I could not complete this book. Not only are the characters flat and stereotypes, but the book is clearly a romance. I don't read romance novels (achieving romance as the point of a book is not only uninteresting but is infuriating).

I would love to read a story about the loss and rediscovery of the scientific discovery and classification of the platypus (perhaps with Maori insights as well) through the lives of two women separated by time. I am utterly uninterested in that being a plot device for a romance.

Tea Cooper is an author I always look forward to reading. When I saw that she had a new book coming out I was excited to read it. I enjoy that her writing always portrays an aspect of Australian history. Since I know very little about the history of Australia, I usually end up learning something new by reading her books. The Naturalist’s Daughter was no exception. I had little to no knowledge about the platypus before reading The Naturalist's Daughter nor knew that someone had actually devoted his life to studying its many unique characteristics. The Naturalist’s Daughter was written in a dual timeline that was separated by a hundred years. It took place in Agnes Banks, New South Wales and London, England in 1808 and in Sydney, New South Wales in 1908. During the 1908 setting, Hunter Valley, New South Wales was also an important location in the story. I really appreciated that Tea Cooper created two very strong and capable female protagonists in The Naturalist’s Daughter. It was well written and impressively researched. I really got a true feeling for life in New South Wales during both of those time periods, especially the challenges and struggles that women faced. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Corinne Davies.

Rose Winton grew up in the early 1800’s in Agnes Banks, New South Wales. She had always been closer to her father than her mother. Rose adored her father who was a naturalist and had a world of patience for Rose’s unending questions. From a very young age, Rose was almost always spotted accompanying her father to the banks of the river where he spent hour upon hour observing and studying the unique characteristics of the platypus. Charles Winton, Rose’s brilliant and dedicated father, always encouraged Rose to sketch her observations of the platypus and whatever else she observed while working along side him. She had taken up the role as her father’s assistant on these occasions. The two had long conversations about what they thought, saw and understood about the platypus. Over the years, Rose had learned so much from her father about the platypus. One day, Charles shared his plans to go to London to present his findings to his mentor, Sir Joseph Banks and the Royal Society with Rose. She wanted desperately to go with her father but he made her promise that she would stay in Agnes Banks and look after her mother. Just before Charles’s departure, he became quite ill and was not going to be able to go to London but this opportunity could not be missed. Rose’s father entrusted her to take his place. After all, the only other person who knew as much about the platypus as Charles Winton was Rose. Once Rose arrived in London, she was constantly reminded how little a woman’s knowledge, opinion and ability was recognized. Rose also discovered secrets that had been hidden for decades.

Tamsin Alleyn was employed by the Mitchell Library in Sydney, New South Wales in 1908 when an elderly woman contacted the library. The woman, Tamsin learned, wanted to donate a very old sketch pad to the library that probably dated back to the 1800’s. Someone was needed to travel to Hunter Valley to authenticate that the sketches in the book were what the woman claimed them to be. Tamsin was more than willing and excited to travel to Hunter Valley to do this. If the sketches were what the woman claimed them to be, this could prove to be a very important acquisition for the library. When Tamsin arrived at the woman’s home, she learned that the woman had recently died. She found the woman’s estranged daughter at her mother’s home. Tasmin got the feeling that the daughter was more interested in what she could sell that would benefit her monetarily. The daughter did not seem distraught by her mother’s death in the least. Also present was an antiquarian bookseller and lawyer named Shaw Everdene. He was present to represent the deceased woman’s daughter in the sale of the home and its contents. Shaw would also be present when the daughter’s mother’s Will was read. Tasmin decided to trust Shaw and allow him to help her research and authenticate the sketches that the woman had wanted to donate to the library before her death. Was Shaw who he claimed to be or was he trying to profit from getting possession of the sketches? Would Shaw and Tasmin be able to gather enough evidence to authenticate the sketches? What would they discover?

In the end both timelines were flawlessly woven together and all the pieces of the puzzle were made to fit together. I enjoyed learning about the platypus and envisioning its natural environment and distinct characteristics. Both Rose and Tamsin were strong and determined women who were ahead of their times. I enjoyed the romance that developed slowly over time for both women. The description of the scenery was vivid and so easy to imagine. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper and highly recommend it.

Thank you to HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to listen to the audiobook The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Harper Muse for the ARC.

Two women, two love stories, one hundred years and one confounding scientific curiosity. I loved learning about the early discovery of the mallangong or what is known today as the platypus. Rose Winton and her Pa, Charles Winton also loved this scientific wonder just as much and wished to show the world their discoveries documented in gorgeous watercolor sketes and drawings done on the riverbanks of Agnes River, a community inland of Sydney, Australia where these mammals were discovered to live.

