"He was lighting his smoke, the dancing flame of his match giving away the fact his hand shook minutely.Jonah was a handsome man, at the height of his strength and power, but at that moment, that minuscule tremble of his fingers elevated him beyond his regular beauty"

Lines like the above floored me in this novel. It was beautiful, moving and so acutely observed I have swept away. This look's like Welton B. Marsland first debut novel ( apologies if not) but the author is new to me.

The blurb does a wonderful story of setting the scene but misses the fact that this novel, it had a sheer magnitude of weight. The weight of loving someone who was the same sex as you, its consequences on you( your soul.your beliefs) and the consequences of your actions on society and the community. Some heavy questions are asked- some hefty answers are hinted at.

It feels heavy, the threat is looming over the novel.The fear of being observed. I felt with Matthew that we where being observed by God or by your own voyeurism.

I was frightened that this would be a tragedy/end on a tragic note. There are so many queer narrative stories that have this weight to them that shatters you. The wonderful K.J Charles work "The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal" has a weight that never shifts, even the epilogue is a gut punch. So I was frightened that this wonderful little novel would shatter me. Shatter my hopes. WE DO NOT NEED A HEA in any novel. I cannot stress that enough but for these characters, I really hoped and prayed and it was lovely. Perfect and above all else deserved. It did not feel shoehorned in. It felt natural and flowing.

Read this if you like Historical romances as it is one of those quiet novels that floor you. 5 stars and Marsland should be proud.

First of all, this cover is gorgeous....one of my favorites of the year.

Welton B. Marsland has written such a beautiful historical romance, and I loved the slow pace of the story and truly feeling a part of Dinbratton. The atmosphere of this story is A+, in my opinion, and it was a nice little escape from reality.

Now, I'll be honest...it took me a while to get into the book. I kept putting it down and picking up something else, but I had a feeling if I'd just commit to it, then I'd love it...and I did. It took me a good 25% to really become invested, but after that, I didn't put it down. And this isn't really an action packed story with an intricate and gripping plot...it was just a simply story about two men falling in love, and I couldn't get enough of them together. I couldn't wait to see how they made this work, or for them to go to the pub for drinks, or for Jonah to sneak into the rectory...not to mention the little bits of humor sprinkled throughout their conversations. It was the little moments of intimacy that added up to make a beautiful and original love story.

This may not be for everyone, but it certainly worked for me. If you enjoy historical romance, I highly recommend that you take a chance on this.

When I first downloaded By the Currawong’s Call from Netgalley I was a little hesitant to dive right in because I wasn’t sure how much angst there would be. After all this is set in country Victoria in 1891, an era that certainty isn’t known for its tolerance. However whilst there is some tension and conflict, this is ultimately a romance between two men finding each other against all odds and I loved it.

Set in the tiny town of Dinbratten, By the Currawong’s Call follows Matthew as he settles into life as the new resident priest. It doesn’t take long before he meets Jonah Parks, the town sergeant and hero. Jonah makes it his job to get Matthew settled in (and well versed in Friday night pub visits).

I like books that take the time to set up the relationships and the one between Matthew and Jonah was very well done. It wasn’t rushed or a ‘you’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen, let’s get naked’. That said, thrown together in a stressful situation sees the relationship ignite and Jonah coming round after dark become regular thing. They are faced with juggling their growing feelings for each other whilst maintaining a professional relationship in the eyes of town residents, given that at this period in time Jonah and Matthew’s relationship would, at the very least, see them in prison.

“Matthew didn’t want to look anywhere else. It occurred to him that he might never want to really look at any other man again.”

One of the best bits of the book were how Matthew and Jonah were together, it’s sweet and funny and very organic. It pulls you in and you can see how each of these men would fall in love with each other. Seriously they had me drowning in feels.

As I mentioned before although I was worried about the angst level it was rather low, sure there were realistic struggles and experiences but it was wonderful to read a love story as opposed to a tragedy.

“He was a God of myth, inhaling fire and sighing out incense.”

And that ending!

The time they spent in Melbourne towards the end of the book were the strongest part I think, they were so in love. And Jonah and Matthew got matching tattoos of each other’s initials over their hearts. And they run away together *sobs* I’m not crying you are.

