Saul comes from the wrong side of town, some people weren’t happy about his relationship with Emma and it ended rather abruptly. Now both are back in town, Saul discovers an old car in a creek bed, near Ruby Gap and where they used to go camping together as teenagers. Saul and Gemma join forces, trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Ethan, the only clue they have is a coded note left for her in the glove box of her brother’s wrecked car.
The story has a dual timeline, it’s set in present time and in the late 1800’s. The easy to follow and well written narrative, is told from two perspectives, Gemma’s and her great-great-grandmother Rose Woodford’s.
Rose Woodford leaves England, she hasn’t seen her husband in over a year, and she has no idea he's living in such a remote place. Artlunga is the closest town to their isolated homestead at Ruby Gap, it’s the first town to be settled in the area and it’s part of the East MacDonnell Ranges, in the Northern Territory of Australia. Rose find herself residing in a four room hut, William is sure he’s found a seam of rubies and he has to prove their not garnets?
I received a copy of East of Alice by Annie Seaton from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. A story about Alice Springs and living in the Australian outback, Ethan’s fascination with the past, gemstones and fossicking, Ruby Gap, the old homestead, and how he stumbled across a dangerous crime gang, long buried secrets, a coverup, and the consequences. I highly recommend East of Alice, I was hooked after reading the first page and five big stars from me.
November 3, 2022
This is another awesome story from a fabulous story teller, Annie Seaton takes me to the best places and describes them beautifully it is like I am there and then she adds characters who are strong and easy to get to know and make friends with, add in mystery and suspense and you have a page turner, this one has a family mystery to uncover that goes back to the 1890’s and involves rubies, a fabulous read.
When Rose marries William in England back in 1880 and the plan is to move to Australia to make their fortune mining rubies, Rose never realizes how her life will change in this new world, two sons and a hard life but she is strong and no matter what happens she keeps going and leaves a legacy that will encourage her descendants in the future.
Gemma Hayden has returned to Alice Springs, it is six years since she left after the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan that pulled her family apart she has a new job at the local primary school, there are lots of memories here but Gemma has learnt to rely on herself these days and is happy to be home.
Saul Pearce moved away from Alice Springs six years ago leaving a lot behind but he was determined to make something of himself and is now a ranger for Parks and Wildlife he has a new posting and is settling in when he is asked to go out and look for a car that has been reported in the park, what he finds will shock him, this car belongs to his missing best friend Ethan Hayden who is the twin of the girl he never forgot.
Meeting up with Gemma again to hand her a note he found in the car addressed to her puts them on a path of searching for answers from the past at Ruby Gap where Gemma and Ethan’s Great, Great Grandparents lived all those years ago will they uncover the secrets to the rubies and what happened back then and will they find out what happened to Ethan?
I loved this story it is compelling reading, it is filled with drama, suspense, fabulous characters and was hard to put down, searching for answers together brings Gemma and Saul back together but it is not easy with everything that is happening and there is danger all around them, it is so well written I would highly recommend it, this is one not to be missed, this is one that will stay with me for a long time.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
When Rose marries William in England back in 1880 and the plan is to move to Australia to make their fortune mining rubies, Rose never realizes how her life will change in this new world, two sons and a hard life but she is strong and no matter what happens she keeps going and leaves a legacy that will encourage her descendants in the future.
Gemma Hayden has returned to Alice Springs, it is six years since she left after the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan that pulled her family apart she has a new job at the local primary school, there are lots of memories here but Gemma has learnt to rely on herself these days and is happy to be home.
Saul Pearce moved away from Alice Springs six years ago leaving a lot behind but he was determined to make something of himself and is now a ranger for Parks and Wildlife he has a new posting and is settling in when he is asked to go out and look for a car that has been reported in the park, what he finds will shock him, this car belongs to his missing best friend Ethan Hayden who is the twin of the girl he never forgot.
Meeting up with Gemma again to hand her a note he found in the car addressed to her puts them on a path of searching for answers from the past at Ruby Gap where Gemma and Ethan’s Great, Great Grandparents lived all those years ago will they uncover the secrets to the rubies and what happened back then and will they find out what happened to Ethan?
I loved this story it is compelling reading, it is filled with drama, suspense, fabulous characters and was hard to put down, searching for answers together brings Gemma and Saul back together but it is not easy with everything that is happening and there is danger all around them, it is so well written I would highly recommend it, this is one not to be missed, this is one that will stay with me for a long time.
My thanks to Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
January 5, 2023
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East of Alice by Annie Seaton. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 November 2022**
Gemma has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs to work as a primary school teacher. It's been 6 years since her family broke apart after the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan. The man she loved once, Saul, has also returned home to work as a Parks Ranger. Saul is sent to check out a car wreck in Ruby Gap which turns out to have belonged to Ethan, and inside is a coded note for Gemma. Joining forces, Gemma and Saul trek through the rugged outback, piercing together clues that link to a criminal organisation and an even older puzzle...
I really enjoyed this intriguing dual timeline mystery. In the current timeline we have Gemma and Saul attempting to discover what happened to Gemma's twin brother Ethan; complicating matters is that Gemma and Saul dated for a period and neither have gotten over the other. The past timeline begins in 1886 with Rose about to marry and travel to Australia, and eventually settle with her husband William in the outback where William is mining for rubies. Both timelines were interesting with a fast pace, a lot of action, and a light romantic undertone.
Overall: happily and highly recommend this Australian mystery novel which makes for a great read.
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East of Alice by Annie Seaton. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 November 2022**
Gemma has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs to work as a primary school teacher. It's been 6 years since her family broke apart after the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan. The man she loved once, Saul, has also returned home to work as a Parks Ranger. Saul is sent to check out a car wreck in Ruby Gap which turns out to have belonged to Ethan, and inside is a coded note for Gemma. Joining forces, Gemma and Saul trek through the rugged outback, piercing together clues that link to a criminal organisation and an even older puzzle...
I really enjoyed this intriguing dual timeline mystery. In the current timeline we have Gemma and Saul attempting to discover what happened to Gemma's twin brother Ethan; complicating matters is that Gemma and Saul dated for a period and neither have gotten over the other. The past timeline begins in 1886 with Rose about to marry and travel to Australia, and eventually settle with her husband William in the outback where William is mining for rubies. Both timelines were interesting with a fast pace, a lot of action, and a light romantic undertone.
Overall: happily and highly recommend this Australian mystery novel which makes for a great read.
