So tantalising and woven with facts to keep it real. The era is a tough one and the author weaves a tale full of intrigue and facts.

Another great historical read. After her control freak, money hungry first husband dies, Mary marries enigmatic Francis Greenway and is eager to start a new life with someone who shares her passion for achitecture. After he is imprisoned and sent to the Colony as further punishment, she joins him there with their three children and faces life in a brand new colony on foreign soil. Will her life be amazing or will secrets of the past ruin the future?

EXCERPT: Mary waited in vain for Mr Greenway to fulfil his promise of an invitation to Thornbury Castle or the loan of Chamber's book. When James reappeared after his latest visit to London, she regaled him with her plan for the house and told him of Mr Greenway's visits. The whole idea of the portico and the addition to the stables filled her with excitement. 'We have decided that a portico would . . .'
'We have decided . . .' James spluttered, his already florid face turning an alarming damson colour, suggesting that by expressing her opinion she'd reached beyond his understanding. 'I think you have forgotten your role madam - your one and only role - which you should concentrate on fulfilling.'
She batted away a rising flush of heat and inhaled, determined not to rise to the bait. She could hardly fulfil her role if James wasn't at home. Better to ignore his comment. 'Mr Greenway was acting on your instructions and, in your absence, spoke with me. He believes the house requires certain structural improvements before any additions can be made. He has been commissioned to undertake the restoration of Thornbury Castle.' James would have to be impressed. His plans were exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.'
James's fist slammed down on the table, making the plates jump. His glass jumped too, spilling a red stain across Mrs Rudge's pristine white tablecloth. 'You, madam, have surpassed your position. I have already communicated my intentions to Mr Greenway but after this outrageous liberty he has taken I am tempted to terminate our agreement.'
Mary swallowed her reply, knowing from experience James was well past rational discussion. The man Papa had entrusted her to, the man she had willingly married, had hoodwinked them both. He was interested in nothing more than the bounty Papa had handed him on a plate.

ABOUT 'THE TALENTED MRS GREENWAY': 1814 Sydney When Mary Greenway, freshly arrived from the old country, steps into the maelstrom of Sydney Town with three children at her skirts, she has high hopes of a new beginning, despite having little money and a husband in irons. After all, the sudden death of her sadistic first husband has meant freedom from her gilded cage and Francis Greenway is an architect of some promise, under the protection of Admiral Phillip himself. Mary herself is a woman of great resources and an even greater creative passion, a passion that will surely burn through anything that the filthy, burgeoning, vitality of colonial Sydney can throw at her. Soon ensconced in a tiny cottage in George Street, Mary sets about moulding a life for her family from the unpromising clay of this new colony, with a determination fired in equal parts by guilt for her disastrous past action that nearly brought ruin to them all and desire to see her true calling realised. When she is befriended by Elizabeth Macquarie it seems that fate is smiling on them with the promise of a better life in her grasp. But fate is a difficult mistress and with past secrets to keep, and current betrayals on the brink of discovery, the stakes are higher than ever. With Mary's grip on this new life slipping, will her past lies come back to haunt her?

MY THOUGHTS: Tea Cooper brings to life the story of an enigmatic figure, wife to feted colonial architect Francis Greenway, and asks, whose hand really shaped Sydney? Who is the talented Mrs Greenway?

In the author's historical notes at the end of the novel, she acknowledges that her work is a mix of fact and fiction, and that her interest was piqued when she discovered that the architect Francis Greenway was buried in an unmarked grave in the Hunter - an ignominious end for the man responsible for the design of many of Australia's finest colonial buildings.

But it was his wife that caught her attention, purely because of the lack of references to her, and thus the tale of The Talented Mrs Greenway was born.

I was captivated by Mary's story: the abusive marriage to her first husband James; her subsequent marriage to Francis Greenway and his transportation to Australia as a convict; the early days of Sydney as a convict settlement and its growth into a thriving city, in which she played a part. I have walked many of the streets mentioned, and seen some of the sights, but I will now view them with a new appreciation and interest.

Tea Cooper also highlights the lack of rights of women in this era. They were literally chattels of their husbands and I think we tend to forget that when we look back at the 'good old days'. That and the raw sewage that flowed down the streets and into our rivers and oceans; the lack of education for women and the poor; the corruption, brutality and violence. Sometimes, not a lot changes over the ages.

The social structure in Sydney at the time was as much in evidence as it would have been in London. Mary was unable to publicly acknowledge her friendship with Elizabeth, wife of Governor Mcquarie, because although she had emigrated as a free settler, her husband was a convict.

