Wildflower Hill

By: Kimberley Freeman

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

Length: 16 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1920s Glasgow, Beattie Blaxland falls pregnant to her married lover Henry just before her nineteenth birthday. Abandoned by her family, Beattie and Henry set sail for a new life in Australia. But life is not about to follow the plan that Beattie had hoped for and fate will play her a cruel hand...

In 2009, London, prima ballerina Lydia Blaxland-Hunter is also discovering that life can also have its ups and downs. Unable to dance again after a fall, Lydia returns home to Australia to recuperate. But on arrival she is presented with some surprising news – her recently deceased and much-loved grandmother Beattie Blaxland has left her Tasmanian property to Lydia. Told through the eyes of a young Beattie Blaxland and a contemporary Lydia Blaxland-Hunter, this is an emotionally charged, seductive tale of self-discovery, secrets and surprises.

©2010 Kimberley Freeman (P)2010 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Rivals the Emma Harte series by Barbara T Bradford

Would you consider the audio edition of Wildflower Hill to be better than the print version?

It was and naturally MUST be with Caroline Lee lending her narration.

What did you like best about this story?

The strength, fortitude and heart of Beattie as well as Emma's self-reflection.

Which scene was your favorite?

The winning poker game.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are several but the concert ballet when Nina's dad showed up got me.

Any additional comments?

Set amid the beauty of Tasmania, Scotland, and London, these real and multi-dimensional characters will learn lessons of life & love that will transform them - as well as the listener. This novel would make a wonderful film.

(And, even though - as with all great novels - you alway want more of the characters you've come to love, I feel it wrapped up in the end, perfectly.)

Very Enjoyable Audiobook

This is my first experience with this author and I really enjoyed the audiobook. I loved the characters and found them to be very realistic. It made me think of how women were treated in the past and how far we have come. I found it emotionally moving and would love to visit some of her other work.

Lovely

If you could sum up Wildflower Hill in three words, what would they be?

The corner of bitter and sweet

Who was your favorite character and why?

Charlie, because he was honest and honorable.

Which scene was your favorite?

Poker game in the sitting room

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing extreme. It did make me sad for awhile.

Wonderful!

What a life to have led!!! Wonderful characters, narrator, and story line! Some people were so critical back then and unforgiving. Beattie Blacksland worked so hard to get ahead and it paid off for her. She didn't let the naysayers get the best of her.

Historial books are my favorite. History is important, I think, so that we know what happened before we were all here. I will listen to this book again.

Delightful!

What made the experience of listening to Wildflower Hill the most enjoyable?

The performance was wonderful. The rich accents among the characters made the story and the geography come to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wildflower Hill?

The ending was perfect.

Which scene was your favorite?

Imagining the sky of Tasmania...very vivid writing made the farm come to life.

If you could take any character from Wildflower Hill out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Beattie had such an interesting life, tragic and joyous at the same time.

Beautiful, heart wrenching,but well worth the pain

Where does Wildflower Hill rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wildflower Hill?

There were so many important moments in this book, I can't pick just one. I feel like the whole book was a memorable moment. I feel like I've just lived another life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened every moment I had and I created times to listen that I normally wouldnt have.

Loved it!

What a wonderfully well written and engaging book! It was easy to care about these characters, and hard to put the book down to see how they would be intricately wound together.

Great story but that accent!

I loved the story but that awful Scots accent for the main character grated - full disclosure, I'm a Scot from Glasgow, like the main character, and I recognize that the narrator was doing her best but it was painful. I found myself dreading the portions of the story that required dialogue with this character. That being said, the story itself was delightful, as well as moving on several levels.
I will certainly search out more of Kimberley Freeman's novels

Loved this story

I've never listened to or read this author's books, but I really enjoyed this. I have already downloaded her other audio book 'Duet'. I really liked the story and the performance was done very well.

What happened to the ending?

I really liked this book right up to the end. Then it just stopped. Left too many undone threads.