An ad asking for an adult to chaperone a child to Australia sounded interesting to Rose considering her current situation, but how would this work during the war?

Rose answered the ad, visited the home where the sweet child was, and accepted the job.

In the home Rose finds a dying woman, Walter, the child, and information that Walter’s mother was killed by a bus and had family in Australia that were waiting for him.

Rose stays with Walter to get comfortable with him and him with her before they take off on the ocean liner.

The trip was long and arduous as well as having a lot of apprehension for both Rose and Walter. Rose hoped his new family was going to be kind to Walter...how would she leave this sweet boy with someone who may not fully love him?

Her fears were confirmed when they arrived. They actually were not expected nor were they welcome, it was pouring down rain, and they had to sleep in the barn that night because they weren’t let into the house. Vivian must have lied to her, but why? What now?

Well…Rose finds out why Vivian wanted Walter to be with this family in Australia.

Walter had inherited a great deal of money and has a complicated situation with his background and with being in Australia.

We get to share the sorrows of the situation, the joys, and also the beautiful landscape of Australia and its customs.

You will fall in love with Walter and Rose and not want the book to end.

You will also want to visit Australia.

A do not miss read for fans of historical fiction and women’s fiction. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

I was first introduced the Jenny Ashcroft’s wonderful writing ability in her novel Meet Me in Bombay last year and I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t read anything by her before. So when I saw she had another historical fiction novel coming out this year I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. It’s now a foregone conclusion, I need all of her books. I love that she writes historical fiction novels that are set in exotic locations—Egypt, Singapore, Bombay and now Australia.

This book is set in WWII (her other books also have a war backdrop) and I think this is such a wonderful pairing because so many historical fiction novels are set in either Paris or London during WWII and the war was a WORLD WAR meaning it impacted many other areas and I love that Ashcroft takes us to some new and exciting places while theres a war on and explore what impact that war has on said area.

If the history and exotic location wasn’t enough to tempt you, then the romance should. Ashcroft write beautiful romances with memorable characters. I can still recall Meet Me in Bombay and the characters even over a year after reading it! If you want a new refreshing historical fiction novel then look no further. This is a wonderful choice!

Summary

Jenny Ashcroft’s Under the Golden Sun is a captivating World War II historical love story set against the raw beauty of Australia.

Rose Hamilton is in desperate need of a life change when she reads the want ad in the newspaper for a companion needed to escort a young orphaned child to Australia. There are so many reasons she should ignore the advertisement―the war, those treacherous winter seas, her family, her fiance… but she can’t help herself. Within weeks she is boarding an enormous convoy, already too attached to five-year-old Walter.

Unfortunately, the cattle station home of Walter’s family isn’t anything like either of them were told to expect. Rose can’t leave this little boy who she’s grown to love until he is happy and settled, and she knows the key to this is Walter’s wounded fighter pilot uncle. But how will she ever part with Walter? And what if he isn’t the only reason she wants to stay? (summary from Goodreads)

Review

I think I liked this one better than Meet Me in Bombay and I was surprised by that because Meet Me in Bombay was pretty damn good! I loved how this story started with Rose feeling pretty blah about her life. I think a lot of readers will instantly feel a connection with Rose’s character and fall in love with her. I loved that she decides to randomly answer an ad to travel with a child to Australia and how that one decision drastically impacts her life. I thought that it gave this story a more epic and romantic feel right from the start. The cast of characters and the romance that plays out are genuine, memorable, and stunning. I absolutely loved the characters and this would have been a 5 star book based on characters a lone but the setting stole my heart and sealed the 5 star deal!

I have never been to Australia but I certainly want to now! I felt like I was right there in the outback and I want to visit this place so badly! The last book I read that was set in Australia that really brought the location to life was The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley. This book in many ways brought back that same love and beauty of the country that Riley’s book did. It was exactly what I needed to read right now! It was transporting and warming. I felt like I got to go on an adventure from my couch.

This book was packed full of emotion. There is a lot going on with the characters and as you read the book you can easily sympathize with this situations and struggles. I felt really connected even to the host of secondary characters and their various struggles in this story but ultimately it was Rose I felt the most connected to though I did care for the other characters it was her and her principal story line that I was constantly eager to get back to and discover. I wanted to blow through this one but at the same time didn’t want it to end and have to return to real life. This was a glorious read and if you love exotic locations no doubt you will fall in love with Australia just like I did!

Book Info and Rating

Ebook 353 pages

Expected publication March 15th 2022 St Martin’s Press

ISBN 1250274761

Free review copy provided by publisher, St Martins Press, in exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own and in no way influenced.

