Book Review Ellenvale Gold by Amanda Deed

Book Description:
It is the time of Australia's harsh rogue-filled goldrush of the 1850s when Miss Penelope Worthington suddenly finds herself orphaned, isolated and alone. With a large sheep station to run single-handedly, she has little option but to enlist the aid of a mysterious, but sinister stranger. But who is the more treacherous? Gus—the scruffy, trespassing, ex-convict who coincidentally shows up looking for work just when she desperately needs a farmhand or Rupert—the handsome, wealthy neighbour who would willingly marry her at the drop of a hat and solve her apparent dilemma?


My Review:
I wanted this book from the time it was released. Read reports it was a good book and when I was in the City I bought it for a Christmas present for myself. I understand why people love the book so much. I was up til early morning finishing the book as I just couldn't put it down. The book is set at a time in the 1850's in Victoria and an area where there is a gold rush. I have always been interested in this era especially after being to Ballarat and seeing the information on the Eureka Stockade and also going to a performance which showed the events leading up to and during this time. This book is set in the months preceding the uprising and we hear some of the facts in the story. 


The book is about Penelope who is now basically alone after the death of her stockman with a sheep station to run. She finds herself needing help from a Gus a stranger who turns up on her property. AT the same time the neighbouring stations son Rupert is showing her interest. We see how back in these times class was very much a factor and how hard it is for Penelope to see Gus as an equal. There are are several incidents that happen which lead Penelope questioning herself and what she thinks is right. There were times I wanted to knock some sense into Penelope but at the same time I understand why she was like she was. I did grew to love her by the end of the book. A side note one character mentioned in the book is Thomas Blake. This was a nice surpass as this was my dads name. This book deals with second chances, forgiveness, acceptance and questions ones thinking. This is a book I would certainly recommend to anyone who is interested in Australian history and enjoys a good read.