Heart of the Cross
by
Emily Madden
From Ireland to Kings Cross, a legacy of loss and hope echoes across the generations ...
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises Australia
Imprint: Mira-AU
Publication date: 19th August 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 400
RRP: $29.99AUD
Format read: Trade paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
Tinahely, Ireland, 1959
Rosie Hart is content leaving her home behind to follow her new husband
to Australia. But she soon discovers there is no room for her or their
young son in the life he has built in vibrant Kings Cross. As their
marriage crumbles, Rosie will need to fight for the golden future her
son deserves ... until the day her world is shattered and all hope turns
to dust.
Eighteen years later, haunted by her past, Rosie is determined her daughter Maggie will follow the path she has set out for her. But when Maggie rejects her plans and moves out of home, all Rosie can hope is that she has also left behind the grief that plagues the Hart name.
Sydney, 2017 When her grandmother dies and leaves Brianna Hart a secret apartment in Kings Cross, Brie wonders what else Rosie was keeping from her. As Brie chases the truth of Rosie's past she uncovers an incredible story of passion, violence, love and tragedy.
Eighteen years later, haunted by her past, Rosie is determined her daughter Maggie will follow the path she has set out for her. But when Maggie rejects her plans and moves out of home, all Rosie can hope is that she has also left behind the grief that plagues the Hart name.
Sydney, 2017 When her grandmother dies and leaves Brianna Hart a secret apartment in Kings Cross, Brie wonders what else Rosie was keeping from her. As Brie chases the truth of Rosie's past she uncovers an incredible story of passion, violence, love and tragedy.
Heart
of the Cross is a heartfelt story of love, tragedy and loss told across three
generations of Hart women. This multiple time line novel will have you cheering
for these three strong women.
Rosie
falls head over heels for Tom Fuller. When she falls pregnant Tom marries her
and moves to Australia to set up a new life for them. When Rosie and their son
move from Ireland to Australia to join him, Tom is a changed man and Rosie
knows no-one.
The
story follows Rosie as she makes a life for herself in Sydney’s Kings Cross
whilst her husband spends his nights drinking and gambling. She has a hard
loveless marriage however Rosie is vibrant and kind making friends with
everyone around her. She is loved by this close community.
Maggie
feels smothered by her over-controlling mother who monitors every aspect of her
life. She moves out of home with best friend Sharon and they soon become
embroiled in the bright lights of the Kings Cross night life.
Brianna
is back in Sydney for her Grandma’s funeral only to find out her grandmother
has sold the house. The more people she talks to the more she wonders if she
really knew her grandmother at all. Secrets are uncovered and many more
questions are left unanswered.
“Are you saying that secrets
are a good thing? Secrets are just like telling lies.”
“All I’m saying is that if
you dig, be prepared for the sting.”
Brought
up by her grandmother Brie knew nothing of her mother and even who her father
was. She now feels betrayed and hurt that Rosie kept all these secrets from
her. She is determined to dig and reveal the truth and find out where she
belongs.
Madden
has written a heartbreakingly real story of Sydney in the early 1960’s and the
struggle for married women with no rights. She includes themes of love, family,
belonging, friendship and the kindness of strangers. The three women prove to
be strong and resilient with Rosie becoming a legend in her time.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My rating 5/5
This review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge
book #32 in the Australian Women Writers challenge
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| Photo credit: Goodreads |
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