In book 4 of the Settlers Series, we catch up with most members of the extended family from the previous three books. Annie at 18 is the eldest Carstairs girl. She has lived out at Bathurst west of the Blue Mountains, where she was born just after her Mama, Bella and Papa, Tiger settled there back in 1824. After visiting her brother Tim and his wife Jo just before Christmas 1843, Annie decides to … to stay in Port Philip, seeking adventure much as her brother did when he set out with Jo the previous year. Annie has inherited her mother’s independent streak, a character trait that sometimes leads her to make the wrong choices.
Jacob O’Quinn works for her brother, and the likeable young carpenter catches Annie’s eye. Jacob is quiet and reserved in his manner, having spent his life with his widowed mother. When handsome Zachary McDowell, the complete opposite to steady Jacob comes along, he sweeps Annie off her feet. Heedless of advice given by others, Annie makes a choice that turns out to be the worst she could ever make.
Restless, Annie decides to return to her home, and Jacob makes the decision to escort her. The journey back across the mountains proves to be a lot more eventful than she assumed it could ever be. The road itself may have seen improvements through the years but there will always be unexpected incidents to turn life around on its axis. A suspected murder brings the might of the law down on the shoulders of the young couple.
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Well-plotted, all of the characters were were individuals with a strong voice. the depth of the story-line reminded me of the Thorn Bird–with sttrong character arcs which deeper the story. the history of out Australia and the Outback. Enriched the story.
It’s 1843. Annie, seeking adventure, decides to visit her brother and his wife in Port Philip. Annie has inherited her mother’s independent streak–which makes this story, Annie’s Choices, a great selection for Ms McGill’s readers!
Annie’s Choices is the fourth installment from the Settlers series by Tricia McGill. I have not read the other books in the series and felt like this one could be read as a stand alone. I thought it was pretty good. I liked the characters, the setting and the sweet romance.
I am giving Annie’s Choices four stars. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy historical romance. I am looking forward to reading the other book from the Settlers series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This is a sweet story and yet one with enough substance that it’s hard to put down. While this is a romance, which I might add is not my favorite genre, there really isn’t much romance to it. I’m using the wrong description here. There is romance, the kind where people fall in love or hope to. But…there isn’t sex; nothing embarrassing. That may be why I enjoyed it so much. Just a feel-good story with plenty of trials and tribulations. I think I have just described something that both adults and the YA genre (young adults) can read.
The characters were sweet and yet very realistic for the time period the story is set in, and they were easy to picture. Always makes a story better if you can see them in your mind.
Overall a nice read. The perfect curl up in a chair kind.
Ms. McGill pens an excellent 1800’s historical story located in Australia. There’s a mix of the life and times, a coming of marriage age, incredible landscapes, a murder-mystery, an evolving romantic relationship, and family ties all wrapped in an intriguing, tastefully written gemstone of a story. If you haven’t read any of Ms. McGill’s novels, this is a good one to check out. Her Settlers series are stand-alone books, so you can start reading them in any order…and you’ll end up reading them all;)
This book was an intriguing, engaging, eventful, and enjoyable read!!
This book follows the story of an Annie, an eighteen-year-old girl, who is staying with her Aunt Jo, Uncle Tim, and their new baby, Bella. Annie’s parents and she came down to visit Jo and Tim for the holidays and to meet the baby. However, instead of returning home with her parents at the end of the visit, Annie decided to continue her stay and spend more time in Port Philip, a town much bigger than the small Bathurst mountain area she’s from. During her visit she meets Jacob. He works for her brother at his furniture manufacturing business, and lives in the stables. Annie is quickly smitten with Jacob and tries to maximize her time with him, but always finds herself tongue-tied when she tries to talk to him. Annie convinces Jacob to take her with him on his day off to visit his mom and then later a trip to the seashore. After an uncomfortable interaction with Jacob’s mom, she meets a dashing lad by the name of Zachary. Now with the interest of two men Annie is trying to determine who is the better suitor. However, with repeated and ignored advice that Zachary is a well-known racketeer, up to no good, and not to be trusted Annie continues to pursue him while drifting further away from Jacob and her family. Are they telling the truth? Is Zachary up to no good? Should she be staying away from him and chasing after Jacob instead? Why would Zachary be so sweet and kind to her if he wasn’t interested in her? No spoilers here!! But you definitely will want to read this book and find out what happens!!
I enjoyed the story line and found myself intrigued and curious to how Annie’s story would end and who she would end up with.
I liked the main characters for the most part, but unfortunately was often annoyed at how rude and childish Annie acted. Annie was book smart, but quite naïve, independent, sheltered, spoiled, and acted all-knowing – though she clearly wasn’t. Annie was dismissive and quick to belt out orders whether it was to the maid, Jane, or Jacob or so on. Her short, but brief encounter with Jacob’s mom left this reader with a sour taste. I will admit that Jacob’s mom wasn’t exactly friendly, but I would never talk to an elder in such a distasteful tone as Annie did. Especially after forcing Jacob to bring her along on his one day off and when he already had plans with his mom. Already so disrespectful!
There were redeeming qualities for Annie throughout the book that I enjoyed, but often brought back to her coarse attitude. Constantly judging and criticizing others.
I enjoyed and appreciated the author’s depth of research that was thoroughly highlighted in this book. Her awareness of the history and culture of Australia – all added insight and authenticity to the story.
I also liked that the author used old language in her writings such as the terms: on the morrow, mayhap, dapper, fripperies, invalid, revelry, deigned, and chamber pot. She also used Australian slang terms such as frock, daft, cove, dowager, flogging, skivvy, whist, etc. It made the story feel more accurate.
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few very unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
This book is Book Four in The Settlers Book Series. I had not read any of the previous books in this series, before reading this book. This book can absolutely be read as a standalone without any confusion.
All in all, there were just a couple hang-ups for me, but overall, I still enjoyed reading this book and would still recommend it! I think all historical romance readers will like this book too! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading – you won’t be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
I liked this story. Annie was such a sweet, innocent young woman finding out the bad parts of life as well as the happier ones. Jacob was protective of Annie and cared for her from the beginning. Their reluctance to admit their feelings for each other almost cost them the life they both yearned for. Circumstances forced them to face their feelings and led to an HEA. I found the story a bit long and a little slow in places, but the journey was an interesting one.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.