Brother Wolf

by Joyce Dingwell

His eyes were cold -- just like his heart

Smitten by wanderlust and a thirst for adventure, Maggie had come to work at Phineas Acres in the heart of Australia's harsh western badlands.

She soon came to realize that something very strange was happening on the farm. Why did the mysterious Helen de Merril fly in every day, then leave without a word? Why was Tim Renwick so helpless and troubled at times?

And why was Tim's brother, the cold, wolfish Jonas Renwick, so determined that Maggie never solve the mystery of Phineas Acres?

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Enid Joyce Owen Dingwell, née Starr, was born on 1908 in Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. She wrote, as Joyce Dingwell and Kate Starr, 80 romance novels for Mills & Boon from 1931 to 1986. She was the first Australian writer living in Australia to be published by Mills & Boon. Her novel The House in the Timberwood (1959), was made into a motion picture, The Winds of Jarrah (1983). Her work was particularly notable for its use of the Australian land, culture, and people. She passed away on 2 August 1997 in Kincumber, New South Wales.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

In order to enjoy Joyce Dingwell’s books, you have to be prepared for conversations that are composed of inferences, allusions, hints and innuendos. There’s always something going on just beyond the readers comprehension. Once you find the key, the story begins to make sense and you’re glad you finished the book.

[Last Chance Saloon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blurb: " When she went to work for Jonas Renwick on his property in the outback, Maggie was naturally interested in it all - in the job and the people: Jonas himself, his brother Tim, their grandfather - and their old friend Helen de Merril. And for her pains she found herself accused by Jonas of 'interfering'. What was he so suspicious about? Was there some mystery somewhere?"

I am a huge fan of Joyce Dingwell, with her underlying feelings and nuances - in fact she is my very favourite romance writer. This escapade starts with the heroine (about 20) working as a hostess at a beach resort, but wanting to travel. She gets a job way West Australia - miles from anywhere with the hero (27) and his younger brother, to look after tourists going to their outback station for prospecting of gems. The hero is only interested in improving his sheep strain, but needs money to invest and hence the new venture. His brother initially appears as the rock specialist, but things are not as they seem at the beginning. Their cousin, who recommended the heroine, calls the hero 'Brother Wolf' but the heroine thinks it is because he is a player and he comes across at the beginning as a woman hater. There is a lot happening in their dialogue and if you are not used to the writer's style, you may not appreciate it, but soon the hero is smitten and the heroine is drawn, but thinks the hero will marry Helen, the girl from the neighbouring station. The hero in turn is jealous of his brother. There are different encounters and the mystery underlays the story giving it an odd atmosphere, but there is definite chemistry between the hero and heroine (more physical interaction than earlier books by Joyce Dingwell too) and the HEA is very welcome - I liked the real heroine and grew to like the hero very much.
I'm giving it 4 stars as there is depth, some tenderness, happy endings for all, no animals are harmed and I liked all the characters (grandfather and heroine especially).

[Noemail]

Might have 2 copies