The Talented Mrs Greenway is an interesting, well researched and written blend of fact and fiction by Australian author Tea Cooper. Without a doubt, this is my favorite of her books so far.

A note of interest: The title of this novel is taken from Francis Greenway's tribute to his wife Mary on her death, as published in the Sydney Gazette - 'the mild, unobtrusive but talented Mrs Greenway.'

⭐⭐⭐⭐.1

#TheTalentedMrsGreenway #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Tea Cooper writes Australian contemporary and historical fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Talented Mrs Greenway by Tea Cooper for review. All opinions expressed n this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

The Talented Mrs Greenway is an exceptional historical novel by Australian author Tea Cooper. It is a well-researched blend of real facts and fiction that tells an articulate and detailed story about the planning, construction and early days of the city now known as Sydney. The book revolves around the life of Mary Greenway, a remarkable woman who was a wife, mother, artist and a source of inspiration for women who wanted to have the same opportunities as men. The story gives a rich insight into life in the early days of English settlement in Australia.

I initially found this book slow and difficult to get into, but I'm glad I persevered as the historical background was fascinating and ultimately made for an enjoyable read.

This book is based on fact and a real person. Mary Greenway was the wife of colonial architect, Francis Greenway who came to Australia and worked for Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The book starts with young Mary, unhappily married to Captain Fripp in England. Through a series of circumstances, her life is turned completely on it's head several times which sees her travelling alone to the new colonial settlement of Sydney with her young children.
Mary turns out to be a force to reckoned with as she steers the course of her second husband's life. She too has an appreciation of architecture and assists her husbands with his drawings and designs.
This book gives a rich insight into life in the early days of English settlement in Australia. Happy to recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the chance to read this book.

What a story! This is a historical novel telling the fictional story of a real person. Mary Greenway was the wife of Francis Greenway, who was an architect responsible for many of Sydney's early buildings. Mary's life isn't documented in great detail so Tea Cooper has used her story telling talent to create a story for her that is full of love and drama and so relevant to the time it was set in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the character of Mary. The way Mary supported her husband was admirable, but the best part was that she never lost sight of herself and her goals. Especially in an era when women have no free choice or rights of their own.

Tea Cooper has delivered once again! Just like in her previous works, Tea’s latest offering, The Talented Mrs Greenway, is yet another engaging and masterfully crafted story. Not only does Tea’s latest tale provide a truly engaging story about the early days of colonial Sydney but also she melds fact and fiction to present yet another strong female character from history.

‘Is there any way I can help?’
‘You? How can you help? I am the government architect.’
‘And I am the architect’s wife.’

Tea is to be congratulated for presenting such a rich and comprehensive tale. The settings both in England and Australia are authentic, particularly with the incorporation of real life events such as those occurring during Governor Macquarie’s leadership. It is the everyday cultural feel of everything from the early days of George Street, to unmade roads, to the humid heat of a Sydney summer - Tea effortlessly includes the reader seamlessly into her riveting tale.

‘… her name may never be recorded but nothing, nothing could take away this moment, the sense of achievement and pride coursing through her.’

What is truly special here is how little Tea had to go on. Yes, this is a thoroughly researched tale of Sydney’s early days, however, of Mary Greenway herself, Tea had little to go on. To so cleverly reimagine how events could have played out was a masterstroke! I knew of Francis Greenway (loved the eccentric take on this man) and his role as architect in many of the early constructed buildings. So, how imaginative and brave to take a few facts and turn it around into a completely believable tale, weaving fiction and fact together, to present the woman behind the man. Well done Tea!

‘We may not be able to publicly admit your role but it should be acknowledged between ourselves. My talented wife - what would I do without you?’

From strong protagonists, to family and social drama , to taking in the early days of colonial Sydney - I can highly recommend the tale that is, The Talented Mrs Greenway.

‘Perhaps in one hundred years’ time she too would be remembered.’








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

An historical novel about architecture set in England in 1806 to 1814 and Sydney from 1814 to 1824. Mary Fripp is unhappily married and totally under the control of her cruel husband. She loves drawing and has an interest in architecture.
When Mary’s husband dies, she marries Francis Greenway who is an architect. Life is difficult for Mary and Francis. Mary makes a fateful decision that ends with her husband being arrested for forgery and being transported to NSW.
Mary travels to NSW to be with her husband. This was a quick easy read, at times I felt that Mary was very naïve and made a lot of wrong decisions.
Mary assists and encourages her husband with his drawings and architectural designs while she strives to make a better life for her children all the time juggling secrets to protect her husband.
I loved the way Mary’s ambitions were helped by people who also had ambitions.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a chance to read and review this book.

