Alone. Near destitute. But brave and determined. Can Maddy beat the odds to create a new home in the Hunter Valley? An exciting Australian historical debut, perfect for readers of Darry Fraser.
1831, New South Wales
Reeling from her mother’s death, Madeleine Barker-Trent arrives in the newly colonised Hunter River to find her father’s promises are nothing more than a halcyon dream. A day later, after a dubious accident, she becomes the sole owner of a thousand acres of bushland, with only three convicts and handsome overseer Daniel Coulter for company.
Determined to fulfil her family’s aspirations, Maddy refuses to return to England and braves everything the beautiful but wild Australian country can throw at her – violence, danger, the forces of nature and loneliness. But when a scandalous secret and a new arrival threaten to destroy all she’s worked for, her future looks bleak… Can Maddy persevere or should she simply admit defeat?
Daughter of the Hunter Valley is a captivating historical tale of one young woman’s grit and determination to carve out her place on the riverbank.
Debut author Paula J. Beavan has always been fascinated by this period in history, but it wasn’t until she began researching her own family tree that she discovered several of her ancestors actually settled in The Hunter Valley during this time. Nowadays, The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine regions and a popular tourist destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney. But back in 1831, the area was very different; water was hard to get, food was scarce, and if something went wrong, there weren’t any telephones. Beavan brings the area to vivid life here, celebrating the natural beauty of this region while also highlighting the challenges Maddy experienced living in this wild country during the 1800s.
Filled with grit and determination, Maddy is a captivating protagonist who has every intention of building a life in the valley, with or without help. Without any assistance or resources to draw from, dangers lie around every corner, but Maddy’s refusal to give up will have you cheering her on from start to finish.
Set against an untamed natural landscape with an incredible heroine at its heart, Daughter of the Hunter Valley is a spectacular piece of historical fiction. Fans of Jackie French and Darry Fraser will adore this.
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