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The Good Woman of Renmark
Adventure, romance and history combine in this thrilling 19th century journey through the South Australian bush and along the mighty Murray River in the company of a determined heroine.
1895, Renmark, South Australia
Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.
The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...
PRAISE FOR DARRY FRASER
'A story of personal integrity, courage, stamina, companionship and responsibility, The Good Woman of Renmark is a powerful ode to life in former times, as our nation was beginning to take shape.' Mrs B's Book Reviews
'Outstanding prose that flows and ripples through every page.'- Starts at 60
1895, Renmark, South Australia
Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.
The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...
PRAISE FOR DARRY FRASER
'A story of personal integrity, courage, stamina, companionship and responsibility, The Good Woman of Renmark is a powerful ode to life in former times, as our nation was beginning to take shape.' Mrs B's Book Reviews
'Outstanding prose that flows and ripples through every page.'- Starts at 60
352 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2019
35 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Darry Fraser
28 books172 followersBest-selling Australian author, Darry Fraser, has a passion for writing empowering, feminist-driven narratives.
She brings to life the courage, resilience, and spirit of women in her gripping stories and masterfully weaves fictional tales around the rich backdrop of Australian history.
Whether you're familiar with her work or discovering it for the first time, get ready to be captivated by her vivid characters and the rich landscapes of a past era, where adventure and empowerment intertwine.
She brings to life the courage, resilience, and spirit of women in her gripping stories and masterfully weaves fictional tales around the rich backdrop of Australian history.
Whether you're familiar with her work or discovering it for the first time, get ready to be captivated by her vivid characters and the rich landscapes of a past era, where adventure and empowerment intertwine.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 72 reviews
February 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this wonderful historical fiction adventure set in the South Australian town of Renmark in the year 1895. It’s beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the mighty Murray River and its paddle steamers.
Our central character Maggie O’Rourke is a strong willed and independent young woman in an era where women didn’t have many rights. A woman wasn’t allowed her own bank account even! Maggie was keen to voice her opinions about human rights and that women should have the right to vote.
No longer living with her parents and to be independent Maggie works as a housekeeper on a property alongside the Murray River called Olivewood for Mrs Chaffey.
Back home Sam Taylor wanted to marry Maggie but she didn’t want the dull domestic life of staying home and having lots of babies, that scared her although she often thought of Sam.
When Maggie is forced to defend her friend Nara from being assaulted by a monster of a man, she thinks she may of killed him and flees onto a paddle steamer downriver to escape going to jail and a hanging.
Maggie's family receive the shocking news that she is missing. Her father is in a coma and her brother is about to become a father any day so her mother sends her old beau Sam to find her.
Recommended read for lovers of historical Australian fiction.
I’d like to thank Netgalley & Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review
Our central character Maggie O’Rourke is a strong willed and independent young woman in an era where women didn’t have many rights. A woman wasn’t allowed her own bank account even! Maggie was keen to voice her opinions about human rights and that women should have the right to vote.
No longer living with her parents and to be independent Maggie works as a housekeeper on a property alongside the Murray River called Olivewood for Mrs Chaffey.
Back home Sam Taylor wanted to marry Maggie but she didn’t want the dull domestic life of staying home and having lots of babies, that scared her although she often thought of Sam.
When Maggie is forced to defend her friend Nara from being assaulted by a monster of a man, she thinks she may of killed him and flees onto a paddle steamer downriver to escape going to jail and a hanging.
Maggie's family receive the shocking news that she is missing. Her father is in a coma and her brother is about to become a father any day so her mother sends her old beau Sam to find her.
Recommended read for lovers of historical Australian fiction.
I’d like to thank Netgalley & Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review
January 31, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Australia and Darry Fraser for my copy of her new book: The Good Woman Of Renmark.
1895 Renmark, Maggie O'Rourke has always been strong willed, she's not keen on settling down, living in a hut with a dirt floor, cooking on a open fire and having babies. She's very attracted to her brothers best friend Sam Taylor, she can't cope with the temptation he presents and she leaves home. Maggie finds work as a maid at fine house called Olivewood and the house is built very close to river Murray. The whole area is dependent on the mighty Murray river, it provides vital water for people, animals, the area grows stone fruit, both people and produce are all transported by boat down the river. The river Murray, snakes it's way through South Australia, it has areas of high cliffs, flat sandy banks, other areas have some vegetation, small hardy trees called scrub and it's about the only thing that grows in the dry red dirt.
Maggie is forced to defend herself and her friend Nara from being assaulted by the nasty Robert Boyd, she flees in a panic and travels down the river on a paddle steamer called the Lady Goodnight. The captain is concerned about the steam engine, he leaves her on the river bank while he checks it, the engine blows up and she's now stuck all alone on the side of the river? Maggie is very lucky, her friend Nara and her husband Wadgie had been following her in their canoe, they take her to a little settlement called Pyap and Maggie is now deaf as a post. The explosion has damaged her ears, it's not seemly for single women to travel on their own, the residents of Pyap want her to leave and how will she get home?
Maggie's parents have been worried sick about her, when her father Lorcan has an accident her mum Eleanor decides she's had enough and she wants her daughter to come home. The only person available to find her and bring her home is of course Sam Taylor.
Sam has had enough of chasing Maggie, he's been sending her letters, all have been returned unopened and he has decided it's time to move on. After he finds Maggie, he plans to start his own business breeding strong sturdy horses called Walers and his horse Pie will be his stud. Nothing ever goes as planned, he's very concerned when he's discovers the paddle steamer has blown up, he's told it had a woman aboard and could it be Maggie?
During her mad dash to get away from Robert Boyd, Maggie finally accepts she misses her family, she's ready to go home, has she run out of chances with Sam, will he forgive her for being scared and understand why she left? Life was hard in south Australia for the early settlers, especially women, Maggie panicked and she regrets leaving home.
I really enjoyed reading The Good Woman Of Renmark, I live in South Australia, I have been to Renmark, it's great to read about a familiar place and I gave the book four stars.
I have shared my review on NetGalley, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Australian Amazon, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
1895 Renmark, Maggie O'Rourke has always been strong willed, she's not keen on settling down, living in a hut with a dirt floor, cooking on a open fire and having babies. She's very attracted to her brothers best friend Sam Taylor, she can't cope with the temptation he presents and she leaves home. Maggie finds work as a maid at fine house called Olivewood and the house is built very close to river Murray. The whole area is dependent on the mighty Murray river, it provides vital water for people, animals, the area grows stone fruit, both people and produce are all transported by boat down the river. The river Murray, snakes it's way through South Australia, it has areas of high cliffs, flat sandy banks, other areas have some vegetation, small hardy trees called scrub and it's about the only thing that grows in the dry red dirt.
Maggie is forced to defend herself and her friend Nara from being assaulted by the nasty Robert Boyd, she flees in a panic and travels down the river on a paddle steamer called the Lady Goodnight. The captain is concerned about the steam engine, he leaves her on the river bank while he checks it, the engine blows up and she's now stuck all alone on the side of the river? Maggie is very lucky, her friend Nara and her husband Wadgie had been following her in their canoe, they take her to a little settlement called Pyap and Maggie is now deaf as a post. The explosion has damaged her ears, it's not seemly for single women to travel on their own, the residents of Pyap want her to leave and how will she get home?
