Review by Annie_Pea -- Ironbark Hill by Jennie Linnane

[Annie_Pea]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Ironbark Hill" by Jennie Linnane.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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This is a story about a teenager name Natalie who shares her life story in bits and pieces of past, present and future. Natalie is overcoming hate, discrimination, and fear while falling in love along the way. This story takes place in Shannondale, Australia and Ironbark Hill is where Natalie spends her time. Natalie learns how to do odd jobs to earn extra money to help support her family. There are times when it seems that life ditches her some really bad blows, but Natalie toughs it out and overcomes adversity.

Natalie grew up without her biological father and is raised by her mother and stepfather who is an alcoholic. Alex is constantly in her mother's and Natalie's face about something. She is so torn by the way she is treated until her grandfather explains to her his reasoning for treating her in such a way. Once she discovers the why Natalie moves on trying to figure out what is in store for her with her new found love. She is afraid that others will find out and keeps it hidden from everyone. Natalie is big on mouth and stands up to Alex when the need arises. Alex tries to be a better person when Natalie's mom finally stands up to him and for once her life seems to be normal. Natalie being the bright girl that she is knows this will not last long when the holiday arrives and Alex goes out to visit with a friend and falls off the wagon. The abuse starts up all over a gain. He now wants to sell Libby and she has to hide her away.

It hard to grow up knowing that you look different than others around you. This story gives some insight on what it's like to be discriminated against, but loved and admired all at the same time. In discovering that you can overcome and become anything that you want to be. The storyline is so different from what I am use to reading, but it made me want to read on a total new level. This story shows how Natalie handles all the negativity and still see a positive side to it. Natalie strength is unbelievable it makes Alex hates her a more. There is only one time that Natalie has to give in. It almost crushed her, but Natalie busied herself in her work and learning new skills from Mrs. Glover.

This book for me was an off the edge of your seat read and I did not want to stop reading it. The author did a wonderful job in the lay out of details and the visual imagery in her words. It literally put me right there in the story with Natalie and others. It did this for me, but it may not do that for you. It was a good book and I would recommend it for others to read. I have always been romantic anyway and find a little romance in this book kind of surprise me. This book will brought a little bit of unexpectency for me and it will cause my eyes to light up.

There is real life events happening in this story and anyone reading it will find it interesting and a great book to read.When I first decided to read this book I did not think that I would enjoy reading it and I almost stop. As I continue in reading Natalie caught my attention and I did not want to put it down because I wanted to know more and more. It wound up being not what I expected, but more. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Ironbark Hill
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