ABOUT THE BOOK
After a German fighter sinks her husband’s ship in the icy Atlantic, grief-stricken Hannah Kidd flees the rubble and ration queues of wartime Liverpool for a new life on the other side of the world. In sun-soaked Sydney, she discovers more than just refuge from nightly bombing raids—she finds unexpected family connections, meaningful work, and the handsome Eddie Greenbank.
As Hannah explores the golden beaches of Sydney’s eastern shores, the misty valleys of the Blue Mountains, and the rolling scenery of the Hunter Valley, she begins to believe that happiness isn’t lost forever. But even in Australia, the war’s long shadow threatens everything she’s begun to rebuild. Hannah must decide: will she let grief define her, or will she fight for the future she never thought she’d have?
A sweeping story of resilience and renewal set against the dramatic backdrop of wartime Australia, Under a Southern Sky explores how far we must sometimes travel—both in miles and in spirit—to find our way home.
MY REVIEW
This captivating novel drew me in with its rich historical context and poignant storytelling set in wartime Australia. Although it’s a sequel, it stands on its own beautifully.
The story follows Hannah, a young war widow in Sydney. After losing her husband, she feels like a burden to her sister Judith and her family. Determined to reclaim her independence, Hannah steps out of her comfort zone to find a job and forge new friendships—all while searching for her long-lost Aunt Elizabeth, who just so happens to be her late husband’s stepmother.
Hannah’s journey is filled with struggles and emotional turmoil. She has faced profound heartache at such a young age, and her resilience really struck a chord with me. Despite her sometimes misguided choices, there is something incredibly inspiring about her strength and her ability to keep pressing forward. The path she travels is tough, but I promise you, it leads to a satisfying, happy conclusion.
One of the highlights of this book is its well-developed characters. Each one feels real and three-dimensional. Plus, the historical elements are woven seamlessly throughout the narrative. I admit, I don’t read many books about WWII in Australia, and this one opened my eyes to the remarkable contributions Australians made during that time. It’s a refreshing perspective that’s often overlooked in casual discussions of the war.
If you’re a fan of character-driven sagas that delve into vibrant historical themes, I highly recommend giving this book a shot. It has enough heart and depth to resonate with anyone seeking an engaging read.
Thank you to Ms. Flynn for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Giveaway to Win a a signed paperback of The Star of Ceylon (Open to UK Only)
Win a a signed paperback of The Star of Ceylon (Open to UK Only
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Gleam box below. The winner will be selected at random via Gleam from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
BUY THE BOOK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clare Flynn is the award-winning author of nineteen historical novels. She is the 2020 Selfies Adult Fiction prize winner for The Pearl of Penang and the 2022 Indie Champion for the Romantic Novelists Association. Clare is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the Historical Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists Association. She lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England.
Follow Clare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
FOLLOW THE BLOG TOUR
BLOG TOUR ORGANIZED BY:
Thank you for your fabulous review! So pleased you enjoyed it!
My pleasure, Clare!