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The Quarantine Station
A 2021 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS finalist
1918 ... When Londoner, Rose Porter, arrives on the shores of Sydney with little more than her suitcase, she is forced to take a job as a parlourmaid at the mysterious North Head Quarantine Station.
It’s a place of turmoil, segregated classes and strict rules concerning employee fraternisation.
But as Rose learns, some rules were made to be broken.
2019 ... Over a century later, Emma Wilcott lives a secluded life in Sydney. Still reeling from a devastating loss, her one-hundred-year-old grandmother, Gwendoline, is all she has left. Suffering the early stages of dementia, Gwendoline’s long-term memories take her wandering at night and Emma realises she is searching for something or someone from her past.
Emma’s investigation leads her to the Quarantine Station where she meets Matt, the station carpenter, and together they begin to unravel a mystery so compelling it has the power to change lives, the power to change everything Emma ever knew about herself.
1918 ... When Londoner, Rose Porter, arrives on the shores of Sydney with little more than her suitcase, she is forced to take a job as a parlourmaid at the mysterious North Head Quarantine Station.
It’s a place of turmoil, segregated classes and strict rules concerning employee fraternisation.
But as Rose learns, some rules were made to be broken.
2019 ... Over a century later, Emma Wilcott lives a secluded life in Sydney. Still reeling from a devastating loss, her one-hundred-year-old grandmother, Gwendoline, is all she has left. Suffering the early stages of dementia, Gwendoline’s long-term memories take her wandering at night and Emma realises she is searching for something or someone from her past.
Emma’s investigation leads her to the Quarantine Station where she meets Matt, the station carpenter, and together they begin to unravel a mystery so compelling it has the power to change lives, the power to change everything Emma ever knew about herself.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2019
371 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Montebello
14 books221 followersMICHELLE MONTEBELLO is a writer from Sydney, Australia where she lives with her family.
She is the internationally bestselling author of The Quarantine Station, The Lost Letters of Playfair Street and The Forever Place.
Her books have won numerous accolades. The Quarantine Station won the 2023 International Book Excellence Award while The Lost Letters of Playfair Street won the 2020 ARRA Award for Favourite Historical Romance. The Forever Place was a 2022 ARRA and RWA RuBY Award finalist.
Michelle has been shortlisted three times for ARRA Australian Author of the Year.
For all Michelle’s book news, subscribe to her newsletter at www.michellemontebello.com.au.
Reach out to Michelle on social media:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JA6EsB
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2HzdOeP
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LzG4Aj
She is the internationally bestselling author of The Quarantine Station, The Lost Letters of Playfair Street and The Forever Place.
Her books have won numerous accolades. The Quarantine Station won the 2023 International Book Excellence Award while The Lost Letters of Playfair Street won the 2020 ARRA Award for Favourite Historical Romance. The Forever Place was a 2022 ARRA and RWA RuBY Award finalist.
Michelle has been shortlisted three times for ARRA Australian Author of the Year.
For all Michelle’s book news, subscribe to her newsletter at www.michellemontebello.com.au.
Reach out to Michelle on social media:
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2JA6EsB
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2HzdOeP
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LzG4Aj
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 27, 2019
This was a very nicely written historical romance, set in two timelines and well balanced between the two. As usual it was very pleasant to read a book set in a familiar place, this time the Quarantine Station in Sydney. These days it is a tourist spot and I have spent a weekend staying in one of the former staff cottages.
The book was a little slow in the middle but really picked up later and there was quite a surprise in events towards the end. Gwendoline is a delightful character and I really wanted things to go well for Emma and Matt.
I hope to read more by this author.
The book was a little slow in the middle but really picked up later and there was quite a surprise in events towards the end. Gwendoline is a delightful character and I really wanted things to go well for Emma and Matt.
I hope to read more by this author.
May 17, 2019
Fresh off the boat from London a matter of days prior, Rose Porter, with only a few pennies in her purse, needed to find a job. With the position of parlourmaid at the Quarantine Station available, she left the lodgings she was staying in and caught the ferry, then a cart – that would only take her to the Quarantine Arch – and walked the rest of the way. Miss Dalton, the woman to interview her, was hesitant, but Rose was hired, to start the following day. Inoculations followed, with many rules foist upon her, the uniform – and her roommate, soon to be best friend, Bessie – Rose was ready.
It was 1918 and the war was in full swing. The ships that arrived in the harbour came under full quarantine, with the passengers and crew confined to the station for 40 days if they were well, longer if they were not. Some left, some died – it was a shocking time and when the Spanish flu came to Australia’s shores, the Quarantine Station was inundated with people of all classes. In the meantime, Rose was enjoying her work, making friends and learning many things – including that some rules were there to be broken…
In 2019 Emma Wilcott lived and worked in Sydney, while her beloved, one-hundred-year-old grandmother, Gwendoline, was in care. She was all Emma had left and she was frightened of losing her, though she was aware it would happen sooner than she wanted. With her grandma wandering from the facility on occasion, Emma knew she needed to dig into her past to see if she could find the answers to what was agitating her. But would Emma be able to unravel the mystery of her grandma’s past before it was too late?
The Quarantine Station by Aussie author Michelle Montebello was an incredible read. It has gone immediately onto my "top reads for 2019" list and while it’s my first by this author, it won’t be my last. I’ve been to the Quarantine Station at North Head in Sydney, many years ago, and it was a fascinating place then. They say it’s haunted, but fortunately I didn’t encounter any ghosts! Ms Montebello has blended fact with fiction, telling at the end of the novel about her endeavours. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, both past and present day, and could visualize the incredible views across Sydney Harbour, among other things. Australian historical fiction – highly recommended.
