A young couple take off for New Zealand to start a new life where the possibilities are far better then in Scotland. They are not quite sure where they will find suitable land and keep traveling until they find the almost perfect spot. They settle down and eventually meet another young couple who have settled not too far away. They all become fast friends and help each other in all endeavors. One day George took off to find any sheep that had strayed. The weather turns ominous and a deluge had the rivers running wild. George dies and leaves Sophie pregnant and husbandless. The community is really helpful but it takes another man to finally break through Sophie's grief.
James Mackenzie had shown up one day and was helping the young couple. This book is more about his life which according to the author is a true one. He definitely gets in a bit of trouble here and there--but did everything he could to aid Sophie and her fatherless young son that he possibly could. Eventually they marry--and still troubles hound them. He and his dog Friday were absolutely incredible!
There is a happy ending to this tale which will make your heart full--if not laughing a bit at how it became a happy ending!
About the Book: (from Amazon)
From the Scottish Highlands to remote New Zealand, life was harsh for the early pioneers who ventured into a new land far across the seas where opportunity beckoned for those who could endure the hardships.
On Boxing Day, 1848 Sophia steps ashore with her new husband, George, and begins her perilous journey inland to seek a place to call home. Her hope for the child she carries to be born in a house that they build together does indeed come true. Sophia and George are joined by other young folk who form a small but growing community of fellow pioneers banding together to forge a life in this land of promise. However, not all pioneers are honest and true, as Sophia discovers to her cost. When tragedy strikes, the enigmatic James Mackenzie steps in to help our family and Sophia’s life takes an unexpected turn.
James Mackenzie is not a character of fiction. There is no doubt he existed. In fact, the high plateau where Sophia settled now bears his name. But the tales that surround his conviction and imprisonment for sheep rustling are shrouded in mystery. No-one knows what became of him for sure, though stories abound. Along with his clever and faithful collie dog Friday, his exploits have become legends. Perhaps there is more to tell of James Mackenzie and his influence on the remotely beautiful high country, surrounded by snow-capped mountains…
Read a Chapter or Two Here
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About the Author: (from Amazon)
Amanda likes to weave well-researched, true historical facts into her stories while building credible and likeable characters amongst the ordinary folk of rural New Zealand in the late1800s. She would love you to join her in their adventures, triumphs and tragedies. And we mustn't forget the dogs who worked so hard on high country farms to bring prosperity to the region. Meet Friday, James' favourite collie and all her descendants. Their story deserves to be told too.
Amanda was born in Somerset, England. She emigrated far too late in life to New Zealand in 2008 and now writes while looking out onto the flat plains with snow-capped mountains beyond. It is a place where it is easy to find inspiration for stories of the early settlers who made this unique place their home.
She shares her home with her long-suffering husband, Terry and three rescued huntaway dogs, Nemo, Jess and Ted. Their ten acres of wild garden are home to an assortment of chickens, more ornamental than productive, and a small flock of self-shedding sheep. At night, the big skies, unpolluted by light, provide glorious views of the milky way, and an occasional glimpse of the Southern Lights.
When not writing, Amanda rings church bells and enjoys photography, gardening and finding out about her family history. On lazy days, when not reading or listening to a book, she gets the knitting needles out.
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