I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

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. When tragedy strikes, an enigmatic Scottish shepherd, James Mackenzie, steps in to help the family and Sophia’s life takes an unexpected turn.

The writing flows well and the story is compelling. Good story about New Zealand's early settlers and their day-to-day lives. I look forward to the second book in this series.

4☆

This gripping tale of the lives of some of the early European pioneers, who arrived in New Zealand in the mid 19th century, was totally absorbing.

The descriptions of the characters, their environment and the hardships they faced were compelling. The clever weaving of fact with fiction added to the authenticity of the story. James Mackenzie, who actually existed, has made his mark on the people who wanted to begin again in a new land.

I am left wanting more, so look forward to the next book in the series.