Cirrus@Austlit

'This is the story of Emily. The Australian Outback Historical Saga is in essence a biography of an extraordinary woman's life, set on the great Jooloonga Station in central Queensland. 1901: A little girl wanders down a creek in central Queensland after the revenge massacre of her family. She becomes known as The Crazy Orphan and is rendered mute for two years. A host of remarkable characters pour in and out of her life. The pioneering Wilsons and their six children provide the love that remains indelibly printed on her soul. An extraordinary event at the annual Racing Carnival has her venting her anger in an outburst that relaxes her vocal chords, but the incident has her banished from the community the same day.' (Publication summary)

'Phillip Parry lived a double life, hiding his secret family for twenty years. He used his Cessna like a car. Only now can his wife and five additional children move to the thriving dynasty of Jooloonga Station. The Coming of the Second Family creates a furor that will test them all. This is the story of Susannah Ruth the teenage daughter and her brave-hearted mother Colleen. Susannah falls in love with the neighbor's half-brother Douglas Clarke. Disturbing revelations from both families blaze a quicksilver trail through all their lives. A story of amazing love and tormented souls, spanning two continents, travelling to England and back, set on a stunning canvas in central Queensland where the magic of the Dreaming controls the heartbeat of an Ancient Land. This is the third book of the Coloured Sands Series. The characters from the first two novels are joined in this novel with dramatic impact.' (Publication summary)