It was 1918 and the war was in full swing. The ships that arrived in the harbour came under full quarantine, with the passengers and crew confined to the station for 40 days if they were well, longer if they were not. Some left, some died – it was a shocking time and when the Spanish flu came to Australia’s shores, the Quarantine Station was inundated with people of all classes. In the meantime, Rose was enjoying her work, making friends and learning many things – including that some rules were there to be broken…
In 2019 Emma Wilcott lived and worked in Sydney, while her beloved, one-hundred-year-old grandmother, Gwendoline, was in care. She was all Emma had left and she was frightened of losing her, though she was aware it would happen sooner than she wanted. With her grandma wandering from the facility on occasion, Emma knew she needed to dig into her past to see if she could find the answers to what was agitating her. But would Emma be able to unravel the mystery of her grandma’s past before it was too late?
The Quarantine Station by Aussie author Michelle Montebello was an incredible read. It has gone immediately onto my "top reads for 2019" list and while it’s my first by this author, it won’t be my last. I’ve been to the Quarantine Station at North Head in Sydney, many years ago, and it was a fascinating place then. They say it’s haunted, but fortunately I didn’t encounter any ghosts! Ms Montebello has blended fact with fiction, telling at the end of the novel about her endeavours. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, both past and present day, and could visualize the incredible views across Sydney Harbour, among other things. Australian historical fiction – highly recommended.
May 12, 2021
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The Quarantine Station by Michelle Montebello. (2019).
1918. Londoner Rose lands on the shores of Sydney and takes a job as a parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station. It's a place of turmoil, segregated classes and strict rules concerning staff fraternisation. But some rules are made to be broken.
2019. Emma lives a secluded life in Sydney. After a devastating loss, her 100 year old grandmother Gwendoline is all she has. Suffering the early stages of dementia, Gwendoline has been wandering at night and searching for something or someone.
Emma's investigation leads her to the Quarantine Station where she meets Matt, the station's carpenter, and together they unravel a compelling mystery.
I've been waiting for some time to read this one as I had trouble getting my hands on a copy, and I'm so glad I kept persevering because I loved it! Featuring dual timeline storylines, both time periods have intriguing plots. In 1918 we have Rose who has just started work at the Quarantine Station where the Spanish flu influenza has just started appearing. It was a truly fascinating location setting and it has made me want to travel to Sydney and visit the still existing 'Q Station'. Rose was an intelligent young woman who appreciates having employment but has also broken the rules and fallen in love... In 2019 we have Emma who is trying to track down information about her grandmother Gwendoline's history, specifically in relation to the Quarantine Station as Gwendoline lived there as a young child. I had a lot of empathy for Emma as Gwendoline is all she had left of her family and she was deteriorating with the dementia which is heartbreaking. Emma and Matt immediately have an attraction as they work together to find Gwendoline's history but alas, there may be obstacles in their way...
I would not hesitate to highly recommend this extremely interesting and well-written book.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Quarantine Station by Michelle Montebello. (2019).
1918. Londoner Rose lands on the shores of Sydney and takes a job as a parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station. It's a place of turmoil, segregated classes and strict rules concerning staff fraternisation. But some rules are made to be broken.
2019. Emma lives a secluded life in Sydney. After a devastating loss, her 100 year old grandmother Gwendoline is all she has. Suffering the early stages of dementia, Gwendoline has been wandering at night and searching for something or someone.
Emma's investigation leads her to the Quarantine Station where she meets Matt, the station's carpenter, and together they unravel a compelling mystery.
I've been waiting for some time to read this one as I had trouble getting my hands on a copy, and I'm so glad I kept persevering because I loved it! Featuring dual timeline storylines, both time periods have intriguing plots. In 1918 we have Rose who has just started work at the Quarantine Station where the Spanish flu influenza has just started appearing. It was a truly fascinating location setting and it has made me want to travel to Sydney and visit the still existing 'Q Station'. Rose was an intelligent young woman who appreciates having employment but has also broken the rules and fallen in love... In 2019 we have Emma who is trying to track down information about her grandmother Gwendoline's history, specifically in relation to the Quarantine Station as Gwendoline lived there as a young child. I had a lot of empathy for Emma as Gwendoline is all she had left of her family and she was deteriorating with the dementia which is heartbreaking. Emma and Matt immediately have an attraction as they work together to find Gwendoline's history but alas, there may be obstacles in their way...
I would not hesitate to highly recommend this extremely interesting and well-written book.
July 28, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Quarantine Station, by Australian author Michelle Montebello, is an exquisitely told dual timeline narrative, traversing 2018 with the past, in 1918. It is a novel that knocked me for six, it left me breathless, heartbroken and filled with sorrow, but it also made me hopeful. A novel that continued to surprise with each page I turned, The Quarantine Station is a beautifully realised historical fiction and romance tale, complete with a strong contemporary narrative to carry it along. I loved it to bits!
