by Tricia McGill
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Historical Romance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In
book 4 of the Settlers Series, we catch up with most members of the extended
family from the previous three books. Annie at 18 is the eldest Carstairs girl.
She has lived out at Bathurst west of the Blue Mountains, where she was born
just after her Mama, Bella and Papa, Tiger settled there back in 1824. After
visiting her brother Tim and his wife Jo just before Christmas 1843, Annie
decides to stay in Port Philip, seeking adventure much as her brother did when
he set out with Jo the previous year. Annie has inherited her mother’s
independent streak, a character trait that sometimes leads her to make the
wrong choices.
Jacob O’Quinn works for
her brother, and the likeable young carpenter catches Annie’s eye. Jacob is
quiet and reserved in his manner, having spent his life with his widowed
mother. When handsome Zachary McDowell, the complete opposite to steady Jacob
comes along, he sweeps Annie off her feet. Heedless of advice given by others,
Annie makes a choice that turns out to be the worst she could ever make.
Restless, Annie decides
to return to her home, and Jacob makes the decision to escort her. The journey
back across the mountains proves to be a lot more eventful than she assumed it
could ever be. The road itself may have seen improvements through the years but
there will always be unexpected incidents to turn life around on its axis. A
suspected murder brings the might of the law down on the shoulders of the young
couple.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt:
“You are changing the subject. I have yet to learn your
name, sir. And also why I should not see you as some ruffian who makes it his
business to intrude on a lone young woman’s privacy.”
With a small bow of the head he said, “My name is Zachary
McDowell. I reside with my uncle’s family, as I am an orphan.” This fact did
not seem to upset him overly. “My parents came over from Scotland when I was
but a small child, and alas they died of a fever on the ship, therefore it was
left to my dear Uncle and Aunt to foster this poor lad.” He pointed to his
chest again, which she could not fail to notice was well proportioned.
“Oh, I am sorry. Did they also arrive on the same vessel?”
“My Uncle did, but met my aunt and married her soon after
his arrival in the colonies. She was a martyr and accepted this unfortunate
child as her own.”
“So, it is them you are attending church with?”
He nodded. “Now it is your turn to explain to me why you
left the church before the service had run its course—and also, I would be
honoured it you would tell me your name.”
“I am Annie Carstairs, and I spent all my life on the
property of my Pa and Mama at Bathurst…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Award winning
author Tricia McGill was born in London, England, and moved to Australia many
years ago, settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she
was never lonely or alone. Surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to
read from an early age, is it any wonder she became a writer? The local library
was a treasure trove and magical world of discovery through her childhood and
growing years. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always
at their heart.
Tricia’s love
of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and
money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is
passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife
for future generations. She also volunteers for a local community group that
helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided
computer equipment. When people ask what she does in her spare time, she is
heard to ask, “Spare time, what is that?”
www.triciamcgill.com
http://triciamg.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/authorTriciaMcGill
Buy Link:
https://books2read.com/Annies-Choices
Author page:
https://bookswelove.net/mcgill-tricia/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read, thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWho is your favorite character from your book?
ReplyDeleteMy favourite character would have to be Jacob. Despite Annie's at times rough treatment of him he is a stand beside you kind of man. The sort you can depend on when in trouble. Thanks for stopping by. Tricia
DeleteThanks so much for hosting my book and for the lovely review. So glad you enjoyed my story. Tricia
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming along. Good luck in the draw. Tricia
ReplyDeleteWhere do you do most of your writing?
ReplyDeleteI have a study and that is where all my writing gets done nowadays. I like an old fashioned keyboard as my fingers know their way around it well. Best of all I can look straight out onto my garden where the birds are currently singing their little hearts out. Thanks for stopping by. Tricia
ReplyDeleteHow did you come up with the title of the book?
ReplyDeleteI always take a lot of time choosing a title, Bernie. The first 3 books in this series all had Mountain in their title but seeing as this was Annie's personal journey I decided on a change. Annie was an impulsive soul who didn't always make the right choices in life, hence the title was born. Tricia
Delete