It was somewhat of a bittersweet ending in that the epilogue is set in present time which means that Jonah and Matthew have been dead for quite some time and that often makes me tear up when I get attached to the characters, like I did with Matthew and Jonah. I would have liked to see some snapshots or a little more of what Jonah and Matthew’s life looked like after boarding the boat but it was a very satisfying ending and they get their happily ever after.

I’m looking forward to reading more of Marsland’s writing. By the Currawong’s Call was a brilliant debut novel.

★ 4.5 stars ★

By The Currawong`s Call,

Is a gentle,tender romantic friends to lovers story.
A forbidden lovestory between a priest and a police-officer.
In a time and era,when it was dangerous and forbidden to be gay.
I loved it,that they were keeping things real,and despite being in love
and enjoying there love and friendship.they dit not forgot how difficult
things where and could be,if het relationship came out.

It was a good read,and very well written,I enjoyed it.
You can`t go wrong with this book

In a time when homosexuality was illegal what happens when two men fall in love? What happens when these men are a policeman sworn to uphold the law and a priest who has been taught that it is a sin? These characters had an innocence about them that I loved, their falling in love and discovering who they were was a journey I enjoyed travelling with them. With enough romance and suspense this story kept me wanting to read more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Escape Publishing for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Oh my goodness, what an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC read By the Currawong's Call was. Such a beautifully written, powerful love story especially as it tackled some difficult topics and portrayed them in a deeply respectful manner.
Both MC's were engaging, teamed up with rich descriptions made this story feel so real and believable throughout.
I really liked the authors writing style, the uniqueness of it and how it made you connect with the characters emotions and what they were going through from the very beginning.
I loved EVERYTHING about this book, it's easily one of my favourites I just wanted more of it, so much more. I'd definitely recommend it to lovers of this genre and to anyone who believes in love and hope overcoming even through the most trying of times.

In 1891 Victoria, Australia, Anglican priest Matthew comes to a small town to become the pastor of their church.  He meets local policeman, Jonah Park and they immediately become friends.  Jonah introduces him to small-town living and all the local pubs.  As their friendship progresses, Matthew feels a growing attraction to the rugged Jonah as their relationship takes a turn.  I must begin with the comment that this story is in the LGBTQIA romance genre. I usually do not read or review these books but I decided to give it a try.  That being said, I found the author's characters to be engaging and interesting.  The story line was realistic and enjoyable..  The characters' problems were sensitive and emotional.  I am a lover of historical romance and found this book to be a good addition to this genre.

I received an ARC through NetGalley

This is such a beautiful story! I just finished and I have tears in my eyes. Two men who fall in love at a time when it was illegal to love another of the same gender. Even though this story takes place in the late 1800’s so much of it resonated with me and what is still happening to so many today.

Matthew is an Anglican priest and comes to Dinbratten and meets the towns police Sergeant, Jonah. The two men start a friendship Hi immediately. Matthew is so much more demure and naive then Jonah and I was a bit protective of him. I was afraid Jonah, who was a bit of a womanizer, would break his heart. I had to warm up to Jonah, I didn’t trust him for awhile.

When their friendship turns to much more they are both all in. This is when Jonah started to prove to me he could be good to Matthew. He took risks to be with Matthew and really was so loving. They share so many beautiful moments.

Matthew, being a priest, turns to prayer often. His thoughts and prayers are so relatable and really solidified him as a character. Jonah is pretty funny because he is not religious and he has quite the colorful vocabulary, but Matthew never judges him for it. They just fit.

They are able to go to Melbourne to spend time alone together freely but once they get a taste for life together away from a small town they are hooked. This is when Jonah suggests something that would change their lives forever.

I was rooting for these men to get their hea. I read every beautiful word of this book and just soaked it all in.

Beautifully told and evocative.

It is the turn of the 19th century in a small Australian outback town. The Reverend Matthew Ottenshaw has arrived in Dinbratten to lead the local parish church. Life in a small outback town is new for him but he is determined to work hard and be a compassionate priest. Matthew is determined to do right by his parishioners and he feels blessed to be fulfilling his vocation. He busies himself getting to know the town and it's people and one of the first people he meets is the local police constantable Sergeant Jonah Parks.