What is the price to pay for indulging in forbidden love affair? This is the powerful question that encircles the latest novel from Australian author Michelle Montebello and the author’s first turn in the field of historical fiction. A book that cleverly intertwines the monarchy, with the pertinent history of Sydney’s famous Quarantine Station, a devastating secret holds the key to a family mystery. It can all be traced back to 1918, where a young woman, who originally hails from London, sets foot on Australia’s shores in desperate need of a job. The search for a place of employment leads Rose Porter to the North Head Quarantine Station, an isolated compound, where no one wants to work. When Rose takes up her new position as a parlourmaid, her eyes are opened to a new world of rules, regulations, protocol, separation and dismay. However, Rose soon connects with the only carpenter on the facility and their relationship blossoms, despite the restrictions stipulated by the station. Decades later, in the present day, Emma Wilcott tenderly watches over her one hundred year old grandmother Gwendoline. In recent times, Gwendoline has escaped her aged care facility and has been found some distance away, seeking something she has lost. As the night time excursions increase, Emma knows it is her priority to find out what her grandmother is continually looking for. To offer a sense of closure and understanding to her confused grandmother, Emma is led on a pathway to the Quarantine Station, a place her grandmother once lived. With the help of Matt, a present day employee of the station,the two work tirelessly to unlock a long held secret that may help Gwendoline lay her ghosts of the past to rest.
Opening a new book by a new author is a little like pot luck. You don’t know what to expect, or what your response will be to the story. The Quarantine Station by Michelle Montebello is my first experience of this author’s work. I did choose to read this non review book thanks to a number of recommendations from other seasoned readers like myself, through my role as a romance editor on The Australian Women Writers Challenge. I am glad I paid attention to these endorsements, as each and every one was correct in their estimations. The Quarantine Station is an outstanding read from start to finish, and I’m already marking it down as one of my top reads of the year.
It is no secret at all that I adore dual timeline narratives, but they have to be composed right in my eyes to succeed as a whole. The interchanges from the past to present have to be seamless. The past must also have a strong bearing on the present, and vice versa. I encountered no issues in this department with Michelle Montebello’s novel. I know Michelle is a seasoned romance writer, with three novels already released in this genre. But I do feel that she is well matched to historical fiction and dual timeline narratives, it was like she was born to write for this genre! I found a strong connection to the present day narrative, having a grandparent who recently passed away, who was very much like Gwendoline. I could easily connect with the ageing, memory loss and dementia themes prevalent in this novel. I also felt that Montebello tackled this narrative thread with the dignity and insight into caring with someone with these medical issues it deserved. It came across as both compelling and introspective.
The 1918 past timeline aspect of the novel absolutely blew me away. The minute I was introduced to Rose Porter, I felt like I was her loyal companion. I felt every emotion, experience, situation and feeling Rose encountered. I believe this is down to Montebello’s strong characterisation and her ability to ease the reader into the very soul of her characters. This high level of character understanding applies not only to Rose, but it extends to many of the past cast, from lovers, staff and friends, through to the present day figures. Each is brushed with such authenticity that it was impossible not to get caught up in lives of these characters.
The historical setting did absolute wonders for me personally. I have a special interest in the Great War years and it was a special treat to be able to read a novel that looks at the Australian experience of this time. Before this novel, I had no previous knowledge of the Quarantine Station in Sydney, but it sent me off on a little research trip, which I lapped up! It also had me thinking a little off on my own tangent about the West Australian quarantine issues during this time and I know when I have more time on my hands, I’ll definitely be investigating this area further. The Quarantine Station sequences are incredibly vivid and provide the reader with an accurate, as well as a detailed picture of life in this fixture during the historical period. I took in all this storyline had to offer, from the influx of the Spanish Flu, to the racial and class segregation issues and the strict rules imposed on the staff working tirelessly on the station. It was an eye opening, as well as an unforgettable read.
For those who appreciate an authentic and all encompassing romance, The Quarantine Station has it all. Love comes calling for both the present and past figures. Montebello shows a strong level of comfort in these scenes and it helped me to fully appreciate all these storylines have to offer. However, I do feel as though the mystery aspect of the novel is what took this book to great heights. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get swept up in the suspense, secrets, family links and the life altering choices that were made in times past. All these swirling issues clearly had a great bearing on the future.
It is with no doubt or hesitation that I highly recommend The Quarantine Station to readers of any inclination. Take a chance on this novel, it will surprise and perhaps even dazzle you, as it did for me!
The Quarantine Station is book #102 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Quarantine Station, by Australian author Michelle Montebello, is an exquisitely told dual timeline narrative, traversing 2018 with the past, in 1918. It is a novel that knocked me for six, it left me breathless, heartbroken and filled with sorrow, but it also made me hopeful. A novel that continued to surprise with each page I turned, The Quarantine Station is a beautifully realised historical fiction and romance tale, complete with a strong contemporary narrative to carry it along. I loved it to bits!
What is the price to pay for indulging in forbidden love affair? This is the powerful question that encircles the latest novel from Australian author Michelle Montebello and the author’s first turn in the field of historical fiction. A book that cleverly intertwines the monarchy, with the pertinent history of Sydney’s famous Quarantine Station, a devastating secret holds the key to a family mystery. It can all be traced back to 1918, where a young woman, who originally hails from London, sets foot on Australia’s shores in desperate need of a job. The search for a place of employment leads Rose Porter to the North Head Quarantine Station, an isolated compound, where no one wants to work. When Rose takes up her new position as a parlourmaid, her eyes are opened to a new world of rules, regulations, protocol, separation and dismay. However, Rose soon connects with the only carpenter on the facility and their relationship blossoms, despite the restrictions stipulated by the station. Decades later, in the present day, Emma Wilcott tenderly watches over her one hundred year old grandmother Gwendoline. In recent times, Gwendoline has escaped her aged care facility and has been found some distance away, seeking something she has lost. As the night time excursions increase, Emma knows it is her priority to find out what her grandmother is continually looking for. To offer a sense of closure and understanding to her confused grandmother, Emma is led on a pathway to the Quarantine Station, a place her grandmother once lived. With the help of Matt, a present day employee of the station,the two work tirelessly to unlock a long held secret that may help Gwendoline lay her ghosts of the past to rest.
