Review of AnneMarie Brear's 'Nicola's Virtue' & 'The Promise of Tomorrow'
AnneMarie Brear’s novels are all available from Amazon as e-books & paperbacks.
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Review of Nicola’s Virtue by AnneMarie Brear
Nicola’s Virtue is an enthralling story of powerful love, determination, self-fulfilment and accomplishment. It also offers a unique message in that sometimes certain ties of family must be broken to move forward.
Our lead character, Nicola, emigrates from England to Australia in 1867 in hopes of finding a job as a governess after being inspired by Miss Maria Rye, the founder of the Female Middle Class Emigration Society. Nicola does not have an easy introduction to Australia upon her arrival but she is soon rescued by an older gentleman, Mr Belfroy, who offers her more opportunity than she could have envisioned. He is truly kind and caring and has great concern for the women who arrive from overseas seeking jobs and a new life. He does his best to help all those in need through providing a special Home where they can heal, find forgiveness, and launch new careers and lives.
Nicola meets and becomes best friends with Frances West, a woman from a privileged background but who is an activist and driven to help the poor. She has a brother, Nathaniel, who means everything to her. The two are very close and Nathaniel makes sure his sister is well cared for. Nicola meets him and a surprise burning love catches fire in her heart but she is not sure what she thinks of his character. For this daring, handsome, business man wears a coat of many shades. He has led a somewhat wild and interesting life. And in some of her encounters with him, he has been less than courteous. His negative reactions and actions trouble Nicola. Eventually she realises these come from wounds inflicted upon him from his childhood caused by his frightfully wicked mother. We get to see first-hand more of the damage this older woman can cause when she unexpectedly lands on the shores of Australia. Has she come to make amends with her grown children or is she there to cause more injury for personal gain? We learn the truth through Nicola’s experiences with her and there are some mad unexpected plot twists and interesting surprises.
This is my fourth book by AnneMarie I have read and I have truly enjoyed them all. She writes some intriguing historical sagas and romances. She has a gift for detail that transports the reader swiftly to various Australian and English settings. Her writing offers enlightenment in how it might have been for women living during these times in history. And even more she makes you feel the characters’ emotions and experiences. I look forward to catching up on the full catalogue of her wonderful stories! I certainly recommend Nicola's Virtue for it is well delivered and it will truly lift and spark your heart. Also due to the author's extensive research, a Brear novel is guaranteed to teach you something new of a past era. 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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