The subject of the title is Mary Greenway, wife of Francis Greenway, a notable architect of colonial Sydney. Francis was transported for fraud to the young Sydney town and Mary joined him as a free settler in 1814, along with her three sons.

Francis Greenway went on to design some very important architecture in the city of Sydney and the author suggests that his wife assisted him with his designs. This was a great premise but the machinations which accompanied the whole affair lacked substance to me and I lost interest somewhere in the middle of the book.

This was not my favourite of the books I have read so far by this author but that's just me. Other readers have enjoyed it enormously!

Mary's arranged marriage to James Fripp was a disaster almost from the beginning, and when he finally died in a serious accident, all Mary could feel was relief. Her two boys were the only good thing to come from the marriage - George and William - and as her friendship with Francis Greenway, a promising architect, gathered momentum, she felt her future finally looked bright. But disaster was to come for Mary and Francis before the light at the end of the tunnel could be seen.

It was 1814 when Mary Greenway, George, William and little Frankie sailed from London to the new colony of Sydney Town, ready to meet up with Francis once again. Hannah, a convict girl, had helped Mary with the children on the journey and was now a good friend. She remained with the family through thick and thin. With Francis working on designs for various buildings for Governor Macquarie, Mary became friendly with the governor's wife, Elizabeth. Their son Lachlan was the same age as Frankie and the boys enjoyed playing together. Mary's passion for her own designs spilled over, and Elizabeth was enchanted by her sketches. As Mary continued to have children, her desires for their future never lessened. What would be the outcome for this talented young woman, who had to let her husband take the credit for her ideas?

The Talented Mrs Greenway is another exceptional, well researched historical novel by Aussie author Tea Cooper. Based largely on fact, the blending of fact and fiction is beautifully done. Mary is an outstanding character, strong and always determined to stand behind her husband, whatever happened. Her shock on arrival in Sydney Town, the filth, stench and ragged convicts who milled around, soon gave her a sense of purpose. I've loved all Ms Cooper's previous work, and this one was no exception. Add in the Author's Notes at the end, and it's perfect! Highly recommended.

With thanks to Harlequin Enterprises AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting historical novel set in early colonial Sydney. Francis Greenway was an architect transported to Sydney for forgery. He worked for Governor Macquarie as the town architect and many of his buildings still exist. Very little is known about his wife Mary and Tea Cooper has constructed her novel around what life would’ve been like in the young city for a growing family but also creating a storyline that Mary had an interest in architecture, got to know the governors wife Elizabeth and both women had a hand in the design of many buildings. An enjoyable read.

Another great book by Tea Cooper. Set in Sydney in 1814, this is the story of Mary Greenway, the wife of colonial architect Francis Greenway. But this is her story.

A wonderful story of the history of Australia, life if the colony for people like Mary and her family, the hardships and the newness of an unknown land. This book brings to life such great characters and a wonderful landscape. It brings to life the changes not only in peoples lives but in the landscape of Australia.

As always Lea Cooper has done her research well and managed to write another wonderful story, easy to read and follow but full of history, facts and fiction all intertwined. I devoured this book and as always look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a brilliant story, filled with wonderful characters, and so much Australian history as Tea Cooper brings to life the wife of colonial architect Francis Greenway, Mary Greenway, this was just about a on sitting read for me I could barely put it down, I loved it.

Mary arrives in Sydney Town in 1814 with her three sons, she has followed her husband Francis after he is sent as a convict for forgery, she has little money and has not heard from Francis since he arrived, she is worried about the future but determined to start a new life, she has been through enough with her terrible first husband. She is beyond thrilled when Francis meets them at the cove and tells her that he has been asked to design some buildings for the colony.

Mary settles in the house in George St and Francis has been appointed as civil architect and it is not long before she meets Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of Governor Lachlan Macquarie who encourages Mary to take more of an interest in her husband’s designs after looking through Mary’s portfolio of drawings, Lachlan Macquarie is soon authorizing the plans for a lot of building work around town, that still stand in Sydney today.

Mary works hard with Francis but there must be secrets kept no one must know how much she does and the help that they received to be in this position, life is moving ahead and Mary and Francis’s family is growing and Mary has plans for the future, plans that will help a lot of young girls.

Life in the colony is changing with a new governor appointed and the pressure is on for Francis and Mary but her strength and determination will pull her through the tough times. Tea Cooper is one of my must read authors and this book is another keeper, this really is a beautifully told story, I did know some things about Francis Greenway but not anything about his wife and I am very glad I got to know her and read this one.

