The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper Thomas Nelson--FICTION

 When Fleur learns that her beloved husband has died in the First World War, she refuses to believe it, and she doesn't want her inheritance. However, she intrepidly sets off for Australia to find out more. The mystery deepens when she gets to Sydney, and there are many unanswered questions. What has Hugh got to do with an old curio shop? Who is the old man at the house in the Hunter Valley? Why did Hugh not tell her more?

This leads to another story set in the middle of the 19th century, involving a young Austrian soldier who has come to study botanical specimens. He finds himself in the middle of another mystery about the curio shop and a beautiful opal, and becomes concerned about the mistreatment of the Indigenous people. He is also attracted to lovely Della, who is in the middle of all this.

This is an absorbing historical tale with memorable characters and evocative descriptions of Sydney and the Hunter Valley, which made me yearn for our twice-yearly trips. She also captured the historical atmosphere of Sydney well. I will read more books by Tea Cooper, but I found the main story a bit convoluted and confusing.

I received this free ebook from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in return for an honest review.