Jonah Parks is a local hero. He is a larger than life character and stories abound about his exploits. Jonah strikes up a friendship with Matthew and helps Matthew settle in. As time passes they develop a firm friendship, watching footy together, drinking together and having deep conversations together, but it is when they fight a bush fire together that they realise there is a more between them than a good friendship.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in 19th-century Australia and yet these two men embark on a gentle romance which is both comforting in its simplicity and dangerous, putting both of them at risk of imprisonment and losing their careers should they be discovered.

Neither man had ever envisaged life with another man. For Matthew his faith prevents this and for Jonas homosexuality is not something that he has ever really to dwelled on. As the two men explore the depth of the feelings they have for each other, they realise that they both want much more. They continue to develop their friendship but in the deep of the night Jonas and Matthew explore their attraction for each other. Knowing that this is illegal Jonas always makes sure he leaves Matthew's home at the call of the Currawong birds at dawn.

Despite this beautiful but gentle relationship both men are aware that they need to hide their feelings for each other. Their relationship will always need to be a secret and they realise that they have to take steps to change their lives if they are to have a future together.

I really enjoyed this story. It is a gentle and slow developing romance. It is your quintessential friends to lovers story but it takes a realistic view of both men as they think about what this could cost them should they be discovered. Matthew and Jonas have to decide whether this is a love that is worth sacrificing for and what it is that will need to be sacrificed.

I thought the story was really beautifully written. It is very evocative in the way that it transports the reader to life in the outback town. Both men serve the inhabitants of the town, sometimes risking their lives for the residents there but as they wrestle with their attraction for each other they both realise they are not prepared to sacrifice their love for one another. Matthew wrestles with his faith and Jonah with his duties to the town but is there really a future for an illegal and hidden relationship in small town 18th century Australia?

The story is told realistically but without angst. I enjoyed this because the reader gets to experience the ups and downs of the hidden relationship over time and all of this is set within the context of life in a small outback town. It is interesting to read although there are a few tense moments here and there. It is a lovely story and not overburdened by unnecessary sex scenes. Instead the sex scenes actually move the story along.

I also really appreciated the way the author portrays Matthew as a priest. I am an Anglican priest myself and I loved the way it just felt so realistic and integrated with Matthew's person. The whole issue of faith wasn't exaggerated with the 'homophobic preacher yelling from the pulpit', neither was it dismissive with the character giving up on faith. Instead it was a slow steady journey to an integration of faith and sexuality. I loved this because it is what I see in the lives of so many people and colleagues around me. Even though this would have been harder in 19th century Australia, I enjoyed reading about the struggles Matthew had and the way he groped and grappled until he managed to come to some form of peace.

At the end I really wanted to know what happened next. I really wanted more. I wanted to know about their lives afterwards. I guess I shall just need to let my imagination create that for me but a follow up novella would also be nice (big hint to author).

I loved these characters. The characterisation in the story is rich. Jonah is a bold man, a loud local hero but compassionate and caring. Matthew is a quiet reflective man who thinks deeply and has doubts but who is also quite brave and determined to do right by everyone. The writing style is also evocative bringing to life the sense of living in the Australian outback. The writing gently drew me in to the lives of both men and I found myself as I read hoping for the best for them. It is a truly beautiful story but also a very satisfying read. This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I am so glad I did. It is beautifully told and very enjoyable.

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

There are definitely things to like in ths book. The author gives rich descriptions of the environment and the time period. However the language is complex and the accents sometimes difficult to understand. Both MC are engaging. Matthew is sweetly vulnerable and Jonah is the strong type that Matthew wants. They have chemistry but it falls a little short. The epilogue is not satisfying after to buildup to the the climax. I just wanted more...

I received an ARC of By the Currawong's Call by Welton B. Marsland from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was fascinated by the idea of a police man and a priest finding love in historical Australia when it was illegal for two men to be in a relationship with each other. The way Marsland worked them into the relationship, through their struggle of how to continue this relationship was beautifully written. It wasn't just the imagery but their personalities, Johnah's brashness and Matthew's innocence made me want to keep reading and find out where these two men ended up.

The romance aspect was tastefully done. It wasn't just sex for the two men, it was more. The way Marsland wrote the intimate scenes showed that to her readers. It may have started out in a moment of stress but they time and the journey they took together proved that they found something in each other that you would only be lucky to find today.

I was worried about when the other shoe was going to drop but when it did, I was thankful for how ingenious Jonah was. The ending felt right and left me feeling hopeful for Jonah and Matthew. I so want to know how their lives ended up.