December 18, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
East of Alice by Annie Seaton is a captivating mystery/crime read and I was hooked! It’s filled with suspense and drama and a wonderful Australian outback landscape setting. Let the author take you on a fascinating trip to Alice Springs.
The story features Gemma Hayden and the search for her twin brother Ethan who never came home one day six years ago. Gemma returns to her childhood hometown of Alice Springs and is starting employment there as a Year Two teacher.
The story moves between past and present and when Ethan’s wrecked car is discovered at Ruby Gap, Saul Pearce the new park ranger for Parks and Wildlife delivers the news to the family. Saul was Ethan’s best mate and he helps Gemma to investigate what happened to her brother leading them to danger. Saul is also Gemma’s ex-boyfriend and Gemma’s intuition tells her that her twin is still alive.
We are also taken back to the year 1886 to discover an intriguing and emotional story filled with peril about Rose and William Woodford and William’s discovery of rubies. This couple from the past have links connected to Gemma.
There are some romantic themes, criminal activity and a great ending to a thoughtful and well written story. I will look out for more stories by this author as I really enjoyed this one.
Publication Date 03 November 2022
Publisher HQ Fiction AU
Thank you so much to the wonderful team at Harlequin Australia for a copy of the book to review 🙏
East of Alice by Annie Seaton is a captivating mystery/crime read and I was hooked! It’s filled with suspense and drama and a wonderful Australian outback landscape setting. Let the author take you on a fascinating trip to Alice Springs.
The story features Gemma Hayden and the search for her twin brother Ethan who never came home one day six years ago. Gemma returns to her childhood hometown of Alice Springs and is starting employment there as a Year Two teacher.
The story moves between past and present and when Ethan’s wrecked car is discovered at Ruby Gap, Saul Pearce the new park ranger for Parks and Wildlife delivers the news to the family. Saul was Ethan’s best mate and he helps Gemma to investigate what happened to her brother leading them to danger. Saul is also Gemma’s ex-boyfriend and Gemma’s intuition tells her that her twin is still alive.
We are also taken back to the year 1886 to discover an intriguing and emotional story filled with peril about Rose and William Woodford and William’s discovery of rubies. This couple from the past have links connected to Gemma.
There are some romantic themes, criminal activity and a great ending to a thoughtful and well written story. I will look out for more stories by this author as I really enjoyed this one.
Publication Date 03 November 2022
Publisher HQ Fiction AU
Thank you so much to the wonderful team at Harlequin Australia for a copy of the book to review 🙏
November 4, 2022
Thank you Harlequin Australia for sending me a copy of this book for review.
Read this if you like books with :
1) Geneaology /family history
2) Twins
3) Missing people /cold cases
4) Rural Australian setting
5) Romance
This is my first book I have read by this author and I was captivated from the first page. I connected with all the characters in particular Gemma and Saul. Alice Springs is one place I would love to visit and I could picture the landscape as I read the book. This has a past and present timeline which worked perfectly and connected both stories . I loved the suspense factor . For me it was very much a character driven story. Unpredictable ending which is a huge winner for me and a big reason for my 5 stars.
Read this if you like books with :
1) Geneaology /family history
2) Twins
3) Missing people /cold cases
4) Rural Australian setting
5) Romance
This is my first book I have read by this author and I was captivated from the first page. I connected with all the characters in particular Gemma and Saul. Alice Springs is one place I would love to visit and I could picture the landscape as I read the book. This has a past and present timeline which worked perfectly and connected both stories . I loved the suspense factor . For me it was very much a character driven story. Unpredictable ending which is a huge winner for me and a big reason for my 5 stars.
September 12, 2022
The main setting is the remote National Park of Ruby Gap, which is east of Alice Springs. It is the site of the first mine rush in central Australia when a man discovered rubies in a dry river bed in the 1880s. Hundreds of men from around the world flocked in to find their fortunes, but it was all over two years later when it was announced that the gems being dug up were only garnets, at this time gold was discovered 50 kilometres away and the miners all relocated there and the ruby rush was over. The nearby township of Arltunga, mentioned in the story, supported hundreds of miners who firstly hunted rubies then gold, is now ruins. The ruby rush story is an important secondary thread in this thrilling mystery set in modern days from Australian author Annie Seaton.
Gemma is a descendant of one of the many families who left England to find their fortune fossicking for rubies. The husband of her ancestor left his wife and two children behind while he sailed back to England to prove what he had found were in fact rubies and not garnets. He never returned and his widow left her wooden cabin at Ruby Gap and eventually died in Alice Springs.
Gemma’s twin brother, Ethan, disappeared six years prior to the start of the story, her parents split up and Gemma and her mother moved to the east coast. Now she is back in Alice Springs teaching at a local primary school. Newly returned is her first love, Saul; he was also her brother’s best friend. He now works as a ranger for Parks and Wildlife and during a routine call out finds the wreck of a car - Ethan’s - in a dry river bed not far from the old family cabin. The glove box is locked and there is a coded letter inside addressed to Gemma. He pockets the letter and reports the discovery of the wreck.
Saul takes the letter to Gemma and the two of them immediately get swept up in an edge of the seat adventure as they trek through the rugged outback to the ruins of her ancestor’s home, find a recent grave and start to piece together clues that bring them to the attention of a secret criminal organisation. Now they have to find the answers before they get killed, as the organisation has killed before and won’t hesitate to kill again to keep their operations secret.
Coming from the Northern Territory I know this area very well - and have visited the ruggedly remote Ruby Gap. Annie Seaton has captured the area perfectly. I loved the relationships between the various characters - even the baddies were portrayed as truly nasty people. Above all the story was believable Central Australia can still hide secrets in the day and age.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
Gemma is a descendant of one of the many families who left England to find their fortune fossicking for rubies. The husband of her ancestor left his wife and two children behind while he sailed back to England to prove what he had found were in fact rubies and not garnets. He never returned and his widow left her wooden cabin at Ruby Gap and eventually died in Alice Springs.
Gemma’s twin brother, Ethan, disappeared six years prior to the start of the story, her parents split up and Gemma and her mother moved to the east coast. Now she is back in Alice Springs teaching at a local primary school. Newly returned is her first love, Saul; he was also her brother’s best friend. He now works as a ranger for Parks and Wildlife and during a routine call out finds the wreck of a car - Ethan’s - in a dry river bed not far from the old family cabin. The glove box is locked and there is a coded letter inside addressed to Gemma. He pockets the letter and reports the discovery of the wreck.
