Coldwater
Mardi McConnochie has given the Brontë family new life with a new surname. In 1847 Australia, in the Coldwater penal colony, Captain Wolf directs the prison and brings his three daughters to live with him. Emily, Anne, and Charlotte narrate their own scenes, and their personalities significantly resemble those of the Brontës, as if they were removed from their true existence and placed in this unique situation.
When Finn O’Connell, an Irish prisoner, joins the colony, the sisters, once very placid and obedient to their father, begin to realize that their father does not rule all. Captain Wolf sees many possibilities for O’Connell’s reformation and allows him to work near the family on their homestead. Emily immediately falls in love with O’Connell and asks Anne and Charlotte to help keep the secret. Once Captain Wolf discovers Emily’s secret, a domino effect sets events in motion.
The novel starts off slowly but picks up when the sisters discover they must work together to protect themselves from Captain Wolf’s irrational behavior. Coldwater is wholly appropriate for Brontë fans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to once again acquaint oneself with the women and the ways in which their personalities and experiences influenced their writing.