Maggie's parents have been worried sick about her, when her father Lorcan has an accident her mum Eleanor decides she's had enough and she wants her daughter to come home. The only person available to find her and bring her home is of course Sam Taylor.
Sam has had enough of chasing Maggie, he's been sending her letters, all have been returned unopened and he has decided it's time to move on. After he finds Maggie, he plans to start his own business breeding strong sturdy horses called Walers and his horse Pie will be his stud. Nothing ever goes as planned, he's very concerned when he's discovers the paddle steamer has blown up, he's told it had a woman aboard and could it be Maggie?
During her mad dash to get away from Robert Boyd, Maggie finally accepts she misses her family, she's ready to go home, has she run out of chances with Sam, will he forgive her for being scared and understand why she left? Life was hard in south Australia for the early settlers, especially women, Maggie panicked and she regrets leaving home.
I really enjoyed reading The Good Woman Of Renmark, I live in South Australia, I have been to Renmark, it's great to read about a familiar place and I gave the book four stars.
I have shared my review on NetGalley, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, Australian Amazon, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
April 18, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Murray River is a place of escape, sanctuary, adventure and freedom for the spirited lead of Darry Fraser’s The Good Woman of Renmark. This is the tale of an enterprising woman who is ahead of her time. Darry Fraser’s latest takes the reader on an exciting venture through the bush to the river, in the troubled times of Australia’s past.
The Good Woman of Renmark relays the story of tough as nails heroine Maggie O’Rourke. A fiercely independent young woman, Maggie is not partial to a life of domestic drudgery. Rather, Maggie appreciates her independence, but this existence is threatened by a shocking attack Maggie and her friend are exposed to at her place of employment. This tragic incident sends Maggie into a spin. She flees to the relative safety of the river and boards a paddle steamer. The river provides Maggie with a sense of solace, protection and clarity. Maggie realises the man she has kept at distance for so long may provide her with the comfort and love she craves. The Good Woman of Renmark is a story of escape, new beginnings and stark realisation.
The seeds of this novel have been sown some time ago, as the heroine and hero of this tale appeared briefly in a previous Darry Fraser novel, Where the Murray River Runs. Although I am a fan of the author’s work, I haven’t read Where the Murray River Runs, so I saw this one as a standalone novel. It is perfectly fine to do this as The Good Woman of Renmark works completely independent of Fraser’s previous novels. I was soon drawn in to The Good Woman of Renmark thanks to the enticing first page.
We are really are blessed in Australia, to have such a skilled collection of historical fiction specialists, who help to resurrect Australia’s past for our enjoyment and appreciation. Darry Fraser is one such author and I have enjoyed making my way through her historically well informed narratives. The Good Woman of Renmark is no exception. Australian historical fiction lovers will value the research base of this tale. Fraser manages to juggle the difficult balance between providing hard facts about a specific time period and location, within a wholly engaging narrative. The facts are carefully embedded within the storyline, so it never feels like you are receiving a heavy hsitory lesson from Fraser. I did learn a fair bit from this novel historically speaking, which I am thankful to author for drawing my attention to via her informative writing.
Maggie is a fabulous character who is well formed. I admired Maggie’s toiling spirit, her clear head, bravery, fierce nature, enterprising abilities and her loyalty. She is also a little flawed and troubled, which made her interesting to follow. Maggie learns a lot over the course of the novel and I did enjoy being a part of her personal journey. She is well matched to her hero Sam and Fraser plays on the romantic interludes in her novel very well. I’m sure this aspect of the novel will appeal to historical romance fans. The supporting cast work to supplement the narrative and there are a good mix of friends and foes, who add to the interest level of the book. However, I feel the biggest physical presence in The Good Woman of Renmark is the Murray River itself. The physicality of the book is enhanced by the imposing presence of this tribulation. The sequences featuring the mighty Murray River were definitely favoured by this reader.
It was quite a wake up call to read about the life of our early Australian settlers. In particular, life in the past from a female gaze is equally heartbreaking, as it is insightful. It made me realise that we should not take the freedom that we have now for granted. Our ancestors toiled during some incredibly hard times, as we see through the heroine of this tale. If anything, although I was issued with a very entertaining read, The Good Woman of Renmark reminded me to pay homage to the efforts of our descendants, who lived a life of drudgery and pure struggle, just to survive.
A story of personal integrity, courage, stamina, companionship and responsibility, The Good Woman of Renmark is a powerful ode to life in former times, as our nation was beginning to take shape.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Good Woman of Renmark is book #44 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Murray River is a place of escape, sanctuary, adventure and freedom for the spirited lead of Darry Fraser’s The Good Woman of Renmark. This is the tale of an enterprising woman who is ahead of her time. Darry Fraser’s latest takes the reader on an exciting venture through the bush to the river, in the troubled times of Australia’s past.
The Good Woman of Renmark relays the story of tough as nails heroine Maggie O’Rourke. A fiercely independent young woman, Maggie is not partial to a life of domestic drudgery. Rather, Maggie appreciates her independence, but this existence is threatened by a shocking attack Maggie and her friend are exposed to at her place of employment. This tragic incident sends Maggie into a spin. She flees to the relative safety of the river and boards a paddle steamer. The river provides Maggie with a sense of solace, protection and clarity. Maggie realises the man she has kept at distance for so long may provide her with the comfort and love she craves. The Good Woman of Renmark is a story of escape, new beginnings and stark realisation.
The seeds of this novel have been sown some time ago, as the heroine and hero of this tale appeared briefly in a previous Darry Fraser novel, Where the Murray River Runs. Although I am a fan of the author’s work, I haven’t read Where the Murray River Runs, so I saw this one as a standalone novel. It is perfectly fine to do this as The Good Woman of Renmark works completely independent of Fraser’s previous novels. I was soon drawn in to The Good Woman of Renmark thanks to the enticing first page.
We are really are blessed in Australia, to have such a skilled collection of historical fiction specialists, who help to resurrect Australia’s past for our enjoyment and appreciation. Darry Fraser is one such author and I have enjoyed making my way through her historically well informed narratives. The Good Woman of Renmark is no exception. Australian historical fiction lovers will value the research base of this tale. Fraser manages to juggle the difficult balance between providing hard facts about a specific time period and location, within a wholly engaging narrative. The facts are carefully embedded within the storyline, so it never feels like you are receiving a heavy hsitory lesson from Fraser. I did learn a fair bit from this novel historically speaking, which I am thankful to author for drawing my attention to via her informative writing.
Maggie is a fabulous character who is well formed. I admired Maggie’s toiling spirit, her clear head, bravery, fierce nature, enterprising abilities and her loyalty. She is also a little flawed and troubled, which made her interesting to follow. Maggie learns a lot over the course of the novel and I did enjoy being a part of her personal journey. She is well matched to her hero Sam and Fraser plays on the romantic interludes in her novel very well. I’m sure this aspect of the novel will appeal to historical romance fans. The supporting cast work to supplement the narrative and there are a good mix of friends and foes, who add to the interest level of the book. However, I feel the biggest physical presence in The Good Woman of Renmark is the Murray River itself. The physicality of the book is enhanced by the imposing presence of this tribulation. The sequences featuring the mighty Murray River were definitely favoured by this reader.