Opening a new book by a new author is a little like pot luck. You don’t know what to expect, or what your response will be to the story. The Quarantine Station by Michelle Montebello is my first experience of this author’s work. I did choose to read this non review book thanks to a number of recommendations from other seasoned readers like myself, through my role as a romance editor on The Australian Women Writers Challenge. I am glad I paid attention to these endorsements, as each and every one was correct in their estimations. The Quarantine Station is an outstanding read from start to finish, and I’m already marking it down as one of my top reads of the year.
It is no secret at all that I adore dual timeline narratives, but they have to be composed right in my eyes to succeed as a whole. The interchanges from the past to present have to be seamless. The past must also have a strong bearing on the present, and vice versa. I encountered no issues in this department with Michelle Montebello’s novel. I know Michelle is a seasoned romance writer, with three novels already released in this genre. But I do feel that she is well matched to historical fiction and dual timeline narratives, it was like she was born to write for this genre! I found a strong connection to the present day narrative, having a grandparent who recently passed away, who was very much like Gwendoline. I could easily connect with the ageing, memory loss and dementia themes prevalent in this novel. I also felt that Montebello tackled this narrative thread with the dignity and insight into caring with someone with these medical issues it deserved. It came across as both compelling and introspective.
The 1918 past timeline aspect of the novel absolutely blew me away. The minute I was introduced to Rose Porter, I felt like I was her loyal companion. I felt every emotion, experience, situation and feeling Rose encountered. I believe this is down to Montebello’s strong characterisation and her ability to ease the reader into the very soul of her characters. This high level of character understanding applies not only to Rose, but it extends to many of the past cast, from lovers, staff and friends, through to the present day figures. Each is brushed with such authenticity that it was impossible not to get caught up in lives of these characters.
The historical setting did absolute wonders for me personally. I have a special interest in the Great War years and it was a special treat to be able to read a novel that looks at the Australian experience of this time. Before this novel, I had no previous knowledge of the Quarantine Station in Sydney, but it sent me off on a little research trip, which I lapped up! It also had me thinking a little off on my own tangent about the West Australian quarantine issues during this time and I know when I have more time on my hands, I’ll definitely be investigating this area further. The Quarantine Station sequences are incredibly vivid and provide the reader with an accurate, as well as a detailed picture of life in this fixture during the historical period. I took in all this storyline had to offer, from the influx of the Spanish Flu, to the racial and class segregation issues and the strict rules imposed on the staff working tirelessly on the station. It was an eye opening, as well as an unforgettable read.
For those who appreciate an authentic and all encompassing romance, The Quarantine Station has it all. Love comes calling for both the present and past figures. Montebello shows a strong level of comfort in these scenes and it helped me to fully appreciate all these storylines have to offer. However, I do feel as though the mystery aspect of the novel is what took this book to great heights. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get swept up in the suspense, secrets, family links and the life altering choices that were made in times past. All these swirling issues clearly had a great bearing on the future.
It is with no doubt or hesitation that I highly recommend The Quarantine Station to readers of any inclination. Take a chance on this novel, it will surprise and perhaps even dazzle you, as it did for me!
The Quarantine Station is book #102 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 23, 2022
Totally immersive! I love, love, loved it!
*Yet another impressive Aussie author.*
As an avid fan of historical fiction…especially Australian… this story had me hooked from page one with its unique storyline and setting.
You really do “go down a rabbit hole” with this book…such an exciting surprise to find yourself being totally absorbed in a good read right from the beginning pages…
…and what an impressive and original plot!
The story evolves around four generations of people whose individual stories are recounted through their early connections to the Quarantine Station at North Head, which is situated on many acres of beautiful prime coastal bushland on the northern shores of Sydney, Australia.
Beautifully told in two timelines with the story flowing easily between past and present at perfectly timed intervals.
It’s 1918, a time when plague and infectious diseases such as cholera had long since deemed it necessary to have a containment station for the confinement of the sick, away from the main population of Sydney.
It is the year that the dreaded but inevitable Spanish Flu arrived aboard a ship bound for Sydney…in this case…a ship whose passengers were of royal distinction.
At that time, it was a regular course of action that any ships entering the harbour were intercepted and inspected for signs of passengers or crew showing symptoms of potentially contagious illnesses.
In such cases where necessary, the sick were removed from the ship to be confined to the Quarantine Station where they would be treated in the hospital and quarantined accordingly until they were fully recovered…or died, and buried there.
Patients and their loved ones were segregated into specific areas according to their infectious health and or class/social status.
With the advent of the much dreaded Spanish Flu, the laws had recently been changed regarding incoming ships to these shores, requiring them All to be intercepted at sea on arrival, their sick passengers removed to the Quarantine Station and the ship to remain quarantined in situ until deemed safe to enter and dock at Sydney Harbour. This applied to every ship entering the harbour…no small feat.
That is just some of the background…I will leave it here for the reader to find out more, lest I spoil it in my excitement to share!
This is a book for any type of reader to enjoy. It is one of those rare books where you get so invested in the characters that you don’t want the story to end! I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The characters are all so well developed that you quickly feel acquainted enough with them that you don’t forget their place, or role in the scheme of things.
Having done a lot of family history research in my time, I was thoroughly taken by this story and its realistic portrayal of just how easily invested you can get in chasing up leads and clues, and seeming red herrings.
