Rough Currents

The Sandstone Series #6

by Michael Beashel

Jess Walsh is a working mother in 1831 New South Wales, managing the myriad of tasks for the innkeeper. her long-time husband Brian, ensuring all their work is done to the approval of “squire” Solomon Wiseman. Additionally, Jess, supervises the food stores needed to sustain the men working on the Great North Road, a massive project which sits alongside her inn and across her beloved Hawkesbury. In her rare quiet moments, she worries over the courtship of her only child Deirdre with a stonemason. Life is good but life is to change tragically when death strikes close to her. Lt William Dodds the Road’s military surveyor feels sympathy for her and is encouraged by Deirdre to help her mother. Jess claws her way out of her grief and starts to develop her friendship with Dodds. Yet in this, she is thwarted by her unremitting views on the military and the upper classes, both of which contributed to her conviction and transportation as a convict. The relationship with Dodds deepens when kidnap and violence are thrust upon them. No sooner has life returned to Wiseman’s Ferry, when Jess is to discover the reason behind her father’s bankruptcy and tragedies, brought about by a person she holds dear. Shady dealings, women’s determination, nature’s fury and pioneering struggle are all painted onto the canvas of the burgeoning Australian colony.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Michael Beashel writes historical fiction that explores the unsettling power of truth — and the courage required to live with its consequences.
Set against the formative years of nineteenth-century New South Wales, The Australian Sandstone Series follows men and women tested by ambition, injustice, loyalty, and love. Central to many of these stories are women of moral clarity — characters who confront difficult truths and shape events, often at personal cost.
Born in Sydney and descended from Irish immigrants who settled in Millers Point in 1863, Beashel developed an early fascination with the city’s built form and colonial history. That lifelong interest in construction and the making of places provides the historical texture for his novels — but it is the interior lives of his characters that drive the narrative.
Before turning to fiction, Beashel built a career in the construction and asset development industry, restoring iconic Sydney buildings such as Customs House and Town Hall, and leading projects in Australia and Southeast Asia. Years spent in leadership roles, both in Australia and abroad, deepened his understanding of responsibility, consequence, and human resilience — themes that now shape his writing.
He lives in Sydney with his wife, with whom he has shared decades of marriage, and remains committed to writing stories where truth is tested and character revealed.
The Australian Sandstone Series continues to grow, offering readers psychologically grounded historical fiction that lingers beyond the final page.

Reviews

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘It was broad and swift and impossible to tread.’

Wiseman’s Ferry, Hawkesbury River 1831. Brian Walsh is the innkeeper for Solomon Wiseman’s inn and his wife Jess manages much of the day-to-day work. Jess also supervises the food stores required by the men working on the Great North Road under the supervision of Lieutenant William Dodds. Jess worries about the courtship of her daughter Deidre with a stonemason working on the road: do they have a future together?

A tragedy turns Jess’s life upside down. And then Jess discovers something from the past which threatens her equilibrium.

Some of the characters in this novel will be familiar to those who have read other books in Mr
Beashel’s Sandstone Series. While it is not necessary to read those books in order to follow this story, I recommend the entire series as Mr Beashel covers several aspects of life in colonial New South Wales. Jess herself is a strong and likeable character, as is William Dodds.

I recommend this series to anyone interested in historical fiction set in 19th century New South Wales.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Beashel has got to be one of the best historical fiction authors that I have run across. He does his homework, and is able to weave his tale with accuracy, while enticing the reader from the very first page. I was not so interested in historical fiction until I ran across Beashel and I must say he has me hooked. I can't wait for his next novel to appear on the scenes. I received this novel from BookFunnel, and this is my true and honest review.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book! The characters are so well developed and convincing I felt a part of the story. A very good series to read that not only entertain you but one where you learn a lot about the period, the land and the way of live. This is a feel good tale of hard working settlers standing up to difficult situations involving personal prejudice, escaped convicts, conniving women and always the river. The descriptions of the land are a delight and makes you feel as if you are there with the characters, making the land as one of the characters as well. The cave scenes were so exciting and I loved King, the terrier. With a huge amount of research this book is historical fiction as it’s very best. Also there is a very strong female character and it makes you have a book hard to put down. You will find love, heartbreak, heartache, but also resilience and will to survive in this book as well.

[Vivian]

With a huge amount of research this book is historical fiction as is best. Add to this a very strong female character and you get a book hard to put down.
You find love, heartbreak, heartache, but also resilience and will to survive.
The descriptions of the land are a delight and makes you feel as if you are there with the characters, making the land as one of the characters as well.
A very good series to read that not only entertain you but one where you learn a lot about the period, the land and the way of live.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of the beginning of those James Michener books where he took you through the history of the land and its influence on people, I have to say this series gives me the same delight. The land shapes the people as much as the people shape the land. Here as in the other stories there is success and failure, heartbreak and love and always nature, capricious, nurturing and unforgiving. I'm enthralled by the characters and the story in this series.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet Another Cracker Yarn!

This author is fast becoming a good friend. Brilliant character development and plausible plots blended with historical authenticity. Must read more Beashel!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about who’s life is definitely not easy. She has a lot to deal with. The year is 1831 and we see what people are going through. Loved it.

[Stephen Wenke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a really enjoyable read and a constant page turner, The depiction of early Colonial life in and round Sydney gave me better understanding to this historical era of NSW. A 5 star read again