It was quite a wake up call to read about the life of our early Australian settlers. In particular, life in the past from a female gaze is equally heartbreaking, as it is insightful. It made me realise that we should not take the freedom that we have now for granted. Our ancestors toiled during some incredibly hard times, as we see through the heroine of this tale. If anything, although I was issued with a very entertaining read, The Good Woman of Renmark reminded me to pay homage to the efforts of our descendants, who lived a life of drudgery and pure struggle, just to survive.
A story of personal integrity, courage, stamina, companionship and responsibility, The Good Woman of Renmark is a powerful ode to life in former times, as our nation was beginning to take shape.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Good Woman of Renmark is book #44 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 2, 2019
Within the first couple of pages, Darry Fraser managed to transport me, once again, to another time and place, and there I stayed for the whole novel. It is 1895 in Renmark, South Australia, and a tough young woman has just defended herself and her friend from a rapist. Fearing repercussion she is now on the run for her life and her freedom.
What a time to live in, where women have a lot fewer rights than men and a man's word will always mean more than that of a woman's. Maggie doesn't think this is fair at all and refuses to live her life being a slave to a man and popping out babies (I so agree with her!).
I really liked Maggie, she was stubborn, tough, opinionated and determined, all things women in that time, and this need to get by (though at times she was too stubborn). I loved Sam, talk about loyal, what a fabulous friend to have in times like this. Sam was so in love with Maggie, throughout I just kept hoping Maggie would see that Sam wasn't the kind of guy to make her give up her independence and give in to her feelings for him.
This was a great journey down the Murray River, seeing how others in that time lived and struggled to make ends meet. The horrible characters from Renmark, it turns out there is one more than we originally think, are not nice people at all, not in behaviour or morally and there were moments I wished that Maggie had truly finished the job she started when she defended herself and her friend.
This was another great read by Darry Fraser and I truly love being transported to the late 1800s in her writing, I also am truly glad I don't live in those times.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.
What a time to live in, where women have a lot fewer rights than men and a man's word will always mean more than that of a woman's. Maggie doesn't think this is fair at all and refuses to live her life being a slave to a man and popping out babies (I so agree with her!).
I really liked Maggie, she was stubborn, tough, opinionated and determined, all things women in that time, and this need to get by (though at times she was too stubborn). I loved Sam, talk about loyal, what a fabulous friend to have in times like this. Sam was so in love with Maggie, throughout I just kept hoping Maggie would see that Sam wasn't the kind of guy to make her give up her independence and give in to her feelings for him.
This was a great journey down the Murray River, seeing how others in that time lived and struggled to make ends meet. The horrible characters from Renmark, it turns out there is one more than we originally think, are not nice people at all, not in behaviour or morally and there were moments I wished that Maggie had truly finished the job she started when she defended herself and her friend.
This was another great read by Darry Fraser and I truly love being transported to the late 1800s in her writing, I also am truly glad I don't live in those times.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for a copy in return for an honest review.
October 31, 2019
I love this cover and the setting Darry Fraser has taken us back to the days of paddle steamers along a river system that could be hard work at times with drought and snags in the river, but she also bought to life the woman of the time, not having the vote yet becoming housewives and mothers with not much say in their lives. I loved meeting Maggie O’Rourke with the strength she showed through some tough times even when she was a wee bit vulnerable, and the man Sam Taylor who had her heart.
Maggie is working at Olivewood in Renmark earning money, she wanted to be independent, she didn’t want marriage and children even if Sam had wormed his way into her heart, but when she and a friend are attacked by a local man and Maggie defends them and then needs to get away running downriver, this was such a dangerous path to take, she has plenty of time to think about her life, and that maybe marriage to Sam might be what she needs.
Sam is asked by Maggie’s mother to find her missing daughter, there has been an accident at their property in Eucha, Sam is unsure the last time he was with Maggie it ended badly and all of his letters returned, but he goes with the intention of finding her and bringing her home and not doing what his heart thinks he should, that is harder than he thinks with his stubborn Maggie.
This one is a real page turner, fast paced, exciting and moving there are some very nasty characters, and of course the fabulous Sam and Maggie with a cast of characters that we have met in previous books, this one is beautifully written MS Fraser has made this era come to life, made me feel like I was there with her descriptions, but of course the beautiful romance between the ever strong willed Maggie and Sam the hero loveable, handsome and just who Maggie needed was so good, thank you MS Fraser for another keeper.
Maggie is working at Olivewood in Renmark earning money, she wanted to be independent, she didn’t want marriage and children even if Sam had wormed his way into her heart, but when she and a friend are attacked by a local man and Maggie defends them and then needs to get away running downriver, this was such a dangerous path to take, she has plenty of time to think about her life, and that maybe marriage to Sam might be what she needs.
Sam is asked by Maggie’s mother to find her missing daughter, there has been an accident at their property in Eucha, Sam is unsure the last time he was with Maggie it ended badly and all of his letters returned, but he goes with the intention of finding her and bringing her home and not doing what his heart thinks he should, that is harder than he thinks with his stubborn Maggie.
This one is a real page turner, fast paced, exciting and moving there are some very nasty characters, and of course the fabulous Sam and Maggie with a cast of characters that we have met in previous books, this one is beautifully written MS Fraser has made this era come to life, made me feel like I was there with her descriptions, but of course the beautiful romance between the ever strong willed Maggie and Sam the hero loveable, handsome and just who Maggie needed was so good, thank you MS Fraser for another keeper.
November 6, 2019
Copy received from Harper Collins Australia for an honest review
I have really been enjoying historical Australian stories this past year. The chance to read my first Darry Fraser story was a no brainer for me - let me have it.
Now, as a teen in the 80s, I was completely in love with John Waters in All The Rivers Run, and The Good Woman of Renmark have me all of those kind of vibes.
It gives us a good glimpse of the social history of the time. Women did not yet have the vote, the suffragette movement growing every day. The Mighty Murray (which isn't so mighty in these days of drought) could be your friend or your foe. It was hard work but could have great reward.
Our leading lady Maggie is all the things that were changing at the time. She wouldn't let men take advantage of her or her friends. She was resourceful. To me she felt like a trailblazer, ahead of her time, not needing a man to have a fulfilling life.
The story is fast paced and flowed well. I absolutely adored the imagery, and could imagine myself on the banks of the Murray, watching the world glide by.
I have not read any of Ms Fraser's previous works, however I will look out for more in the future.
I have really been enjoying historical Australian stories this past year. The chance to read my first Darry Fraser story was a no brainer for me - let me have it.
Now, as a teen in the 80s, I was completely in love with John Waters in All The Rivers Run, and The Good Woman of Renmark have me all of those kind of vibes.
It gives us a good glimpse of the social history of the time. Women did not yet have the vote, the suffragette movement growing every day. The Mighty Murray (which isn't so mighty in these days of drought) could be your friend or your foe. It was hard work but could have great reward.
Our leading lady Maggie is all the things that were changing at the time. She wouldn't let men take advantage of her or her friends. She was resourceful. To me she felt like a trailblazer, ahead of her time, not needing a man to have a fulfilling life.
The story is fast paced and flowed well. I absolutely adored the imagery, and could imagine myself on the banks of the Murray, watching the world glide by.
I have not read any of Ms Fraser's previous works, however I will look out for more in the future.
November 27, 2019
*3.5 Stars*
Copy kindly received from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little while for me to get into this one. I was probably about half way through before things really started to pick up for me. The story is told through multiple POV's, but the most prominent one is Maggie O'Rourke.