If you enjoy a bit of good sleuthing mixed with mystery, conspiracy, intrigue, and a balanced measure of romance..then settle in and be prepared to immerse yourself in this lovely story.
A lot of the story revolves around factual historical events and existing places, with the author exercising her need for poetic license where it befits the fictional story.
At the end of the book a good deal of relevant and fascinating information is provided to inform the reader where those paths might cross.
*This book has earned a place among my keepers, and Michelle Montebello will be joining my list of authors to watch out for as well.
People who liked this book might also like:
The Coast by Eleanor Limprecht
5⭐️s
🛋 🍷or ☕️ 🍫
*Yet another impressive Aussie author.*
As an avid fan of historical fiction…especially Australian… this story had me hooked from page one with its unique storyline and setting.
You really do “go down a rabbit hole” with this book…such an exciting surprise to find yourself being totally absorbed in a good read right from the beginning pages…
…and what an impressive and original plot!
The story evolves around four generations of people whose individual stories are recounted through their early connections to the Quarantine Station at North Head, which is situated on many acres of beautiful prime coastal bushland on the northern shores of Sydney, Australia.
Beautifully told in two timelines with the story flowing easily between past and present at perfectly timed intervals.
It’s 1918, a time when plague and infectious diseases such as cholera had long since deemed it necessary to have a containment station for the confinement of the sick, away from the main population of Sydney.
It is the year that the dreaded but inevitable Spanish Flu arrived aboard a ship bound for Sydney…in this case…a ship whose passengers were of royal distinction.
At that time, it was a regular course of action that any ships entering the harbour were intercepted and inspected for signs of passengers or crew showing symptoms of potentially contagious illnesses.
In such cases where necessary, the sick were removed from the ship to be confined to the Quarantine Station where they would be treated in the hospital and quarantined accordingly until they were fully recovered…or died, and buried there.
Patients and their loved ones were segregated into specific areas according to their infectious health and or class/social status.
With the advent of the much dreaded Spanish Flu, the laws had recently been changed regarding incoming ships to these shores, requiring them All to be intercepted at sea on arrival, their sick passengers removed to the Quarantine Station and the ship to remain quarantined in situ until deemed safe to enter and dock at Sydney Harbour. This applied to every ship entering the harbour…no small feat.
That is just some of the background…I will leave it here for the reader to find out more, lest I spoil it in my excitement to share!
This is a book for any type of reader to enjoy. It is one of those rare books where you get so invested in the characters that you don’t want the story to end! I didn’t want to put it down at all.
The characters are all so well developed that you quickly feel acquainted enough with them that you don’t forget their place, or role in the scheme of things.
Having done a lot of family history research in my time, I was thoroughly taken by this story and its realistic portrayal of just how easily invested you can get in chasing up leads and clues, and seeming red herrings.
If you enjoy a bit of good sleuthing mixed with mystery, conspiracy, intrigue, and a balanced measure of romance..then settle in and be prepared to immerse yourself in this lovely story.
A lot of the story revolves around factual historical events and existing places, with the author exercising her need for poetic license where it befits the fictional story.
At the end of the book a good deal of relevant and fascinating information is provided to inform the reader where those paths might cross.
*This book has earned a place among my keepers, and Michelle Montebello will be joining my list of authors to watch out for as well.
People who liked this book might also like:
The Coast by Eleanor Limprecht
5⭐️s
🛋 🍷or ☕️ 🍫
May 14, 2020
Really enjoyed this fictional story based on the former North Heads quarantine station located near Sydney. The story is told in parallel timelines.
In the present Emma is trying to help her elderly grandmother, Gwendoline, who has dementia and keeps wandering from her care facility searching for someone. She knows that her grandmother was born at the quarantine station but left there very suddenly when she was about 6 years old. Emma starts searching for information about her grandmothers past and finds romance in the process of doing so.
In the parallel story we go back to 1918 and Rose Porter who has fled an arranged marriage in England to find herself alone and desperate for work in Sydney. She applies for a job at the quarantine station and changes her life forever.
A nice mixture of history and romance, and also very topical in this COVID-19 situation.
In the present Emma is trying to help her elderly grandmother, Gwendoline, who has dementia and keeps wandering from her care facility searching for someone. She knows that her grandmother was born at the quarantine station but left there very suddenly when she was about 6 years old. Emma starts searching for information about her grandmothers past and finds romance in the process of doing so.
In the parallel story we go back to 1918 and Rose Porter who has fled an arranged marriage in England to find herself alone and desperate for work in Sydney. She applies for a job at the quarantine station and changes her life forever.
A nice mixture of history and romance, and also very topical in this COVID-19 situation.
May 10, 2020
This was a gently paced book that I enjoyed although I did guess what the twist would be. Two timelines, the present with Emma who has a 100yo grandmother in a nursing home with dementia and she wanders. The other timeline is 1918 where we meet Rose who gets a job as a parlourmaid at the quarantine station on Sydney’s North Shore. So this is set during the Spanish flu pandemic which is rather timely. I found the history of the station interesting and would’ve rather have read more about the functioning and work at the hospital, the chapters when Rose was working there were better than when she was working in the first class section although this wouldn’t have fit the storyline!
Rose and Bessie were lovely characters, I found Emma a bit insipid but overall an enjoyable read.
Rose and Bessie were lovely characters, I found Emma a bit insipid but overall an enjoyable read.
March 3, 2019
I am not sure where to start with this one, it is an amazing story with twists and turns as we relive life during the 1900’s it was a hard time then in Sydney with the first world war raging and then in 2019 as we try to solve a mystery that started back in 1918. Once you pick this one up you are not going to want to put it down so make sure that you have nothing else planed, as you get to know Rose and Thomas, Gwendoline, Emma and Matt and a cast of fabulous characters.
