Ember Island - by Kimberley Freeman (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published: Sydney: Hachette Australia, 2013.

Book Synopsis

In a compelling, complex story from the bestselling author of Wildflower Hill and Lighthouse Bay, two women separated by a century discover long-buried secrets in an Australian manor house.

In 1891, Tilly Kirkland is reeling with shock and guilt after her tempestuous marriage ends in horrific circumstances. Fleeing to the farthest place she knows, Tilly takes a job on Ember Island in Moreton Bay, Australia, where she becomes the governess to the prison superintendent's precocious young daughter, Nell. Tilly knows she must keep the past hidden in order to start a new life, but she doesn't know that Nell is watching her every move and writing it all down, hiding tiny journals all over their rambling manor home.

More than one hundred years later, bestselling novelist Nina Jones is struggling to complete her next book. A reporter asking questions about her great-grandmother sends Nina retreating to her family's home on Ember Island, where she hopes to find her lost inspiration somewhere in the crumbling walls.

Though they are separated by years, both Tilly and Nina must learn that some secrets never stay buried, but what matters most is learning to trust your heart.

Review Quotes

"[Freeman] made her characters come to life, the scenery visible through her words, and the story was believable and made me want to read more."-- "Book Nook Club"

"A gorgeous story of family and secrets and the redemptive power of love."--Kate Morton, author of The Distant Hours and The Forgotten Garden

"By the last satisfying scene, you may find yourself reluctantly parting with old friends who will live on once the cover has closed. Highly recommended."-- "Historical Novels Review"

"Freeman skillfully unites the stories of two women who live a century apart but both face the challenge of overcoming difficult pasts, and both under the lighthouse's watchful presence. . . . Freeman's moving tale gives her two heroines the unique chance to make a fresh start in life."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Freeman weaves the two time periods together so seamlessly."-- "Booklist"

"The author's description of the beautiful Australian coastline will linger with readers long after they finish the book."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"The complexities of character and female relationships make this novel very rich and emotional."-- "Examiner.com"

"The novel's strength instead lies in Freeman's complex characters--capable of love and hate, shame and redemption. Both Beattie and Emma find themselves having to start over, and it is for these two women that readers cheer and sympathize."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"What a perfect beach read. A sunken ship, buried treasure, a home on the beach by the lighthouse, sister relationships, adventure, and romance. Lighthouse Bay packs a lot into its two-pronged story."-- "atravelerslibrary.com"

About the Author

Kimberley Freeman was born in London and grew up in Brisbane, Australia. She is the bestselling author of Wildflower Hill and Lighthouse Bay and teaches critical and creative writing at the University of Queensland. She lives in Brisbane with an assortment of children and pets. Visit her website at KimberleyFreeman.com.