The time is the late 1800's, before women had the vote and the suffragette movement was beginning to grow. Maggie was a strong character who knew that she wanted to be independent and be able to live her life the way she wanted, and not the way she was expected to.
She gets into a tussle with a horrible man, Robert, where she is working one day, and set off on the run after that. Now, Robert, this character was loathsome. I HATED him, and eventually his wife and brother as well. These were the kind of characters that show the things truly wrong with the world. But back in the era that this book is set in, crimes such as Robert committed, weren't believed, or cared about as much as they are today.
We also have other characters such as Sam and Bucky, who I really liked. And Jane from Lyrup, and Nara and Wadgie from Renmark as well.
With so much going on in this book, it really highlights how much things have changed since the era that the novel is set in. The Murray River plays a huge part of this story, and the ways that people lived on the land.
In the end, I thought things played out nicely, although I wish that Sam and Maggie had more communication. Everyone got what they deserved, and I was quite happy with how it all played out.
Review also on my blog - The Good Woman of Renmark by Darry Fraser
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Copy kindly received from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little while for me to get into this one. I was probably about half way through before things really started to pick up for me. The story is told through multiple POV's, but the most prominent one is Maggie O'Rourke.
The time is the late 1800's, before women had the vote and the suffragette movement was beginning to grow. Maggie was a strong character who knew that she wanted to be independent and be able to live her life the way she wanted, and not the way she was expected to.
She gets into a tussle with a horrible man, Robert, where she is working one day, and set off on the run after that. Now, Robert, this character was loathsome. I HATED him, and eventually his wife and brother as well. These were the kind of characters that show the things truly wrong with the world. But back in the era that this book is set in, crimes such as Robert committed, weren't believed, or cared about as much as they are today.
We also have other characters such as Sam and Bucky, who I really liked. And Jane from Lyrup, and Nara and Wadgie from Renmark as well.
With so much going on in this book, it really highlights how much things have changed since the era that the novel is set in. The Murray River plays a huge part of this story, and the ways that people lived on the land.
In the end, I thought things played out nicely, although I wish that Sam and Maggie had more communication. Everyone got what they deserved, and I was quite happy with how it all played out.
Review also on my blog - The Good Woman of Renmark by Darry Fraser
Follow me on:
January 11, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Australia and Darry Fraser for my copy of her new book: The Good Woman Of Renmark.
1895 Renmark, Maggie O'Rourke has always been strong willed, she's not keen on settling down, living in a hut with a dirt floor, cooking on a open fire and having babies. She's very attracted to her brothers best friend Sam Taylor, she can't cope with the temptation he presents and she leaves home. Maggie finds work as a maid at fine house called Olivewood and the house is built very close to river Murray. The whole area is dependent on the mighty Murray, it provides vital water for people, animals, the area grows stone fruit, both people and produce are all transported by boat down the Murray. The river Murray, snakes it's way through South Australia, it has areas of high cliffs, flat sandy banks, other areas have some vegetation, small hardy trees called scrub and it's about the only thing that can grow in the dry red dirt.
Maggie is forced to defend herself and her friend Nara from being assaulted by the nasty Robert Boyd she flees in a panic and travels down the river on a paddle steamer called the Lady Goodnight. The captain is concerned about the steam engine, he leaves her on the river bank while he checks it, the engine blows up and she's now stuck all alone on the side of the river? Maggie is very lucky, her friend Nara and her husband Wadgie had been following her in their canoe and they take her to a little settlement called Pyap. The explosion has caused Maggie to be deaf as a post, it's not seemly for single women to travel alone, the people in Pyap want her to leave and how will she get home?
Maggie's parents have been worried sick about her, when her father Lorcan has an accident her mum Eleanor decides she's had enough and she wants her daughter to come home. The only person available to find her and bring her home is of course Sam Taylor..
Sam has had enough of chasing Maggie, he's been sending her letters, all have been returned unopened and he has decided it's time to move on. After he finds Maggie, he plans to start his own business breeding strong sturdy horses called Walers and his horse Pie will be his stud. Nothing ever goes as planned, he's very concerned when he's told the paddle steamer has blown up, a lady was seen on the boat and could it be Maggie?
During her mad dash to get away from Robert Boyd, Maggie finally accepts she misses her family, she's ready to go home, has she run out of chances with Sam, will he forgive her for being scared and understand why she left? Life was hard in south Australia for the early settlers, especially women, and Maggie panicked.
I really enjoyed reading The Good Woman Of Renmark, I live in South Australia and I have been to Renmark. Nothing better than a cup of tea, damper cooked on an open fire with lots of apricot jam, if you read the book you will understand what I'm talking about and I gave the book four stars.
1895 Renmark, Maggie O'Rourke has always been strong willed, she's not keen on settling down, living in a hut with a dirt floor, cooking on a open fire and having babies. She's very attracted to her brothers best friend Sam Taylor, she can't cope with the temptation he presents and she leaves home. Maggie finds work as a maid at fine house called Olivewood and the house is built very close to river Murray. The whole area is dependent on the mighty Murray, it provides vital water for people, animals, the area grows stone fruit, both people and produce are all transported by boat down the Murray. The river Murray, snakes it's way through South Australia, it has areas of high cliffs, flat sandy banks, other areas have some vegetation, small hardy trees called scrub and it's about the only thing that can grow in the dry red dirt.
Maggie is forced to defend herself and her friend Nara from being assaulted by the nasty Robert Boyd she flees in a panic and travels down the river on a paddle steamer called the Lady Goodnight. The captain is concerned about the steam engine, he leaves her on the river bank while he checks it, the engine blows up and she's now stuck all alone on the side of the river? Maggie is very lucky, her friend Nara and her husband Wadgie had been following her in their canoe and they take her to a little settlement called Pyap. The explosion has caused Maggie to be deaf as a post, it's not seemly for single women to travel alone, the people in Pyap want her to leave and how will she get home?
Maggie's parents have been worried sick about her, when her father Lorcan has an accident her mum Eleanor decides she's had enough and she wants her daughter to come home. The only person available to find her and bring her home is of course Sam Taylor..
Sam has had enough of chasing Maggie, he's been sending her letters, all have been returned unopened and he has decided it's time to move on. After he finds Maggie, he plans to start his own business breeding strong sturdy horses called Walers and his horse Pie will be his stud. Nothing ever goes as planned, he's very concerned when he's told the paddle steamer has blown up, a lady was seen on the boat and could it be Maggie?
During her mad dash to get away from Robert Boyd, Maggie finally accepts she misses her family, she's ready to go home, has she run out of chances with Sam, will he forgive her for being scared and understand why she left? Life was hard in south Australia for the early settlers, especially women, and Maggie panicked.
I really enjoyed reading The Good Woman Of Renmark, I live in South Australia and I have been to Renmark. Nothing better than a cup of tea, damper cooked on an open fire with lots of apricot jam, if you read the book you will understand what I'm talking about and I gave the book four stars.
January 11, 2020
Set in Australia in the 1890s author, Darry Fraser, has brought alive brilliantly the hardship of living and working up and down the Murray River at that time.
