Inheritance – by Kate Loveday is listed as a
"romance mystery novel" yet the book is so much more.
It is the story of young Cassandra Taylor who inherits a
cattle property from her uncle. The property – Yallandoo
- in Northern Queensland, though suffering from the
long-term effects of the drought, is in dire need of
Cassie’s wholehearted efforts to keep it
self-sustaining.
The male interest – Mark Pierce - is a man who comes
with his own set of personal issues and a child in tow
while attempting to woo Cassie into selling him
Yallandoo for his own business development purposes.
If the story ended there it would be a typical
romance novel yet the author has incorporated so much
more into this book. Apart from Cassie’s childhood
memories and emotional bond with the property and the
staff who run the cattle station, the girl has a feel
for the land, the rainforest areas, the aboriginal
heritage and the descendants who still remain, now
working for Yallandoo.
With lots of characters, each with their own
personality, perspective, and in some cases – agendas,
Kate has done a terrific job of weaving them all
together.
Overall I found the book compelling. Kate Loveday has
a wonderful talent for getting into each and every
character’s head and telling the story from their point
of view. The different twists and turns in the story
retain the reader’s interest while not all the outcomes
are as one would expect!
A very believable story; one that draws the reader in
and leaves them feeling as though they have not only met
these people but have really managed to get to know them
all, very well.
With her first novel ‘Inheritance’ Kate Loveday has
created a fantastic read. I for one, applaud her
wonderful talent. Great work! Can’t wait for her next
book!