Charles is summoned to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England but falls ill and Rose must make this cross-seas journey in his place. What she encounters and discovers will alter history.

one hundred years later, 1908 in Sydney Australia, Tamsin works at the public library. She has been studying the correspondence of Charle's Winston and believes him to be the first to document the platypus. She is asked to retrieve a sketchbook believed to be Winston's, but soon finds herself trying to solve a mystery of her own.

Cooper's book was the first I've read of hers and it was interesting in its science, her characters and their journeys. I loved how they weaved and twined their histories. The mystery was captivating, and the stories of both Rose and Tamsin had me happy to be reading both a mystery and historical fiction.

Unfortunately I had to DNF for now. I got about 34% into the story and had to put it down. It is too drawn out and a little formulaic to where I'm pretty sure I know the ending. I may try picking up again at a later time, but I have to put it down for now.

This thoroughly imagined historical fiction novel about the complexities of family and a creature that remains mysterious to this day -- the platypus -- is set in two different time periods in Australia.

I was on the fence about reading/listening to this one because I wasn't sure how interesting I'd find it, but I went ahead and requested the audiobook from NetGalley. I think I would have preferred to read it instead of listen to it, as the time period shifts were a bit hard to follow and the story felt disjointed. The ending was a bit predictable for my taste. Not a terrible read, but not my favorite.

After reading Tea Cooper’s book The Butterfly Collector, I knew I had to read The Naturalist’s Daughter when I saw it!!

I really enjoy Cooper’s voice but when I realized the book what about the discovery of the platypus I laughed. But after reading about it I learned that the platypus wasn’t just a straight forward discovery of an animal. The platypus actually brought distrust and disbelief in the world of science throughout the world.

I love the opening character’s personality. She has a great love of the nature in Australia. She has a strong bond with her father, the naturalist Charles Winton. She loves to accompany him as he documents his discoveries. When he becomes ill and isn’t able to travel to England, Rose is determined to make sure his work is represented in England so she goes on his behalf. When she arrives she is disrespected and ignored. I felt bad for Rose and was angered at the way she was treated. 1808 England was definitely a man’s world.

Fast forward to 1908 Australia. Tamsin Alleyn works at a library and is ecstatic to be in charge of collecting a sketchbook that’s been donated to the library. It may be Charles Winton’s! But as she arrives she finds out that it’s not that easy. Others are hoping to collect the sketch book as well. Including a very handsome man she is drawn to named Shaw Everdene.

What started as a straightforward book about proving the attributes of the platypus slowly turns into a dark, deep mystery! I was enthralled! It gave me Jamaica Inn ( Daphne Du Maurier) mixed with Wuthering Heights ( Emily Brontë )vibes.


Many thanks to Tea Cooper and Harper Collin’s Focus/Harper Muse for the ARC via NetGalley!!

The Naturalist’s Daughter is an intriguing historical fiction novel that covers two timelines in Australia. The first is set in 1808 in Agnes Banks, New South Wales and follows Rose Winton who travels to London when her father - the eminent naturalist Charles Winton - becomes too ill to travel himself. Her father was asked to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society on his groundbreaking study of the platypus.

The second timeline is set in 1908 in Sydney and follows librarian Tamsin Alleyn who was asked to travel to the Agnes Banks to retrieve an old sketchbook gifted to the Public Library. When she arrives, she discovers the donor died a few days earlier. When she approaches the heir about the sketchbook, she meets a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer who was hired to assist with the sale of the sketchbook. Without informing Tamsin of the heir’s desire to sell to the highest bidder, Shaw works with Tamsin to uncover the book's true provenance. What they uncover is an intricate mystery of how the lives of two women a century apart are intertwined.

This story is well written and expertly researched. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, narrated by Corinne Davies, who was moving and compelling. I highly recommend this audiobook!

Title: The Naturalist’s Daughter
Author: Tea Cooper
Narrated by: Corinne Davies
Publisher: Harper Muse
Length: Approximately 13 hours and 37 minutes
Source: Thank you @tea_cooper @harpermusebooks @austenprose for the physical review copy and @netgalley for the audiobook review copy.

What is your favorite animal to watch in the wild? While I was in college, I loved watching beavers swim in an area that was along the bike bath I used.

In 1808 Agnes Bank, Australia, Rose Winton works with her father, Charles on his research on the platypus. This research is groundbreaking. After he is involved in an accident, Rose sets off to present his findings to the Royal Society in England. Why did her mission ultimately fail? Wha family secrets will she discover?

In 1908 Sydney, Tamsin Alleyn, is sent to retrieve an old sketchbook that was donated to the library by a recently deceased elderly lady. Tamsin discovers that the sketchbook is very valuable and provides clues to a mystery from the past. What has she discovered?

• This review was supposed to be posted last week but was delayed by numerous technical problems.

