The Cornstalk by Heather Garside
Wings ePress
Historical
Full Length, Sweet
Review by Snapdragon

Rather than join her wealthy parents in England, rebellious Louise Ashford sets off to work in the frontier settlements of the Australian Outback. She finds herself in the company of a young cattleman of convict descent, but will their passionate union bring grief to them both?

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The nineteenth century Australian Outback seems an unlikely place for a young woman from a very proper English Family, but Louise feels it is 'her' place.  She identifies herself with 'the cornstalks' - the local people.  Sadly, her family does not agree. She might have been born in Australia, but the family, as a whole, considered themselves English.  It is with relief that they pack for home.

Louise, who escaped the initial return trip, is expected to be preparing to return. She prepares for a whole other venture, however. She might be seen as rebellious by her family--especially by her overbearing brother--but in her heart, she feels she knows the right thing to do, and she finds the strength to do it.  Louise is an amazing and overwhelming character. Although she suffers the judgment of others, she relies on herself and her own judgment to select her course. She is fearful of some decisions- but presses forward. She is the strong-minded, essentially good woman you want to find in the heart of any romance.

Lloyd, the hero of the tale, is the classic Australian: a solid, reliable friend to a friend in need, strong-minded, and perhaps a bit opinionated. He is a large-living, but not larger-than-life character, that you cannot help warming up to. He occasionally misses the big picture in certain circumstances, but will admit his fault.

Other characters--from the overbearing British titled class to the archetypal rake--are all well-developed an interesting. Secondary classes, especially some representatives of the 'lower classes' are dealt with very sympathetically. We are definitely left with a strong sense that the working class in both Australia and Britain tend to be 'the salt of the Earth.'  A certain odd tragedy to one family, seems oddly balanced by a heartwarming adoption in a far land--and that is the beauty of this tale; that there is balance. The events are plausible, the characters believable, and the tale makes you feel that you have discovered a window back in time.  Historical details, from choice of language to dress, and even the details of ranching and horseback riding, all seem accurate and contribute to the setting.

In spite of unpredictable tribulations, this tale is often endearing and always evocative.  Throughout, Garside's wonderful characters fill your mind, and while interesting, the setting is not intrusive. Romance is romance whatever the land...

 4.5 books for some very original and enjoyable characters.