Would I recommend this to friends? Oh yes! So much so. This was beautifully written and full of love and hope. When I finished reading, I felt lighter. It was a great read and I would love to read more by Marsland in the future.

By the Currawong's Call, Welton B. Marsland

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance

I loved this book. Amazingly moving, so very realistic. 
When I read a romance I want something different, not just a cookie cutter A loves B story but something that creates emotion in me. this book delivers that. 

I love an occasional dip into a historical novel and it really suits this genre, with the draconian laws against homosexuality. ( Sadly in many areas laws like this still exist, and even when areas are more enlightened its still a battle against some people ).
The setting was perfect, had that small town feel, the way religion and priests were so respected. the snippet when one of the ladies mentions here suspicions about Jonah's sexuality to Matthew, and then apologises for talking about such matters to a man of the faith.....In little towns back then, as now, everyone knows everybody and rumours and gossip are what keeps life flowing. 

Jonah and Matthew are both such great characters, Matthew so very innocent, shamed of how he feels towards men so he's subjugated it for so long, ignored anything he feels, wrapped himself up in his work and God. He really is a staunch Believer, not someone I felt was paying lip service to religion, but God totally shaped his life. I loved his naivety, it was part of the person he was.  
Jonah too has a calling, he's been a policeman for a long time, worked his way up from the bottom and is so well respected by all the locals. He's a part of the community, not just the man who upholds the law.

For a small community they've had a few issues, Jonah was shot a few years back, and in this book he deals with a serious fire, assaults, runaway horse and a murder....a real Hero. And yet he can't be openly with the man he wants, they have to hide so carefully. If caught they face loss of both jobs, loss of standing in the community and not just that but a long spell of imprisonment. The way homosexuals were treated then they'd probably both get killed. Serious stuff. 
It amazes me how people can forget all the good others do in their judgmental views. Even if they didn't do anything particularly good, so long as they're not harming any one so what if they want to be together? 

Its a book that made me so sad, so angry, but which was so tender in the way the romance grew out of the blue. Jonah had spent time with lots of ladies but never really considered men sexually, though he knew a few from his police work and had a view that he'd turn a blind eye where he could. He had a good argument about the Bible and how we understand what's written. It IS very conflicting, it Is subjective and interpretive. 
Meeting Matthew and how he felt towards him came as a shock, and the relationship grew at a very natural for the time rate.
Sometimes that's more tender, more romantic, more erotic even, that the more contemporary reads where it's lust at first sight, and they're hot and heavy before even getting to know each others names. A tiny touch, a careful glance can be so very sensual written properly, and this book is full of that.

Stars: five, Its a story to savour, a book to re-read later and had an epilogue I loved.     

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. The story is about forbidden love between two men and the times they met and indulged. Events happened that caused their bond to increase and develop into love for each other. They decided to leave Australia and head to California to start a new life together. The book was interesting and a good read.

What a fantastic book.

I've really come to appreciate historical m/m lately, especially since I've been very lucky in my choices. And this was no exception.

Set in 1891 in a small town a two day's ride away from Melbourne, this is both a great historical novel and the wonderful love story between Matthew, an Anglican priest and Jonah, the town's sergeant.

The one tiny complaint I have is that in the beginning there is a bit too much telling, and it reads a little too much like a summary. However, that ends soon enough once the story between Matthew and Jonah really starts, and I loved everything about it. Considering the time and their position, especially Matthew struggles with their relationship, but the way he overcomes that felt convincing and genuine. I also loved how progressive Jonah was, in all his ways, and how that reflected in his behaviour. Basically I loved both Jonah and Matthew a lot, and I loved the way their story unfolded.

What I find so powerful about historical novels about queer relationships is how for me they show how absurd it is to condemn someone for who they love. I also find it both heartbreaking and interesting how difficult it must have been how to figure out not only one's desires but one's feelings, too, without the framework of queer identity. If well done, historical novels can be very thought-provoking, and this certainly was.

I absolutely loved this - I wouldn't necessarily call it a romance novel, since it felt more serious than that (not that romance cannot be serious as well, it's just that this didn't give me the same feelings romance tends to give me, but this is a bit difficult to out into words) but it a great love story in a historical setting and if you're at all interested in historical novels I highly recommend it.