Maggie O’Rourke is the main character and story teller - but other characters chime in frequently, it was easy to know who was talking as their name started the section. It took me a little while to get into the story and I have to confess I never really connected with Maggie - if I heard once more that she was scared to get pregnant and give birth, didn’t want to be trapped as a housewife, but instead be an independent woman at a time when this wasn’t encouraged, I would have screamed. What started as a the thoughts of a kick arse female turned into an annoying trait - maybe edging on a whine occasionally. Her romance with Sam was odd, she upped and left the man who loved her because she didn’t want to be tied down, then when he came to find her she didn’t seem that overjoyed. If I was him I would have packed up and gone home once I found her.
There is no denying Maggie was very brave to leave everything that was secure and forge out into the unknown, and then go to the rescue of her friend without hesitation by thumping a rapist over the head with a metal bar, and then set off alone on a river boat to escape being arrested for murder. Her escape though, is full of delays and complications - some quite explosive!
Women’s suffrage started in Australia around 1894, this novel is set in 1895. At this time only women in South Australia who owned their own property could vote in local elections, but not at the state level - women of property were very few. It was very interesting to see how women who were struggling just to stay alive firmly believed that getting the vote would improve their lot in life - gave them hope - I certainly got that out of this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the background and the setting, I just didn’t get into Maggie. Darry Fraser is a new for me author and would certainly try another of her books.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for this copy of the book to review.
#AussieAuthor20
Maggie O’Rourke is the main character and story teller - but other characters chime in frequently, it was easy to know who was talking as their name started the section. It took me a little while to get into the story and I have to confess I never really connected with Maggie - if I heard once more that she was scared to get pregnant and give birth, didn’t want to be trapped as a housewife, but instead be an independent woman at a time when this wasn’t encouraged, I would have screamed. What started as a the thoughts of a kick arse female turned into an annoying trait - maybe edging on a whine occasionally. Her romance with Sam was odd, she upped and left the man who loved her because she didn’t want to be tied down, then when he came to find her she didn’t seem that overjoyed. If I was him I would have packed up and gone home once I found her.
There is no denying Maggie was very brave to leave everything that was secure and forge out into the unknown, and then go to the rescue of her friend without hesitation by thumping a rapist over the head with a metal bar, and then set off alone on a river boat to escape being arrested for murder. Her escape though, is full of delays and complications - some quite explosive!
Women’s suffrage started in Australia around 1894, this novel is set in 1895. At this time only women in South Australia who owned their own property could vote in local elections, but not at the state level - women of property were very few. It was very interesting to see how women who were struggling just to stay alive firmly believed that getting the vote would improve their lot in life - gave them hope - I certainly got that out of this book.
Overall I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the background and the setting, I just didn’t get into Maggie. Darry Fraser is a new for me author and would certainly try another of her books.
Thank you to Harlequin Australia for this copy of the book to review.
#AussieAuthor20
December 29, 2019
3.5*
Darry Fraser is one of the many current Australian historical fiction writers who keep producing great stories. She has a strong focus on SE Australia and once again provides great tales from along the Murray River. Much like the ‘Mighty Murray’, the story flows well with lots of twists and turns.
What I found most enjoyable about this tale was a window into the social norms of the day. Maggie, a strong leading lady, is representative of all women of that era who had no rights and no vote and were at the forefront in the call for change. Resourceful and prepared to stand her ground, Maggie refused to curtail to male chauvinism - and there are a few men who tried their overbearing best. The river is almost a character in itself as it provides details of the hardships to be had in trying to eke out an existence.
‘If Maggie did indeed live to an old age, how would she keep herself unless she had married and had a stipend from her husband’s estate? But then marriage would inevitably bring children … Her plan seemed not so tight now. How did a woman survive if she was too old or infirm to work?’
I would have appreciated a bit more depth to some episodes and a little less in others. At times Maggie’s repetitive independent mantra wore thin. Alternatively, the romance with Sam was a little superficial and I was left wanting. Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark is another worthy tale that provides quality escapism to a time of growth and change in Australia’s history.
“ ... think if we had greater control of our lives financially, and with more education, it would suit us well. We would not be subject to as much poverty.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Darry Fraser is one of the many current Australian historical fiction writers who keep producing great stories. She has a strong focus on SE Australia and once again provides great tales from along the Murray River. Much like the ‘Mighty Murray’, the story flows well with lots of twists and turns.
What I found most enjoyable about this tale was a window into the social norms of the day. Maggie, a strong leading lady, is representative of all women of that era who had no rights and no vote and were at the forefront in the call for change. Resourceful and prepared to stand her ground, Maggie refused to curtail to male chauvinism - and there are a few men who tried their overbearing best. The river is almost a character in itself as it provides details of the hardships to be had in trying to eke out an existence.
‘If Maggie did indeed live to an old age, how would she keep herself unless she had married and had a stipend from her husband’s estate? But then marriage would inevitably bring children … Her plan seemed not so tight now. How did a woman survive if she was too old or infirm to work?’
I would have appreciated a bit more depth to some episodes and a little less in others. At times Maggie’s repetitive independent mantra wore thin. Alternatively, the romance with Sam was a little superficial and I was left wanting. Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark is another worthy tale that provides quality escapism to a time of growth and change in Australia’s history.
“ ... think if we had greater control of our lives financially, and with more education, it would suit us well. We would not be subject to as much poverty.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
November 30, 2019
I’m yet to find a Darry Fraser book I haven’t loved, so I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of The Good Woman of Renmark. Just as I’d expected, Darry reeled me in with strong female characters, the rich historical tapestry of 1890s Australia and a charming storyline. Darry has a talent for weaving in characters from previous books, and a great way of blending facts into her fictional plots. Having visited the Murray River on several holidays, I enjoyed the snippets about the Chaffey Brothers who had such grand plans for the region, inclusions on the indigenous people of the area and themes on women’s rights and the suffragettes. The Good Woman of Renmark starts with a bang, as strong-willed Maggie O’Rourke risks her life and reputation to save a friend. Fearing she will hang for killing a man and determined to avoid the shackles of marriage and domesticity, Maggie flees down river on a paddle steamer, only to find her escape route is equally fraught with danger. We also have the dual narrative of Maggie’s lost love, Sam Taylor who is sent by her family to find her and bring her home, and the loveable Bucky, a Murray River Retriever who will undoubtably win readers’ hearts. Discovering the backstory to this canine inclusion (on Darry’s website) made the plotline even more poignant.
November 30, 2019
Life was tough in nineteenth century Australia, especially in the bush and particularly for women. In The Good Woman of Renmark, author Darry Fraser has encapsulated the hardship of living and working on the Murray River and the disparity between men and women in terms of independence and rights. This story isn’t just a women’s rights treatise, however, but the story of a woman coming to understand herself as she faces unbelievable challenges.
Maggie O’Rourke is a strong woman, loyal to her friends and family and a hard worker but her fear of childbirth and her desire to be independent has cost her a relationship with Sam Elliott, the only man she’s ever loved. Mind you, it seems to have taken Maggie a long time to come to that realisation and as this story opens she’s on the verge of losing the man who means everything to her.
With the fear that she may have killed a man, the uncertainty of her future and the possibility of never again seeing her family Maggie faces one challenge after another, growing stronger as a person as she overcomes each hurdle. I couldn’t help but respect her and by the end of this story I had my fingers crossed for a good outcome, though that was no certainty, which kept me turning the pages.