• This was a dual narrative novel. I liked both timelines. At first, I was engaged by the 1808 timelines the most, but then I was caught up in the 1908 story. They both tied up nicely at the end.

• I loved the STEM tie in with the research on the platypus and trying to get the Royal Society to believe that such a creature existed. It was fascinating.

• This historical fiction story had a few gasp out loud moments from me, and it had some suspense and Gothic elements in the last half of the novel. It made it a very enjoyable read for me, that completely captured my imagination.

• I loved the sweet romance that occurred in both timeless.

• The characters were believable and relatable. I enjoyed their journey and really wanted to know more about them.

• I love that “Jamaica Inn” was mentioned as well as that it served pasties. This seemed like a good Easter egg for author Daphne Du Maurier’s classic novel, Jamaica Inn. Jamaica Inn is a real inn that can be found in Cornwall, England.

• I always find the history of the convict ships to Australia to be fascinating.

• This was an intriguing audiobook. I didn’t want to stop listening!

• I was disappointed to find out in the author’s note that Charles and Rose Winton were fictional characters. They were so believably real throughout the novel. There was real history mixed into the story.

The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper was a fascinating and unique historical tale with great characters, STEM elements, and suspense. This is another highly recommended book from me!

In this story we follow two timelines — Rose Wilson in 1808 and Tamsin Allen in 1908 and focuses on the sketch books of a naturalist and the understanding of the Platypus. The narrator has a beautiful voice and does well at the voices and helping to make the story more intriguing and maintain interest. I was more invested in the 1908 timeline than the 1808 setting— I enjoyed the Australian aspects of the story and the information of the Platypus was very interesting.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for this ALC. This is my honest review.

'The Naturalist's Daughter' by Tea Cooper is a dual timeline story of... the study of the platypus. A topic I knew little about, I feel like I learned a great deal about the platypus, as well as the history of natural science through this book.

I did feel the pacing was a bit slow for me, the first half of the book requires the reader to wade through scientific explanations of the platypus, as well as establish characters in 1808 and 1908. I will note that Cooper does know the exact time to switch timelines to keep the reader guessing.

I was lucky enough to review this book in audio format. I felt the production value of the audio book was high and I enjoyed Corinne Davies's narration.

Thank you to Tea Cooper and Harper Collins Focus for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This audiobook was well done and I loved the bit of Australian accent!

I never knew there was so much debate and drama surrounding the classification of the platypus! Set in Australia in both 1808 and 1908 this historical fiction delves into a possible scenario inspired by a real life discrepancy on the record. It follows two different women living during that time—one a daughter of a naturalist doing groundbreaking work surrounding the platypus, and the other a research librarian who comes across an old sketchbook that may have great significance.

It was neat to have both time period timelines happening in the past but still 100 years apart and seeing what aspects had stayed the same or changed during that time frame. The way the two timelines worked together was really intriguing as well and provided a bit of a mystery feel. I love reading stories with an Australian setting and there was some really interesting background and elements.

Both timelines featured a strong woman ahead of her time and I loved watching their spirit and determination

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* i LOVED this book!! and learned a lot about platypus lmao would buy or read again for sure, 5 out of 5 stars!

It was an interesting book that had two stories intertwined. Two women from two different times looking for the truth of a scientific truth.

3.5* rounded up... The premise of The Naturalist's Daughter was intriguing in its Australian setting. Although events unfolded fairly slowly, there was a lot of information to learn and the dual timeline added to the overall strength of the plot. This is definitely for those interested in historical fiction with a bit of romance...nothing spicy and overall a clean read.
I listened to the audio version and I felt the narrator did a good job and added to the overall story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus/Harper Muse for this ARL. All opinions are mine.

This story is told in dual timelines in 1808 Agnes Banks and 1908 Sydney, Australia. The former timeline follows Rose, the daughter of naturalist Charles Winton, as she assists her father with his local studies of the platypus. After a platypus incident, Charles sends Rose in his stead to present his scientific research in London. The latter storyline follows Tamsin who is sent on a mission to retrieve a donation to the library where she works. Unfortunately, the heir to the estate disputes that the book was donated and wants to sell it. Tamsin must team up with her lawyer to divine the provenance and worth of the book. I switched between the eBook and the audio for this one. The audio is narrated by Corinne Davies, and she does a fantastic job with both timelines.

I found the study of the platypus in this story to be fascinating. I’m a science and nature geek. There was quite the historical controversy over the classification of the platypus, not to mention those that believed the creature was a myth and that the so-called scientists living in a “land of criminals and uneducated natives” had amalgamated various animals into one to pull off an unbelievable hoax. I’ll admit that the mobs of angry men coming after Rose in London after Winton’s presentation seemed a little melodramatic for a science convention to me.

