Ella

by Virginia Taylor

[stacey_is_sassy]

Ella, Dorella, Cinderalla…Cal is her Prince Charming whatever name she uses.

I’m a huge historical romance fan and for some strange reason I have never read an Australian historical romance, which is pretty slack considering I’m an Aussie. Reading Ella, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. The author has an ability to make you feel like you’re seeing the scenes. I could picture the landscapes, animals and characters clearly. I know the heat that makes a person perspire and clothes stick to your skin. I’ve seen the cockatoos having a laugh. I’ve met the men and women who face the battles of drought. Australia is a beautiful country that I’m proud of and seeing the struggles our ancestors went through made it even more amazing to me.

Ella and her sisters are struggling to keep their sheep station afloat. Their father died leaving them in debt. If they can survive the shearing season, they hope to make enough money from the sale of the wool, orchard pickings and the property itself, to set them up in the city. Rose, the eldest sister, is to find an eligible husband. Ella’s task is to take on the responsibility of looking after their younger sister Vianna. The task of surviving is a little bumpy and treacherous for these inexperienced young women but luckily with Ella’s hard work and Cal coming to work for them they just might make it.

Cal was the heir to a fortune…or so he thought until his Grandad, Charles and he get into a Barney. Charles has never handed thing to Cal on a platter and expects him to work hard for his place at the top. Cal doesn’t mind the hard work, as long as he gets treated with respect. When he realises that his Grandfather doesn’t respect him, he decides to leave and make his own way.

Cal’s journey to make his fortune takes him to the Beaufort Station where Ella and her sisters are in the middle of shearing season. Cal can see the struggles that Ella faces trying to manage the property. He is a very fast and accomplished shearer and knowledgeable of property management and maintenance. This knowledge he shares with Ella and a mutual attraction develops as they get to know each other. Both Cal and Ella are smitten, but feel like they can’t take their relationship further as Ella needs to be able to support her family and Cal thinks that he can’t do that until his business is set up.

Ella is a wonderful story showing us the struggles faced by women who are meant to play a certain role, but unfortunately have to fill many more to survive. Ella is a strong woman determined to care for her family and see them find their happiness, even to her own detriment. Cal doesn’t want Ella to struggle alone and is determined to be there for her. I loved seeing this couple work, talk, play and fight together. The intimate scenes were sweet with a little heat to show they are perfect for each other. I was convinced from the start they were meant for each other, but happy to see it all play out. I enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.