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

5 Stars!

This was the first book I read by this author. I loved it. Never grew tired of listening and her writing allowed me to picture it perfectly as I listened. As always, exceptional narration by Caroline Lee.

Good story, an Epic novel

I liked this story, but it did have many parts that were tragic to the point of making me angry and sad. I don’t really like books that have a lot of tragedy in them, but the story did redeem itself. The depiction of the Tasmanian sheep farm was glorious, making me want to go live on a sheep farm, or at least buy a few sheep. I loved the narrator. She was masterful at accents and voices, very soothing to listen to. Lastly, you have to like epic novels that cover a cup life span and more than one generation. I find it a bit much, and would have preferred multiple books in a series rather than one long book.

Love it but author prejudiced

My complaint about this book: If I wrote a book where characters who were of a certain race or sex were addressed in a stilted way in which all were characterized by offensive behaviors or attitudes, the cry of Prejudice! would arrive. To me it seemed like the author did so, but her aim were people of faith (Christians to be exact). All were hypocritical and .... judgmental ... prejudiced. To me, that was immature and offensive. There are good and bad behaviors in all groups of people, and I don't care what color or creed or citizenship they have.

Superb

I enjoyed this read thoroughly
Thank you and will be looking thank you. Definitely a recommendation.

Loved it!

I loved the plot and the narrator is terrific. The author weaved believable characters into a beautiful story. I have long commutes to work and looked forward to the drive each day because that meant I could spend more time on Wildflower Hill. Well done.

Loved this book

The story was excellent, and grabbed me right away. It is a story of loss, hope, and family, all my favorite themes. The narrator is very good, her voice and accent pleasant. You can't go wrong with this book. I hated to see it end.

memorable, motivating and moving

What did you love best about Wildflower Hill?

the determined will, unparalleled success, and buried secrets of the grandmother.
and the poignancy of the granddaughter's experience in finding a new life, love and interest in others.

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

there are a multitude of memorable moments: the near-drowning of a child is one of the first of these.

Have you listened to any of the narrator’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure I've heard her other performances, but this one is spectacularly well-done.

If you could rename Wildflower Hill, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename it.

Any additional comments?

I will continue to listen to/read titles from this author. My own mind was opened when this book was finished to the many incidents in my own life; those I have kept secret for many years, friends who have helped me along the way, and others who have looked down imperiously with "moral" judgment upon my actions. It lead me to wonder if I could ever set down my own story and somehow leave it to be read by my grandchild after I am gone.

Loved this book

Moving story about Emma a prima ballerina that has a career ending injury. As result she is forced to reevaluate her priorities. She begins to dive into her grandmother's past history. This writer reminds me of Kate Morton. the plot has lots of dimensions.

Captivating!

I love author Kate Morton, and Kimberley Freeman puts me in mind of her. This book was hard to stop listening to-- excellent characters, heartbreaking and hopeful ❤

Surprisingly great story!

Would you listen to Wildflower Hill again? Why?

I would listen to this book again. The scenery and characters are too beautiful not to revisit.

What did you like best about this story?

I really loved the transformations of Betty and her granddaughter. They both had lives filled so many new chapters. It was great to see how much a person could change throughout their life.

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

I think betty was my fav

Who was the most memorable character of Wildflower Hill and why?

Charlie Harris! What a guy! I also really enjoyed the granddaughter though

Any additional comments?

I purchased this book for really cheap on an audible sale page, and I didn't have I hopes. WOW, it surprised me! This is a story and a geography that will stay with me forever to be sure :) it was also great to hear Caroline Lee's voice, I really enjoy her work!