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: historical fiction

Under the Golden Sun is a lovely story about a young women named Rose, who suffered a devastating miscarriage and could not seem to shake the grief and loneliness that followed. The time frame is WWII and Rose is living in England. Rose has felt her relationship with her fiancé has changed since she lost the baby and she is struggling and depressed.
Rose sees an advertisement looking for someone to accompany a recently orphaned little boy to Australia to live with relatives. Rose is at a point in her grief where this long trip by ship brings a purpose to her life. Upon meeting the boy, Walter, she feels an immediate maternal bond. Her decision to accompany the child on the long journey did not sit well with her fiancé or family but they respected her decision. From that moment on Rose’s life would be forever changed. Her meeting with Walter’s family certainly did not go as planned.
This historical fiction book was a delightful and spellbinding read. I had not read any WWII stories in the past that involved Australia. The story is about love, grief and relationships. A little bit of romance adds to the story.

I was thrilled to have an opportunity to read Jenny Ashcroft’s latest novel. I had to force myself to read slowly, savoring each page. It is a beautiful well-written novel and I highly recommend it.

The story begins in 1936 Australia when Mabel is pregnant. She escapes from what appears to be a desperate situation.

Fast forward to March 1941 England. While on a train, Rose notices a newspaper ad seeking an individual to escort a young, orphaned child to Australia. Rose is reeling from her recent miscarriage, the inattentiveness of her American press correspondent fiancé and the loss of her place in the military after her indiscretion. Against the advice of her beloved uncle and brother, she accepts the position and quickly bonds with little Walter.
Their journey to Australia during the midst of WWII is dangerous and eye opening. Rose quickly realizes that Walter may not have a happy welcome when he meets his distant relatives. Their journey to Australia and acclimation is much more difficult and lasts much longer than Rose had ever anticipated.

This novel is truly about Rose’s journey of self-discovery and reflection. It’s about fear of the unknown, love and forgiveness and most of all hope.

I received an advance digital review copy of this book all opinions are my own.

I absolutely adored this book, I never would have guessed that a story about an orphan during World War 2 would be such a lovely story with such heartwarming moments. Rosie is an incredible protagonist and her connection with Walter is unmatched. Thrilled to be starting off 2021 with a 5 star read!

When it comes to WWII fiction I prefer reading about women in roles not on the Homefront. Because I don't think the war could have been won without women putting their lives on the line.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book! I will be posting my review on social media, to include Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, and Instagram!

Under the Golden Son is historical fiction that captures the reality of living through World War II - through the eyes of a young woman and a 4 year old. It deals with the racial mores of the time with empathy. Great storyteller with consummate plot twists and turns. The author, Jenny Ashcroft, is a master of her craft. You won't want to put this book down. And when you do finish, your left wanting more.

This book reminded me of Catherine Gaskin books I used to read when I was younger. Sweeping stories with strong female protagonists that crossed continents and had a tortured male love interest. Well written and totally enjoyable to read.

I really enjoyed this book. Interesting historical fiction story of London and Australia during WWII. You pretty much could assume where this book was going to end up but it was so much fun reading the storyline to get to the end. Characters are well defined; one really felt like you knew them. You could just fall in love with little Walt. Descriptions of the scenery were great; you could picture the land in Australia. This was a well written and well researched book which is worth reading. Would love to see this turned into a movie!

4.75 stars
Thank you to #NetGalley and #St.Martin'sPress for the chance to read and review this book. #UndertheGoldenSun for my honest opinion.

This is another heart-warming story from Jenny Ashcroft who turned me into a fan with her #MeetMeBombay.
An historical view that transports you from England (and its rain) across an ocean to the sunny, hot Australia outback.. Ashcroft has a gift in sharing new locations with her readers, the local words, customs and in this case some sad hard facts on discrimination of Aborigines. It also speaks to female friendship, sibling love and respect, the past choices of family members and how they all come together eventually with joy.
This is a well-written story from both a child's perspective (Walter - I wanted to squeeze him!) and to the various adults involved (Rose, Esme, Max and a score of others). A book which I could not put down, adored the characters while reading and already missed them when I turned the last page.
Please Ms. Ashcroft, another book soon!

There's something very readable about this author's books. I find them very enjoyable.

In this, a young woman at a loose end in her life answers an ad for a nanny willing to take a young boy to family in Australia. His guardian is dying and is trying to make sure that her young charge is taken care of. I'll leave you to read this for the details.

One thing that I find interesting in this author's books is that she makes the colonizers (British) look ridiculous and sort of cruel. It's not an overarching theme, and I'm not entirely sure it is completely intentional. But I find it to be an interesting aspect.

I found this to be a powerful, well-written historical novel covering wartime England all the way to Australia. I was immediately captivated by the characters of Rose and Walter, and eagerly kept turning pages to join them on their adventure. Excellent book, with a feel-good, satisfying ending.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Jenny Ashcroft’s Under the Golden Sun swept me off of my feet and back to 1940s England and Australia. I was completely absorbed by the story, and simply couldn’t put it down.

Traumatized by the war and her own personal tragedies, Rose isn’t looking for any more life-changing experiences. Yet when she sees the ad searching for a caregiver to accompany a four year old boy on a voyage to Australia, she can’t help but feel a tug in her heart that leads her to just inquire about the opportunity.

