BOOKS

Rabaul, Papua New Guinea – 1994
Determined to find a story about the former “Pearl of the Pacific”, journalist Isabel Lee journeys to Rabaul after the town is destroyed by a volcanic eruption. But when Isabel comes across a curious old photograph, she begins to unravel a history she could never have imagined. 

Rabaul, New Guinea – 1942
Henry Meyer, the son of German/Australian plantation owners, has never been the same since tragedy struck during the 1937 eruption of Tavurvur. Now he’s determined to live up to his family’s expectations, but being in love with Lin, a Chinese woman, makes that difficult. When the bombing of Pearl Harbor brings war to New Guinea and Henry learns that Lin won’t be evacuated with the European women, he sets out to protect her, until the Japanese invade and he’s forced to flee. Meanwhile, his mother Emma refuses to leave Rabaul and enlists as a nurse with the Australian women who’ve stayed behind. Will Henry and Emma risk everything in the hope of keeping their family alive, or will they be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice? 

For fans of Anthea Hodgson and Kristin Hannah, comes this World War Two historical novel based on true events from the Pacific War in New Guinea.  

New Guinea, 1941
Australian aviatrix Amelia McKenzie’s love for her Pacific Island home of New Guinea is as strong as her love for Daniel, a mixed-race pilot her parents disapprove of. Lucky for her parents, the Pacific War is looming and women are being evacuated to Australia, forcing Amelia to leave Daniel behind.

Rejected by the Australian Army because of his colour, Daniel must find a way to defend his home from Japanese invasion and is willing to do whatever it takes. Meanwhile, Amelia is torn between her love for Daniel, her family and her country. She refuses to leave but when the Japanese attack their town, Amelia and Daniel suddenly become trapped and must separate. They embark on harrowing treks across New Guinea’s remote jungles, including the notorious Kokoda Trail – facing treacherous mountains, tribal warfare and the threat of the Japanese lurking around every bend.

They soon realise it’s not just the war that’s keeping them apart, and that they must fight harder to be together. But even the toughest fights require sacrifice. Are they willing to give up everything they know to find a way back to each other?

For fans of Natasha Lester and Sara Ackerman comes this World War Two historical novel based on true events from the Pacific War in New Guinea.