About this ebook
Having never ventured beyond the shores of New Zealand, they seek adventure and excitement on their journey before settling at the Scottish estate owned by the Mackenzies, where, with John James’ farming experience and Sam’s desire for landscaping, they hope to restore the house and grounds to their former glory.
The estate manager’s daughter, Flora Brown, is not only pretty, but clever and determined. She has her own ideas and dreams of a life in New Zealand with the laird’s son. She fears she will be overlooked because of her lowly social standing, but intends to try everything she can to make him notice her.
Isabella, daughter of the neighbouring estate, shares Sam Morling’s passion for plants. As love begins to blossom between them, Isabella finds her way blocked by her cruel and over-bearing brother who considers gentle Sam to be an entirely unsuitable match.
Meanwhile, at Applecross sheep station, James and Sophia Mackenzie are growing older, much in need of their son’s help. Sophia has always believed that her son would stay in Scotland forever, though James disagrees and expects him to do his duty on the farm. A sudden change of circumstances requires John James’ immediate return, bringing with him echoes of his father’s past.
Flora Brown is the 7th book in the Applecross Saga
About the author
Amanda likes to weave well-researched, true historical facts into her stories while building credible and likeable characters amongst the ordinary folk of rural New Zealand in the late1800s. She would love you to join her in their adventures, triumphs and tragedies. And we mustn't forget the dogs who worked so hard on high country farms to bring prosperity to the region. Meet Friday, James' favourite collie and all her descendants. Their story deserves to be told too.
Amanda was born in Somerset, England. She emigrated far too late in life to New Zealand in 2008 and now writes while looking out onto the flat plains with snow-capped mountains beyond. It is a place where it is easy to find inspiration for stories of the early settlers who made this unique place their home.
She shares her home with her long-suffering husband, Terry and two rescued huntaway dogs, Ted and Hunter. Their ten acres of wild garden are home to an assortment of chickens, more ornamental than productive, and a small flock of self-shedding sheep. At night, the big skies, unpolluted by light, provide glorious views of the milky way, and an occasional glimpse of the Southern Lights.
When not writing, Amanda rings church bells and enjoys photography, gardening and finding out about her family history. On lazy days, when not reading or listening to a book, she gets the knitting needles out.
