Review: Historical fiction with a slice of romance!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 24, 2013
In the autumn of 1856, Matilda Sweet had recently lost her father in a devastating fire which had also destroyed their property near Bathurst, leaving her with nothing but the clothes she had on her back. Staying for a short time with her aunt and uncle in Sydney while she contemplated her future, her life was set to change when she sighted the handsome and charming Christopher Matcham.Christopher, or Kit as he was known, was on his way home to Wollombi where he had property. He had just returned from Paris, unexpectedly and hurriedly, as his step-father had been killed by a black snake leaving his mother and two step-sisters on their own. He was returning to take responsibility for his family, to care for his mother who had taken to her bed on the death of her husband, debilitated and lost.When Kit offered Matilda the position of companion for his sisters, Hannah and Beth, she jumped at the chance. Her attraction to Kit was obvious to herself, but the opportunity to have a roof over her head and be earning money to enable her to keep her land, made the decision one she didn't have to struggle with. Their ensuing journey by steamer from Sydney to Newcastle, then along the Hunter River to Morpeth, followed by a wild and energetic horse ride through the bush to Wollombi was one that both Kit and Matilda enjoyed immensely, but Matilda's spirits were doused on meeting Mrs Barclay, Kit's mother.How would Matilda handle the days and weeks that followed? Would Hannah and Beth accept her, allow her to be their friend and companion? Would her growing attraction to Kit be her undoing? The days of early Australia, the "classes" and "differences" between convict and free settler were intense...This is another wonderful historical romantic fiction by Téa Cooper. The countryside around Wollombi, Morpeth, Maitland and also the Hunter River is described in a way as to bring it vividly to life. The author has the advantage of living in the area, so the descriptions are realistic and enjoyable. A delightful read, one I have no hesitation in recommending.