I do highly recommend this story, it really is fabulous, and you will not want to put it down once you have picked it up.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

Oh, my goodness, I absolutely LOVED this novel by Tea Cooper. By far my favourite of hers. I literally could not stop reading this fascinating story about Mrs Greenway and spent most of the day glued to the pages. It was a great way to be introduced to another unique woman from Australia’s colonial history. Yes, this is historical fiction, so the author’s imagination has filled in the missing pieces. This woman’s personality, hardships and accomplishments feel authentic. I think Tea has done a marvellous job creating and presenting her life and the people that surrounded her. And the events she conjures are quite possible and believable.

Mary Greenway’s life before leaving England was a difficult one. She was married to James Fripp-- an abusive drunk, brute and gambler, who caused many injuries to her body and psyche. In his presence, she was stripped of her passion, strength and interests. ‘Diminished, embarrassed, weak’ are words the author uses to describe Mary after an attack. She suffered a victim’s mindset for it was ‘as though James’s conduct was her fault.’ This part of the story is quite heartbreaking.

Mary’s father had arranged the marriage before he passed on. But if he had known how horrid this man truly was, I am sure he would never have approved. For he loved his daughter dearly and shared with her his interest in architecture. In those days when a woman married, everything she owned became her husband’s. And in this case, the man she marries is a poor steward of her father’s hard earned wealth and ‘most treasured possessions.’ James foolishly destroys her legacy. But fate has a way of working things out and an unexpected accident, takes his life and Mary is left a widow. Now freed, she can live her life as she chooses.

And one of those choices takes her to Francis Greenway. A man who shares her interests and loves and sees her as an equal. His words echo from the first page to the last: ‘Why should marriage prevent you from furthering your interest in architecture?’ Her amazing story really begins here with this very talented architect. They fall in love and marry. Yet his business funds are lacking. And when someone reneges on their promise of payment, Mary tries to remedy the problem. This lands her husband in jail with the chance of hanging for a crime he did not commit. Yet there are some powerful people who want his talents in Sydney and he ends up as a convict on a ship to Australia.

Mary arrives a year and a few months later, anxious to see her husband. She is taken back by this strange new world. Tea paints quite a detailed picture of what it was like in 1814 and to say it was difficult is an understatement. Coming from a well-developed country like England to colonial Australia would have been quite a shock to the senses. Everything about this place would have seemed not only foreign but primitive—including the housing. But Mary is not afraid of hard work or change and she adjusts quickly. She is just happy to have her husband and children in one place. Her talents become quite visible in so many areas but her architectural eye allows her to be an asset to her husband. The question raised here is: was she the one who actually shaped Sydney but was unable to take credit for it because she was a woman?

Mary is resourceful and friendships are important to her. One cultivated with Elizabeth Macquarie, the governor’s wife, is brilliantly presented. I loved the scenes of the two of them together. For Mary, it is the one time she can be more herself and share her design ideas. But, of course, she is constantly aware of the dangers this could pose so is careful not to expose her hand too much as she knows it would affect her husband’s reputation. She maintains a delicate balance through caution and wisdom with her words and actions. But her friendship with Elizabeth is special and secrets are maintained between them.

I really got lost in this brilliant novel. Beside the memorable leading characters, there is a great supporting cast that suited and surrounded Mary’s life. Hannah, Bill, Aggie, Leah, Miss Bingle, just to name a few. They all play some fabulous parts. I am sure I won’t ever forget The Talented Mrs Greenway and the mark she and her husband left on Sydney. I highly recommend this mesmerising story and without hesitation give it 5 stunning Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for my review copy.

I discovered Tea’s books a couple of years ago and have enjoyed catching up on her backlist. I was very excited to read this one. This is the fictional story of Mary Greenway the wife of Francis Greenway who the architect of many government during Sydney’s settlement.

Mary was a remarkable women, mother to seven children, keen architect and perhaps helped her husband with his designs and helped provide women an education in a time where it wasn’t accepted.

Thoroughly researched, I enjoyed seeing both Bath and Sydney this time period. I particularly enjoyed learning more about
both Lachlan and Elizabeth Macquarie and their role in building Sydney. I also found her exploration of both the role of women of this time, from arranged marriages to being treated like business transactions and not being allowed bank accounts or education and the structure of society between convicts and settlers fascinating. I did find it a little slower to start with compared to her usual gripping reads but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. An interesting part of Australian history I wasn’t aware of.

Another great read from Tea Cooper!

Set in the early 1800’s of Sydney during settlement, this story tells of the life and times of Francis Greenway, architect to Sydney’s Governor Macquarie, and more specifically the role of his wife Mary Greenway, whose unassuming talent and influence on her husband and his work was possibly far more significant and wider reaching than ever known.

