Amber

 Author: Deborah Challinor

ISBN: 9781869506322

Hi Everyone

Here we have a historical novel packed with historical snippets of New Zealand.  I was very impressed by the way in which the author interwove this history.  It gave me an appreciation of the historical time when the New Zealand wars loomed.  What I really liked, was the ability to connect with the characters in way that enlightened the history that I am familiar with.  I have watched documentaries, read books and been taught at school about New Zealand's history. But, to read a novel where the historical connections are interwoven with characters that seemed real, gave me a new depth of appreciation of the history that New Zealand is rich with. Although this is an 'historical novel' I felt that historical undercurrent was respectful and for this reason I recommend picking up this book.

Credit also needs to be given to the manner in which historical depth is written into Kitty's character and Amber's (the little girl whom Kitty...).  I turned page after page, never let down by the continued strength of the characters and the plot of this novel.  I have since purchased two more of Deborah Challinor's novels to add to my growing TBR pile.

This is a small review this time, but I think it is all needs.  The characters and plot speak for themselves once you've opened the pages.

Description: 

The second riveting instalment in The Smuggler's Wife series by one of our leading historical novelists. "She was Maori, aged anywhere between three and five years old. Her dirty, matted hair hung past her shoulders, and sweet, heart-shaped little face was filthy." When Kitty Farrell is offered a trinket by a street urchin, her implulsive response will change both of their lives forever. It is 1845, and after four years on the high seas with Rian, her wild Irish husband, she returns to the lawless Bay of Islands and a country at war. Kitty and Rian must battle to be reunited as they fight for their lives and watch friends and enemies alike succumb to the madness of war and the fatal seduction of hatred.

Happy Reading