Cirrus@Austlit

'A tale of Unyielding Retribution: John Leary’s epic journey in 19th-century Sydney.
In the year 1850 amidst the lush green fields of Ireland, John Leary embarked on a life altering voyage, driven by boundless ambition. His destination: the shores of Australia, a land of new beginnings and untold opportunities. But beneath his dreams of prosperity, simmered a seething desire for revenge.

John’s heart burned with fury, fuelled by a violent injustice inflicted upon his beloved sister at the hands of her merciless landlord, William Baxterhouse. Fate, however had other plans Baxterhouse managed to slip away on a different vessel, harbouring even greater ambitions in the promising New South Wales.

Sydney, a city pulsating with the fervour of the gold rush and a relentless commitment to crafting the most splendid structures the colony had ever seen, became the stage for their fateful encounter. John’s determination to establish his construction empire gained new intensity, driven not only by his professional aspirations but also by his deep affection for the enchanting Clarissa McGuire, whose family viewed him with disdain. As John’s pursuit of success intertwined with Baxterhouse’s relentless ascent to wealth and influence, it appeared that his adversary was beyond reach but love and determination spurred John forward. Alongside him stood another young woman Beth O’Hare who cherished a profound love for him. John was faced with a heart wrenching decision that culminated in a climatic showdown with Baxterhouse.

Through grit, talent and seizing opportunities, John carved out his own construction empire, ceaselessly striving to be the biggest and the best. The construction industry itself serves as a metaphor for the city he chose – a place of contrasts, with both squalor and grandeur corruption the noble aspirations.

This gripping narrative marks the inauguration of the Australian Sandstone Series offering an awe-inspiring perspective on 19th-century Sydney. The Australian Sandstone Series unfolds as an enthralling historical fiction drama featuring a vibrant cast of characters. Each book stands alone as an independent tale yet together they weave a captivating family saga. Within these pages romance, vengeance, and a tragedy all converge to shape the destiny of the Leary family.' (Publication summary)

'Step back in time to the heart of Sydney’s gold rush era with an unfiltered glimpse into the city’s bustling construction scene. Immerse yourself in the vivid historical backdrop transporting your senses to the hustle and noise of the burgeoning Sydney in 1855
Meet John Leary again, a man whose dreams of a construction dynasty are finally materialising. With his beloved wife Clarissa expecting their first child and a successful partnership with Sean Connaire, they left an indelible mark on the townscape. But with success comes envy, as an enigmatic rival seeks to thwart Leary’s progress by sabotaging a crucial project of his. To regain control of his company, John navigates a complex buyout leading to unexpected strains on his marriage due to a silent partner.
Amidst the chaos, an unexpected twist emerges as an ex-convict Gerry Gleeson reveals himself as John’s uncle and offers his assistance in identifying the saboteur. This tale is steeped in raw ambition, concealed secrets, and clandestine dealings leaving you wondering whether these elements will lead the young builder to ruin or triumph.

'The story is the second instalment in the Australian Sandstone Series, an immersive journey into 19th-century Sydney’s construction world. While it is part of the series each book stands alone offering a fresh perspective on this captivating historical period' (Publication summary)

'Hidden transgressions a wrongful accusation and a blossoming love story in the heart of the Australian bush

'For Irishman Gerry Riordan the perfect, conclusion to a week’s toil is found in the comforting embrace of a pint at Cork’s Drawbridge Hotel. In the winter of 1828, his joy knows no bounds for he has just been certified as a stonemason, a testament to his hard work. Tomorrow he is to deliver ornate gold tabernacle doors to St Mary’s Cathedral, and he intends to propose to the enchanting Anne Donovan, the woman who has captured his heart. However, the very next night plunges Gerry into a nightmare. The gold is gone, Lawrence Toole his best friend and dear mate lies lifeless, and Gerry stands accused of both theft and murder. In this bleak hour, Anne the daughter of his employer, is the solitary believer in his innocence. Riordan narrowly escapes the hangman’s noose but is sentenced to transportation to New South Wales, a convict in chains with a fiery spirit. His fate is sealed as he toils on the most gruelling endeavour in the colony — the construction of the Great North Road. As he rediscovers his skill in working with stone, he encounters a captivating young woman and enigmatic overseer, and two fellow convicts who guide him towards a more hopeful future. Simultaneously, those responsible for his false accusations in Ireland have also been exiled to this unforgiving land. Can Gerry Riordan rebuild his shattered dreams in these harsh new surroundings?' (Publication summary)

'Enigmatic intrigue, a grand Australian estate in the limelight, and Love’s reawakening as a 19th-century woman defies conventions.

