- Published: 3 April 2017
- ISBN: 9780143770923
- Imprint: RHNZ Adult ebooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 352
Leap of Faith
- Published: 3 April 2017
- ISBN: 9780143770923
- Imprint: RHNZ Adult ebooks
- Format: EBook
- Pages: 352
Jenny Pattrick's regular readers will come across old friends in this book. They'll also get exactly what they're hoping for - beautifully crafted fiction, history brought alive with colourful characters and a dynamic story. If you haven't discovered this author yet, this is a great introduction to her work. I think Jenny Pattrick is a national treasure. She keeps getting better and better!
Nicky Pellegrino, NZ Woman's Weekly
To combine murder mystery, historical romance and adventure yarn requires the sort of deft touch for which Pattrick is well known. Yet it's all in the service of a serious theme - the danger of zealotry - that's particularly relevant for our times. Her fans, if you'll pardon a cliche of which she would never be guilty, will not be disappointed.
North and South
With Leap of Faith, Jenny Pattrick gives a masterclass on how to write a historical novel. The characters and their stories come first, and the details of the past add context and richness but never dominate. Pattrick brings to life the struggle of the time through a cast of believable, sympathetic men and women and, in Locke, a satisfyingly complex villain. A fine novel. Recommended.
Catherine Robertson, NZ Listener
If you love Kiwi stories with a dash of history, then this is the one for you.
Woman's Day
Listeners will be so excited to know Rose is back . . . set around wonderful characters . . . . it's riveting stuff . . . appealing and easily accessible to read . . . a major achievement . . . even though we're reading about the past it's still very present.
Ralph McAllister, Radio NZ
New Zealand novelist Jenny Pattrick has done it again - breathing life into this country's past. This time: the building of the magnificent Makatote Viaduct. Foul weather, harsh landscape, dreamers, sly-groggers, camp followers, and a touch of romance.
Megan McChesney, Next
Once more Pattrick's writing vividly portrays the hardships experienced by the families, the constant rain, living in tents and the political issues of this period.
Margaret Reilly, Hawke's Bay Weekend
I really liked this one . . . a very good story about what life was like for these guys in the gangs and their families
Joan McKenzie, Newstalk ZB
Jenny Pattrick takes us on a journey into the world of early New Zealand railway work and its often dangerous environment. This book particularly appealed to me with Billy going out on his own at such a young age.
Bay News
Selected as one of the '100 Best Books of 2017'.
Russell Baillie, NZ Listener
Pattrick is an accomplished writer of historical fiction . . . and her handling of the historical content is as deft as the man she describes carrying dynamite sticks to the work site under his coat to keep it warm. She's gentle, but confident, and the book made railroad building a damn sight more interesting than it ever was in New Zealand high-school history lessons. . . . Pattrick does a wonderful job of describing the dour, harsh conditions of tent-city living for the railway workers . . .There are some cracking good characters in the yarn . . . an enjoyable read, overall, and long-time readers will be excited by her inclusion of her beloved character, Rose.
Charlotte Graham, NZ Books