Cirrus@Austlit

'Duty's demand or heart's call?

'In nineteenth century Tasmania, Catherine Nicolson enjoyed the privileged lifestyle on the grand estate of Willowbank, and inspired by her grandmother Kate, she possesses a deep-rooted compassion for those less fortunate.

'When her idyllic life is shattered by unexpected tragedy, Catherine's circumstance becomes difficult and precarious, and she wishes to escape it's drudgery and danger. She is torn between two choices. Should she follow her heart and risk her place in society? Or should she marry well, pleasing her family and securing the means to fulfil her life-long desire to help the 'Ordinary Folk'?

'Will Catherine pursue intimacy or seize convenience? What path will she choose? Where will her faith and choices lead her?

'Call of the Wattlebird is the first book in The Willowbank Series'  (Publication summary)

'Compelled to perform or incentive to trust? Catherine Nicolson's choice to flee from her home led to her shunning. Having compromised her values and forfeited her inheritance, she finds herself living in impoverished circumstances. Her stepfather, not satisfied to be rid of her from under his roof, refuses to allow her to make connection with her mother. To make matters worse, he wants her silenced because she knows of his illegal enterprise. Her one valuable possession, a gold oak-leaf brooch, a gift from her mother, is stolen, the loss exacerbating her angst. Catherine desperately wants to make amends and be reconciled with her family.

'Can she prove to her family she is sorry and worthy of their acceptance?

'Catherine agonizes regarding her failings, determining to absolve her guilt by immersing herself in charity work, but when tragedy strikes, her distress escalates. Will she find peace by burying herself in work, or will she discover another way?' (Publication summary)