Hi following friends and readers,
Recently I received this book review for my first book of the Fortune Seekers Series – Dan and Charlotte
It was published in 2016.
Title: The Fortune Seekers: Dan and Charlotte – Book One of a series Author: Glennis Browne
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN:
Genre:
Pages: 398
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Pacific Book Review
Book one of an intended series, Glennis Browne’s The Fortune Seekers: Dan and Charlotte traverses time in a thought provoking saga, which delivers a tale of pioneering life which includes the elements of wanderlust, adventure, drama and romance; all steeped in a well plotted and vividly re-imagined history.
Author Browne brings the mid1800’s back to life, within this exploration of the erstwhile era of the Australian Gold Rush. The narrative poses the multi-faceted hardships people faced during that time in realistic detail. She explores the spiritual, mental and physical stresses encountered through her well-drawn characters and setting. The story follows the lives of characters Dan Matthews and Charlotte Mertons; Great Brittainers each living a life mired in confusion from the restricting confines of religious and social ideologies prevalent during life at that time. Both characters find themselves on individual journey’s to escape the confusion in their lives, leading to self-discovery as they give in to the wanderlust gene that drives them to seek out more fulfilled lives.
Fiction
The book first brings into focus the character Dan Matthews. Born in Pembrokshire, South Wales, Dan, is intelligent, a profound thinker, as well as sympathetic. Upon first meeting we find him locked in the throes of an intense spiritual battle, and severely conflicted within his existence. Being raised in a strict household ensconced in strong religious beliefs. However, Dan feels his life is hampered by those beliefs, and challenges the doctrine, which leads to him to being branded as a non- conformist.
Browne next introduces nineteen-year-old Charlotte Mertons. She’s attractive and affable, and also raised in a strict religious environment. Although, many are affected by her beauty and charms, she succumbs to involvement in a taboo relationship that bucks the religious conventions, which she had been taught, essentially making her a non- conformist as well.
Furthering the saga, Browne brings Dan and Charlotte together. Hints in the final chapters are of them starting a life together as emigrants and fortune seekers in Australia. But, there are obstacles ahead that may be insurmountable. Book two promises answers to this intriguing saga.
The Fortune Seekers: Dan and Charlotte, made for a rewarding read which I enjoyed. Author Browne’s writing, easily engages, and flows well. Her portrayal of life for 18th century emigrants bore an authentic realism with their hopes, dreams, loves, religious strife and dramatic moments played out with evocative details. Also, her characterizations were well-drawn and lively making them intriguing to follow.
Glennis Browne
To view video
UTube: https://youtu.be/tGmaalu4RHc
Available from
https://www.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=SKU-001061229
Or
Amazon
glennisbrowne.com 