It is 1918 and Rose Porter has arrived from England, it is war time and jobs are hard to get, she applies for a job as parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station, this place has rules that must be followed and the work is hard with dangerous disease ever present, but there is also love to be found for Rose with Thomas the carpenter, they take a big risk, but Rose is such a strong and caring person, lots happen in this time that will have tears flowing with special guests and the friends that Rose makes.
Now 2019 and Emma Wilcott is caring for her 100 year old grandmother Gwendoline who suffers dementia, and she keeps escaping from the aged care home she lives in searching for something from her past and Emma sets out on a quest to find what it is she is looking for, this takes her to The Quarantine Station where her Grandmother lived till she was seven, and here she meets Matt the carpenter, and not only do they unravel the mystery they also journey to a HEA that has lots of ups and downs.
This is really a fabulous story with so many fabulous people who are so easy to like and love, I was cheering them on, there were tears and the two romances just made my heart soar, it is beautifully written and the setting is awesome so much history there and MS Montebello bought The Quarantine Station and the people to life, this is a story that should not be missed and I do highly recommend it, thank you MS Montebello this is one for the keeper shelf.
It is 1918 and Rose Porter has arrived from England, it is war time and jobs are hard to get, she applies for a job as parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station, this place has rules that must be followed and the work is hard with dangerous disease ever present, but there is also love to be found for Rose with Thomas the carpenter, they take a big risk, but Rose is such a strong and caring person, lots happen in this time that will have tears flowing with special guests and the friends that Rose makes.
Now 2019 and Emma Wilcott is caring for her 100 year old grandmother Gwendoline who suffers dementia, and she keeps escaping from the aged care home she lives in searching for something from her past and Emma sets out on a quest to find what it is she is looking for, this takes her to The Quarantine Station where her Grandmother lived till she was seven, and here she meets Matt the carpenter, and not only do they unravel the mystery they also journey to a HEA that has lots of ups and downs.
This is really a fabulous story with so many fabulous people who are so easy to like and love, I was cheering them on, there were tears and the two romances just made my heart soar, it is beautifully written and the setting is awesome so much history there and MS Montebello bought The Quarantine Station and the people to life, this is a story that should not be missed and I do highly recommend it, thank you MS Montebello this is one for the keeper shelf.
May 2, 2021
Wow, what a fabulous story this was! There were twists, turns, history and romance galore, in this sublime tale. I couldn't put it down. Michelle has outdone herself with this wonderful romance and has shown herself as an author to be reckoned with!
November 5, 2019
4.5/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had never read this author before but I will definitely look for her books, especially if she writes some more dual time lines.
I am thinking that the next time I am in Sydney I am going to have to plan a visit to the quarantine station for myself
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had never read this author before but I will definitely look for her books, especially if she writes some more dual time lines.
I am thinking that the next time I am in Sydney I am going to have to plan a visit to the quarantine station for myself
November 1, 2020
I loved this. It was a little predictable, at times, but it didn't detract from the story. I didn't know anything about the quarantine station at North Head, and it was interesting to read about another time of quarantine, 100 years earlier.
April 23, 2020
This book could have been a great historical novel, but instead of developing a story about such an important time in history the author turned it in to a "soap opera". I was so disappointed.
February 22, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Michelle did an amazing job bringing the reader into the story and capturing the era brilliantly. This is the first book of Michelle's I've read and it won't be my last!
March 6, 2019
A wonderfully written story that goes back in time to a place where sickness and death were a part of everyday life. Where young women worked in the parlour's serving the guests who are waiting for the quarantine time to pass so that they may be on their way, or are waiting for a loved one to regain their health from one of the many devastating illnesses to plague that era. This part of the story brings much sadness as the reader progresses through the pages of the past. The future, although not as bleak, does carry sadness with it as well, as Emma tries to find out as much as she can about her grandmother's childhood and the man she keeps searching for when she leaves the nursing home that she resides in due to her dementia. While searching through the past, Emma meets a young man who offers to help her in her quest, since he knows the place well and has been in the archives many times searching for his own family's history.
The two become fast friends, and that friendships leads to deeper feelings. Which two you may ask. Well both couples. The first, from the past will impact the two from the future in ways that will remain unknown to them until you near the end. These characters, all of them, are wonderfully written and so very likeable. Guard your heart because you will definitely feel their emotions.
The story line is quite intriguing and is so very well written and quite descriptive. The detail given to Quarantine Station will bring the place to life right before your eyes, and will also bring some sorrow to your heart.
This was an outstanding read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. 10 stars if I were allowed!
The two become fast friends, and that friendships leads to deeper feelings. Which two you may ask. Well both couples. The first, from the past will impact the two from the future in ways that will remain unknown to them until you near the end. These characters, all of them, are wonderfully written and so very likeable. Guard your heart because you will definitely feel their emotions.
The story line is quite intriguing and is so very well written and quite descriptive. The detail given to Quarantine Station will bring the place to life right before your eyes, and will also bring some sorrow to your heart.
This was an outstanding read and I cannot recommend it highly enough. 10 stars if I were allowed!
February 7, 2019
The Quarantine Station. A forbidden love, a powerful secret, a scandal that changed them forever.
Coming: 6th March 2019.
“Get set to disappear down the rabbit hole. Sydney’s Quarantine Station is brought to life in this wonderfully woven love story.”
“Find a quiet spot and devour this book. You won’t want to put it down.”