A perfect blend of fact and fiction, this story sheds an intriguing light on one of Sydney’s most notable architects and paints a compelling story of his life, and that of his wife and family and the trials they might have endured in colonial Sydney.
Francis Greenway’s buildings and influence on the emerging city can still be seen today.

Australian historical fiction is by far my favourite genre and Tea Cooper has become a respected go to author for me, always with a good measure of fact to enrich her stories.
Her attention to detail shows the depth of her research which further enriches her stories with a credible air, adding to the authenticity of her subjects.
I just love being transported to those earlier times in our history, and it always gives me the urge to study the stories of those subjects in more depth.

If you love historical fiction and early colonial Sydney town as I do, then this is a book for you.

‘Miss Fripp, I was hoping I might find you here.’

In her re-imagined life of Mary Greenway, Ms Cooper starts with a meeting between Mary and Richard Greenway in England in 1806. In this novel, Mary is married to a much older man, James Fripp, and Francis Greenway has been requested by Captain Fripp to quote on repairs and renovations to the house and stables.
After Captain Fripp’s sudden death leaving her in difficult circumstances with two small sons, Mary, who has an interest in architecture, marries Francis Greenway in 1809. And, unfortunately, it is Mary’s action which causes Francis to be convicted of forgery in 1812. Thanks to the intervention by powerful friends, Francis Greenway is transported to New South Wales instead of being executed. Mary and her (by then three) sons follow, arriving in 1814.

A talented architect, Francis Greenway soon comes to the attention of Governor Macquarie. Mary meets Elizabeth Macquarie by chance, and an unlikely friendship flourishes. In 1816 Francis Greenway is appointed as civil architect and assistant engineer. His quick temper and convict status cause difficulties and Mary works hard to keep the peace. Greenway is given a conditional emancipation in 1817, followed by an absolute pardon in 1819.

Around the known facts of Francis Greenway’s life in New South Wales, Ms Cooper weaves a life for Mary, and with her, we see aspects of life in the Macquarie era. Mary supports Francis and, given her interest in architecture, may well have played a greater role in his designs and plans. I was in Sydney recently and visited the Hyde Park Barracks and other buildings in Macquarie Street (designed by Francis Greenway) as well as Mrs Macquarie’s Chair (where, in this novel, she met quite frequently with Mary Greenway).

I enjoyed this novel. While I knew a little about Francis Greenway, Ms Cooper’s imagined life of Mary brings them both to life, together with other prominent (and not so prominent) people of the period. Ms Cooper’s note at the end of the novel makes it clear how she has bought fact and fiction together. There is no record of Mary Greenway (née Moore)’s birth or baptism. In recorded history, it is as though she did not exist before her marriage to Francis Greenway.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Another fascinating story by Tea Cooper.

As always when reading a Cooper novel, I spent as much time Googling the subject of the book as I did reading the story.

Francis Greenway is a name I have always known, but never knew much about him. I knew he was a brilliant architect, and that is about it.

I loved the way real life is mixed with fiction to give us wonderful, convict era tale. Where no matter what you make of yourself in life, you will always be judged on your past, as Francis and Mary found out.

Though I did not find this as gripping as some of Ms Cooper's previous works, it is still a wonderful, wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

I look forward to whatever Ms Cooper brings us next.

In The Talented Mrs Greenway, Tea Cooper will once again pick you up and transport you back in time. As always Tea’s story is filled with facts, real locations and sprinkled all over with fiction. Like some of Tea’s previous novels the book opens with a map - which is a little touch I always enjoy.

This is the story of Mary Greenway formerly know as Mrs Fripp - which on all accounts was a horrific chapter in her life. The beginning was a little hard to read as her husband was just utterly awful, however the sweet flirtations that play out between Mary and Mr Francis Greenway give the reader hope of some brighter pages will come. And they do amidst the throws of life.

For me, I found the storyline easy but not enthralling like some of Tea’s other novels. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Mrs Greenway. She was a lady who lived by the consequences of her actions and rose above with integrity and much good will. She was not one to sit on her haunches.

If Australian history is your thing, then once again Tea will take you on an all encompassing trip back in time to a place you will feel you have lived and experienced. That in itself is a real treat!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance digital copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Talented Mrs Greenway. I love how Tea writes fictional stories based on historical facts. I had not heard of the Greenway’s and enjoyed learning about their mark on history. I loved the various relationships Mary had with people of various walks in life, in particular with Elizabeth. Life would have been tough in the early days of settlement and I enjoyed seeing this through a woman’s eye.

Highly recommend.