Dust of the Land

By: J. H. Fletcher

Narrated by: Eloise Oxer

There was only one way she could guarantee her future.... and she knew that she would take it.

Bella Tucker has come a long way. Born illegitimate and banished to the London slums by her vindictive stepmother, at six Bella is rescued by her grandfather and brought up as a member of the aristocratic Richmond family. Her future seems assured when she falls passionately in love with Charles Hardy, heir to the wealthy Hardy estate – until her grandfather’s death changes everything....

Heartbroken and headstrong, Bella flees to Australia, where she is offered a job by the charismatic Garth Tucker, owner of Miranda Downs, a vast cattle station in the stunning and remote Pilbara region. After several near disasters, she finds herself falling in love with Garth amidst the dust, heat and the endless expanse of bush.

Together, Bella and Garth become major players in the new mining industry, allowing Bella to build her dream home, the sprawling homestead, ‘Desire’. But after Garth’s unfortunate death, Bella is forced to deal with circumstances that bring the family close to ruin ... and the business Bella and Garth have built to the brink of collapse.

Can Bella untangle the lies and save the business and her family home? And will she ever lay eyes again on the man she never ceased to love, Charles Hardy?

©2014 John Fletcher (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Like Woman of Substance but set in Australia." (Selwa Anthony, literary agent)

"A big, easy read, satisfyingly laced with solid research, romance and surprises." ( The Advertiser)

"Guaranteed to linger on in the mind for days after it is finished." ( The Newcastle Herald)

"This is another story which will delight Fletcher's world-wide fans." ( Ballarat Courier)

Tiring

I already knew the story of Cinderella. Finally quit....no surprises...nothing to wonder...very predictable....not worth my time.

OK

Not my favorite book. I never got drawn into it. Many times I felt like it was written for length and many aspects of the book did not contribute to the main story. Many of the small stories of Bella's life came across as filler.

Wonderful ending!

This was a captivating story! I loved it from start to the end. I could relate with Bella, but also loved that the other characters were developed too. Can't wait for the authors next book.

awesome!

loved it
best book you can read no matter the genre that you read! ( well except maybe not sci fi)
well I didn't read it I listened to it lol
still awesome read

Great Book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it was a great story and easy to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

I like how it went from the past to the present, back in forth.

A woman's courageous journey

What made the experience of listening to Dust of the Land the most enjoyable?

Chosing to do something other's think is out of character for you is what makes this a great story. One woman's journey into a domain of men, doing what she loves and excelling! Lots of texture.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dust of the Land?

Doing the "right thing" in the bush even if it means losing the prize!

What does Eloise Oxer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The correct accents for the region. I would read everything in my own cultural tongue and have missed the unique words and accents of the region.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the character took time from her goal to care for another human in need. It is what is the best part of us.

Any additional comments?

A great overview of the wonderful outback of Australia in a different time and place.

Enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Leaves the reader with things to think about. Informs about Australia

Great book

After starting this book, I wanted to hideaway in a corner and listen to the end. I hated to have to put it down but life must go on. I always enjoy reading about characters with strong positive attitudes like the one in this book, especially as she survived all of her trials and tribulations as a child, young adult and as a woman in business at that time. And finally what appeared to be her natural aptitude for business made the book even more interesting.

Dust of the land

Dust of the land This story reminds me of Collen Mc Colloughs Thornbirds or Tarrett's series of Australien cattle and wine farms. Heartwarming story better than average of the same kind from rags to riches-

Surprisingly Great Listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I really enjoyed it, even though I would suggest cutting part of it.

What did you like best about this story?

I love this narrator and have tried to listen to as many of her books as possible. The story was mostly engaging and entertaining too, although I think part of it (near the end, the last catch-up bit before syncing the past and the present) could have been cut.

What about Eloise Oxer’s performance did you like?

She's a great narrator and natural storyteller who gives great voices to her characters. Better at Chinese than German though :).

Any additional comments?

Definitely recommend, will look for more by this author!