Nevertheless, I was affronted on the part of Rose as a woman being unable to present her father’s research. There is also a whole host of issues going on with this family, since Rose finds out that her origins aren’t what she believed growing up and I really enjoyed her family storyline. She meets Julian, the brother she didn’t know she had in England, as well as falls in love with the Finneas, who was raised alongside him. Julian annoyed me from the beginning. I found Finneas a little too timid or maybe too gentlemanly. I felt like he needed to stand up to Julian more, but he eventually does the right thing, maybe. I was a little disappointed in the abrupt end to this storyline.

Alternating with the former timeline, Tamsin is researching the alleged book donated to the Public Library alongside Shaw. Shaw is working on the case at his father’s behest though he would rather pursue his own dreams of becoming an antiquarian bookseller. His father is adamant that the book be sold, not donated, and that Shaw do everything in his power to make that happen, regardless of the legality. Tamsin and Shaw uncover the truth about the book and what happened to Rose Winton after the events in London a century earlier as well as a personal connection to the story.

I really enjoyed both timelines in this book and recommend it to historical fiction lovers with an affinity for Australia. Or the platypus. LOL

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for a copy provided for an honest review.

Set in Australia, written by an Australian author, and read by a woman with an Australian accent. It contains words like “damper”, “billabong”, “scuttlebutt”, and “tucker”. It was lovely.

The Naturalist’s Daughter begins with early research of the “mallangong” (aka platypus).

I don’t want to give any spoilers, but there are dual timelines, several mysteries, and a light sprinkling of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

I was lucky enough to read the book first - which was fantastic! Well the audio book is even better! The voice actor did a marvelous job bringing each character to life.

One of my most anticipated novels this summer was The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper. Though it was first published in Australia in 2017, this is its first release in the United States.

What initially drew me to this book is its focus on the platypus. In New South Wales, Australia in the early 1800s, Rose helps her father Charles in observing and understanding the platypus, with plans to formally present this information in London. But after Charles is spurred by a platypus, Rose must travel to England alone to present their groundbreaking work. A century later, in 1908, Tamsin is researching aa newly unearthed sketchbook detailing the platypus some decades before knowledge of the animal was accepted. Who made these discoveries, and why were they never acknowledged?

With two mysteries and a lot about the platypus, this is a work of historical fiction unlike any I’ve read before.

Tropes & Narrative Devices:
- Dual timeline (1819-1820; 1908)
- Third-person narration

What I Liked:
- Platypus! I’ve always loved animals and really enjoyed this opportunity to learn more about the platypus and its fascinating history. It’s such an incredible animal that defies our general understanding of mammals; it’s no wonder people were skeptical about it… though they certainly should have listened to Rose in this novel!
- Women in science. Speaking of Rose’s scientific contributions, I loved seeing a young woman taking charge in the study of animals. She was helping her father, already a naturalist himself, but her contributions were invaluable. I loved seeing how knowledgeable and committed she was in her observations of the platypus. This is especially groundbreaking considering she was doing this in the early 1800s when women weren’t thought to belong in science.
- Women’s achievements and earning greater respect. Both Rose and Tamsin face sexism for their work, being barred from participating in areas for which they’re well qualified. It’s infuriating to see them need to fight for any scrap of respect, and worse still when men still don’t give them the respect they deserve. Nonetheless, I love seeing women defy the patriarchy and forge ahead.
- Dual mysteries. Both Rose in 1820 and Tamsin in 1908 are unraveling mysteries. Rose is uncovering shocking secrets about her family, while Tamsin is trying to determine who made these incredible discoveries about the platypus, years before traits were thought to be discovered, and by an unknown woman no less. Readers, of course, know a bit more than Tamsin going in, but there’s more to be revealed.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
- Nothing, I enjoyed all of it!

Final Thoughts
The Naturalist’s Daughter is a captivating work of historical fiction that takes readers on a unique journey. If you’re interested in animals (especially the platypus), women in science, and family mysteries, this is a must-read. This is my first time reading Tea Cooper, and I’m eager to dive into more of her novels soon.

This is a dual timeline historical fiction mystery that takes place in 1808 and 1908. Early discovery of the platypus and recognition for the person who discovered the platypus were discussed.

Many thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins Focus for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In 1808, Rose embarks on a journey to share her father’s groundbreaking research into the platypus. A century later, Tamsin uncovers hidden truths within the sketchbook’s pages. Together, their stories reveal a captivating tale of scientific discovery, family secrets, and the enduring power of knowledge.

This book is highly entertaining, yet also provides insights into the unique history of the platypus. I loved the characters—they’re likable. relatable, and deeply committed to sharing knowledge with the world. The author did a great job of bringing to life the dual time periods and the varied settings, while interweaving the romance and mystery plots. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.