Family & Fortune
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Family & Fortune
My third historical fiction novel is inspired by my 3x Great Grandmother Mary Ann.
A view of the first small village to develop on the Mount Alexander goldfields at Chewton (then known as Forest Creek) near Castlemaine in 1852 painted by Samuel Thomas Gill
Visit this link to my Pinterest page where I have gathered some images and resources which inspire my writing.
The Blurb
When fate dismantles her world, a young woman discovers the strength to build a new life in a wild land.
In a tale that spans continents and generations, "Family & Fortune" follows the extraordinary journey of Mary Ann Turner, a young woman from 19th-century England who dares to forge her own path in the face of adversity. When Mary Ann's father arranges her marriage to Richard Evans, a former convict seeking redemption in the untamed wilds of Australia, she must leave behind everything she knows and embark on a perilous voyage to a strange new land.
As Mary Ann and Richard carve out a life together amidst the harsh beauty of the Australian landscape, they face unimaginable challenges that test the limits of their resilience and love.
With rich historical detail and a cast of unforgettable characters, "Family & Fortune" is a sweeping saga that explores the enduring nature of love, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the courage required to build a new life.
Pauline Wilson weaves a compelling narrative that will transport readers from the rolling hills of Bedfordshire to the untamed bush of Victoria, immersing them in a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. "Family & Fortune" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction who yearn for an epic tale of love, loss, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Mary Ann was born in the small village of Wilden in 1835. According to the 1851 census 15 year old Mary Ann was working as a lacemaker.
She would have been making lace in the same way as demonstrated in this video with silk thread, pins and bobbins.
Reviews
Big thanks to Pauline for gifting us a copy to read and review.
An all embracing historical fiction family saga that stretches across the years full of affecting moments, charming situations and fascinating events.
In 1800s England, Mary Ann Turner is bewildered when her father arranges marriage to a convict sentenced to Australia.
Richard Evans has been convicted and sent to Van Diemans Land for a maximum sentence in the harsh country.
Seeking redemption, he is determined to make a better life for himself and his new wife.
Mary Ann leaves behind her beloved family and travels to the other side of the world.
They make a life together and through the ups and downs, the severe landscape and the difficulties of the time, the two form a loving partnership.
This is my second read from up and coming author Pauline Wilson and I must say I really enjoyed my reading journey with this book.
It’s fast paced, dramatic, engaging and totally absorbing.
I felt enriched and invested in all its history glory and I adored the drama of everyday life and from back then.
Some of it was joyous and some heartbreaking but overall it’s captivating and delightful.
Take a chance on reading a novel by Pauline and be taken back to a bygone era.
Craig and Phil - Happy Valley Books Read
I've read a lot of historical fiction but this is my first in Australia and I really enjoyed it. It was a new take on a genre I love! The story of Mary Ann and Richard is a rich a beautiful story, that is so real, I shed many tears as I read this book, because it is relatable, we all face challenging choices that shape our lives, and tragedies beyond our control, but with the help of our loved ones we carry on and continue to grow.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CJ on Goodreads
Pauline Wilson’s third book did not disappoint allowing her to let us travel with her family and the adversities they endured through tribulations and delights and insights of the times of insensitivity and kindness. Thank you for the opportunity to read ‘Family and Fortune’.
Joan on Goodreads
I received this book as an ARC from the author and I absolutely loved it!! It made me feel all the feels. Loved that most of it was set in Australia and I could visualise so clearly some of the locations.
Do yourself a favour and read this! Well written and loved the characters development throughout.
Bec on Goodreads