This book has been researched so well. The authors writing is beautiful. This book is so heartwarming. It absolutely captivated me. I absolutely loved the characters. A fantastic story

Jenny Ashcroft has become one of my favourite authors from her first book. Under the Golden Sun is no exception. We follow Rose and her charge Walter from London in World War 2, via the sea voyage to Australia. Walter was just the cutest child imaginable. The characters were superb and the storyline kept me turning the pages from beginning to end. Adventure, mystery and romance … another winner for me.

This is my first Jenny Ashcroft novel and I'll definitely be exploring her back catalogue. I loved the character of Rose, the era and the portrayal of rural Queensland and felt completely absorbed and immersed in Rose's story. It's a well researched and heartwarming novel that is perfect escapism for our current times. Recommended
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley, Little Brown UK and Jenny Ashcroft for this e-copy in return for my honest review. I'm a massive fan of historical fiction so I really enjoyed this book. The story had such depth of character and emotion, I found myself genuinely caring about the characters. I have read a few of Jenny's books now and they're all so well researched with compelling storylines.

This is definitely a book that's hard to categorise, and if I'm completely honest I don't really know what to make of this one. I've never read anything by the author before, but I'm all about new experiences, and it sounded like an interesting read. And it was! But it's definitely a book that's hard to describe. I think for me the thing I found strange was the tone

This is the first book I've read by this author. It's a really immersive read and I finished it in one sitting. I will definitely look for more titles by Jenny Ashcroft.
Rose Hamilton answers an advert for a companion to escort an orphaned child to Australia. She soon becomes attached to her young ward , Walter Lucknow, who she meets before they undertake the trip. Walter has a mixed heritage and she finds the discrimination against him hard to understand. It's uncomfortable reading at times when faced with the heartrending injustices they face throughout the story.
Once they reach the cattlestation in Queensland , it quickly becomes apparent that things are not as she expected and her first meeting with Walters uncle ,Max is less than auspicious. They are obviously unexpected and unwanted after an arduous journey.
Rose promises to stay with Walter until he is settled and their bond forges ever stronger. You can't help but love the little boy and you really connect with them both . Her relationship with Max developes into a mutual respect between the two and they become close .
Max has been badly wounded in his role as a fighter pilot and has extensive burns to his body and face so he thinks anything more than a platonic relationshipis out of the question. There is also the fiance back in England that she must decide about., will she settle for a life that is staid and secure ?
This is a sweeping , heartrending and thought provoking read and I thoroughly recommend it

Soon got hooked into this book, wanting to find out what happened next. The story of someone taking on a job as an escort to a orphaned child all the way to Australia. But could she just leave him, no she stayed to ensure he was happy. Story of hope and heartbreak. I could not put it down.

I absolutely devoured this book - was torn between wanting to read it and not wanting to finish it so it lasted longer. Loved little Walter and Rose’s story - really a love story of lots of different types of love. Can’t wait for another from Jenny Ashcroft. Always make me want to travel and see the places she writes about.. I’m now frantically searching for other books in the same genre to read.

I’ve read several books by Jenny Ashcroft and they are always well researched and extremely gripping, full of wonderful characters who really come to life with every page read.
In “Under The Golden Sun” I just love the main protagonists, Rosie who is so brave and strong after suffering a terrible tragedy. We first meet her on the train to London in the middle of World War Two; she is travelling to celebrate her birthday with her family. However she is terribly sad and unhappy in her life working in Devon. En route to London she sees a job advertisement to accompany a young child on a trip to Australia. She decides to apply and meets terminally ill Vivien and 5 year old Walter.
Then there is Max, the injured pilot, Rosie meets in Australia and Walter the young child, who is beautifully portrayed,, heartbreakingly full of sadness after his own tragedy. The interaction between these three is the main focus of the novel and it ensured I was gripped throughout.
Gradually the author reveals the back story of the characters and as Rosie travels to Australia her world changes forever.
This is a touching and moving story, set in difficult times when people didn’t know if they’d ever see their loved ones alive again. There is sadness but also hope and I must admit at times having to wipe away a tear.
This is a heartwarming novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. The character of Rosie is drawn so well that I felt as if I knew her personally. She is courageous and brave- I can’t imagine setting out on a long sea voyage to the other side of the world in the midst of a World War. She definitely deserves to find happiness and I kept hoping that things would work out for her.
As ever this author did not disappoint and I highly recommend Under The Golden Sun to readers who enjoy historical romances with strong female characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.