SARAH LARK
Helen Davenport, governess for a wealthy London household, longs for a family of her ownbut nearing her late twenties, she knows her prospects are dim. Then she spots an advertisement seeking young women to marry New Zealands honorable bachelors and begins an affectionate correspondence with a gentleman farmer. When her church offers to pay her travels under an unusual arrangement, she jumps at the opportunity.
Meanwhile, not far away in Wales, beautiful and daring Gwyneira Silkham, daughter of a wealthy sheep breeder, is bored with high society. But when a mysterious New Zealand baron deals her father an unlucky blackjack hand, Gwyns hand in marriage is suddenly on the table. Her family is outraged, but Gwyn is thrilled to escape the life laid out for her.
The two women meet on the ship to ChristchurchHelen traveling in steerage, Gwyn first classand become unlikely friends. When their new husbands turn out to be very different than expected, the women must help one another find the lifeand love theyd hoped for.
Set against the backdrop of colonial nineteenth-century New Zealand, In the Land of the Long White Cloud is a soaring saga of friendship, romance, and unforgettable adventure.
AUTHOR:
Sarah Lark, author of several bestselling historical fiction novels in Germany and Spain, was born in Germanys Ruhr region, where she discovered a love of animals-especially horses-early in life. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, travel guide, and commercial writer. She has also written numerous award-winning books about horses for adults and children, one of which was nominated for the Deutsche Jugendbuchpreis, Germanys distinguished prize for best childrens book. Sarah currently lives with four dogs and a cat and many horses, on her farm in Almería, Spain, where she cares for retired horses, plays guitar, and sings in her spare time.