Coming: 6th March 2019.
“Get set to disappear down the rabbit hole. Sydney’s Quarantine Station is brought to life in this wonderfully woven love story.”
“Find a quiet spot and devour this book. You won’t want to put it down.”
March 6, 2019
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It has been a while since I read a Historical Romance and this one just sounded so interesting. I had planned to read over a weekend but ending up reading it in one day.
This one takes back to 1918 although it is also set in the present time as well. We go back to solve a mystery and I should tell you to get ready cause you are end up like me and reading it all in one day. I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what happened.
This book is full of twists and turns as Emma heads to The Quarantine Station to find what her 100 year old grandmother is searching for. Her grandmother suffers from dementia and keeps escaping the home she is living in and trying to find something. Emma sets out to find it and in turn finds Matt, the carpenter who helps her solve the mystery.
I love that Matt is also a carpenter much like Thomas is in 1918. I think it adds a lot to the story that he is and helps moves things is what seems like a predestined path. Like fate has stepped in. Back in 1918 Rose got a job as a parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station. While there are rules that must be followed Rose does manage to find love with Thomas.
That is only the tip of the iceberg as we find out what happened and how the story flows. I will tell you that the setting for this story is beyond belief. I don't mean that in a bad way either. I have never known an author that could describe such a place in a way that I swear I could see myself standing in. I read a lot and this one went beyond any expectations I have ever had.
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This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace
It has been a while since I read a Historical Romance and this one just sounded so interesting. I had planned to read over a weekend but ending up reading it in one day.
This one takes back to 1918 although it is also set in the present time as well. We go back to solve a mystery and I should tell you to get ready cause you are end up like me and reading it all in one day. I couldn't put it down. I needed to know what happened.
This book is full of twists and turns as Emma heads to The Quarantine Station to find what her 100 year old grandmother is searching for. Her grandmother suffers from dementia and keeps escaping the home she is living in and trying to find something. Emma sets out to find it and in turn finds Matt, the carpenter who helps her solve the mystery.
I love that Matt is also a carpenter much like Thomas is in 1918. I think it adds a lot to the story that he is and helps moves things is what seems like a predestined path. Like fate has stepped in. Back in 1918 Rose got a job as a parlourmaid at the North Head Quarantine Station. While there are rules that must be followed Rose does manage to find love with Thomas.
That is only the tip of the iceberg as we find out what happened and how the story flows. I will tell you that the setting for this story is beyond belief. I don't mean that in a bad way either. I have never known an author that could describe such a place in a way that I swear I could see myself standing in. I read a lot and this one went beyond any expectations I have ever had.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace
March 4, 2019
The Quarantine Station intertwines two stories; one set in 1918 the other in 2018. A common thread of the setting and a secondary character, our modern day leads' Grandmother, ties the stories together.
I found the setting and the history of the area to be descriptive and well written. I particularly enjoyed the historical scenes, even though I am generally not a fan of historical romances. Although there are two couples and two stories interwoven, I was never left feeling confused. The Quarantine Station has a well thought out timeline, the jump between the time periods was seamless and made sense within the story.
Although well written, the pace of The Quarantine Station was quite slow in my opinion. Jumping between two storylines means developing twice as many characters and this made it difficult for me to connect with them quickly. As the story progressed, I did find myself becoming invested in the plot though and intrigued by the outcome.
This book was a different and an enjoyable four star read.
I found the setting and the history of the area to be descriptive and well written. I particularly enjoyed the historical scenes, even though I am generally not a fan of historical romances. Although there are two couples and two stories interwoven, I was never left feeling confused. The Quarantine Station has a well thought out timeline, the jump between the time periods was seamless and made sense within the story.
Although well written, the pace of The Quarantine Station was quite slow in my opinion. Jumping between two storylines means developing twice as many characters and this made it difficult for me to connect with them quickly. As the story progressed, I did find myself becoming invested in the plot though and intrigued by the outcome.
This book was a different and an enjoyable four star read.
March 5, 2019
There are not nearly enough words to describe how much I loved this book! The Quarantine Station is unlike any book I have ever read. It was full of mystery, suspense, heartbreak, drama and forbidden romance.
What makes this book even more amazing is the way the author intertwined two stories set a century a part. This book follows the life of Emma in the present and then goes back to tell us her great grandmother, Rose's story. We get to view the world through both of their eyes as Emma tries to solve the mystery of why her Grandmother keeps wondering to the water at night.
This book really does have it all. I was hooked from the very moment I began reading, and on the edge of my seat multiple times. There were so many twists and turns that every time i thought I had something figured out I would realize I was wrong.
I was so fascinated by the setting this book takes place in that I had to stop reading at one moment just to look it up and learn even more about it myself. The author truly out did herself when she brought this place to life in her book and this is definitely not your typical love story.
Join Emma on her quest for answers and uncover so much more than you will ever expect. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
This is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
What makes this book even more amazing is the way the author intertwined two stories set a century a part. This book follows the life of Emma in the present and then goes back to tell us her great grandmother, Rose's story. We get to view the world through both of their eyes as Emma tries to solve the mystery of why her Grandmother keeps wondering to the water at night.
This book really does have it all. I was hooked from the very moment I began reading, and on the edge of my seat multiple times. There were so many twists and turns that every time i thought I had something figured out I would realize I was wrong.
I was so fascinated by the setting this book takes place in that I had to stop reading at one moment just to look it up and learn even more about it myself. The author truly out did herself when she brought this place to life in her book and this is definitely not your typical love story.
