I have long been a fan of Australian historical fiction set in the colonial era. I particularly enjoy those novels which examine the social history of our country's early days, the stuggle between old country manners and new world ideas and the development of a national identity where anyone, man or woman, can get ahead if they are willing to work hard. Virginia Taylor captures this perfectly within the pages of Wenna, a truly enjoyable novel. Wenna herself is a worthy heroine, ambitious and honourable, if not a little quick to jump to the wrong conclusions, but she is a model of what colonial Australia was built upon. It didn't matter what her social status was, she made her mark through her own ambitions and this also applied to Devon, but in the opposite manner. Raised with a degree entitlement, colonial Australia allowed him to build a life on his own terms rather than those dictated to him by the laws of an old world society.
There was a good deal of humour within this novel that was greatly appreciated. The banter and wit between Wenna and Devon made their match a most enjoyable one. Beset with misunderstanding and a distinct lack of communication, the two went around each other in circles for quite some time, but there was enough going on within the story for this to not become tiresome. With a cast of colourful characters and an engaging storyline, I was sorry to reach the end of this novel. I would love to read more about Wenna and Devon as they continue on with their lives together, raising a family in their new home.

Excellent mid-Victorian romp about a social-climbing lady's maid with bright red hair and a temper and an arrogant golden-haired lord-- set in the far reaches of Australia, complete with lorikeets and cricket. The prose is colorful and sophisticated, and the characterization is done with a lot of verve. It's also filled with great historical detail-- the housekeeping and descriptions of the meals are straight out of Mrs. Beeton. All in all, Wenna is reminiscent of great old school historical romances like Virginia Coffman's "Careen" or Colleen McCullough's books, and is highly recommended for those searching for histroms with exotic settings. (The wry take on the Victorian setting also reminds me of Connie Willis's "To Say Nothing of the Dog.") It's lots of fun, and I'm excited to read more of Ms. Taylor's books.

Wenna by Virginia Taylor

Life is what you make it and if you work hard enough, you will be rewarded is Wenna’s philosophy, especially in a new colony.

Wenna Chenoweth is a lady’s maid who also has to deal with her employer’s spiteful daughter. Patricia does all she can to ruin Wenna out of spite. She does so at a cricket match and Wenna finds herself in the carriage with Devon Courtney driving back to Adelaide city. Wenna thinks Dev is a labourer. Wenna would not think he is on a higher status level than her but eventually realises her mistake.

Devon decides that he needs to marry Wenna as he thinks she will be the best wife for him, and there is also an opportunity to have a go at his family in Cornwall. He is the heir to a title and wants a child to continue the line. Devon finds out that Wenna’s mother was his mother’s lady’s maid but he doesn’t let on until much later.

Wenna becomes very concerned that Dev is a spendthrift and she needs to make money to help out, save for her journey to Cornwall and to send money to her grandparents. Dev wants to return to Cornwall to show his family that he is better than the wastrel they thought he was.

Together Dev and Wenna are about to work through their secrets and all is eventually revealed especially after Wenna’s life is threatened.

This story is set in South Australia, in Adelaide, around the beginning of the colony. It shows the life of the higher levels of society, or at least those that think they are, and also workers. I like a story that gives me a wide view of the different aspects of society.

I like Wenna’s determination to better herself and some of those whom she comes in contact with. She is a very likeable woman and has a very caring soul. She wants to make things better for some people. It seems to be that Dev likes to keep things close to his chest and will only let certain people close. This may be due to his family background.

When this story is read in conjunction with the other stories in the series, they offer a look at the beginnings of South Australia and what it may have been like at that time. It shows people from all different levels in society and shows the nature of the future Australia.

Reviewed by Heather

My review was published at All About Romance on March 18, 2017.

'Wenna' by Virginia Taylor is book Four in the "South Landers" series. This is the story of Wenna Chenoweth and Devon Courtney. I have read some of the other books but feel this is easily a standalone book. Wenna is a ladies maid but also does other things for the family she works for. The family's daughter is spoiled and hateful to Wenna. Wenna is just a hard working women who is trying to keep her promise to departed parents that she will take care of her Grandparents. Devon had come to visit and the family had hoped to marry him off to their daughter but Devon is having none of that. As a matter of fact he takes a liking to Wenna. Wenna happens to accidentally run into Devon in the hallway and is caught by the daughter who turns what she saw into something ugly to get Wenna fired. But Devon takes to leaving with Wenna and they start to talk about them getting married. Wenna doesn't think he is for real at first.
Can these two make a go of a marriage? This was another sweet romance by Ms. Taylor!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."

Mediocre book with a lot of sex. The storyline was ok. It was an interesting setting in 1800s Australia. First time i read a book like this.