Saul takes the letter to Gemma and the two of them immediately get swept up in an edge of the seat adventure as they trek through the rugged outback to the ruins of her ancestor’s home, find a recent grave and start to piece together clues that bring them to the attention of a secret criminal organisation. Now they have to find the answers before they get killed, as the organisation has killed before and won’t hesitate to kill again to keep their operations secret.
Coming from the Northern Territory I know this area very well - and have visited the ruggedly remote Ruby Gap. Annie Seaton has captured the area perfectly. I loved the relationships between the various characters - even the baddies were portrayed as truly nasty people. Above all the story was believable Central Australia can still hide secrets in the day and age.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy to review
December 7, 2022
I'm kicking myself for not reading an Annie Seaton book until now! East of Alice was soooo good!
The Northern Territory is a place that I'm hoping to visit one day. Thanks to Annie's atmospheric writing, I felt like I was actually there. I know I'm going to have fun Googling all the locations mentioned and learning more about their rich and vast history. Who knew that these places actually existed, because I had no idea!
One moment that will probably stay with me forever is the wild budgerigar flight formation that Gemma and Saul witnessed. Hopefully there are some YouTube videos of this phenomenon because I want to see it for myself.
All the action and tension that builds up during the course of the mystery really ramped up towards the end. Take heed of Ethan's earlier warning, because it's proven to be true!
Was blown away at Rose's encounters in the late 19th century. It's quite interesting and just expresses how harrowing it must've been as an early Australian pioneer.
Gemma and Saul's reconnection and eventual romance was utterly beautiful. Gem, the guy literally took on a bull for you! If that doesn't say 1000% commitment I'm not sure what does!
Absolutely brilliant storytelling right here!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
The Northern Territory is a place that I'm hoping to visit one day. Thanks to Annie's atmospheric writing, I felt like I was actually there. I know I'm going to have fun Googling all the locations mentioned and learning more about their rich and vast history. Who knew that these places actually existed, because I had no idea!
One moment that will probably stay with me forever is the wild budgerigar flight formation that Gemma and Saul witnessed. Hopefully there are some YouTube videos of this phenomenon because I want to see it for myself.
All the action and tension that builds up during the course of the mystery really ramped up towards the end. Take heed of Ethan's earlier warning, because it's proven to be true!
Was blown away at Rose's encounters in the late 19th century. It's quite interesting and just expresses how harrowing it must've been as an early Australian pioneer.
Gemma and Saul's reconnection and eventual romance was utterly beautiful. Gem, the guy literally took on a bull for you! If that doesn't say 1000% commitment I'm not sure what does!
Absolutely brilliant storytelling right here!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
November 18, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
A beautifully descriptive look at the Australian outback... with a second chance romance for added enjoyment. Gemma returns to her childhood home of Alice Springs and reconnects with her former boyfriend Saul when he finds Gemma's twin brother, Ethan's, car at Ruby Gap following his disappearance 6 years earlier. The rest of the story splits into 2 other time lines; Gemma's Great Great Grandmother from the late 1800's and Ethan around the time of his disappearance. It all comes together in the end!! Highly recommend if you like a little romance thrown into your mystery story!
A beautifully descriptive look at the Australian outback... with a second chance romance for added enjoyment. Gemma returns to her childhood home of Alice Springs and reconnects with her former boyfriend Saul when he finds Gemma's twin brother, Ethan's, car at Ruby Gap following his disappearance 6 years earlier. The rest of the story splits into 2 other time lines; Gemma's Great Great Grandmother from the late 1800's and Ethan around the time of his disappearance. It all comes together in the end!! Highly recommend if you like a little romance thrown into your mystery story!
October 25, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Prominent destination fiction icon Annie Seaton delights readers yet again with her latest location tale.
Get ready to be entertained and to take a trip to the beauty of Alice Springs.
Primary school teacher Gemma Hayden has returned home.
She is still hurting from the disappearance of her twin brother, Ethan, six years ago.
Now back in her hometown, Gemma believes he is still alive.
Saul Pearce, has just taken a job back in town and is confronted with the past head on when he finds an old car wreak.
Uncovering secrets from the now will also unlock secrets from the past and with danger getting close all will come to a dramatic climax.
A captivating plot with a selection of colourful characters against the backdrop of outback Australia.
East Of Alice is a joy to read and one that will inspire readers.
I adore Annie’s books and this story of family secrets, romance, drama and history will have you begging for more,
The setting is bestowed with excellence and whilst reading from the pages makes you want to visit and as we all know Annie’s research is impeccable.
A past and present classic storyline that will collide together seamlessly and never failing to impress while taking a fascinating journey.
Another fine example of the very talented work of author extraordinaire Annie Seaton.
I can’t wait to see where we travel next, for her destination novel next year.
Prominent destination fiction icon Annie Seaton delights readers yet again with her latest location tale.
Get ready to be entertained and to take a trip to the beauty of Alice Springs.
Primary school teacher Gemma Hayden has returned home.
She is still hurting from the disappearance of her twin brother, Ethan, six years ago.
Now back in her hometown, Gemma believes he is still alive.
Saul Pearce, has just taken a job back in town and is confronted with the past head on when he finds an old car wreak.
Uncovering secrets from the now will also unlock secrets from the past and with danger getting close all will come to a dramatic climax.
A captivating plot with a selection of colourful characters against the backdrop of outback Australia.
East Of Alice is a joy to read and one that will inspire readers.
I adore Annie’s books and this story of family secrets, romance, drama and history will have you begging for more,
The setting is bestowed with excellence and whilst reading from the pages makes you want to visit and as we all know Annie’s research is impeccable.
A past and present classic storyline that will collide together seamlessly and never failing to impress while taking a fascinating journey.
Another fine example of the very talented work of author extraordinaire Annie Seaton.
I can’t wait to see where we travel next, for her destination novel next year.
October 30, 2022
East of Alice by Annie Seaton is the first book I've read by the Australian author, not realising she wrote thrillers and crime fiction (thinking she wrote rural romance). And I enjoyed this a lot. Particularly the quintessentially Australian setting. Though it's a long time since I've been to Alice Springs, the organisation I work for has an office there and several projects outside of the town and - having been to the West Kimberley in West Australia this year a couple of times - I could imagine some of the landscape Seaton very vividly describes here.
In the present Gemma and Saul quickly gather that Ethan, and perhaps his friend Screw, were in the wrong place at the wrong time and stumbled across well-connected drug dealers. I didn't get a clear picture of the illegal doings and it's only now I realise that this is more about Saul and Gemma; Ethan's disappearance being the predicating factor. (So not a traditional whodunnit - or even why - if you like.)
