Readers will be drawn to this tale of starting over courtesy of its unique setting, engaging main couple, and a slew of emotions that pull you in wholeheartedly. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of A Troubled Heart by Tricia McGill, along with getting my impressions of it, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this memorable historical romance, make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $10 bookstore GC too!
Unsure of his real past or name, Finn O’Connor thinks he was born in Ireland and taken from his mother as a baby by a gypsy woman. As a toddler, an English woman then took him to London. About ten he fled to join a gang of boys who survived by their wits on the streets. Five years later, he was arrested for a minor crime and transported to The Colony of New South Wales for a 10-year term. In 1846 as transporting of criminals neared an end in NSW, he was moved to the infamous penitentiary at Port Arthur in Van Diemen’s Land.
On the day Finn received his papers of freedom an accidental meeting brought him into contact with 20-year-old Esther Blythe. Born in Surrey, England, genteel Esther is kind and caring. As a 4-year-old her parents brought her to Van Diemen’s Land where her Papa, a doctor, took on the task of providing medical aid to the prisoners at the Port Arthur Penitentiary and its surrounding area. Sadly, both parents were killed in an accident, leaving Esther with no option but to work as a governess/nursemaid.For reasons that even she did not comprehend, Esther took the ex-convict under her wing when they met outside the penitentiary hospital. Could be she saw a fellow lonely soul who simply wanted someone to have faith in him. Life seems to take a turn for perhaps the better from then on, but will these two lonely people overcome many obstacles to find the happiness they seek together as they face an uncertain future.
EXCERPT:
The next day Finn walked out of the hospital with the proof that he was a free man tucked firmly into his trouser pocket. As luck would have it the injury had turned out to be not broken, but something to do with the shoulder joint having to be pushed back into its rightful position. The doctor who did this told him he had dislocated it when he fell. After the pain from that subsided, he was told to rest it as much as possible. So, no more fighting for some time, was the order given him.
It appeared that when his name came before the Commissariat’s office, they realised that his ten-year sentence ended a month or so back and therefore he was deemed free to go wherever he wanted. Just one thing held him back, he had not one penny to his name and possessed just the rags that he stood up in. A young nurse had found him a shirt somewhere to replace the one the doc cut about, but it was not a lot better than the old one. There was the bundle he carried that contained his mug and plate, a worn hairbrush he’d taken from a man who died, and a picture Finn collected somewhere along the way of a place in Ireland called Kilmallock that he kept, as it looked like a nice place to live.
As he pondered what to do next, a soft mutter of annoyance came from behind him and he turned in time to see a woman take a tumble. Landing in a heap at the foot of the steps, her skirts flew about, showing a glimpse of one perfectly shaped ankle. Seldom did females of good breeding travel about alone in these parts so he looked about to see if her carriage driver was here to assist her. A small cart stood not far away, but there was no one else in sight so he went to kneel at her side, asking, “Are you all right miss?”
With a small toss of the head, she looked up at him from the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever seen. Hair as black as night was pulled back into some sort of roll behind her head beneath the bonnet that she hastily straightened. At a guess he thought perhaps she was about twenty years of age. Not used to being this close to a woman in some time he stood hurriedly and offered a hand, feeling like the idiot he knew she must think him, while he sent up a small prayer of thanks that at least the hand was cleaner than it had been yesterday.
It appeared that when his name came before the Commissariat’s office, they realised that his ten-year sentence ended a month or so back and therefore he was deemed free to go wherever he wanted. Just one thing held him back, he had not one penny to his name and possessed just the rags that he stood up in. A young nurse had found him a shirt somewhere to replace the one the doc cut about, but it was not a lot better than the old one. There was the bundle he carried that contained his mug and plate, a worn hairbrush he’d taken from a man who died, and a picture Finn collected somewhere along the way of a place in Ireland called Kilmallock that he kept, as it looked like a nice place to live.
As he pondered what to do next, a soft mutter of annoyance came from behind him and he turned in time to see a woman take a tumble. Landing in a heap at the foot of the steps, her skirts flew about, showing a glimpse of one perfectly shaped ankle. Seldom did females of good breeding travel about alone in these parts so he looked about to see if her carriage driver was here to assist her. A small cart stood not far away, but there was no one else in sight so he went to kneel at her side, asking, “Are you all right miss?”
With a small toss of the head, she looked up at him from the most beautiful pair of eyes he had ever seen. Hair as black as night was pulled back into some sort of roll behind her head beneath the bonnet that she hastily straightened. At a guess he thought perhaps she was about twenty years of age. Not used to being this close to a woman in some time he stood hurriedly and offered a hand, feeling like the idiot he knew she must think him, while he sent up a small prayer of thanks that at least the hand was cleaner than it had been yesterday.
BUY LINKS here.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
As a fan of historical romances, I was immediately drawn to the unique setting of this story and its premise of starting over and finding a haven in the storm of life. The author has crafted a world based on facts while adding in bits of melodrama to keep readers guessing and on edge.
Finn O'Connor never seemed to have a chance in life, an orphan from the start of his life, he's been abused and tossed away like garbage. He ends up on the streets and in a gang of thieving children that ultimately leads to a 10-year prison sentence in a penitentiary known for cruelty. Once his sentence ends he's left with a life full of indecisions as he has no money, no education, and no one supporting him. Though Finn is rough around the edges, and has a quick temper, I still found myself rooting for him as he never quite seemed to catch a break. He's a handsome young man, hard working, and the moment he meets Esther Blythe his life changes irrevocably in a rocky journey full of societal judgments and conflicts.
Esther's a young woman all alone in the world after the death of her parents. To survive she becomes a nanny which allows her to remain respectable. Adding to that genteel persona is a kind heart and open nature. Despite his being an ex-con she's drawn to Finn the moment they meet, offering him a job with the people she works for in a display of intense trustworthiness. Time together leads to a slow burn romance and ultimately marriage. Their connection isn't perfect though, battered by outside forces and inner doubts, their time together is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
This is a quick read, one that often felt familiar, but still managed to satisfy. The setting was unique, with a harshness to this world, and it added an "us against the world" vibe to the story at times. While Finn and Esther's romance wasn't a scorching one, it was one based on mutual support and respect, allowing each to find themself. Romance and love was never the main focus for them, but it still had me rooting them on toward HEA. This may have been my first time reading a book by Ms. McGill, but it won't be the last!
My rating for this is a B.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
Award winning author Tricia McGill spent her early days in London, England, and moved to Australia many years ago, settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she was surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to read from an early age. Is it any wonder she became a writer. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always at their heart.
Tricia’s love of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future generations. She also volunteers for a local community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided computer equipment.
Tricia’s love of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future generations. She also volunteers for a local community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided computer equipment.
**********GIVEAWAY**********
Thank you so much for hosting and reviewing A TROUBLED HEART today.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting my book, and for your beautiful review. It is always a pleasure when someone really gets your story. Tricia
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