Kindle Edition
Download from Smashwords (eBook)
Amazon
Tricia McGill Australian Author
Tricia McGill Australian Author
BWL Publishing Inc.
Category:
Historical Fiction
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
ISBN-10: B087BQ75NG
Type: Fiction
Pages: 160
Copyright: May 1st 2020
ISBN-13: 9780228613473
Price: $4.00 (eBook)
In book 4 of the Settlers Series, we catch up with most members of the extended family from the previous three books. Annie at 18 is the eldest Carstairs girl.
In book 4 of the Settlers Series, we catch up with most members of the extended family from the previous three books. Annie at 18 is the eldest Carstairs girl. She has lived out at Bathurst west of the Blue Mountains, where she was born just after her Mama, Bella and Papa, Tiger settled there back in 1824. After visiting her brother Tim and his wife Jo just before Christmas 1843, Annie decides to stay in Port Philip, seeking adventure much as her brother did when he set out with Jo the previous year. Annie has inherited her mother’s independent streak, a character trait that sometimes leads her to make the wrong choices.
Jacob O’Quinn works for her brother, and the likeable young carpenter catches Annie’s eye. Jacob is quiet and reserved in his manner, having spent his life with his widowed mother. When handsome Zachary McDowell, the complete opposite to steady Jacob comes along, he sweeps Annie off her feet. Heedless of advice given by others, Annie makes a choice that turns out to be the worst she could ever make.
Restless, Annie decides to return to her home, and Jacob makes the decision to escort her. The journey back across the mountains proves to be a lot more eventful than she assumed it could ever be. The road itself may have seen improvements through the years but there will always be unexpected incidents to turn life around on its axis. A suspected murder brings the might of the law down on the shoulders of the young couple.
Excerpt
“Jacob.” They had reached the kitchen door and Annie stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Do you think I am doing the right thing by moving into this house and taking on the responsibilities of helping these girls?”
Rubbing at his chin he seemed not about to answer but then said, “Annie, girl, you have a mind of your own. I gave up trying to work out what happens inside that sweet head of yours a while back. You make your choices and you stay with them, regardless of the consequences, I have found. Why are you asking my opinion when you alone know what choice you wish to make?”
“Because you are my dearest friend, Jacob, and I value your opinion of me?” Annie wanted to stamp her foot at his answer. Why did he never come right out and tell her she is a stupid woman who oft times makes foolish choices.
“There you have your answer, I am your friend, nothing more, so my opinion is useless.” Saying that, he strode off, leaving her standing there as the sun began to set for the day. Annie wanted to shout at the top of her lungs, with no idea just why his answer made her so angry.
Later as they lay in bed, Annie asked, “Rose, are you marrying Leslie soon?”
“Of course she is, she kisses him doesn’t she?” Mary piped up from the other bed.
“He has spoken to Pa, yes. We plan to announce it at Christmas time and wed in the New Year.” Rose sounded happy.
“How did you know that he is the right one for you, Rose dearest? You sound so sure.” Annie turned to face her sister, resting on an elbow.
Rose’s shoulders moved in a shrug. “I asked myself if he was the man I wish to spend the rest of my life with and the answer was yes. I would die if he did not love me as I love him.”
Annie placed a kiss on Rose’s cheek, as she sighed. “I am happy for you that you have found someone you truly love.”
Rose sat up with a jerk. “What about you, dear Annie? You have Jacob who so clearly loves you and yet no mention has been made since you arrived home of you getting wed.”
Nibbling on her lip Annie lay back. “Why is it people tell me he clearly loves me when he himself has never declared this love and says he is just my dear friend.”
|