That being said, I was reminded how much I used to love romantic suspense and how little of it I read now.
I also enjoyed a couple of big twists Seaton threw in as well as her descriptive prose and her ability to firmly place we readers in the desolate and dangerous setting. This will certainly prove popular with lovers of outback or rural noir and romantic suspense.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
In the present Gemma and Saul quickly gather that Ethan, and perhaps his friend Screw, were in the wrong place at the wrong time and stumbled across well-connected drug dealers. I didn't get a clear picture of the illegal doings and it's only now I realise that this is more about Saul and Gemma; Ethan's disappearance being the predicating factor. (So not a traditional whodunnit - or even why - if you like.)
That being said, I was reminded how much I used to love romantic suspense and how little of it I read now.
I also enjoyed a couple of big twists Seaton threw in as well as her descriptive prose and her ability to firmly place we readers in the desolate and dangerous setting. This will certainly prove popular with lovers of outback or rural noir and romantic suspense.
3.5 stars
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
November 12, 2023
Predictable, trite and tedious. And to make matters worse, Seaton managed to set her story in a part of Australia that has a deep and enduring Indigenous presence, history and culture without including a single Indigenous character
January 4, 2023
I fell in love with Annie’s books when I accidentally read book 4 of her Porter Sisters series instead of book 1, from that one book, I knew I found a great author.
East of Alice didn’t let me down, it’s my first 5 star read of the year!
I really enjoyed the past to present chapters. The description of land and how hard it must’ve been for the people who were here in our harsh desert during the ruby and gold craze, Annie did an amazing job! I must say, I would hate to come across a black scrubber bull or any snakes that live in these parts.
To add to the story was the mystery of Gemma’s twin brother and what had happened to him. Great story Annie, congratulations!
East of Alice didn’t let me down, it’s my first 5 star read of the year!
I really enjoyed the past to present chapters. The description of land and how hard it must’ve been for the people who were here in our harsh desert during the ruby and gold craze, Annie did an amazing job! I must say, I would hate to come across a black scrubber bull or any snakes that live in these parts.
To add to the story was the mystery of Gemma’s twin brother and what had happened to him. Great story Annie, congratulations!
January 1, 2023
Having read Annie’s previous books I came in with high expectations as she is renowned for writing a great mystery. East of Alice makes it ‘three for three’ for me and I am now a fully fledged Annie Seaton fan. Having a dual timeline - turn of the century (1900s) and contemporary - the story unfolds from two main perspectives of the same family. I enjoyed this book so much as both stories are well told with a list of engaging aspects - mystery, action, adventure, danger, romance - all set in one of the most isolated locations in Australia.
‘It’s not all for nothing,’ he murmured quietly as she clung to him, his khaki shirt bunched in her fists. ‘We’ve come this far, Gem. And we won’t give up until we search every bit of this ground. If that tin’s here, we’ll find it.’
Annie has once again completed faultless research in her endeavor to transport her readers. Ruby Gap and its history had me running off to Google and tied in with a sensational thriller/mystery made this a highly compelling read. There was so much to learn from not only the history of settlement in the area but also, as in Annie’s previous books, the contemporary storyline. The story itself is a good one! It is a slow build up but once it gets going the escalating tension will easily see you flying through the pages to a satisfying end. The two main characters, Gemma and Saul, are on their own journeys and I was really glad of the way Annie laid out their romantic relationship. Romance is not the sole focus here and the way the storylines plays out is most realistic. I also appreciated the minor step back in time with another mystery from last century which unfolded alongside the present day one. It added a nice touch with a fitting conclusion for closure.
‘Gemma closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Total and absolute quiet. The encompassing silence of the outback cocooned her; she was home in the place she loved.’
East of Alice is certainly a book worth looking into on a number of levels. Annie takes the reader in directions they certainly would not be expecting. This is a another great read with its gripping tale, detailed descriptions of the Australian outback and relatable characters. If you haven’t read a book by Annie I highly recommend you do so - you won’t be disappointed.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘It’s not all for nothing,’ he murmured quietly as she clung to him, his khaki shirt bunched in her fists. ‘We’ve come this far, Gem. And we won’t give up until we search every bit of this ground. If that tin’s here, we’ll find it.’
Annie has once again completed faultless research in her endeavor to transport her readers. Ruby Gap and its history had me running off to Google and tied in with a sensational thriller/mystery made this a highly compelling read. There was so much to learn from not only the history of settlement in the area but also, as in Annie’s previous books, the contemporary storyline. The story itself is a good one! It is a slow build up but once it gets going the escalating tension will easily see you flying through the pages to a satisfying end. The two main characters, Gemma and Saul, are on their own journeys and I was really glad of the way Annie laid out their romantic relationship. Romance is not the sole focus here and the way the storylines plays out is most realistic. I also appreciated the minor step back in time with another mystery from last century which unfolded alongside the present day one. It added a nice touch with a fitting conclusion for closure.
‘Gemma closed her eyes and tipped her head back. Total and absolute quiet. The encompassing silence of the outback cocooned her; she was home in the place she loved.’
East of Alice is certainly a book worth looking into on a number of levels. Annie takes the reader in directions they certainly would not be expecting. This is a another great read with its gripping tale, detailed descriptions of the Australian outback and relatable characters. If you haven’t read a book by Annie I highly recommend you do so - you won’t be disappointed.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
October 23, 2022
This was a really great romantic suspense read by Annie Seaton, I loved journeying to Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell Ranges to Ruby Gap. When I travelled across Australia I made it to Alice and the West MacDonnell Ranges, I didn't have the right car to go to the East, but I recognised the landscape and the feel of the land, luckily I didn't come across any criminal goings-on while I was there like the characters in this novel.
The first part of the book is told in two timelines and while I really enjoyed the backstory from the 1800s, I felt it kept pulling me out of the present-day story which annoyed me a bit. I thought Rose was extremely courageous following her husband out to a wild Australia and learning to make a life in such harsh conditions as she encountered in outback Australia at the time. Her story though was a sad one but one she made the most of.
In the present day, we meet Gemma who has returned to The Alice to teach after leaving when her twin brother Ethan disappeared 6 years before. We get a few chapters from Ethan's story 6 years before that help to uncover the mystery leading up to his disappearance. Also newly returned to The Alice is Saul, Gemma's ex and Ethan's best mate.