There are plenty of reasons for Rose to turn down the job. Her fighter pilot brother, her politician uncle, a fiancé, the life she had planned for herself. But after meeting little Walter, she can’t help but do all she can to help him get to his new home. But will she be able to leave Walter once he’s settled? Or will Walter, and his estranged family, need her more than ever?

While there are loads of historical fiction novels set during WWII, this one really stands apart for me. It highlights a less frequently portrayed region, as well as featuring characters wounded early in the war. The portrayal of wounded veterans is inclusive and important. Ashcroft expertly demonstrates the trauma of recovering from one world war while in the midst of another. The time and place settings raise the already high stakes for these characters, and make this book impossible to put down.

The characters are phenomenally well developed. As someone who often interacts with young children, I’m always thrilled to find realistic depictions of kids, from the funny things they say to their unfiltered personalities to their struggles. Rose’s patience and gentleness with fragile Walter is part of what makes her such a lovable character, though her tenacity in recovering from her own tragedy while helping Walter through his is another reason to love her. Although Rose is often viewed by others as delicate, she possesses great grit and determination. That Walter is her motivation for standing up for him, and herself, is all the more endearing.

Like many historical fiction novels, heavy themes of grief, loss, and recovery are present. The lingering effects of grief are well described, and vary depending on character and personality accurately. The characters and their losses are so intricately described and relatable that I found myself tearful on more than one occasion.

Though the cast of characters is wide, each character is so fully developed that they are easily distinguishable. From the staff of each residence to the main players, every character is memorable in their own way. The importance of female friendship is such a strong theme, and the unification of two lonely souls finding friendship in such an isolated time and place feels especially timely during these pandemic years.

Rose’s relationships and experience traveling from Britain to Australia in 1940 are the primary focus of the story. I love the balance of relationships, with her relationships with Walter and new friends Esme and Kate just as well-developed as the romantic plot. The slow-burn romantic story woven into the narrative adds even more to love about this book.

All of the locations are wonderfully depicted. The setting descriptions are realistic and make the reader feel as though they are there, sitting in the waving grass beneath the shining sun, watching Rose and Walter head off on a walk. Ashcroft strikes the perfect balance of action and description, making the reading experience immersive.

Though the main topics of this novel are heavy with war, loss, and fear as a constant undercurrent, there is such humor, love, and hope spread throughout that make it utterly irresistible. It is through Rose’s relationships that we see her truly blossom and come into her own, and what a treat it is to witness. The overall message of hope and love leave the reader feeling sated despite the heavier moments.

Thank you to author Jenny Ashcroft, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an advanced copy such that I could share my honest review.

Under the Golden Sun will be available 15 March 2022 from St. Martin’s Press.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
One day Rose Hamilton notices an ad in the paper that catches her attention. A family is looking for someone to escort an orphaned child named Walter to Australia. She applies and instantly becomes attached to young Walter so she accepts the job. Unfortunately, when they arrive Walter's new family isn't quite what they were expecting. I really enjoyed reading about Australia and how Rose and Walter start to fit in with his new family. This book is very well written with a bit of history, a bit of romance and just a very touching story.

This one took a while for me to finish. I liked the concept of the story but the time it took for her adventure to Australia left me a little sleepy. The ending chapter was phenomenal!! It was a clean story and had a good storyline overall.

I received this copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found the first third of the book to be slow and wondered later why we needed so much set up. For me, once Rose Hamilton decides to escort young, orphaned Walter to Brisbane, Australia, while WWII raged across the world, I was more than hooked.
I found Rose’s growing love for Walter to be heart-felt and unforced. Who wouldn’t love that innocent child? Ashcroft descriptions of rural Australia were wonderful, and the characters all resonate as real and well-developed.

But the plot thickens as all does not goes as promised in Australia. Family members are less than thrilled to have Walter back, and the reasons why are quite varied. Ashcroft has developed an emotional plot that tugs at the heart and had me turning pages to see what would happen.

Rosie has left a fiancé behind in England, but we realize what that relationship is up against one she meets Max, Walter’s uncle who’d been wounded in the war. His sister Esme is warm and inviting and soon Rose wonders if she will ever be able to say goodbye to Walter and the extended family and return to her life in England.

Under the Golden Sun is the latest release by Aussie author Jenny Ashcroft and it was very good. Four stars for a slow beginning for me but overall, I highly recommend it.
Thank you to the author and St. Martin’s Press for this opportunity to read and review.

The book was more of a romance whose ending could be predicted. War times certainly disrupt lives and this book can attest to that .The book dragged at times . The charm of Australia was detailed in this book. For me it was just an okay read.

Very interesting story mostly set in Australia in the 1940s. Rose Hamilton, the main character, has had her struggles in England during WWII when she answers an advertisement to chaperone a young boy, Walter, to his family in Australia. The first part of the story is set in England while they prepare for their months-long journey to the other side of the world and then set sail. The remainder of the book covers their adventures once they arrive at their destination.

Full of great characters with an unusual setting, I would recommend Under the Golden Sun, especially for anyone who likes historical novels or stories set in more exotic locations. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I would definitely be recommending this book to readers on my Instagram bookstagram account.