Threads of Gold: Power and passion in a young country

by Jude Thomas

Power and passion in a young country: the continuing story of a New Zealand woman ahead of her time.

Billie is society's darling, living in style on the Otago Peninsula in the flourishing 1890s. She is in the thick of the action: women's suffrage, workers' rights and the dress reform movement. The first Lebanese immigrants arrive at Port Chalmers, Billie is drawn to their exotic presence and lifetime friendships are forged. Life feels perfect until, at the dawn of the 20th century, it all starts to unravel. The Boer War, a troubled husband and the return of an old adversary -- the stalwart Billie faces events that push her towards the edge of reason.

Against a background of New Zealand's political and social developments, Threads of Gold is a story of choices, consequences and the amazing power of love.

Sequel to Southern Gold

The Gold Series Book 2

240 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2023

About the author

I'm a New Zealand author of historical fiction. I grew up in the 'deep south' where the early pioneers were Scottish, and thought they could keep their 'utopia' to themselves. How wrong they were!

I've written two novels set in the district back in the day. Book 1 'Southern Gold' is set in the mid-1800's gold rush days. The sequel, Book 1 'Threads of Gold' takes up the story toward the end of the century.

This has taken 5 years of my senior life and I'm hoping not to give in to the idea of writing another novel - it's short stories for me from now on. This way I'll have time to do more of my favourite activities: film, theatre, travel, reading. And helping with my grown family and small granddaughter.