The Bark Cutters

The Bark Cutters by Nicole Alexander tells the story of Sarah Gordon, a woman with a clear vision: she wants the family homestead, Wangallon. Though she is a natural at managing the homestead, as a woman, she encounters the societal belief that it's not her birthright. Even after the tragic death of her beloved brother, Cameron James—the first-born and heir—Sarah is overlooked for inheritance.

Instead, her grandfather entrusts the management to the one man she truly loves. Feeling betrayed, Sarah runs away to Sydney, attempting to put Wangallon behind her. Yet, the call of her roots is strong, and she frequently finds herself drawn back to Wangallon. She must question whether her longing is only for the land or also for the station's manager, Anthony.

The narrative weaves past and present, tracing the Gordon family lineage from the arrival of Scottish immigrant Hamish Gordon in Australia during the 1850s to the life of his great-granddaughter, Sarah, in the 1980s. This novel is rich with elements of action, romance, tragedy, family secrets, and misunderstandings, offering something for everyone.