Reviews of The Wideawake Hat
The Wideawake Hat is the first book in The Applecross Saga and is a fabulous start to this new series. This book is a captivating work of historical fiction based on the real-life James MacKenzie. This story has many characters, both innocent settlers and criminals. I really enjoyed the geographical descriptions of the Mackenzie Basin area of New Zealand and the use of the Maori language. There is hope, harsh times, drama, tragedy, sheep rustling, resilience, and a feeling of community.
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‘This gripping tale of the lives of some of the early European pioneers, who arrived in New Zealand in the mid 19th century, was totally absorbing. The descriptions of the characters, their environment and the hardships they faced were compelling. The clever weaving of fact with fiction added to the authenticity of the story. James Mackenzie, who actually existed, has made his mark on the people who wanted to begin again in a new land. I am left wanting more, so look forward to the next book in the series.’ – Heather
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‘I really enjoyed this book. A tale of life in New Zealand from the point of view of early settlers and the difficulties they faced. I look forward to the next instalment. – Jackie S
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An easy to read, fast moving tale, chronicling the lives of the pioneer settlers in New Zealand’s South Island, in particular exploring the life of James Mackenzie who actually existed. It is a combination of fact and fiction, encompassing tragedy, suspense, wrongful imprisonment and hope for the future. I’m looking forward to the next instalment of the Applecross Saga! – Quick
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I very much enjoyed this story, in fact I had a hard time putting the book down as I got completely immersed into the story. Lots of research has gone into this work and I love a story with a positive outcome. Can’t wait for saga #2!
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A light hearted, part fact, part fiction, look at the legend of James Mackenzie and other young settlers, finding their way in their new home on the South Island of New Zealand. Very well written. Loved it, highly recommended!
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I so enjoyed The Wideawake Hat and would certainly recommend to anyone who likes to read about New Zealand’s early settlers [I read it as a fictional story based on fact]. I congratulate Amanda Giorgis and look forward to her next book which I believe is hitting the shelves as I type.
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Reviews of Shepherd’s Delight
Shepherd’s Delight is the second book in The Applecross Saga and continues the story of James MacKenzie and Sophia from The Wideawake Hat. This book is well written and a truly entertaining read, a great work of historical fiction set in New Zealand’s MacKenzie Basin. The characters are strong, resilient, and realistic. This story kept me engaged from start to finish. I hope that there will be more books in this series.
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Another read that I couldn’t put down, and although I had to think back to ‘The Wideawake Hat’ to remind myself who was who, the twist at the end really ‘caught me out’. Looking forward to the rest of the Saga.
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If you are looking for one of these books, where you can read a few pages before falling asleep, this is not one of them. Once started, it is hard to put it down! When the story started to wind down for completion, I hoped I was wrong. Well researched, well written, leaving you with a positive feeling at the end!
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Reviews of Guy Pender
Guy Pender is the third book in The Applecross Saga and is an engaging historical romance.
I loved this book and found the characters to be well written and interesting. Guy Pender’s loneliness for New Zealand and his longing for a wife is poignant. The descriptions of the countries that Guy and Amelie travel across are beautifully written and bring the scenes to life. There is danger, friendship, family, and romance.
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