Beyond the Distant Hills

Distant #2

by AnneMarie Brear

From the bestselling author of The Slum Angel.

Beyond the Distant Hills is the sequel to A Distant Horizon.

Australia 1853

Settled in the colony, Ellen embarks on making a happy new life for her family and to forget the horrors of famine-struck Ireland. Married for security, she works hard developing their estate in the country to give her children the privileged life they could have only imagined in Ireland.

However, danger lurks when a dangerous man from her past threatens her beloved sons, and when her marriage begins to crumble, all that she thought was safe is suddenly in jeopardy.

Rafe Hamilton loves Ellen, but she is married to another, yet when he is faced with helping her once more, he doesn’t hesitate to act. Only, he makes a mistake which could cost him everything he always wanted.

Confronted by lies and deceit, Ellen refuses to be defeated by tragedy. Instead, she gathers her strength and courage to fight for everything she has gained—no matter the cost.

Will she rise and build an empire for her children? Can she find a way to mend her broken heart? Or will she lose all that she has struggled to achieve?

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. Her passions, apart from writing, are travelling, reading, researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book.
https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear
http://www.annemaribrear.com

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the Distant Hills is book 2 in the Distant series by AnneMarie Brear. Ellen Emmerson wants a new life in Australia and to forget about famine-struck Ireland, so she decides to marry for security, not love. Ellen Emmerson thought everything would be perfect until a man from Ellen's past arrived to upset her life in Australia. When Ellen's sons were in danger, Rafe Hamilton, who loves Ellen, agreed to help her protect them. The readers of Beyond, the Distant Hills will continue following Ellen and Rafe to discover what happens.

Beyond the Distant Hills is a lovely historical romance and the first book I read by AnneMarie Brear. I engaged with the story from the start and continued to the end. I love AnneMarie Brear's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted throughout this book. Beyond the Distant Hills is well written and researched by AnneMarie Brear. I like AnneMarie Brear's description of Beyond the Distant Hills settings, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Beyond, the Distant Hills will learn about living in Berrima during the 1850s. Also, the readers of Beyond the Distant Hills will understand mothers' love to ensure their children have a good life and education.

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Catherine Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant! that's all i can say about it.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The excitement continues! We begin book 2 of this historical saga in July, in the setting of Berrima, NSW, 1853. Ellen must adjust to the seasonal opposites in Australia. It is winter, cold, and a vastly different experience to Ireland where the warmth of summer is in full swing. She reminisces over her past life – the losses, the changes, the difficult decisions she had to make to keep the rest of her family alive. But survival is not the only thing she craves. She wants security: to succeed financially, to acquire land and to have a higher position so that her family never have to experience such poverty and class abuse again. This drive particularly for land begins modestly but then fans into a flame of obsession. It steals her every waking moment and leaves her sleep poor and drained. She wants vast amounts of land— land that nobody can take from her. For land is something she was denied in Ireland and to her it is the true measure of success. To obtain it and achieve what she seeks, she must compete in a man’s world and develop sharp bargaining skills. And she does. But at what cost?


In book 1 she agrees to a marriage union with Alistair Emmerson— a man she does not love. But the acceptance of this proposal will provide her family with security, a proper title and the land she seeks. Her children will be well-educated, have plenty of clothing and food and live in an exceptional home. But ghosts from the past come to steal her security and an unlikely hero appears who helps her reclaim someone very precious to her. I particularly loved this surprise!

Also, another man from Ellen’s past reappears on the shores of Australia on a business trip. Rafe Hamilton is one of the Englishman who helped her come to Australia. They have a connection that begins in book 1 and continues in book 2. She has not been able to forget him since their first meeting but she is married to his best friend, Alistair Emmerson, and this creates some awkward moments. We are assured of challenges to come as a result. And although Ellen tries her best to stay strong, her marriage is tested. Trials arise that are hard to endure. All that she has worked so hard to achieve— the lands, livestock and homes, are hanging in the balance once fate takes a few unexpected turns. I don’t want to say much more about the story but Ellen’s journey is an exhilarating one.

Although Ellen has common human weaknesses, and her heart is not always obedient to her own demands and standards, she manages to land on solid ground through her resilience and determination. AnneMarie has created an admirable character, and even with Ellen’s flaws, I found myself cheering this woman on to victory. The novel ends with another new beginning for Ellen and her family. But the story does not end here for the author has shared the good news that a Book 3 is coming. I, for one, want to see what happens next!

