Cirrus@Austlit

'Jane Ashby's pleasant life in the city comes to an abrupt end when her father and brother decide to take up gold prospecting and she is forced to relocate with them to a small, remote gold field. And, when one of the settlers takes her off by force to save her from a night in the bush she resents being made prisoner on his farm. Can Jane come to terms with this uncivilised country and become a settler's wife?' (Publication summary)

'When nursemaid Kate Cooper rescues poacher William Thorpe from a mantrap on land belonging to her employer, Sir Titus Wiggins, they are unaware of the consequences of their meeting. Wiggins, a cruel, heartless lecher, dismisses Kate and she is forced to find other work. She finds it with childhood friend Tom Ridley, a local landowner, and struggles to keep a professional distance from him, aware he is to marry elsewhere. Healed by his lost love Judith, William joins Ridley on the night of the poacher’s moon when matters come to a head and passion and disaster collide at the Wiggins mansion leaving all searching for answers and the elusive happiness they so desire.' (Publication summary)

'The Australian bush in 1875 is a challenge for strong men and for a woman, it is daunting. Rose Teesdale travels from England to join her husband Luke for a new life on their Australian farm. She is not prepared for the dangers that lurk in the dark forests, or for Luke's indifference. Luke is often away and Rose is left to face sinister Lord Barrington and the mysterious dark people of Haunted Creek, and to fight a secret love for Erik, who saves her life. When Luke is killed Rose decides to stay on, but how will she survive in such a wild country?' (Publication summary)

'Facing eviction from her Yorkshire farm after the death of her parents, red-haired Sally Mason refuses to accept that a woman is not capable of independence. In doing so she must fight her formidable aunt and worse still her grim landlord, Oliver Radford, who maintains a bitter feud with the Mason family over a murder committed fifty years before. Sally finds an ally in her new friend Marcus. However, when she discovers he is Oliver’s son, the barriers between them seem insurmountable. There could be a way for Sally to keep the farm but, apparently, only by sacrificing her chance of happiness with Marcus. Can they ever solve the murder mystery and lay the feud to rest?' (Publication summary)

'When Amy Appleton starts working for Ben, a gloomy farmer with a tragic past, she tries desperately to cheer him up—but the cattle plague is raging and his sheep are being stolen. Meanwhile, the cheery, carefree Patrick falls in love with Amy but, as always, love's path never runs smooth. Now dark forces on the moor cast long shadows over their lives. Amy, Patrick, and Ben all face death, unless the lurking evil can be overcome.' (Publication summary)

'When Helen Moore gets a job in a charming seaside guesthouse she expects a life of smooth domestic routine...but there is trouble in store. Her favourite guest, James, is writing a book about the fishing community and he asks Helen to help him with his research. Thus it comes to pass that Helen meets some of the fisher girls and is drawn into their harsh lives. Suddenly, the theft of some diamonds from Seaview casts suspicion on Helen. She must cross paths with some dangerous people in her quest to prove her innocence but unless the crime can be solved Helen faces a life behind bars...' (Publication summary)

'Alice Greenwood's sense of humor is needed and never more so than in her widowhood. She makes a living by taking casual positions in local households in the Yorkshire town of Masham, where she also sells herbs as the Lavender Girl and her work leads her into difficulties and even danger. The Grey family employ Alice to control their wayward daughter Laura, who rebels against an arranged marriage. Then, working for the local doctor, Alice has to contend with hostility from his surly groom, Jacob Fowler, and both suffer under the pompous locum, Dr. Fanshawe. They are unwillingly drawn into a murder mystery and further surprises threaten Alice's happiness. Will she be condemned to a life of drudgery?' (Publication summary)

'At the age of 14, Susan Wood is left with two younger brothers while her father is sent to prison for forgery. She works for her neighbors, Martin Gill and his wife, who do their best to help the children. When his wife dies, Martin finds work for Susan at the Mermaid Inn and then abandons her there. Susan survives but dislikes town life and eventually takes a job as a cook with Andrew Jordan, the solicitor responsible for her father's trouble. Meanwhile, Martin Gill keeps his distance. He loves Susan, but feels that he is too old for her. Can Susan clear the family name and achieve happiness?' (Publication summary)

'Bright and warm-hearted Hester is desperate to escape her squalid moorland home and violent father. So when her employer Ned Metcalfe tries to seduce her, she mistakes his real intentions for love, only to finds herself pregnant and isolated. She then struggles to overcome the prejudice of her community and setbacks in her personal life.' (Publication summary)