I greatly enjoyed this book. I was hoping the story would have progressed further, but will just look for the next book in this series. I learned a few new, interesting things regarding the transportation of convicts to New South Wales. I always enjoy a book that has a good storyline and I am able to garner some historical information as well. I loved the lead characters and their struggle to establish a relationship, given Mariah's status as a convict. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion. As affirmation of the quality of this book, I plan to buy the next in the series.