Sam, meanwhile, has given up on ever making Maggie his own and while he has vowed to find her and bring her back to her family he’s decided that will be it for the relationship he’d hoped to forge with her. He too is a strong character and a man to respect. His dedication to the task, the brusque way he hides his feelings for Maggie and his confusion about her feelings for him make him both vulnerable and immensely likeable.
For a spectacular glimpse of Australian history wrapped up in a complex love story with plenty of twists and turns along the way you’d be hard pressed to find a better story to read than this one. I found it both entertaining and informational. It’s left me thinking and wanting to find out more about the country I live in. Highly recommended!
Maggie O’Rourke is a strong woman, loyal to her friends and family and a hard worker but her fear of childbirth and her desire to be independent has cost her a relationship with Sam Elliott, the only man she’s ever loved. Mind you, it seems to have taken Maggie a long time to come to that realisation and as this story opens she’s on the verge of losing the man who means everything to her.
With the fear that she may have killed a man, the uncertainty of her future and the possibility of never again seeing her family Maggie faces one challenge after another, growing stronger as a person as she overcomes each hurdle. I couldn’t help but respect her and by the end of this story I had my fingers crossed for a good outcome, though that was no certainty, which kept me turning the pages.
Sam, meanwhile, has given up on ever making Maggie his own and while he has vowed to find her and bring her back to her family he’s decided that will be it for the relationship he’d hoped to forge with her. He too is a strong character and a man to respect. His dedication to the task, the brusque way he hides his feelings for Maggie and his confusion about her feelings for him make him both vulnerable and immensely likeable.
For a spectacular glimpse of Australian history wrapped up in a complex love story with plenty of twists and turns along the way you’d be hard pressed to find a better story to read than this one. I found it both entertaining and informational. It’s left me thinking and wanting to find out more about the country I live in. Highly recommended!
February 9, 2021
An interesting book especially as I grew up in Renmark.
September 4, 2023
A quintessential Aussie story.
A little light on but easy to read. I feel it was one of those stories if not rushed could be a great candidate for a series.
A little light on but easy to read. I feel it was one of those stories if not rushed could be a great candidate for a series.
December 19, 2019
This is the second Darry Fraser book I have read (The Widow of Ballarat being first). I hadn't realised the connection between her books until I finished this one and looked for others. Will definitely read her other books.
November 11, 2019
Another amazing book from Darry Fraser filled with adventure, romance and history.
Set in South Australia and along the Murray River. I couldn't put down this fantastic story. Looking forward to reading more of Darry's books in the future.
Set in South Australia and along the Murray River. I couldn't put down this fantastic story. Looking forward to reading more of Darry's books in the future.
November 22, 2020
This is an Australian historical romance, although the romance was the worse part off this book. The story is about Maggie as she flees from a situation where she thinks she has killed a man. It is her journey on the Murray River on paddle boats. Lovely view of the Australian bush and its people back then. Her relationship with Sam is the type where there is constant misunderstanding and no conversation, just annoying if only.
February 2, 2020
A bit slow going and I wasn't particularly invested in the characters. I found Maggie to be a bit too modern thinking for my liking, and it dragged me out if the historical aspects of the book.
The setting is realised well and certainly well researched. A decent historical romance.
The setting is realised well and certainly well researched. A decent historical romance.
December 29, 2019
Very predictable with no twists or turns. Just a historical romance not at its best.
May 16, 2020
Meh. Lacked depth.
September 13, 2020
I enjoyed being taken down the grand old Murray in a paddle steamer. The storyline and characters were a little linear, and I was desperate to delve deeper. Overall, it just felt a little underdone.
December 3, 2020
It was ok. Predictable from the start, with a central protagonist i just found annoying. It was the secondary characters that kept me reading the novel - they were far more interesting.
March 25, 2021
This was a ok book but I found it a bit boring.
December 11, 2021
After reading the synopsis for this Aussie bush love story, I imagined it would be right up my alley - an exciting historical yarn set around the Murray River, which is just up the road from our little slice of paradise at Yackandandah in the foothills of the Victorian High Country, and laden with strong characters wrapped around a fascinating storyline. The first chapter was able to pull me in, but then unfortunately, like so many other reviews I’ve read, I found it extremely hard to relate to Maggie, the main protagonist. She was strong and resourceful, and definitely a force to be reckoned with, but she was also pig-headed and wishy-washy in so many ways there was nothing that really endeared her to me. She also seemed far too distant or detached when it came to her actions or responses towards Sam for the majority of their interaction.
I had no problem with her passion for the suffragette movement, but felt she was driven by an almost unnatural fear of being tied down to domestic duties when she clearly was proud of her culinary skills and quick to use them to her advantage several times throughout the storyline. Back in those days, the main form of employment for single women was domestic duties in some form, and most young women welcomed marriage as much for the security it provided as well as the companionship, remembering there was no form of Centrelink to rely upon back then. And yes, there was a fear of childbirth especially for those in rural areas, but children were also a necessary assurance that the family farm/business would continue. I must admit, I became quite frustrated at her constant protests and fears.
The author’s descriptive style was very well done when it came to the history of the Murray paddle-steamers and the life eked out by the townsfolk and farmers and their wives living along her long riverbank, but a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted or far too formal for particular situations in so many important scenes.
My main disappointment was that there wasn’t enough bulk to the love story between Maggie and Sam, to the extent that it almost seemed like a periphery event which just floated along rather than driving the action, and towards the end I became quite frustrated by her silly carryon, which is such a shame as it had all the makings of a real heart-wrencher.
In many ways, I was drawn more to several of the minor characters and their part in the storyline - I just wish more detail had gone into the two main characters so they grabbed your heart and made you want to become their champions rather than just seemingly watching everything from the wings, although I found Sam to be far more endearing than Maggie.
Thankfully, the pace picked up in the final few chapters, but all in all, the interaction between the two of them seemed too insipid and implausible for two people supposedly so in love.
It wasn’t a thick book, but I became so frustrated that it took me ages to finish. Several times I almost gave up, but I persevered mainly due to never having left a book part way through before.
I loath giving less than glowing reviews as I well know the hard work put into researching and writing historical fiction, but unfortunately I can only give this one a 2.5 out 5 star rating.
I had no problem with her passion for the suffragette movement, but felt she was driven by an almost unnatural fear of being tied down to domestic duties when she clearly was proud of her culinary skills and quick to use them to her advantage several times throughout the storyline. Back in those days, the main form of employment for single women was domestic duties in some form, and most young women welcomed marriage as much for the security it provided as well as the companionship, remembering there was no form of Centrelink to rely upon back then. And yes, there was a fear of childbirth especially for those in rural areas, but children were also a necessary assurance that the family farm/business would continue. I must admit, I became quite frustrated at her constant protests and fears.
The author’s descriptive style was very well done when it came to the history of the Murray paddle-steamers and the life eked out by the townsfolk and farmers and their wives living along her long riverbank, but a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted or far too formal for particular situations in so many important scenes.
My main disappointment was that there wasn’t enough bulk to the love story between Maggie and Sam, to the extent that it almost seemed like a periphery event which just floated along rather than driving the action, and towards the end I became quite frustrated by her silly carryon, which is such a shame as it had all the makings of a real heart-wrencher.
In many ways, I was drawn more to several of the minor characters and their part in the storyline - I just wish more detail had gone into the two main characters so they grabbed your heart and made you want to become their champions rather than just seemingly watching everything from the wings, although I found Sam to be far more endearing than Maggie.
