This book is a whole vibe right?
That gorgeous cover, the WWII historical love story set in the “raw beauty of Australia”, the promised plot that would leave me captivated.
I thought it was going to be a sure thing.

Alas, it was not.

In Under the Golden Sky by Jenny Ashcroft, we have Miss Rose Hamilton eager to leave her life behind and answer an ad to escort an orphaned five-year-old to his family in Australia. The family is not what Rose expects, and she spends the rest of the book fretting over young Walter’s happiness, her faraway fiancé, and the gruff wounded fighter pilot uncle, who just might be the key to ensuring Walter’s happiness…and her own.

I don’t know how to say this nicely, so I’m just going to say it.
This book was a slog.
It was repetitive. More than once I had to read about how Rose may or may not have squatted to pee in front of a certain other grizzly character. That was not the only thing she was constantly muddling over. Her so-called fiancé is a horrible human. I wanted more independence from you Rose. And that five-year-old had the same personality as a cookie- he was sweet. That is all.
Don’t even get me started on the telegraph tease paragraph transitions.

I’m sounding salty, I know.
And I’m still puzzling over the high ratings on GR…..
Did we all read the same book?
Can some please alleviate this itch and recommend me a good historical fiction set in Australia?

Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. I’ll admit I often judge a book by its cover, and this one wasn’t a win for me.

Under the Golden Sun by Jenny Ashcroft is a story of how one decision can change the course of one’s life.

March 1941, England, Rose Hamilton is desperate for a change when, by chance, she comes across a want ad. A companion is needed to escort a young orphaned child to Australia. There are so many reasons she should ignore the ad but she is drawn to the plight of this poor child.

I enjoyed each character as they are hardened by life’s harsh circumstances but through the magic of love and forgiveness, they find themselves softening and open to a better life.

"Under The Golden Sun" will make an excellent book club selection. Billed as a historical romance, it really is so much more than that, and even readers who aren't a fan of romance will appreciate the exquisite writing and adventurous plot. Rose is a strong female character that will earn many admiring readers. Add in the locals of England and Australia during WWII and life on a cattle station, there are so many backstories to discuss.

I really enjoyed these characters and story about finding a happy home!

Thanks to Jenny Ashcroft for writing a wonderful story, to St. Martin's Press for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.

Under the Golden Sun is the latest release by author Jenny Ashcroft had me hooked after the first quarter of the book. This is my second book by this author. Her historical fiction novels are set in exotic locations: Bombay and Australia.

This book is set during WWII (as is Meet Me in Bombay) So many historical fiction novels are set somewhere in Europe. I feel Australia does not come to mind when readers think WWII. I adore that Ms. Ashcroft allows the reader to explore some new and exciting places during the war.

If the history and setting isn’t enough to peak your interest, then the romance should. Ms. Ashcroft writes memorable romances with memorable characters. I think many of the readers of this novel will feel an instant connection to the main character Rose. Her character is deep, emotional, thoughtful, loving, confused, sympathetic, maternal and very brave. I love that she feels her life is stagnant and how one decision she will make will change the whole trajectory of her life.

The story definitely has an epic feel right from the start. The supporting characters are genuine and memorable. The reader will immediately feel part of their various struggles. They feel real and organic, not forced. Ms. Ashcroft has developed an emotional plot that tugs at the heart and had me turning pages to see what would happen.

Ms. Ashcroft’s writing quickly sends the reader to the Outback. You can feel the heat, the smell the sea and feel the winds. The author’s descriptions truly brought the Australian location to life. The reader will feel like they are on an adventure.

If you want a new refreshing historical fiction novel then look no further. This is a wonderful choice! I can’t wait to see what Ms. Ashcroft has in store for us next.

I would like to thank Jenny Ashcroft, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars! Under the Golden Sun will transport you from dreary WWII London across the sea to lush and stunning Australia. This book slowly drew me in and before I was aware of what was happening, I was completely hooked. The characters were lovely (except for one that I didn’t care for) and I couldn’t wait to pick up the book, again and again, to see how their stories ended up. This was my first read by Jenny Ashcroft and I will be checking out her backlist. Highly recommend! (I would have rated this a 5 but had a bit of a hard time keeping track of the tertiary characters at first. I don’t feel it detracted too much from the story, though.)

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a good book, a bit more on the romance side than I had expected, but still a very good story. Rose while reading a discarded newspaper on the train to visit her uncle, brother and hopefully her fiancé, happens to read an advertisement for a caregiver to accompany a young boy to Australia all expenses paid. That there is a war going on and travel of any type is hazardous at best, Rose decides to pursue the ad and contacts the party that posted it. Vivian is an elderly and very sick caretaker of Walter, the young boy who she wants Rose to accompany to Australia, Rose is immediately taken with Walter and against the wishes of her family and fiancé she soon finds herself on a very slow boat to Australia with Walter. The backstory of why Vivian wants Walter to go to Australia, along with Rose's backstory and told in flashbacks, once they arrive in Australia they are taken to the 'station' where Walter will be living. There is some initial confusion as none of the people were aware they were coming, the mother, Lauren, had destroyed the correspondence that had been sent. After that gets sorted, Rose and Max, the owner of the station begin a very lengthy courtship, a lot of time is spent in Rose's head during this time, she has a lot of angst over Max, not to mention that her brother has gone missing while flying a mission over France and Rose worries excessively about him. I did really enjoy the historical detail the author provided, it really made the story come to life. I would recommend. Thank you to #Netgalley and #St Martin's Press for the ARC.

