AustLit

'Turn-of-the-century Australia holds one of the world's most magnificent settings for this first book in the series. Responding to an offer of indenture, Samantha Connolly and her sisters have attempted to escape a bleak future in Ireland by emigrating to Queensland. Circling half the globe, she discovers a land she never anticipated or desired. Their master, sugar planter Cole Sloan, is embroiled in legal tangles and economic woes while trying to keep his plantation afloat.' (Publication summary)

'The opal-rich area of Southwestern Queensland forms the backdrop for the unlikely friendship between aristocrat Marty Frobel and the daughter of the local preacher, Pearl Fowkes. Together, they face the difficulties and hardships of the rough-and-tumble Australian continent.' (Publication summary)

'Taste of Victory returns to the turbulent story of Cole Sloan and Smantha Connolly which began in the bestselling Code of Honor. Sloan's sugar plantation lies in ashes, and both must seek a new future. Turn-of-the-century Australia presented them with many choices and both would seek success in the Riverina, the heart of the wool industry, agriculture and forestry in Victoria and New South Wales.

'Sloan uses the money he can salvage from Sugerlea to open up a brokerage. Investing other people's money with no personal risk promises to be lucrative, Samantha soon finds work as a clerical assistant to the dock master at Echuca, and becomes the real business manager behind the operation. Meanwhile Samantha's sister, Linnet, has found her way to the University of Adelaide where she develops her music.

'All goes well until Sloan tries to use his friendship with Samantha to work a good deal moving wool and timber, despite her refusal to compromise. The problems that erupt for each character will ultimately push them toward personal victory or defeat. Will it be the taste of victory?' (Publication summary)

'Colin Sloan must find his way into the responsibilities of manhood in the outback of Australia. He takes many different jobs, and at times simply tries to survive, yet he's not prepared to take on the responsibility for his young sister, whom he must take back home.' (Publication summary)