Thankfully, the pace picked up in the final few chapters, but all in all, the interaction between the two of them seemed too insipid and implausible for two people supposedly so in love.
It wasn’t a thick book, but I became so frustrated that it took me ages to finish. Several times I almost gave up, but I persevered mainly due to never having left a book part way through before.
I loath giving less than glowing reviews as I well know the hard work put into researching and writing historical fiction, but unfortunately I can only give this one a 2.5 out 5 star rating.
November 7, 2019
“The Good Woman of Renmark” is a lively piece of historical fiction, set in Australia in 1895. Strong characters and a deftly sketched background combine to make an enjoyable reading experience.
The historical aspect of this novel is treated with a light touch. In 1895 the slow start of some social changes for women can be seen – the possibility of being allowed to vote, for example, is starting to become real. But women are still significantly constrained, seen largely as responsible for having babies and tending the home.
Maggie O’Rourke is having none of that, thank you. She’s terrified of the prospect of giving birth and all that can go wrong, and insists that she can look after herself and has no interest in domestic pleasures. The trouble is, when it’s Sam Taylor offering those pleasures, Maggie is sorely tempted. So she’s removed herself from temptation, gone to Renmark to work as a maid and earn her own money.
But a woman alone is vulnerable, and after using violence to defend herself and a friend from assault, she flees downriver. Her flight is riddled with complications and delays, though. And meanwhile, her mother, hearing she’s missing, has sent Sam looking for her.
On one level, this novel operates as a pretty standard romance: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, complications ensue, eventually they come together again. Both Maggie and Sam are strong characters, though, and the emotional complications feel genuine and believable. So even though this strand is a tad predictable, it nevertheless works very effectively.
The historical side is more unusual, exploring changes for women in a relatively remote Australian setting. Change tends not to come quickly in such places, and Fraser shows both the excitement and trepidation the impending changes bring. I enjoyed the background, this particular location not often depicted in novels. Fraser makes the land and the social mores vivid and believable, and an important part of her story.
This is a novel that moves along well; the pace is fairly even throughout, and suits the sort of story Fraser is telling. Modern terms and phrases are generally used, helping to keep the novel readable.
I enjoyed reading this novel, although I didn’t feel that it had anything very significant to say – certainly nothing very deep or which I hadn’t heard before. Fraser tells an entertaining story and tells it well, and many readers will be more than satisfied by that.
The historical aspect of this novel is treated with a light touch. In 1895 the slow start of some social changes for women can be seen – the possibility of being allowed to vote, for example, is starting to become real. But women are still significantly constrained, seen largely as responsible for having babies and tending the home.
Maggie O’Rourke is having none of that, thank you. She’s terrified of the prospect of giving birth and all that can go wrong, and insists that she can look after herself and has no interest in domestic pleasures. The trouble is, when it’s Sam Taylor offering those pleasures, Maggie is sorely tempted. So she’s removed herself from temptation, gone to Renmark to work as a maid and earn her own money.
But a woman alone is vulnerable, and after using violence to defend herself and a friend from assault, she flees downriver. Her flight is riddled with complications and delays, though. And meanwhile, her mother, hearing she’s missing, has sent Sam looking for her.
On one level, this novel operates as a pretty standard romance: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, complications ensue, eventually they come together again. Both Maggie and Sam are strong characters, though, and the emotional complications feel genuine and believable. So even though this strand is a tad predictable, it nevertheless works very effectively.
The historical side is more unusual, exploring changes for women in a relatively remote Australian setting. Change tends not to come quickly in such places, and Fraser shows both the excitement and trepidation the impending changes bring. I enjoyed the background, this particular location not often depicted in novels. Fraser makes the land and the social mores vivid and believable, and an important part of her story.
This is a novel that moves along well; the pace is fairly even throughout, and suits the sort of story Fraser is telling. Modern terms and phrases are generally used, helping to keep the novel readable.
I enjoyed reading this novel, although I didn’t feel that it had anything very significant to say – certainly nothing very deep or which I hadn’t heard before. Fraser tells an entertaining story and tells it well, and many readers will be more than satisfied by that.
January 5, 2020
Book blurb…
Adventure, romance and history combine in this thrilling 19th century journey through the South Australian bush and along the mighty Murray River in the company of a determined heroine.
Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.
The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...
My thoughts…
PLOT- Once again Darry Fraser has delivered an engaging and intriguing plot that keeps readers wondering ‘what will happen next?’.
PACE - Pace can make or break any story, and different genres require different approaches. Darry Fraser provides the perfect pace for her genre and—pardon the analogy--this story flows as easily as The Murray (when droughts were a thing of the past!) and I was carried along on a story full of fabulous characters.
LANDSCAPE - As always, Darry Fraser's settings are vivid but not over the top. Having camped along The Murray numerous times, I often sat on the bank and tried to picture the days of paddle steamers and long skirts. Darry’s descriptions do that for me.
LIKEABLE CHARACTERS - Bucky and Pie were my favourites, closely followed by Maggie and Sam, of course.
UNLIKABLE CHARACTERS - There is always the bad guy (or two) we are not meant to like. As always, however, Darry ensures every character is well-rounded and plausible.
OVERALL FEELINGS ABOUT THE STORY - I loved it. I knew the moment I started reading I would not be disappointed.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
Adventure, romance and history combine in this thrilling 19th century journey through the South Australian bush and along the mighty Murray River in the company of a determined heroine.
Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
Forced to defend herself and a friend from assault by an evil man, she flees downriver on a paddle steamer. With death at her heels, Maggie begins to realise that a man like Sam might be just who she wants in her hour of need. As for Sam, well, Maggie has always been what he wants.
The further Maggie runs, the more she discovers there are some things she cannot escape...
My thoughts…
PLOT- Once again Darry Fraser has delivered an engaging and intriguing plot that keeps readers wondering ‘what will happen next?’.
PACE - Pace can make or break any story, and different genres require different approaches. Darry Fraser provides the perfect pace for her genre and—pardon the analogy--this story flows as easily as The Murray (when droughts were a thing of the past!) and I was carried along on a story full of fabulous characters.
LANDSCAPE - As always, Darry Fraser's settings are vivid but not over the top. Having camped along The Murray numerous times, I often sat on the bank and tried to picture the days of paddle steamers and long skirts. Darry’s descriptions do that for me.
LIKEABLE CHARACTERS - Bucky and Pie were my favourites, closely followed by Maggie and Sam, of course.
UNLIKABLE CHARACTERS - There is always the bad guy (or two) we are not meant to like. As always, however, Darry ensures every character is well-rounded and plausible.
OVERALL FEELINGS ABOUT THE STORY - I loved it. I knew the moment I started reading I would not be disappointed.
This review is also published on http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
October 19, 2021
I do like an historical drama, and experiencing particular local history through fiction. Plus as this is set in South Australia, it's very exotic to me. I enjoyed this element of the book, about the communities that lived along the Murray River, the steamers that travelling up and down, the dangers of the boats themselves, and I could have had a lot more of all that in the book.
The story itself is set in the late 1800s, and follows several settings/groups of characters. There's Maggie O'Rourke, who is attached at the farm where she works, and thinking she killed the man, goes on the run. Running away seems to be her thing as she ran away from the man she loved, as she was afraid of losing her life and her independence, and also terror of the practicalities of birthing children and the risks to women that go with it. We follow her on her meandering route as she flees, not really getting that far and then coming back.