Join Emma on her quest for answers and uncover so much more than you will ever expect. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
This is a must read book for sure! - By Alisa
May 21, 2020
I enjoy Australian historical fiction, so of course found much to like in the novel. The setting of the Quarantine Station was a good choice, and the methods and procedures followed at the station were interesting. I'd now like to visit the Q Station one day. The plot was engaging enough, and gave a good excuse to explore the background. Empathy was stirred by the characters, as most modern readers could imagine themselves in Emma's situation: having an elderly relative to look after. How do we manage to work and meet our responsibilities to those who need constant care?
January 2, 2021
Loved it!
February 22, 2023
I'm late to the party with this one, but now I know what the hype was about! Beautifully written and very well researched (and I love a dual timeline), Rose and Emma's stories unravel deliciously and I found it hard to put down. Next time I'm in Sydney I'll visit the QStation - I hadn't realised it's importance in our history until I read this book.
August 24, 2020
I never even knew the Quarantine Station existed or much at all about The Spanish Flu. This book has been sitting on my kindle since earlier this year & with everything that is COVID-19 I saw many similarities being hailed as ground breaking that were in fact used for the Spanish Flu such as that supposedly new treatment by inhaling medicine for the lungs, throat & nose. It seems it is not so new at all.
I thought this would be interesting as my Great Grandparents were from that era & my Great Grandfather served in WW1 but he returned to marry his love & have my Grandma. I now need to to look up all things "Spanish Flu" . I think I will read anything this author writes as she always does her research for her books but seems to go much deeper than other authors dare to go & that is what makes me love this author even more, she puts in the time & much effort to get the facts right or as close as possible & doing the characters the justice they deserve. I had so many theories & kept trying to hope like hell there was a plot twist to keep lovers together.
I thought this would be interesting as my Great Grandparents were from that era & my Great Grandfather served in WW1 but he returned to marry his love & have my Grandma. I now need to to look up all things "Spanish Flu" . I think I will read anything this author writes as she always does her research for her books but seems to go much deeper than other authors dare to go & that is what makes me love this author even more, she puts in the time & much effort to get the facts right or as close as possible & doing the characters the justice they deserve. I had so many theories & kept trying to hope like hell there was a plot twist to keep lovers together.
February 1, 2020
This was an amazing story and I could not put it down. Beautifully written and held my suspense to the very end.
Truly loved the story and highly recommend to all book clubs and lovers of books. Will be definitely look for more of her books.
Truly loved the story and highly recommend to all book clubs and lovers of books. Will be definitely look for more of her books.
April 7, 2021
Brilliantly written...
Fabulous story spanning the decades. Brilliantly written story that it felt as though it had really taken place. Loved the concept.
Fabulous story spanning the decades. Brilliantly written story that it felt as though it had really taken place. Loved the concept.
January 30, 2020
Cannot recommend this book highly enough! The history was fascinating the story endearing. I could quite easily read it again. Well done Michelle Montebello!
February 1, 2019
Wow! What a beautiful read!
The Quarantine Station is Michelle Montebello’s first foray into historical fiction and she has nailed it. I was immediately drawn into a compelling and carefully crafted plot about forbidden love, broken rules and guarded secrets, all against the backdrop of the fascinating Quarantine Station, a real-life site on Sydney’s North Head.
Told from dual points of view and well-researched, this book kept me up late each night, with intriguing characters and a haunting plot. The book is beautifully narrated, the station coming to life before my eyes! Aside from the fictional elements, the factual details of station life, class segregation and medical knowledge of the time were all fascinating to read.
Find a quiet spot and devour this book. You won’t want to put it down!
Five stars from me!
The Quarantine Station is Michelle Montebello’s first foray into historical fiction and she has nailed it. I was immediately drawn into a compelling and carefully crafted plot about forbidden love, broken rules and guarded secrets, all against the backdrop of the fascinating Quarantine Station, a real-life site on Sydney’s North Head.
Told from dual points of view and well-researched, this book kept me up late each night, with intriguing characters and a haunting plot. The book is beautifully narrated, the station coming to life before my eyes! Aside from the fictional elements, the factual details of station life, class segregation and medical knowledge of the time were all fascinating to read.
Find a quiet spot and devour this book. You won’t want to put it down!
Five stars from me!
March 29, 2019
Brilliant
One of my favourite pastimes in life is reading and discovering new Writers. And I have just discovered another one, Michelle Montebello. Have just finished The Quarantine Station and absolutely loved it. Michelle is a wonderful Writer who will keep you interested from the first word to the last. If you are a fan of dual timeline novels, or even if you aren’t, I highly recommend this book. Brilliant.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
One of my favourite pastimes in life is reading and discovering new Writers. And I have just discovered another one, Michelle Montebello. Have just finished The Quarantine Station and absolutely loved it. Michelle is a wonderful Writer who will keep you interested from the first word to the last. If you are a fan of dual timeline novels, or even if you aren’t, I highly recommend this book. Brilliant.🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅
November 28, 2019
After visiting the Q Station which is now a tourist attraction in Sydney, I found this book and had to read it. Montebello's detailed descriptions of the station both past and present helped me understand more about this fascinating spot. Although I found the plot predictable and the narrative too lengthy, I enjoyed learning more about what daily life was like for residents when the quarantine station was in full operation. Worth a read - especially for history buffs.
February 6, 2020
Quite an interesting story. Although in my opinion there's no need for all the 'we made love' and again and again at times. It doesn't add to the story, if anything it makes me want too give up on the book. It's the story we care about, not their sex life (at least it wasn't graphic), still skipped thru them though. Waste of ink IMO.
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