4367196736111488114.jpg
'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)