This was just one of those historical fiction books that was not for me. It just dragged on for me, and I was never to the point where I was excited to see what happened next. While I like to mix in historical fiction into my reading, this one was just did not work for me.

After reading Meet Me in Bombay last year I was so excited for this one to come out. Similarly to that one, this book took a while for me to get into. The first 40% was really sad and stressful for me, I think because Rose's life was a mess and Walter's future was so uncertain. Once we gained our footing in their story I was able to enjoy it more. I loved a glimpse into life on a cattle station in Australia in the 1940's. There was still a lot of frustration behavior which took away from the story but ultimately I liked the book.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish

Taking 5-year-old Walter to relatives in Australia is a challenge for Rose and she sees it as an escape from her life in England. But upon arrival, Walter's relatives are not as happy to see him as she was led to believe. A well-written book, definitely worth the read.

It took me a long time to get into this book. The beginning felt very slow, though it definitely picked up the pace and increased my enjoyment in the second half. I felt that the writing style was a bit….odd, for lack of better terms. The characters, on the other hand, really did wiggle their way into my heart, especially Walter and Esme.

This book is primarily about family, both the one you’re born to and the one you choose. There’s a little romance (sloooooooow burn) and some adventure. Overall, I’d say this was an average read for me and not one I’m sure I’ll remember, but I did enjoy it for the most part once we got out of London.

This is one of the best books I have read this year. It is such a sweet innocent book with so many feels. From laughter to big sobbing tears it holds you. The history is beautifully written and makes you see things the way they are. The sun in Australia must be gorgeous....

My favorite lines in this book:
Please, she thought, let him be happy, here. Let Him be glad we came. She smiled down at him, wiped a tear from his watering eyes with her thumb.

"Yeah," he said. "I see you, Rosie."

When Rose decides to check out an add she reads little does she know how much her life will change. How much her whole world will be turned upside down and in circles too. Her family doesn't seem too keen on her shipping off to Australia with a small child in tow. But Rosie knows she has to do this. She's not sure about her and her fiancee's future. Xander has not always been the best person in her life and spending her entire life with him may not be the best thing for her. Maybe being away will help....

This book takes you from London to Australia. Makes you feel like you are on the ship with Rosie and Walter. Walter is a child who lost the only family he has ever known and is going to meet his aunt, uncle and grandmother for the first time. But things are not as clear cut as they seem. Sometimes people say things so you take the road meant to be traveled. So life can go on as it should. To make amends for something that is basically not even their fault but needs to be done. Walter needs to be in Australia and with a certain family.

The characters in this book are all so lovable. I loved Walter so so much. He wormed his little self right into my heart. As did Max. Max is the uncle. His sister Esme and Rosie are destine to become the best of friends. When Rosie and Walter first get to the ranch things don't go quite the way they were expected to. It takes a bit of time for some people to come through and be the people they are meant to be.

This is a love story also. Three people in love. Two men and one woman. Will she make the best decision for herself or will she go the safe route. Will she be able to follow her heart or will her heart be shattered. Rosie knows beyond a doubt who has her heart. She loves him with all she has. From the very depths of her heart. Will he, can he, love her back. Truly love her. A love story in the midst of a family with many problems but so much solved also. During a big war that is tearing apart so much. A time when hope is all they have sometimes.

This book will melt your heart in so many ways. Make you believe in things. Believe in the better parts. Also give you a taste of the worse parts. It's a very good book. Well written and at the very end you need to read the Historical Note. The author put it there for you and it's so worth reading. This book.... So so good.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JennyAshcroft, #StMartinsPress for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

5/5 big huge stars and the very highest recommendation possible. Read it. Savor it. Enjoy. Have tissues handy.

Colburn has done it again with her latest work of historical fiction, Under the Golden Sun. This is a rich story full of beauty, heart and atmosphere that takes you on a journey from England to Australia during WWII.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I loved how this story pulled on my heartstrings. From the very beginning I fell in love with the characters and each of their lives.

Colburn, also wrote such a unique WWII story that doesn’t even visit the European continent. It really was refreshing not to read the “same old” WWII style fiction, but still created tension and fear from the ongoing war. It was so interesting to get to visit Australia during this time period and see what life was like there.

How was the pace?

This book held a steady pace, and I loved following the adventures and how both Rose and Walter grew as characters.

Do you recommend this book?

If you are a fan of historical fiction than this book is for you…Plus this story really has it all: history, mystery, suspense, and romance!

While I enjoyed the story and the bond between Rose and Walter, I felt that the story dragged a little bit for me. I did thoroughly enjoy the setting of the novel in Australia and that we got a different take on WWII.

