Ellenvale Gold
ISBN: 9781925563092
Publication Date: February 2017
Author: Amanda Deed
Part of the Jackson’s Creek Trilogy
It is the time of Australia’s harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone.
With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger. But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who coincidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?
Repeatedly, her faith is tested as she faces the unforgiving elements, deceit, lies and uncertainty. Where and how will it all end?
But … is it the end? Will vengeance return or will Penny’s faith prevail? I
A great read backed by sound historical research, with a strong theme of seeking God.
Novel Insight
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Excellent Australian Christian historical. I enjoyed Ellenvale Gold, which is set against the backdrop of the Australian Gold Rush, the ongoing tensions of living in a nation of convicts and ex-convicts, and the difficulties of carving a living out of a new land. It was also interesting to see how settlers like Penny still thought of themselves as English (or Scots) and dreamed of `home' in the days before Australia's independence and sought to follow English customs.
I also liked the way the author wove the Christian themes into the book. There was a clear Christian message and Penny, in particular, undertakes a journey from basic belief to actual faith and relationship in Christ, with this transformation coming across as real without being preachy.
Ellenvale Gold is the first in Amanda Deed's Jackson Creek trilogy. I do recommend reading them in order - I had already read the final book, Henry's Gold, and it may have affected my view of a couple of the characters--but to tell you any more would be a spoiler!Iola Goulton