AustLit

Tragically orphaned at sea, cast adrift in an alien land, Sibell Delahunty applies for the post of secretary-companion to Charlotte Hamilton and undertakes the arduous journey to Black Wattle Station in the Northern Territory to join her employer. The rigours of an isolated cattle station come as a tremendous shock to the gently brought-up English girl, and she is viewed with suspicion by Charlotte's sons. Only Charlotte's own kindness makes life tolerable, helped, in time, by increasing interest from the unmarried son, Zack. When a horrific disaster deprives the station of its mistress, Sibell takes charge of the domestic arrangements, and despite some early mishaps, she earns the grudging respect of the family. She also discovers within herself an unsuspected strength and resilience. But the harsh and unforgiving land is not finished with Sibell yet: her courage and endurance are to be tested to the utmost before she feels truly at home in her adopted country. (Publisher's blurb, back cover).