I enjoyed both the romance aspect and the suspense/mystery aspect of this novel, I liked seeing Gemma and Saul reconnect and Gemma lose her prickliness and let down the walls she'd kept up since her brother's disappearance and I liked seeing Saul self-assured about his feelings for Gemma and being willing to put himself out there now he had a second chance.
The mystery surrounding Ethan's disappearance, the rubies which may or may not have been real and the operation which was going on hidden in the remote bush kept me reading, dying to find out what had happened and how it would all play out. I had my suspicions about one of the mysteries and was pleased to know I was right in my thinking, but still unsure how it would play out in the end. Annie Seaton did a good job of melding all the storylines, past and present together and with the aid of a wonderful setting created an engaging story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
The first part of the book is told in two timelines and while I really enjoyed the backstory from the 1800s, I felt it kept pulling me out of the present-day story which annoyed me a bit. I thought Rose was extremely courageous following her husband out to a wild Australia and learning to make a life in such harsh conditions as she encountered in outback Australia at the time. Her story though was a sad one but one she made the most of.
In the present day, we meet Gemma who has returned to The Alice to teach after leaving when her twin brother Ethan disappeared 6 years before. We get a few chapters from Ethan's story 6 years before that help to uncover the mystery leading up to his disappearance. Also newly returned to The Alice is Saul, Gemma's ex and Ethan's best mate.
I enjoyed both the romance aspect and the suspense/mystery aspect of this novel, I liked seeing Gemma and Saul reconnect and Gemma lose her prickliness and let down the walls she'd kept up since her brother's disappearance and I liked seeing Saul self-assured about his feelings for Gemma and being willing to put himself out there now he had a second chance.
The mystery surrounding Ethan's disappearance, the rubies which may or may not have been real and the operation which was going on hidden in the remote bush kept me reading, dying to find out what had happened and how it would all play out. I had my suspicions about one of the mysteries and was pleased to know I was right in my thinking, but still unsure how it would play out in the end. Annie Seaton did a good job of melding all the storylines, past and present together and with the aid of a wonderful setting created an engaging story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for a digital copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the beautifully descriptive picture Annie Seaton paints of a raw and rugged Australian Outback. I also felt the story was told well through three interesting and cleverly connected time periods - The Present, 6 Years Past and the Late 1800's.
The expected twists and turns were however, highly predictable. There were no surprises for me.
The expected twists and turns were however, highly predictable. There were no surprises for me.
December 25, 2022
I like Annie Seaton and I like reading about Australia, but this was a little dull. Then, there was the whole thing of each of the main characters not expressing their true feelings until two thirds into the story. AND, you knew where the story was going, so no suspense… no surprise.
December 16, 2022
Another fabulous story that has a environment that makes the story even more realistic.
This story has hidden secrets through the story, that comes from not just one generation, but several. The characters are intent on finding what really happened recently and in the past.
Written in such a way, that makes you want to find the answers.
This story has hidden secrets through the story, that comes from not just one generation, but several. The characters are intent on finding what really happened recently and in the past.
Written in such a way, that makes you want to find the answers.
December 18, 2022
Absolutely fabulous! Gripping til the end with relatable characters. I read this in one day - couldn’t put it down.
November 9, 2022
I’ve had so much going on in life recently that this light romantic suspense novel fitted in perfectly.
I found it was very easy to pick up where I left off and I didn’t loose threads, in fact I was surprised when I found I was near the end as it seemed to flow so easily.
It also had a great sense of place, especially as I have camped at Ruby Gap about 15 years ago, it sounds as beautiful now as it was then.
I enjoyed the rekindled romance between Saul and Gemma, with no big angst moments which seems to be a pet dislike as I get older.
Very enjoyable and thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
I found it was very easy to pick up where I left off and I didn’t loose threads, in fact I was surprised when I found I was near the end as it seemed to flow so easily.
It also had a great sense of place, especially as I have camped at Ruby Gap about 15 years ago, it sounds as beautiful now as it was then.
I enjoyed the rekindled romance between Saul and Gemma, with no big angst moments which seems to be a pet dislike as I get older.
Very enjoyable and thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
September 29, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for this book. Such a beautifully written book with characters that grow as the story progresses. The descriptions of the outback locations are beautiful. The story took some unexpected twists and turns, but was a great story overall.
November 24, 2022
“East of Alice” is an interesting novel; utterly absorbing while I was reading it, but I didn’t feel strongly driven to pick it up again after putting it down for a while.
Like Seaton’s previous novel "Osprey Reef" (a link to my review is below), this is something of a slow burn. It’s the characters that draw you in strongly, and it’s a few chapters before you start to know them well.
Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs. She never wanted to leave, but allowed her mother to drag her across the country after her parents divorced. (I actually found this very hard to understand. Gemma was in university at the time so why on earth would she let her mother force her to move unwillingly, including changing university?)
Within days of her return, a hiker reports finding an abandoned jeep hours from town. It’s soon identified as the jeep belonging to Gemma’s twin Ethan, who’s been missing for six years. Many believe he’s dead, but Gemma has stubbornly stuck to her belief that she’d know if he’d died. He’s alive somewhere.
Her conviction is shaken by the discovery of his jeep, clearly abandoned for almost as long as Ethan has been missing. Her reaction is complicated by the fact that the park ranger sent to investigate is Saul Pearce. Ethan’s good friend and Gemma’s first love, she hasn’t seen him in years and their complicated history flares as they try to work out how and why Ethan’s jeep wound up where it is, near remote Ruby Gap.
Again reflecting "Osprey Reef", the storyline flips between Gemma’s search and the life of her ancestors who first settled at Ruby Gap. I found the historical plot line a bit boring and for me it didn’t add a lot. The novel would have been just as enjoyable without it. However, other readers may feel that it adds depth by filling in some of Gemma’s discoveries, and adding things she couldn’t know.
Gemma and Saul are well rounded and empathetic characters that most readers will engage with. Their hesitations and reservations, as well as their attraction, are realistically and believably drawn. I liked that Seaton didn’t draw this out unnecessarily and started them working out their issues fairly early on, rather than having a last minute revelation.
Seaton writes about the outback vividly and well, working environmental concerns and information into the story subtly. Her appreciation for this difficult landscape comes through, and it’s not hard to understand why Gemma and Saul love it.
I did enjoy this novel, despite my reservations about the historical timeline. It’s well written, with a (largely) interesting plot and strong characters. The romance is well balanced with the mystery, and the ultimate unwinding fairly credible. It’s written in a smooth and flowing style that made for easy reading.
