THE GOLD MINER'S SISTER
BOOK 2 the women of maiden's creek
World Edition
'There are people in this town with the gleam of gold in their eyes and cold steel in their hearts.'
Drawn by her brother's promise of a fresh start in Australia, Eliza Penrose journeys from England to the gold-mining town of Maiden's Creek, only to arrive in the shadow of tragedy. Finding herself alone and friendless in a town where answers about her brother's fate remain frustratingly elusive, Eliza seizes an unexpected chance to establish herself as the settlement's schoolteacher. Among the townspeople she encounters is Alec McLeod, the mine's engineer and her brother's friend, who still carries the memory and guilt of his wife's death. Though he's rebuffed the attention of every eligible woman in town, Alec finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Eliza—an attraction complicated by a promise he made to her brother. While Alec struggles between his growing feelings for Eliza and his obligations to the mine and its men, Eliza delves into the mystery surrounding her brother’s death. As secrets, lies, and betrayals circle around them, both Alec and Eliza are drawn deeper into the town's web of secrets. When disaster strikes the mine, the truths begins to surface. The revelations come at a heavy price, and Eliza and Alec risk losing everything they have fought for, including their lives. With time running out and stakes rising, will their newfound bond be enough to overcome the forces threatening to tear them apart? "Meticulously researched, Alison imbues this tale with a sense of era and place. I was transported to late nineteenth century rural Victoria… Alison Stuart has struck gold with The Goldminer’s Sister. History, mystery and romance. She really has hit her stride as a fabulous storyteller and historical novelist." (Better Reading) |
Australian Edition
Gold is a fever. Will it lead her to love … or death?
1873. Eliza Penrose arrives in the gold mining town of Maiden’s Creek in search of her brother, planning to make a new life for herself. Instead she finds a tragic mystery – and hints of betrayals by those closest to her. Mining engineer Alec McLeod left Scotland to escape the memory of his dead wife and child. Despite the best efforts of the eligible ladies of Maiden’s Creek, Alec is determined never to give his heart again. As lies and deceit threaten Eliza’s life, Alec steps in – although he has problems of his own, as he risks his livelihood and those he holds dear to oppose the dangerous work practices at the Maiden’s Creek Mine. When disaster draws the pieces of the puzzle together, Eliza and Alec must save each other – but is it too late? |
PURCHASE DIRECT FROM AUTHOR
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Nominated in the 2020 Australian Romance Readers Awards! |
#71 BETTER READING TOP 100 BOOKS 2021 |
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What people are saying about THE GOLD MINER'S SISTER...
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"The Homecoming is the third instalment in the outstanding Maiden’s Creek series but can also be read as a standalone. Stuart’s knowledge of late nineteenth-century rural Victoria and the goldmining history imbues this series. The first two titles, The Postmistress and The Goldminer’s Sister remind me of classics like The Thorn Birds, and here, she does it again. The Homecoming has history, mystery and romance, along with sizzling chemistry between Charlotte and Danny – it ticks every box. While it’s hard to pick a favourite in this series, I feel Stuart’s outdone herself here with the tension and drama, wrapped with a murder and a major flood.
You’ll quickly recognise Charlotte and Danny, who were introduced earlier in the series as children. Now, twenty years later, they’re adults with their own absorbing stories. Charlotte is particularly compelling: strong, feisty and very capable. Thanks to Eliza McLeod, from The Goldminer’s Sister, she is now a nurse and acting matron. However, the story is told from both points of view which gives it a great structure and pace. There are also some familiar secondary characters, and it’s a delight seeing where their lives have led now. This really is an excellent addition to the Maiden’s Creek series and establishes Stuart’s place as one of Australia’s great historical novelists. I’m hoping there’s a book four – there’s so much more to tell here. The Homecoming was a great start to the 2023 reading year for me." (Better Reading 11 Jan 23) |