4.5****

This is my first Darry Fraser book and I have Daughter of the Murray ready to start. This drew me in slowly, but once I got into the story I was hooked and stayed up well past my bedtime to finish. I loved the descriptive way Darry writes and could truly imagine myself in the places and time set out in the story. This novel explores the issue of domestic violence and the women who struggle to survive. The fact that it is just as relevant in today's society is heartbreaking. In the story it is a taboo subject, people don't want to know about it or acknowledge it happens. Aunt Cee Cee and James along with Linley do what they can to help women in trouble and to gather outside support from influential people. Times are hard in the 1890's and people do what they can to survive, Ard who loves Linley feels he needs to have more in order to be worthy of her, but before he leaves to make this happen he makes a mistake, one that Linley and her family will have to bear the heartache of in the future. Can they get past the mistake and make a future together? A suspense filled novel that I definitely recommend.


Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA for a copy to voluntarily and honestly review

This is one of those stories that once you pick it up you will not want to put it down, it is so good, MS Fraser has transported me back to 1890 Australia around the great Murray River and life as it was back then. She has taken on an issue that still today is happening although much better than back in the nineteen century and nailed it done it so well, I loved the setting the characters the story.

Ard O’Rourke is a strong man a worker, a family man times are tough and the woman he has grown up with is who he wants but he needs to be able to provide for her first and with no work around he leaves Bendigo but not before he makes a mistake that will come back to cause problems in a few months’ time but he never forgets the beautiful strong redhead Linley Seymour.

Linley has been brought up by her aunt Cee Cee and they work saving woman from dangerous situations with the help of Cee Cee’s close friend James, so when a friend of Linley’s Mary asks for help from her cruel husband and asks that Linley be her baby’s guardian and this baby is the son of Ard the only man that Linley wants, this brings danger to Linley and Cee Cee, but these woman are strong, they are survivers.

I loved this story it is beautiful, caring and emotional, what these people went through with such a vile wicked man for greed was painful at times but my god the strength that these woman especially showed had me cheering them on and the men that do help in a world that was slowly changing I loved them real hero material. As for Linley can she ever forgive Ard for the mistake he made and forge together a future with baby Toby and still caring for the women that needed so much help. I highly recommend this story thank you MS Fraser for one that will be on the keeper shelf and stay with me for a long time.

Book blurb...
A nineteenth-century story of greed, honour and an overwhelming love
Bendigo 1890
Ard O’Rourke is Linley Seymour’s perfect man. They’ve known each other since they were children and she has never wanted anyone else. But when she discovers Ard has fathered a child with another woman, her dreams turn to dust.
Then fate takes a hand. Linley and her Aunt Cee Cee run a women’s refuge and Linley finds herself unexpectedly and painfully the guardian of Ard’s baby: a child that needs her protection from the greed-filled schemes of a violent man.
Ard knows he has no hope with Linley and decides to follow his own path: one that brings him close to redemption. But when he learns Linley and the child are in danger, his own child at that, he cannot stop himself speeding to their aid.
Will he prevail? Can Linley find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will their love come to nothing at the hands of a violent man?
A compulsively readable historical adventure, set on the banks of the mighty Murray River.

My thoughts…
Once again with Darry Fraser, I was transported back in time and to life on the Murray River in the late 1800s. Having recently traced The Mighty Murray River all the way from South Australia, and spent time in Echuca, I was strolling the streets and the steamer decks as the story progressed.
The author has created characters that you cannot help but love. Ard is a great character, regardless of his indiscretion with Linley’s friend. I longed for him to win over Linley’s heart.
This book also made me think. It tackles the subject of domestic violence in the 1890’s — an issue I had only thought about as a modern-day scourge. I did find myself hoping for a particular character to get what he deserved. Darry, your creation of this character (you know who he is) was brilliant, I could just about smell his presence when as I turned the pages.
I also fell in love with James.
What else can I say? I was actually on each page with all of these characters and I love a book that gets under my skin. Thank you.
I am sad to leave Where the Murray River Runs.