Twopenny Rainbows [Paperback]

'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around.' Historical Novels Review 'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph

'Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around.' Historical Novels Review

'Catherine Cookson fans will cheer' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph

In 1863 the authorities send Irish orphans Ismay and Mara to Australia against their will. Worse, on arrival they're separated from one another. While Ismay is forced to take a job as a maid, miles away in the country, Mara must stay in the care of the catholic mission. Desperate to be reunited, they both run away but Ismay soon runs into danger out in the bush. She is saved by Malachi Firth, but although he's attracted to her, he doesn't want to be encumbered with a wife.



Meanwhile, their elder sister Keara has not forgotten them. However, she has had her own struggles to face and by the time she reaches Melbourne she finds that the trail is cold. Danger continues to threaten all three sisters. Will they ever find one another again?

I've thoroughly enjoyed writing the story of the three Irish Sisters. This book takes us from Ireland to Lancashire, and to both Western Australia and Victoria (and its capital Melbourne). The early days of settling a country are so interesting and I really admire the people who laid the foundations of Australia.

I hadn't intended to make Catherine a central figure, but she walked on to the stage and I could do nothing but add her story to that of Mara and Ismay. Characters have minds of their own sometimes! And as it turned out, she was important in my two heroines' lives.

I had another surprise from this book. In Chapter 1 we meet the mother of the hero, Malachi Firth. Hannah Firth was also a strong character, and although she had no part to play in this book, I couldn't get her out of my mind and in the end had to tell her story in another book. So there will be a linked book, Threepenny Dreams, this time set in Lancashire. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Ismay and Mara are Irish orphans, sent to Australia against their will by the authorities. Even worse, they’re separated on arrival. While Ismay is forced to take a job as a maid in the country, Mara must stay in the care of the Catholic mission.

Desperate to be reunited with her sister, Ismay flees. But there is danger in the bush – and when she finds a saviour, he brings with him new problems.

Mara too has run away – and though she finds shelter, it is in a place with its own perils.

Meanwhile their elder sister Keara is looking for them. But the trail is growing cold. Will they find each other again or will their old enemies triumph? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Anna Jacobs grew up in Lancashire and emigrated to Australia in 1973, but loves to return to England regularly to visit her family and soak up the history. She has two grown-up daughters and now lives with her husband in a spacious waterfront home. Often as she writes, dolphins frolic outside the window of her study. Inside, the house is crammed with thousands of books.