"A candle is lit; a candle is burned. The cycle of life is continuous"

The somewhat true story set in 1930's Australia follows Anna from childhood to old age on her farm, establishing her marriage to James, the arrival of her recently widowed cousin and the development of her mental health disorders.

The book presented a fantastic representation of supporting individuals through mental health struggles and the patience needed, as well as when it's time to seek out professional help. It was clear at no point that turning your back is an option. The story was also well written and evoked a variety of emotions at different points.

That said, I feel the story is simply too long.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.

Amazing story of mental Ilness and the consequences of our actions. You hate Anna one minute and then fell sorry for her the next. Such wonderful, development of characters. Highly recommended!

I enjoyed this book, although it did seem exceptionally long, but this was because the 0lot was well developed and the character changes plotted carefully. It was interesting that just as one character seemed completely unsympathetic, you’d suddenly get a new perspective and your feelings towards them would change. Certainly not a predictable story. I enjoyed the later stages of the novel more than the start and particularly the way the character of Anna was developed.

I always love a good book inspired by true true events. This is a book that is also an historical fiction story about cousins, their close relationship but can one man help or hinder this relationship?

This is a saga to say the least and it is a story about taking chances, about the outcomes of those choices you make, about mental illness and about solving the problems caused by those decisions made. There are quite charming parts, horrific parts, intriguing parts and even a bit scary in parts.

It is a book that will pull you in and drag you along for the ride but I must say it is a very long read, intense and sometimes tiring. But having said that it is well written, well researched and well worth the read. I love the Australian theme and the unreal realness of the book.

This is storytelling on an epic scale. A saga detailing the lives of Anna, James and Rose. An unforgettable trio It is easy to love them all but just as easy to hate them too. This is a thought-provoking, heartbreaking and heart-warming story of love, loss, grief, manipulation, madness and the wages of sin set against the magnificence of the Australian Outback.
I had to stop reading and let myself have a good cry more times than I care to admit. This story touched my heart and my soul and I will never forget it.

Where to begin? I have done nothing for two days except read this amazing book. I really could not get it out of my mind. I read a lot of historical fiction and I must say this is above and beyond anything else I have read in this genre for a long time. The characters are completely fleshed out and these authors know how to write! The fact that the book is based on a true story makes it all the more interesting. If historical fiction is your genre you don't want to miss this.

Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this incredible arc for my honest review.

By the cover I didn't expect all that much but decided to read it, I always love to read anything with Australia as the backdrop. It failed to give me what I expected. I received so much more. I read a lot, and most of it is just so-so. This story made me think about the decisions of all the main characters. I am not sure who was more victim. Or which was the predator, like life, we all make choices and they made them. This is keeping me thinking even after the story ends.

Kudos to the author! You did a marvelous job writing this novel. I look forward to reading more from you. I enjoyed this reading experience very much! I received a copy via Netgalley but the review is entirely my own without any coercion for a positive review. I rarely give a 5 star but this has earned it in my book.

The Consequence of Anna takes us on a journey that follows two cousins Anna and Lottie.

On this journey, a beautiful story is told through Anna. Her life's accomplishments, her mental illness and her regrets and consequence to those actions.

Anna was a haunted girl and adored her cousin Lottie. She thought of her as a sister. She loved her so much it became an obsession, that she would even let her husband, James give Lottie a baby. Although opposed of this,
Anna breaks him and he agrees.

Anna had paid the ultimate sacrifice, in letting this unselfish act be born. It drives her over the edge to a life she never dreamed would happen.

A remarkable story on courage, love, and deceit.

Thank you Netgalley , Kate Birkin and Mark Bornz for making this read possible.

I have seen amazing reviews of this novel so it must just be a bad match for me. It was impossible for me to get into the storyline or become invested in the characters, so this was a DNF at about 27%.

What a book! Wow! Chose this one for the cover and found out the story was even better.

The novel is based on a true story that is set in the 1930’s. I’m pretty sure I remember watching a program on Anna years ago about a woman with Schizophrenia in Australia who attacked her cousin and baby and was institutionalized over it. To be able to read the entire story now was very fascinating to me. The historical writers did such a beautiful job with the characters and using creativity to color exactly what happened.

The story centers around three people. Anna, her American cousin Rose whose nick name is Lottie, and Anna’s husband James. Anna and James are in love with Lottie for very different reasons and the outcome is brutal.

What I loved about this book. The writing is outstanding. I mean it’s truly put together so well. Lyrical, moving, and engrossing, In certain parts they use a style of writing to make you think the characters are speaking directly to you. Which I found very creative. I also loved the chemistry between all the characters. There is also a spotlight on mental illness and how it effects the person suffering from the disease as well as the family members. Overall this book is brilliant and a true gift to anyone who reads it.

What I didn't like: It’s a bit long for my taste but I still think it’s worth the time.

If you like rich colorful prose, getting lost in a book, and shedding a tear once in awhile read this book. It truly is a gem.