Love this book so good so refreshing recommend! This book will take you on an adventure of ww2 where rose takes on the responsibility of watching over a child on a boat to London and takes her on an path they are both not use to

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me wondering how it was going to end. I fell in love with Walter and his way of thinking. I also liked the way things kept unraveling til the end.

Rose lives in England and is on her way to celebrate her birthday with family when she reads an advertisement looking for someone to escort an orphan child to Australia. It intrigues her so much that she immediately heads to the address listed in the ad. She impresses the orphan’s great-aunt and she moves into the household of the little boy so that she can become familiar with the child. It doesn’t take much time before Rose is deeply attached to little Walter. Then, she is off to Queensland to deliver him to his relatives.

Rose is surprised by the family’s response upon arriving in Australia. As the story progresses, she learns of the difficulties little Walter will be facing. There are issues that arise over attitudes toward aboriginal people. There had been some instances of prejudice in England but now it’s more pervasive. Looks and comments resurrecting old memories of the little boys’ mother make things uncomfortable. Luckily, Walter’s uncle and aunt are ready to make both the boy and his guardian feel comfortable at the cattle station. Ensuring Walter’s assimilation into ranch life in Australia is paramount to Rose and she can’t leave until his future is settled.

Much of the richness of this story is due to the endearing characters. Rose, Walter, Uncle Max and Aunt Esme are loveable creations. Walter is especially sweet and it’s no surprise he has become so attached to his guardian. WWII is still raging but this is not a wartime story. Though set in that era there are few references except for Max’s scars which are a clear indicator of the toll of war on fighter pilots like him. Australia is somewhat removed from the European drama and the beauty of the country captivates Rose. But will she be able to leave her charge when the time comes? Charming and moving, this story is heartwarming and touching. The audio version is read by Olivia Dowd who adds a sweet flavor to the text.

*receive for free from netgalley for honest review* This turned out way better than i had thought it would for sure, i wasn't sure how "Romance" this would be but was pleasantly surprised by this book and the story in it, especially the ending! As a previous nanny can't imagine how hard it would to be to leave a kid like that, of course you have to go back!

My Interest

Thank you to #Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I enjoyed the author's earlier book, Meet Me In Bombay, in spite of some problems with the story. I liked the sound of this story, too. World War II, an orphaned child, a long journey--so much to attract my interest.

The Story

Rose, who has recently been discharged from the Women's division of the RAF for an unwed pregnancy, signs on to accompany a mixed-race child back to his family in Australia. Her uncle is close to the Prime Minister, her boy friend is an upper-class New Yorker working for a newspaper (whom the audio performer unfortunately makes sound like a gangster in a B movie). She instantly falls in love with Walter (the child) and agrees to accompany him to his extended family in Australia.

Their ship with go in a convoy hoping to evade German u-boats.The boy's mother was struck by a bus and his grandmother is dying. Her Uncle (the one friendly with "Winston") asks, sanely, "is there anyone else [the boy] can go to?" Still recovering from her miscarriage, Rose sees this as a great opportunity. Her brother, Joe, is an RAF pilot who happens to have known the child's uncle, Max, who flew for the RAAF before miraculously surviving a crash. Rose arrives in Australia after the long months at sea and .....

My Thoughts

I'll be totally honest: I was in the mood for a book like this! I need some adventure, some romance, and some tweaking at the heartstrings. This book fit the bill and then some.

Were there problems? Mistakes? Yes, The only one I'll harp on (ok, aside from "grabbing her seat belt" in an Australian Ute in 1941) was that "Winston" had Rose's family over to ride at Blenheim Palace. Now Winston could very well have rung up or written to his first cousin (Consuelo Vanderbilt's son) the Duke of Marlborough and asked him to let friends ride the Duke's horses on the Blenheim estate, but I think it much more likely that "friends" of "Winston" would have gone to HIS home, Chartwell, in Kent and ridden his horses. But, that's just me. Minor point.

I liked this story very well in spite of any flaws. I thought Walter was sweet. I thought Rose's Uncle Lionel was right to be concerned, but I knew she'd be ok in spite of everything. This is a great poolside or beach read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio version of this book. I love a good love story and this book does not dissapoint. I found this book hard to stop listening to. It really is a lovely book. I do not want to give anyting away so really if you love a good love story pick up this book and enjoy!

Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft is a beautiful tale of love, loss, joy, and hope. When Rosie answers an advertisement for someone to chaperone an orphan to Australia during WWII, she has no idea how much her life will change. Walter is only four when she meets him, recently orphaned, and his great aunt is in too poor of health to continue caring for him. Rosie feels an instant love for the sweet boy who has suffered too much loss for one so young. She accepts the position and carries him to Australia to meet his other family. However, upon arriving, she discovers that he is not as welcome as they were made to believe. As they try to find their way in a new place and among new people, Rosie will discover more about herself as well. And, when she starts to fall in love with Max, a scarred pilot with a sheltered heart, she may be able to change her future as well.
I really enjoyed this book. I had the audio version, which was very well done. The narrator did a great job, especially with the different accents. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

Rose has taken a unique job. She has been hired to accompany a small child, Walter, on a trip to Australia. Walter has recently become and orphan and he is about to lose his only caregiver. So, he is being sent to Australia to be reunited with family.

Rose has fallen hard for this sweet little boy. She has become his biggest protector. So, when they arrive in Australia and are faced with some strange challenges, Rose is going to fight to protect him at all costs.

I loved Rose. When she is first introduced in this novel, I was a bit hesitant to like her. She seemed a bit scatterbrained and not very “with it”. But she grew on me. And I found her resilient and compassionate as the story moved along.

I very rarely say this. This is probably a book I would have enjoyed more if I had physically read it and not listened to it. I had a bit of trouble with some of the mundane details (I tend to skim those when I physically read a book) Usually these things don’t bother me much. But this story moved a bit slowly in certain areas. I wanted a faster pace and a bit more action.

I did enjoy the location. Australia is on my bucket list. Plus, the narrator, Olivia Dowd, did a great job. She has become one of my favorites.


Need a good story with a fabulous location…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest opinion.

We have a story set in WWII. We start off with the main character Rosie who has found a job oppurnity of escorting a young child (Walter) from England to Australia. Rosie is in a relationship with a man that she just had a miscarriage with. She is going through a very emotional time with her family and relationship and isn't quite sure what she wants. She also has doubts about her relationship. When she meets Walter she falls in love with this little boy and has very protective instincts. For certain reasons she takes this boy to his family in Australia. She find out the family history and ultimately falls in love with the child's uncle. It is a slow burn and for me the story wasn't as much historical fiction as I would have enjoyed. Overall it is very well written, just didn't hit the target for me. I appreciated the epilogue, wish the story would have included more of those details.

There is a story line of miscarriage, so if that is a sensitive topic for you be aware. I felt that the author did the situation justice and was sensitive to the issue.

I really enjoyed this book. It takes place during WWII but it’s not your typical story because it takes place in Australia. The characters are extremely likable and sweet, and I found myself rooting for the will they/won’t they romance. It was a sweet heartwarming story. I’ll definitely look for more by this author. I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Historical fiction that takes place during WW2. This wasn’t about the war, not really. The majority of the novel takes place in Australia.
There was a slow burn romance and lots of hard ache. Some forgiveness and some regret. It drove me a little crazy because I don’t like for a person to be so undecided. It makes me crazy. But besides that, it was enjoyable.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and I read half of it. The narrator was Olivia Dowd and she was spectacular. I highly recommend listening to it.
Thanks St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.
I’m leaving my review on Instagram, FB, BB, Amazon, B&N and Goodreads.

A WWII historical fiction book set in Australia about a young biracial orphan boy, Walter, and Rosie, the woman who volunteered to bring him from England to his family and inheritance down under. Rosie is grieving the loss of her unborn baby, while Walter has recently lost his mother and then his aunt. Both find a new life and new friends in Australia as the war wages all around them. Full of rich historical details and a great deal of heart. This was great on audio narrated by Olivia Dowd and one I would recommend. Much thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for my ALC!

This was just one of those historical fiction books that was not for me. It just dragged on for me, and I was never to the point where I was excited to see what happened next. While I like to mix in historical fiction into my reading, this one was just did not work for me.

This was a gorgeous historical fiction book. I really loved the writing and the plot. And the location was so beautifully written. Rosie was such a good main character and I loved seeing her growth during this story. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a really excellent job with all the voices.

I was really looking forward to this one, but I must say I was a but underwhelmed. I felt the book was slow and flat, so that I never really felt entirely connected with the characters and story. I enjoyed it ok, but the characters could have been fleshed out more and the story was fairly predictable. The narrator did a fine job, though, reading the book.

Rose Hamilton finds herself drawn to an ad seeking a companion to escort a young boy to his family in Australia. Despite the protests of her family, friends, and fiancé, Rose applies for and accepts the position to escort five-year-old Walter, whom she quickly grows to love. When they arrive in Queensland, the cattle station home they had been told of is different than what Rose and Walter expected. Rose promises not to leave Walter until he is OK with her going. As Rose gets to know the others at the ranch, what if Walter isn’t the only reason Rose wants to stay?

