Historicalfictionaward2019 Stories

Inspired by the non-fictional, historical lives of Sir Joseph Banks, Nicolas Baudin, Captain William Bligh, Matthew Flinders and John Macarthur, this 'coming of age' story is set at the dawn of the nineteenth century. It describes Charlotte, an English orphan, being saved from unimaginable misery by a young Irish Catholic priest, Reverend Sean Simmons. Charlotte cannot dream that she is about to embark on a fantastic journey that will take her from the manored estates of gentrified England to the brutal convict settlement on Terra Australis. Navigating the mire of desperate circumstances and characters she encounters along the way will test her mettle and spirit. Yet, meeting the strange and enigmatic Charlotte will also test every person who encounters her on the journey in unpredictable and uniquely different ways. Charlotte, it appears, brings change; nothing is the same again - least of all, the future Australian colony she longs to call home.

Wattys 2018 Shortlist!!! *First book in a two part series* June 1952-in a world of poodle skirts, convertibles, and rock and roll... At seventeen, Isadora (Izzy) Twiss is forced to accept she has a growing problem, and no matter how much she wishes it away, it just gets bigger. Having a baby out of wedlock is unacceptable. Those who do are shunned by their families and destined to lead a life of guilt and shame. She is forced to "disappear" to a remote island where a nun led home for unwed mothers lies, surrounded by nothing but wilderness. There she meets other girls, all suffering from the same predicament. They bond together, sharing in the heartache that comes with carrying an illegitimate child. Izzy dreams that one day, no matter how far-fetched, love will be hers to have and hold. When a mysterious man arrives on the island, Izzy realizes her dream just might come true.