A romantic and satisfying story invites the reader on a journey with Rose Hamilton an Englishwoman shepherding a young orphan from war threatened England to the relative safety of his deceased mother’s home in Queensland. Rose deals with her own personal tragedy by impulsively answering an advertisement to assume responsibility for five-year old Walter an engaging child who must return to the cattle station in Australia. Traveling by ship in the early days of World War II took place over months as a convoy of vessels sail first to Cape Town and then on to Bombay before finally reaching Brisbane. When Rose and her charge finally reach the family homestead, they encounter a mixed welcome from his mother’s relatives. Rose and Walter settle in to farm life with support from Mable’s sister in law Chloe. However, Rose is less sure about the enigmatic Max a former pilot who survived a terrible crash that left him with burns on one side of his face. Rose’s unconditional love for Walter makes her reluctant to leave him and return home to England as had been originally planned. Her growing awareness of feelings for Max impact her decision to go or stay. Daily life in the farmhouse is set against glowing descriptions of the Australian outback with its gorgeous sunsets and glimpses of koalas and the occasional kangaroo. Thoroughly researched with substantial details about the impact of war halfway around the world, the author engages us with a tale evocative of other favorites such as <i>A Town Like Alice </i> and <i>The Thorn Birds</i>.

Devastated by a miscarriage, her fiancé’s desertion, and being fired from her government job for being pregnant without being married left Rose Hamilton confused and uncertain about which direction her life should take. With World War II raging in Britain, opportunities for employment were limited, and when Rose saw an ad to escort a young child to Australia, she jumped at the chance to get away from the pain and heartbreak surrounding her. Meeting Walter and his guardian, Vivian, was her opportunity to start over and build a new life.

The journey was long and difficult, made worse by the war, but Rose and Walter made friends on the ship, and Rose exclaimed over the beauty in the Australian landscape. The ride to the family plantation was long, in the pouring rain, and when Rose and Walter were dropped off, there was no one to greet them. Soaking wet, hungry, and disoriented, Rose and Walter slept in the barn that first night, angering Rose, who was sure the family knew they were coming from England, according to Vivian. The family had no idea.

I really admired Rose’s resilience, rebuilding her life after everything that happened, during wartime, and I can’t even imagine their voyage to Australia being easy or pleasant. Rose was loyal to Walter, pushing back against the family when they seemed unwelcoming towards him. I loved the descriptions of the scenery, and appreciated the growth of the characters. Under the Golden Sun has everything you could want in a story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

2 stars

I love reading ww2 historical fiction, especially for things that didn't necessarily take place in the normal theatres of the war. When I found out that this book was set in Australia I had to grab it. I liked the premise of this book, travelling with a minor to get them to somewhere safer She immediately takes a liking to the child that she is transporrting. The trip was very boring though. Once they get to Australia the whole story line with Walter( the kid) kind of goes out the window though. It basically became a romance with aome side plots that felt unnecessary. I guess yes Walter was needed to get Rose( the main character) to Australia and to meet Max but the whole story line just seemed kind of basic and I didn't enjoy the book much unfortunately.

3.5 stars rounded up. I almost gave up on this book as the first 1/3 of it was really slow, but I'm glad I kept reading because it actually ending up being a good love story. I wouldn't really classify it as historical fiction myself so if that is what you are looking for, you may be disappointed as it's more family drama. I haven't read many books with Australia as the setting so that was interesting as well. I enjoyed it and would encourage others to give it a try.

Under the Golden Sun
by: Jenny Ashcroft
St. Martin's Press
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Jenny Ashcroft has written a superb piece of historical fiction set during World War II, well researched and intriguing. Her main character Rose accompanies a four-year-old orphan named Walter, to Australia. She had been discharged from the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and answered a newspaper ad to help the child.
Ashcroft's writing keeps the reader fully engaged for the entirety of the novel. Fans of good historical fiction will savor this book, with its excellent plot and good character development.
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my review.

Captivating, memorable, and exceptionally moving!

Under the Golden Sun is a rich, absorbing tale that sweeps you away to WWII London and into the life of Rose Hamilton, a recently engaged, young British woman who, after suffering a miscarriage and being discharged from her position in the air force, answers an ad to chaperone a four-year-old boy to Australia that not only exposes her to a world unlike any she has ever known before but, ultimately, changes her life forever.

The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are apprehensive, multilayered, and genuine. And the plot is a heartwarming tale of life, love, loneliness, familial relationships, heartbreak, war, loss, grief, guilt, culture, hardships, hope, loyalty, romance, and self-discovery.

Overall, Under the Golden Sun Under the Golden Sun is a beautifully written, exceptionally atmospheric novel by Ashcroft that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the lives, personalities, and feelings of the characters you can’t help but be affected. It is undoubtedly one of my favourite novels of the year, and just like her previous novel, Meet Me in Bombay, I highly recommend it.

This was a heart wrenching but thoroughly fantastic read. I was immersed and completely absorbed by all of the characters, their secrets, the way this evolved was really just so well done. It moves, but it's not rushed, you're drawn in and care about these characters. This setting appeals to my historical fiction loving mind, but there's enough angst and romance in this to appeal to readers that love a romantic tale. I would recommend w/out qualm and will read more from this Author. I'm grateful for the opportunity to review and advance copy..