Olivia Dowd did a nice job narrating this sweet story. The characters are well-developed and lovable despite their flaws, but the story was slow. I think the book could have been condensed without losing much of anything in the plot. Still, if you like heartwarming historical stories about love in all its forms, you may want to check this book out!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

After being let go from the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, Rose Hamilton needs a change of scenery. When a local London family advertises for someone to chaperone young Walter Lucknow from England to Australia, Rose decides this is exactly what she needs to right herself.

After a tumultuous trip at sea where fear of German submarines kept most passengers on edge, and Rose found herself seasick most of the time, she and Walter finally make it to Queensland. Unbeknownst to her, the family they traveled halfway across the world to see, didn’t actually know they were coming, and were not exactly welcoming. Livid and protective of four-year-old Walter, Rose vows to stay until he is completely settled, despite leaving behind family and a fiancé in England.

Over time and lots of tea, the family slowly (some at a snails pace) win Rose and Walter over. Uncle Max, a cattle rancher and war hero, along with his sister Esme work to prove to Rose that Walter has a home on the ranch. As he gets more comfortable in his new life, Rose discovers that Australia has begun to feel more like home than England, and begins to dread packing her bags and leaving. She has fallen in love with the Outback, with the kangaroos, koalas, and the sunrises.

Although the book lagged a bit for me in the beginning, it made up for it once Rose arrived in Australia. Again, this is another WWII historical fiction from a very different perspective than the norm. Seeing an English expat in Australia, so closely connected to those at war, yet so very far away was at times gut wrenching. Reading about the lack of communication Rose dealt with during war was tough and eye-opening. Overall, this was a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and of course Jenny Ashcroft for the advanced copy. Under the Golden Sun is out now! All opinions are my own.

Described as a captivating World War II love story set against the raw beauty of Australia, Under the Golden Sun is really so much more than that. It’s more about perseverance and survival and the sacrifices we make. It’s so easy to get lost in, to really enjoy, to imagine yourself watching kangaroos out the window. With not too many characters to keep track of, a relatively straightforward plot, and an amazingly talented narrator in Olivia Dowd, Under the Golden Sun is perfect for audio!

Thank you for the opportunity to review!

Link to 3/21/2022 Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbYA_VrrmnA/

This was my first historical fiction by Jenny Ashcroft. It was beautifully written and obviously very well researched. I look forward to reading more by her in the future.

Under the Golden Sun is set during World War II. The main character, Rose (aka Rosie) is living in England but considering escorting a young orphan to Australia. Everyone around her is trying to tell her how foolish it sounds and that she should reconsider. But she is at such an unhappy place in her own life that this change might be exactly what she needs. After she meets the little boy, she doesn't know how she can turn the offer down. So, she leaves against her fiancé's wishes and the recommendations of her uncle and brother. For her, this adventure to another country might heal her heart or it may break it.

The descriptiveness that Ms. Ashcroft writes with was excellent. Rose starts in England and then she and the boy, Walter take a ship to get to Australia. You feel as if you're with them as the waves rock the vessel. Finally, once they arrive in Australia, there is so much to describe - from the countryside to the animals to the weather. Of course, being a romantic, my favorite part is definitely the underlying romantic tension that surfaces between Rose and Max. They are both tentative with one another as they've each been hurt and have different insecurities. Watching their sweet romance slowly develop truly is heartwarming. In addition, gaining a better understanding of many of the family dynamics and how misunderstandings easily occur and can impact relationships for years. Naturally, the relationship that developed between Rose and the young boy, Walter was special to see after everything they had both been through.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The audiobook narration was well done. It lent to the authentic feel of the book itself. At times, I confess I did have to slow down the pace of my audiobook so that I could be sure I understood what was being said. Accents can throw me sometimes even when I enjoy hearing them. In this case, it was beautiful and enjoyable. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Under the Golden Sun
by Jenny Ashcroft
Pub Date: March 15, 2022
St, Martin's Press
Thanks to the authors, St. Martin Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I am fond of listening to audiobooks and this one was great!
Jenny Ashcroft's Under the Golden Sun is a captivating World War II historical love story set against the raw beauty of Australia.
Happy Publication Day!
Under the Golden Sun is the latest release by Aussie author Jenny Ashcroft and it was exceptional. I loved it, chuckled, cried, felt emotional – the characters are well written, the story wonderful, Walter an absolute delight. I really didn’t want it to end. Set in the period of the second world war, in England as well as northern Queensland, two hours from Brisbane, Under the Golden Sun has put Jenny Ashcroft up there with my favorite authors, and is one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve read in a while. Highly recommended.
5 stars