If you’re looking for a character based novel which respects and appreciates the Australian outback, this is likely to suit you. I’d recommend it to a broad range of readers.
You may also be interested in my review of “Osprey Reef” by Annie Seaton:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
Like Seaton’s previous novel "Osprey Reef" (a link to my review is below), this is something of a slow burn. It’s the characters that draw you in strongly, and it’s a few chapters before you start to know them well.
Gemma Hayden has returned to her hometown of Alice Springs. She never wanted to leave, but allowed her mother to drag her across the country after her parents divorced. (I actually found this very hard to understand. Gemma was in university at the time so why on earth would she let her mother force her to move unwillingly, including changing university?)
Within days of her return, a hiker reports finding an abandoned jeep hours from town. It’s soon identified as the jeep belonging to Gemma’s twin Ethan, who’s been missing for six years. Many believe he’s dead, but Gemma has stubbornly stuck to her belief that she’d know if he’d died. He’s alive somewhere.
Her conviction is shaken by the discovery of his jeep, clearly abandoned for almost as long as Ethan has been missing. Her reaction is complicated by the fact that the park ranger sent to investigate is Saul Pearce. Ethan’s good friend and Gemma’s first love, she hasn’t seen him in years and their complicated history flares as they try to work out how and why Ethan’s jeep wound up where it is, near remote Ruby Gap.
Again reflecting "Osprey Reef", the storyline flips between Gemma’s search and the life of her ancestors who first settled at Ruby Gap. I found the historical plot line a bit boring and for me it didn’t add a lot. The novel would have been just as enjoyable without it. However, other readers may feel that it adds depth by filling in some of Gemma’s discoveries, and adding things she couldn’t know.
Gemma and Saul are well rounded and empathetic characters that most readers will engage with. Their hesitations and reservations, as well as their attraction, are realistically and believably drawn. I liked that Seaton didn’t draw this out unnecessarily and started them working out their issues fairly early on, rather than having a last minute revelation.
Seaton writes about the outback vividly and well, working environmental concerns and information into the story subtly. Her appreciation for this difficult landscape comes through, and it’s not hard to understand why Gemma and Saul love it.
I did enjoy this novel, despite my reservations about the historical timeline. It’s well written, with a (largely) interesting plot and strong characters. The romance is well balanced with the mystery, and the ultimate unwinding fairly credible. It’s written in a smooth and flowing style that made for easy reading.
If you’re looking for a character based novel which respects and appreciates the Australian outback, this is likely to suit you. I’d recommend it to a broad range of readers.
You may also be interested in my review of “Osprey Reef” by Annie Seaton:
https://otherdreamsotherlives.home.bl...
An edited version of this review first appeared on www.beautyandlace.net as part of their bookclub.
December 10, 2022
Once again Annie Seaton knows how to engage her readers with another dual timeline mystery – East of Alice – published by HQ Fiction.
I was lucky enough to read this one for Beauty and Lace, Annie is one of my favourite authors since I was introduced to her writing many years ago via the Beauty and Lace platform. I find Annie’s books easy to read and they always have fabulous storylines that feature our beautiful countryside. East of Alice is based in Alice Springs and surrounding areas Ruby Gap National Park and Arltunga with some reference to England with the dual timeline.
Uniting the two stories is gems in particular rubies or are they garnets (you will need to read the story to find out) for both storylines they bring danger and heartache.
Gemma Hayden has returned to Alice Springs, her hometown after taking a position at her local school as a teacher. It has been six years since she has been home after her twin brother Ethan went missing, she still struggles with his disappearance.
Saul Pearce is also returning home after studying and working away making a better life for himself. A friend of Ethan’s and love interest to Gemma he is also hurting after leaving quickly six years ago just before Ethan’s disappearance.
Gemma is still trying to find out what happened to Ethan and returning home is the first step in trying to solve this mystery. Saul finds a wreck out at Ruby’s Gap in his duties as a Parks and Wildlife officer and he discovers it is Ethan’s. This brings the two back together as they are both determined to find out what happened to Ethan.
The dual timeline gives us the history of the area and how it drew fossickers to Ruby Gap in the early 1880’s. Ruby and William are newly married; he sets sail for Adelaide, and she joins him once he is established – they make the very hard and challenging trek to the Northern Territory. They hope to make Australia home and strike it lucky with a Ruby claim. I found it interesting learning about this part of Australia’s history. I find Annie’s books often get you researching to find out more of what you have been reading about.
I found it a real page turner; I highly recommend Annie’s books including this one. If you have the chance to see her on one of her book tours, make sure you do, she is an engaging and fantastic speaker.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and HQ Fiction, for the opportunity to read and review East of Alice.
I was lucky enough to read this one for Beauty and Lace, Annie is one of my favourite authors since I was introduced to her writing many years ago via the Beauty and Lace platform. I find Annie’s books easy to read and they always have fabulous storylines that feature our beautiful countryside. East of Alice is based in Alice Springs and surrounding areas Ruby Gap National Park and Arltunga with some reference to England with the dual timeline.
Uniting the two stories is gems in particular rubies or are they garnets (you will need to read the story to find out) for both storylines they bring danger and heartache.
Gemma Hayden has returned to Alice Springs, her hometown after taking a position at her local school as a teacher. It has been six years since she has been home after her twin brother Ethan went missing, she still struggles with his disappearance.
Saul Pearce is also returning home after studying and working away making a better life for himself. A friend of Ethan’s and love interest to Gemma he is also hurting after leaving quickly six years ago just before Ethan’s disappearance.
Gemma is still trying to find out what happened to Ethan and returning home is the first step in trying to solve this mystery. Saul finds a wreck out at Ruby’s Gap in his duties as a Parks and Wildlife officer and he discovers it is Ethan’s. This brings the two back together as they are both determined to find out what happened to Ethan.
The dual timeline gives us the history of the area and how it drew fossickers to Ruby Gap in the early 1880’s. Ruby and William are newly married; he sets sail for Adelaide, and she joins him once he is established – they make the very hard and challenging trek to the Northern Territory. They hope to make Australia home and strike it lucky with a Ruby claim. I found it interesting learning about this part of Australia’s history. I find Annie’s books often get you researching to find out more of what you have been reading about.
I found it a real page turner; I highly recommend Annie’s books including this one. If you have the chance to see her on one of her book tours, make sure you do, she is an engaging and fantastic speaker.