'In the heart of the rugged landscape of Sydney harbour, John Leary’s mansion, known as Golden Hall, stand as a bastion of colonial grandeur. The recent loss of his clever and beautiful wife Clarissa casts a poignant shadow over the estate. However, the grandeur is not lost, for their young son Richard fills the halls with life. John, a tall and striking widower finds himself drawn to Richard dedicating more time to his upbringing than to his thriving business, Leary Contracting. Partners and kin fret over John’s apparent detachment given the fierce competitiveness of Sydney’s burgeoning 1850s building industry. A change starts to stir within him. Unseen eyes watch Golden Hall with its sweeping views from Point Piper and John becomes suspicious of their intentions. While the widow Mary Harrigan who once called this estate home, has every right to feel a connection, John believes she along with another mysterious figure, are driven by a singular golden lust. They are convinced that the house conceals a hidden treasure. When Mary Harrigan enlists the enchanting Catherine Ryan to aid in her quest, John sheds his listlessness and springs into action. He embarks on a journey that promises to unearth secrets buried within the very fabric of Golden Hall, affecting not just the mansion but the possibility of future happiness in the changing Australian landscape. This tale set amidst unique backdrop of 19th-century Sydney is a captivating blend of mystery ambition and rekindling of love’s flame all deeply rooted in the enchanting sunburnt Australian soil.'(Publication summary)

'Unleashing the Power of Nature, Rediscovering Love, and Confronting Convict Violence on the Banks of Australia’s Hawkesbury River.

'For Jess Walsh, tending to the inn at Wiseman's Ferry alongside her husband is a journey of coming to terms with the mighty Hawkesbury River. It draws travellers to their doorstep, for the ferry they operate is the sole lifeline for supplies and convict teams embarking on the engineering marvel of its colonial era, the Great North Road. Having experienced life as an ex-convict herself, Jess, with her striking daughter Deirdre by her side, sees the riverside as home. Her biggest dilemma revolves around Deirdre's future – should she wed the skilled stonemason, Gerry Riordan, and venture to distant Sydney Town? Solomon Wiseman, the inn owner, who presides over the hamlet with his grand house and gardens, relies on the Walshs to provide sustenance for the travellers on the Road. These provisions are collected under the command of Lieutenant William Dodds, with whom Jess frequently clashes. He embodies the very class that unjustly exiled her to Australia two decades ago – the powerful and oppressive ruling elite. While the river bestows good fortune, it can also bring disaster and devastation, and the dense bush surrounding Wiseman's Ferry conceals desperate souls. In 1831, tragedy strikes perilously close to Jess, turning the once-beloved river into a formidable adversary. Just as Jess begins to realize her truest ally, violence once again plunges her life into uncertainty, intermingling it with the fate of William Dodds. But peace eventually returns to Wiseman's Ferry, revealing the agonizing reasons behind her father's bankruptcy and the family's turmoil, instigated by someone Jess holds dear. This is a compelling narrative of a woman's unwavering determination, the relentless power of nature, and love's blossoming amidst the untamed grandeur of the New South Wales landscape, all unfolding alongside the majestic and tempestuous Hawkesbury River.' (Publication summary)

'When Sean Connaire’s family moved from Ireland to Sydney in the 1840s, he left behind his best friend, Dermot Spiers, and the girl they both worshipped, Veronica Flemming. Three years later, Sean relishes his career as a carpenter and rejoices in a grand surprise—Dermot Spiers and Vonnie Flemming both reappear in New South Wales, and Vonnie is still unmarried.

'However, Sean’s old friend has hardly put his boots under the desk of a Sydney job when he makes a demand that rocks Sean to his core beliefs. Stunned, Sean says no and thus sets in train events that drive him to drink, grief and potential ruin. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has to watch Dermot making capital out if his losses and becoming a devious rival in the fight for Vonnie.

'Only when the colourful British lawyer and fellow drinker, Albert Mangan, steps into the breach, do Sean’s fortunes begin to change. Albert tears into the labyrinthine darkness of Sean’s past and uncovers what has pushed him to the brink of disaster. But has Sean lost his last chance to claim the woman he loves?' (Publication summary)

'Rupert Jenkins came from Liverpool to the colony of New South Wales as a child, but by 1837 he has lost his family yet gained a he is a skilled carpenter on Sydney’s magnificent Elizabeth Bay House. He is also a Freemason, loyal to the Masonic beliefs in equality, justice and peace—but he doesn’t hesitate to use his fists against a bully at work, tall Irishman, Ronan O’Connell. Nor can he stand O’Connell’s Catholic mates, who back up the man’s fanatical and violent Republicanism.So, what is Rupert to do when he meets the dangerously attractive, diminutive but feisty Beatrice Byrne at Casements, the timber merchants, and finds that she is a Catholic? His ideal partner should be Julia Bold, the lovely sister of his best friend, Charles; and Beatrice seems destined for the suave, wealthy Kieran Casement. Social power in Sydney derives from the English, the Masonic Lodge supports freedom of religion but excludes Catholics, and the Bold family provides the only intimate support Rupert enjoys in his life. If he pursues Beatrice Byrne, he may lose it all.Meanwhile conflict still threatens at work, a fire puts Rupert’s very life in danger, and hurdles continue to rise before him on the risky path to love. Ironically, one of these obstacles may be his own prejudice, the hatred that he deplores in others but cannot conquer in himself. It takes another catastrophic fire to reveal his true direction' (Publication summary)