Golden Hope

by Johanna Nicholls

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Pub Date Jul 01 2016 | Archive Date Jun 03 2016

Description

At the turn of the last century, in the first years of the new nation, Clytie Hart, bareback rider, travels with her mother and her circus family through the back roads of rural Victoria. Wildebrand’s Circus has seen better days and when they are persuaded to perform at Hufnung, a small, forgotten town in the Gold Triangle, Clytie’s life is changed forever.

Little does she know that her chance meeting on the side of the road with Rom, a handsome stranger, will be the catalyst that stops her roving ways and sees her settling into life on the edge of a small country town. Love for her mother and Rom cements Clytie's place in town, but soon she is left to fend for herself as tragedy and war strike. And without the help and the love of friends found in the most unlikely of places, Clytie will never solve the tragic mystery that threatens to blight her life forever.

Golden Hope is a story is as wide and sweeping as the landscape itself, told by a master storyteller at the peak of her powers.

At the turn of the last century, in the first years of the new nation, Clytie Hart, bareback rider, travels with her mother and her circus family through the back roads of rural Victoria...

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9781922052728
PRICE	A$32.99 (AUD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 3 members

Featured Reviews

Brenda T, Reviewer

4.5★s

It was 1901 and Dolores and Clytie Hart, mother and daughter were part of the Wildebrand’s Circus which was travelling throughout country Victoria; setting up the big top and entertaining folks from near and far. But Vlad, her mother’s partner was a cruel and vindictive man; Dolores suffered mightily at his hand. And Clytie, though angered and frustrated, was no match for the knife thrower. The day Rom Delaney approached the circus with an offer for them to perform at the little town of Hoffnung was the beginning of a new life for Clytie and her mother.

After a successful show for the locals the night they arrived, the circus folk didn’t expect what happened the following day. But the haste of packing up again and the viciousness of Vlad meant the decision for Dolores and Clytie to remain in Hoffnung wasn’t a difficult one. Clytie was sad to say goodbye to the only family she had ever known, but they all promised to write. As the two women settled into a life much different to what they’d been used to, the locals were divided in their feelings. Some were welcoming; some were not. But a young and innocent Clytie knew she liked Rom; Dolores though was wary as Rom seemed a man of the world.

Hoffnung’s locals mostly worked at the Golden Hope gold mine – but their fortunes were few and far between. With the Boer War still decimating the brave men on the fighting front, the powers that be were asking for volunteers, so Rom enlisted, leaving in a hurry. But when tragedy struck, Clytie found herself alone; the infrequent letters from Rom the only thing keeping her going. Her future looked bleak; would Rom return? Many others wouldn’t…

Golden Hope by Aussie author Johanna Nicholls is a sweeping historical drama set at the turn of the century. It is the time of suffragettes and the vote for women. It is also filled with secrets and lies and an intriguing mystery which fascinated me when all was revealed. Even though Golden Hope felt a little slow to begin with, it didn’t take long before the story captivated me, carrying me along for the ride. A thoroughly enjoyable read, Golden Hope is one I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.