Troubled Heart by Tricia McGill

Ignorant of his real past or name, Finn O’Connor creates one of his own. His story as far as he can gather is that he was born in Ireland, stolen from his mother as a baby by a gypsy woman, then as a toddler taken by an English woman to London. Aged about ten he fled this woman’s home and joined a gang of boys who survived by their wits on the streets. Five years later, he was arrested for a minor crime and thus transported to The Colony of New South Wales to serve a 10-year prison term. In 1846 as transporting of criminals from Britain neared an end in NSW, Finn was moved south to the infamous penitentiary at Port Arthur in Van Diemen’s Land.

On the day Finn received his papers of freedom a chance meeting brought him into contact with 20-year-old Esther Blythe. Born in Surrey, England, genteel Esther is kind and caring. As a 4-year-old she travelled with her parents to Van Diemen’s Land where her Papa, a doctor, took on the task of providing medical aid to the prisoners in the Port Arthur penitentiary and its surrounding area. When both parents were killed in an accident, Esther was left with no option but to take up employment as a governess/nursemaid.

For reasons that even she did not fully comprehend, Esther took ex-convict Finn under her wing when they met outside the penitentiary hospital. Could she sense that he was a fellow lonely soul who simply wanted someone to have faith in him? Life seems to take a turn for perhaps the better from then on, but would these two lonely people ever overcome the obstacles thrown their way and find the happiness they seek together as they face an uncertain future.

Reviews

“I recommend A Troubled Heart to all fans of historical romance. Grab a copy of A Troubled Heart today!” – The Avid Reader

“The blurb intrigued me, and then finding out the author set the novel in Tasmania made me want to dig into the read even more.” – Bookbub

“The writing is lovely. The dialogue between the two creates friendship with sparks of chemistry that will lead to a romance. The conflict between the two is realistic.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy. It’s a wonderful story, and the author’s prose matches Ester’s gentle disposition and Finn’s bleak outlook on life.
I love Tricia’s Australian historical novels. This was one of the best books I’ve read. You cannot help but fall in love with Finn and Esther and your heart aches for them to find their HEA. Loved this story.” – 5 stars: by Justin S.

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