There's also the man who attacked her, his brother and his wife, who all seem to be a bunch of villains. A little bit ridiculous how bad they all are, they don't seem to have a redeeming feature between them. Robert Boyd survives Maggie, but is bent on finishing her off anyway. He seems to be suffering from permanent damage from Maggie whacking him on the back of the neck, but we never really find out how that would have worked out.
Then there's back on the farmstead, where Maggie's parents and brother and wife live. Her father has an accident and is in some kind of coma, his wife worrying by his bedside. There was rather a lot of that, which dragged a little for me.
If I'm brutally honest the love story element didn't do it for me. There was a lot of internal thoughts and worrying on the part of both Maggie, and Sam, her love interest, which was just repeated throughout the book. That did get a bit boring.
It's light reading, the characters and plot aren't going to blow your mind, but the history and the setting are what I found particularly interesting and made it worth the read.
The story itself is set in the late 1800s, and follows several settings/groups of characters. There's Maggie O'Rourke, who is attached at the farm where she works, and thinking she killed the man, goes on the run. Running away seems to be her thing as she ran away from the man she loved, as she was afraid of losing her life and her independence, and also terror of the practicalities of birthing children and the risks to women that go with it. We follow her on her meandering route as she flees, not really getting that far and then coming back.
There's also the man who attacked her, his brother and his wife, who all seem to be a bunch of villains. A little bit ridiculous how bad they all are, they don't seem to have a redeeming feature between them. Robert Boyd survives Maggie, but is bent on finishing her off anyway. He seems to be suffering from permanent damage from Maggie whacking him on the back of the neck, but we never really find out how that would have worked out.
Then there's back on the farmstead, where Maggie's parents and brother and wife live. Her father has an accident and is in some kind of coma, his wife worrying by his bedside. There was rather a lot of that, which dragged a little for me.
If I'm brutally honest the love story element didn't do it for me. There was a lot of internal thoughts and worrying on the part of both Maggie, and Sam, her love interest, which was just repeated throughout the book. That did get a bit boring.
It's light reading, the characters and plot aren't going to blow your mind, but the history and the setting are what I found particularly interesting and made it worth the read.
December 5, 2019
- thanks to @harlequinaus for sending the book my way💕
1895, Renmark, South Australia. Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
I was a bit distracted and lost because of the multiple POV's, so it took me a while to get into the story, although the first chapter is full of action and it did make me want to continue reading until finding out more about the whole drama. Saying this, and even though the premise it's quite good, the predictability killed it. In my mind there was only one way things could go about, and plot-wise, I was a bit disappointed with how things developed at the end.
Maggie is quite a stronger main character; with unspeakable ideas about how women could fight for the right to vote and aspire to be pretty much anything else than a staying-at-home-mother-and-wife... I mean, no that there's nothing wrong with that, but it's kind of awful if that's the one and only option for women, who could only dream of making her husbands happy while popping kids. Maggie drives a story with powerful and scary feminist ideas for that age, and that's the charm of the novel.
Unfortunately, I wasn't too invested in Maggie' story... even though her ideas were great and revolutionary for her age, I was a bit annoyed with the constant complains about not wanting to having kids and whatnot; her logic behind her fear of having kids, especially considering she was ignorant and misinformed, was the most exasperating thing ever. Also, Maggie's love interest Sam was underwhelming, and the whole romance could have been way more interesting if the characters have had minimal communications skills and actually talk to each other about their feelings.
Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark has solid, feminist and revolutionary main character who drives a vigorous and dynamic novel. If you like Aussie stories and historical fiction, this book is perfect for you.
1895, Renmark, South Australia. Maggie O'Rourke has always had a hard head. No man was going to tie her down to a life of babies and domestic slavery, even if that man was as good (and as annoyingly attractive) as Sam Taylor. Maggie is happily earning her own way as a maid in a house on the Murray River when disaster strikes.
I was a bit distracted and lost because of the multiple POV's, so it took me a while to get into the story, although the first chapter is full of action and it did make me want to continue reading until finding out more about the whole drama. Saying this, and even though the premise it's quite good, the predictability killed it. In my mind there was only one way things could go about, and plot-wise, I was a bit disappointed with how things developed at the end.
Maggie is quite a stronger main character; with unspeakable ideas about how women could fight for the right to vote and aspire to be pretty much anything else than a staying-at-home-mother-and-wife... I mean, no that there's nothing wrong with that, but it's kind of awful if that's the one and only option for women, who could only dream of making her husbands happy while popping kids. Maggie drives a story with powerful and scary feminist ideas for that age, and that's the charm of the novel.
Unfortunately, I wasn't too invested in Maggie' story... even though her ideas were great and revolutionary for her age, I was a bit annoyed with the constant complains about not wanting to having kids and whatnot; her logic behind her fear of having kids, especially considering she was ignorant and misinformed, was the most exasperating thing ever. Also, Maggie's love interest Sam was underwhelming, and the whole romance could have been way more interesting if the characters have had minimal communications skills and actually talk to each other about their feelings.
Overall, The Good Woman of Renmark has solid, feminist and revolutionary main character who drives a vigorous and dynamic novel. If you like Aussie stories and historical fiction, this book is perfect for you.
July 17, 2020
What an amazing adventure! This book opens with a bang, with Maggie O'Rourke standing with a iron rod in her hand after knocking it into evil Robert's head - while he was trying to rape her friend! Believing he's dead, Maggie takes off into the bush and finds short-lived refuge on a paddle steamer up the Murray River.
When her family gets news of Maggie's disappearance, they send Sam to search for her and bring her home safely. Sam, the man who Maggie had rejected. The man who's waited patiently for her to come home to him. The man who sets out to find the woman he loves with the hope of finding her alive so that he can finally let her go.
This story is an action packed adventure along the Murray River and through the Australian scrub. Maggie is a very strong heroine for 1895, hoping for a better, more independent life as a woman. But she doesn't refuse marriage only because she fears it will take away her independence, she's terrified of having children, and for good reason. Childbirth isn't easy and carries great risk, which is an understandable fear in 1895. But of course, this novel is still a romance, and after Sam finds her, helps her, and they settle their differences, Maggie's prepared to risk it all for a chance to be with her one true love.
If you're looking for some thrills, fun, and a warm-cosy romance, this book is for you. It won't let you down. I loved it.
When her family gets news of Maggie's disappearance, they send Sam to search for her and bring her home safely. Sam, the man who Maggie had rejected. The man who's waited patiently for her to come home to him. The man who sets out to find the woman he loves with the hope of finding her alive so that he can finally let her go.
This story is an action packed adventure along the Murray River and through the Australian scrub. Maggie is a very strong heroine for 1895, hoping for a better, more independent life as a woman. But she doesn't refuse marriage only because she fears it will take away her independence, she's terrified of having children, and for good reason. Childbirth isn't easy and carries great risk, which is an understandable fear in 1895. But of course, this novel is still a romance, and after Sam finds her, helps her, and they settle their differences, Maggie's prepared to risk it all for a chance to be with her one true love.
If you're looking for some thrills, fun, and a warm-cosy romance, this book is for you. It won't let you down. I loved it.
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