Thank you, Beauty and Lace and HQ Fiction, for the opportunity to read and review East of Alice.
December 27, 2022
Outback Australia, an interesting and vast expanse of a place to get lost. That is what Gemma thought happened to her twin brother. Their family past, the rubies of the great Australian north all hanging over them, is this the reason he went missing, Ethan?
Rose and William moved to Australia to find Rubies, before the gold rush and in a time where the value of rubies was challenged by those already in the market. The move a huge deal to Rose, leaving all she knew, all that she valued, to join a husband she barely knows in a land of unknown and vastness she could only imagine. But a home, a family and life they make in the desolate NT near the now Alice Springs. At least that was until William returned to England to value his gems and never returns. Her world comes to a header and their life a history of the Hayden family.
Returning to Alice springs, after years away, felt like coming home for Gemma. Her mum moved her away after the disappearance of Ethan and the disintegration of their family. Her dad consumed by the loss, her mum running away. She was finally finding herself, teaching and giving back to the Alice Springs community that she values, being that bit closer to Ethan, where ever he is.
Saul moves back to NT as part of the park service. He was once great mates with Ethan, even fancied his sister, but to be of value to anyone he had to make something of himself, to be of value. So away he went, not knowing the hurt that he would cause leaving Gemma, returning only briefly when Ethan went missing, but what could he say then?
Saul is sent to investigate a car in the gorge, familiar to him instantly, Ethan's car. Is this the missing link, where was Ethan, does this mean he was dead or alive. And this means his distance from Gemma, it was time to come to an end.
Follow along with Gemma and Saul, while they try to figure it out, try to piece it together, find the links to the past that will open the way to the answer behind Ethan's disappearance.
Romance, betrayal, suspense, danger, happy and sad endings, this book has it all. A heart warming story that has you hoping the whole way through. Thank you Beauty and Lace & Annie Seaton for this great read.
Rose and William moved to Australia to find Rubies, before the gold rush and in a time where the value of rubies was challenged by those already in the market. The move a huge deal to Rose, leaving all she knew, all that she valued, to join a husband she barely knows in a land of unknown and vastness she could only imagine. But a home, a family and life they make in the desolate NT near the now Alice Springs. At least that was until William returned to England to value his gems and never returns. Her world comes to a header and their life a history of the Hayden family.
Returning to Alice springs, after years away, felt like coming home for Gemma. Her mum moved her away after the disappearance of Ethan and the disintegration of their family. Her dad consumed by the loss, her mum running away. She was finally finding herself, teaching and giving back to the Alice Springs community that she values, being that bit closer to Ethan, where ever he is.
Saul moves back to NT as part of the park service. He was once great mates with Ethan, even fancied his sister, but to be of value to anyone he had to make something of himself, to be of value. So away he went, not knowing the hurt that he would cause leaving Gemma, returning only briefly when Ethan went missing, but what could he say then?
Saul is sent to investigate a car in the gorge, familiar to him instantly, Ethan's car. Is this the missing link, where was Ethan, does this mean he was dead or alive. And this means his distance from Gemma, it was time to come to an end.
Follow along with Gemma and Saul, while they try to figure it out, try to piece it together, find the links to the past that will open the way to the answer behind Ethan's disappearance.
Romance, betrayal, suspense, danger, happy and sad endings, this book has it all. A heart warming story that has you hoping the whole way through. Thank you Beauty and Lace & Annie Seaton for this great read.
November 2, 2022
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Harlequin Fiction for my copy.
This is my first Annie Seaton book and I really like the story and her style of writing.
The story is mainly set in Alice Springs and also features Ruby Gap and Annie’s Gorge which are nearby.
The story has a mostly dual timeline starting in England in 1886 and ending up in the Australian desert from 1887 to 1890 featuring Rose and William. The other timeline is in the present day featuring the main characters of Gemma and Saul. Another lesser mentioned timeline is like a flashback to six years before the present day when Ethan and his friend Screw go fossicking and end up disappearing.
The story starts as a kind of slow burn romance with the introduction of the main characters and builds to an exciting adventure when Ethan’s 4WD is found with a coded message to his sister Gemma. From this point I found the story got really interesting and then built to a mystery with some danger and bad characters thrown in. You never really know who can be trusted in this story which adds to the suspense, as does not really knowing what shady dealings are going on in the remote desert.
I really liked the two main characters of Gemma and Saul and their chemistry, plus Gemma’s dad Tony was also a favorite.
Overall, the story is easy to follow without having too many characters, it’s never confusing, flows well and has a nice twist/surprise that I didn’t see coming.
I would describe this as a romance suspense novel set in the desert.
This is my first Annie Seaton book and I really like the story and her style of writing.
The story is mainly set in Alice Springs and also features Ruby Gap and Annie’s Gorge which are nearby.
The story has a mostly dual timeline starting in England in 1886 and ending up in the Australian desert from 1887 to 1890 featuring Rose and William. The other timeline is in the present day featuring the main characters of Gemma and Saul. Another lesser mentioned timeline is like a flashback to six years before the present day when Ethan and his friend Screw go fossicking and end up disappearing.
The story starts as a kind of slow burn romance with the introduction of the main characters and builds to an exciting adventure when Ethan’s 4WD is found with a coded message to his sister Gemma. From this point I found the story got really interesting and then built to a mystery with some danger and bad characters thrown in. You never really know who can be trusted in this story which adds to the suspense, as does not really knowing what shady dealings are going on in the remote desert.
I really liked the two main characters of Gemma and Saul and their chemistry, plus Gemma’s dad Tony was also a favorite.
Overall, the story is easy to follow without having too many characters, it’s never confusing, flows well and has a nice twist/surprise that I didn’t see coming.
I would describe this as a romance suspense novel set in the desert.
November 8, 2022
Mystery, love story and exploration in the beautiful area of central Australia are among the many draws of this fantastic book. Just imagining the hours of research and travel that it must have taken to write this story leaves me in awe.
I loved the way the story was written as we see both the pioneering times of Gemma and Ethan's great grandparents as they moved from England to the desolate outback area to search for rubies to the modern time where Gemma moves back to the Alice Springs area to take a teaching position. Her ex, Saul, has also returned to take up a new post at the local Parks and Wildlife.