All in all, Beyond the Distant Hills is a magnificent, glorious accomplishment. I highly recommend this novel. 5 Triumphant Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[JT CAREY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again AnneMaire has come through with a page-turner of a book. After having read A Distant Horizon, I couldn't wait to read its sequel and wasn't disappointed. The family saga starts with a family dealing with the hardships of irish famine to Australia where a new life brings them hope. The second book has them forming a better life for themselves in the wild frontiers of the new land. The book is full of twists and turns, well-formed characters with realistic dialogue and scenarios. If you have a couple of 'me' hours and want to lose yourself in a book, this one is well worth the read.

[Susan Ajaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellen runs from her past to a life of obsession and greed.

Ellen has come from the poorest of the poor. She vows to never let that happen again. A mind for business where no women are welcome, she refuses a life of submission. She uses one man while loving another. And she left a husband dead While carrying his child. A driven woman that has an unknown destiny.

[vickie ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen and her family

Annemarie Brear writes a lovely story about Ellen's struggles with the life in Ireland. How she overcomes so many tragic events in her life and how she copes with them. Thank goodness she met Raif and he helps her get to Australia. The story has many twist and turns and a happy ending. Love it.

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I really enjoyed this story full of love and also many turns and twists. It starts with the Irish poor people and the famine Then going to Australia and living a very different life there,. The challenge to get a better life for herfamiky. Very strong characte6rs and lots of love helping others who are more needy. Very well written.

[Linda Salter]

Amazing

These books are from the first words, simply amazing, I can't put the book down once I've opened it ! The stories and the way she writes, I am hooked, really, you appreciate the way the story comes out on paper, page after page, just brilliant.

[Sandra Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series! But

By. Love this book as much as the first one. The story is something you can't wait to see what will happen next. I'm looking forward to read the next book.
Love her series!

[Carole Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

impossible to put down

After just 2 sleepless nights I completed this wonderful sequel. The first book was amazing but Ellen’s story and its web of joy and despair was hypnotic. I can’t wait to read the final book of the series.

[mrs t m Baigent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read and what a story to follow through Ellen's troubles and growing family is great, to read how her life is changing or changed. Another brilliant story. Enjoying reading book 3 also.
Well worth reading and couldn't put it down again read in 2 days.

[Lynette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

the story continues from "Distant Horizons"and is a worthy follow-up as Ellen tries to build an empire by buying land so as her Children will never go hungry again.

[Barry Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read

What a fantastic story. I read book one and two and i was unable to put them down. Credible characters and i actually shouted out during some parts.

[Anna Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great detailed story

Great detailed story kept me hooked.from.begining to end..enjoyed reading on my holidays in she shade. Enjoy Annemarie brear books x

[Mrs S E Munro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I could not put this book down, it is such a brilliantly written book and such insight into early life down under.

[Mrs Margaret Maher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I have loved reading this book this is the second book and I am ready to start the 3rd book.

[Sue Ardleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it

I enjoyed this book thoroughly -So much about the potato famine was worse than I ever knew Ellen was a strong brave woman and I loved her life

[Terry Yonkheym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book. Really enjoyed it. Hard to put down.

[Brenda Wallwork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I re-read book 1 first and finish Beyond the Distant hills at 6.30am the next morning.

[Zulekha's Reflections · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key take-aways

Key take-aways:
- in book one Ellen had married Alistair for stability and security and in this book the author showed how differences in interests, preferences or outlook can cause cracks in a marriage.
- Ellen married into the higher class wanting her children to be raised within the elite class. However, throughout this book, the author showed how Ellen struggled to the new and different life expected of her as a businessman's wife which included theatres, house parties and meeting guests/business associate's wives. Ellen preferred the quiet rural countryside.
- Towards the end of the book Ellen had to persevere in order to thrive in a man's world.
- The refusal of a marriage proposal from a Scottish man showed how Ellen had learnt that she could no longer marry someone again while her heart belonged to another.
- A mother's love for her children is vast and they would do almost anything they can to keep them safe and help them be successful. Anybody that refuses a mother contact with her child in any way would find it hard placed to be forgiven.
- Ellen is reunited with her love Rafe. In a way I feel that the way they were reunited is wishful thinking, as much as I was really happy that they could finally be together! However, without the drama of how it could have played out (consequences of Ellen's mistake in book 1), the author may be able to show the benefits of a marriage based on love and mutual respect in her third book.

[Kathy E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series was not disappointing from the first page to the last. You could be in Australia and imagine the ups and downs of ther heroine of the book Ellen went through from her start in the first book to conquering predjudices in Australia. Another well written ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read from AnneMarie Brear. I now look forward to reading the the next.

[Bernie Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captured by the story

Another book that keeps the pages turning. The sadness and happiness all roll into one.

I am now onto book 3