Spanning fifty years, from the 1860s through to the turn of the century, this work tells the story of Alexander Kinross, who flees from a childhood of poverty in Scotland to make his fortune in the Australian and the American gold fields. In the process, he meets the woman he loves but can never marry - and marries a woman who can never love him.

Let international bestselling author Colleen McCullough sweep you away with this enthralling, evocative and emotional saga of one woman's quest to come to terms with a new life. If you like Victoria Hislop, Lucinda Riley and Fiona Valpy, you'll love this!

'Fast-moving and immensely readable... Back to the open spaces, merciless climate and sheer pioneering stance of the magical THE THORN BIRDS, this book is a page turner from start to finish' -- Maeve Binchy
'A compelling, passionate and gritty saga that was well worth the wait' -- She
'A powerful saga' -- Mirror
'Absorbing' -- Sunday Telegraph
'I could put this book down. I was consumed with it' -- ***** Reader review
'This book is utterly compelling and quite simply, I loved it. I wanted to finish it, but, didn't want it to end. Beautifully written, descriptive passages. A truly Master author. Thank you' -- ***** Reader review
'One of the best reads I've had in years' -- ***** Reader review
'Thoroughly loved this book, I was hooked from the first page!' -- ***** Reader review

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Alexander Kinross is remembered in his native Scotland only as a shiftless boilermaker's apprentice. But when he writes from Australia to summon his bride, his relatives realize he is now a man to be reckoned with.

Arriving in Sydney after a difficult voyage, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Drummond meets her husband-to-be and discovers that he frightens and repels her.

Isolated in Alexander's great house, Elizabeth finds that marriage does not prompt her husband to enlighten her about his past life - nor his present one, in which his mistress, the sensuous, tough, outspoken Ruby Costevan, still plays a part...

Will she be able to forge a happy new life in this new world?