Gemma's twin brother disappeared 6 years earlier and Saul identifies a vehicle that has washed down the river at Ruby Gap as belonging to Ethan. Gemma and Saul set out to find out what exactly happened and come upon all sorts of underhanded things going on out in the wilderness. The mystery alone was exciting but there is also an underlying question as to what happened to Gemma and Ethan's great grandparents. They arrived from England in the mid to late 1800's to stake a claim and began to search the river for rubies prior to the big gold rush that happens nearby shortly after.
If you've never read a story written by Annie Seaton I would highly recommend checking out any of her books but this one is an absolute hit! I can't imagine not enjoying it.
I loved the way the story was written as we see both the pioneering times of Gemma and Ethan's great grandparents as they moved from England to the desolate outback area to search for rubies to the modern time where Gemma moves back to the Alice Springs area to take a teaching position. Her ex, Saul, has also returned to take up a new post at the local Parks and Wildlife.
Gemma's twin brother disappeared 6 years earlier and Saul identifies a vehicle that has washed down the river at Ruby Gap as belonging to Ethan. Gemma and Saul set out to find out what exactly happened and come upon all sorts of underhanded things going on out in the wilderness. The mystery alone was exciting but there is also an underlying question as to what happened to Gemma and Ethan's great grandparents. They arrived from England in the mid to late 1800's to stake a claim and began to search the river for rubies prior to the big gold rush that happens nearby shortly after.
If you've never read a story written by Annie Seaton I would highly recommend checking out any of her books but this one is an absolute hit! I can't imagine not enjoying it.
February 21, 2025
Excellent outback adventure/mystery/love story! Gemma is back in the town she grew up in and where her brother disappeared 6 years ago. She is a grade school teacher now and is totally unaware that her 1st boyfriend Saul is now a park ranger. He was her best friend before he left unannounced and disappeared. Saul is sent by his boss to check out a car dumped in the remote park. It turns out it is the wreck of her missing brother's truck.
There is the mystery of missing possibly dead brother, who is building or mining on state park land? This is illegal. When Saul takes Gemma out to see the wreck to get her some closure but they stumble on a new grave in the old family plot. Saul is then wounded by a wild bull and carried off in lifelite helicopter and Gemma is left to drive back to town on her own. She is warned off ever coming back by Mike a grizzled bearded old guy with a rifle. He tells her to forget the place and anything she has seen. She is still determined to find out if her brother is dead.
Great story highly recommend. There is a lot of history involving the first of the family that came from England to settle the area (Gemma's great, great, great grandparents) and the hardships they faced 100 yrs ago.
Really loved this book it was interesting with suspense, love, family and very likeable characters.
There is the mystery of missing possibly dead brother, who is building or mining on state park land? This is illegal. When Saul takes Gemma out to see the wreck to get her some closure but they stumble on a new grave in the old family plot. Saul is then wounded by a wild bull and carried off in lifelite helicopter and Gemma is left to drive back to town on her own. She is warned off ever coming back by Mike a grizzled bearded old guy with a rifle. He tells her to forget the place and anything she has seen. She is still determined to find out if her brother is dead.
Great story highly recommend. There is a lot of history involving the first of the family that came from England to settle the area (Gemma's great, great, great grandparents) and the hardships they faced 100 yrs ago.
Really loved this book it was interesting with suspense, love, family and very likeable characters.
October 8, 2022
East of Alice by Annie Seaton was fast moving exciting story set in the National Park of Ruby Gap which is east of Alice Springs and was the site of the first mining rush but of rubies not gold in Central Australia in the late 1880s. The location is typically the outback red centre of Australia with hot days and cool to cold nights which was all wonderfully described by Annie Seaton.
The story moves between the 1880s and 2013.
In 2013 we find Gemma Hayden returning to Alice Springs after 6 years following the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan, as the new primary school teacher. Her endeavours to find her brother, who she believes, despite what everyone else thinks, is still alive. Her search leads to some dangerous complications and turn of events.
In 1880s we follow the story of Gemma’s great-great grandmother Rose Woodford who came to Australia to join her husband who was mining for rubies at Ruby Gap. As Gemma searches for her brother she also finds out about her family’s past.
This is an excellent story that is both intriguing and exciting.
Highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#EastofAlice #NetGalley
The story moves between the 1880s and 2013.
In 2013 we find Gemma Hayden returning to Alice Springs after 6 years following the disappearance of her twin brother Ethan, as the new primary school teacher. Her endeavours to find her brother, who she believes, despite what everyone else thinks, is still alive. Her search leads to some dangerous complications and turn of events.
In 1880s we follow the story of Gemma’s great-great grandmother Rose Woodford who came to Australia to join her husband who was mining for rubies at Ruby Gap. As Gemma searches for her brother she also finds out about her family’s past.
This is an excellent story that is both intriguing and exciting.
Highly recommended read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from Harlequin Australia via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#EastofAlice #NetGalley
December 27, 2022
I was immediately immersed in this story, the vivid descriptions of the Alice Springs landscape made me feel like I was there!
Annie Seaton has written a story that takes the reader on an intriguing journey through two timelines, the emotions are raw and relatable!
The backstory takes the reader to the 1800s, Rose was a strong courageous woman who followed her husband to Australia and had to make a life in harsh conditions.
We meet Gemma in the present day, she’s returned to a teaching job at Alice Springs after leaving 6 years ago, when her twin brother Ethan disappeared. We meet Gemma’s ex-Saul, he too wants the mystery of his mate’s disappearance solved.
The storyline cleverly reveals romance, suspense and mystery as Gemma and Saul work to solve Ethan's disappearance.
A real page turner seeking the truth about the rubies and what happened in the bush, I couldn’t wait to read more and have the long hidden mysteries revealed!
An absolutely brilliant story, uniting past and present in a fantastic Australian setting.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the amazing Annie Seaton for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Annie Seaton has written a story that takes the reader on an intriguing journey through two timelines, the emotions are raw and relatable!
The backstory takes the reader to the 1800s, Rose was a strong courageous woman who followed her husband to Australia and had to make a life in harsh conditions.
We meet Gemma in the present day, she’s returned to a teaching job at Alice Springs after leaving 6 years ago, when her twin brother Ethan disappeared. We meet Gemma’s ex-Saul, he too wants the mystery of his mate’s disappearance solved.
The storyline cleverly reveals romance, suspense and mystery as Gemma and Saul work to solve Ethan's disappearance.
A real page turner seeking the truth about the rubies and what happened in the bush, I couldn’t wait to read more and have the long hidden mysteries revealed!
An absolutely brilliant story, uniting past and present in a fantastic Australian setting.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia, NetGalley and the amazing Annie Seaton for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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