Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer

From the bestselling author of Thornwood House

When all that you know comes crashing down, do you run? Or face the truth?

Ruby Cardel has the semblance of a normal life – a loving boyfriend, a fulfilling career – but in one terrible moment, her life unravels. The discovery that the death of her sister, Jamie, was not an accident makes her question all she’s known about herself and her past.

Traveling back home to Lyrebird Hill, Ruby begins to remember the year that has been forever blocked in her memory . . . Snatches of her childhood with beautiful Jamie, and Ruby’s only friendship with the boy from the next property, a troubled foster kid.

Then Ruby uncovers a cache of ancient letters from a long-lost relative, Brenna Magavin, written from her cell in a Tasmanian gaol where she is imprisoned for murder. As she reads, Ruby discovers that her family line is littered with tragedy and violence.

Slowly, the gaps in Ruby’s memory come to her. And as she pieces together the shards of truth, what she finally discovers will shock her to the core – about what happened to Jamie that fateful day, and how she died. 

A thrilling tale about family secrets and trusting yourself...

Paperback, 416 pages

Published September 1st 2014 by Simon & Schuster AU 

personal library/audio version via Audible

***** 

There is a whole slew of wonderful Australian authors out there.  Some, like Kate Morton are easily accessible in markets worldwide.  Others like Kate Forysth might be a little tricky, some new releases might take a year or so before hitting Canada/US markets.  Then there is Anna Romer, these are harder to get hold of.  Unless you don't mind spending a little bit direct from Oz, and in my opinion well worth it (via Fishpond.com).  With her latest, Lyrebrid Hill, the audio version is readily available through Audible.

I opted for the audio version with a little trepidation. Her first novel,  Thornwood House was a 5 star read for me (click on title for my review), that puts some pressure book #two, Lyrebird Hill. Coming in at just over 11 hours in length, I enjoyed this as much as if I would have read it.  It was an amazing story, one that kept me iPod glued to me. 

If you haven't read Anna Romer, I highly recommend it.  Her writing style makes it very easy to get lost in her books.  With Lyrebird House the dual storyline added so much to this story.  Sometimes dual time period books can get choppy, lose some of the momentum, basically turn into a distraction rather than enhance the story. Such in not the case here.  I was just as interested in 1898 Brenna as I was present day Ruby and I looked forward to finding out how these two story lines connected. 

Anna Romer shows her histoical knowledge of Australia and Tasmania here,  it was a brutal and harsh time for some and I was able to visualize and feel empathy for Breanna and her plight.  Not just entertaining but educational as well.

As Ruby begins her journey of discovery one can't help feel her plight also.  Why can't she remember?  What did happened that fateful day?  Oh I could say so much more but I am afraid that I might give too much of this story away.   Lets just say that this was a wonderful book full of mystery, suspense, self discovery and healing.  If you are a fan of Kate Morton than I think you will enjoy this one also.