Cooyar by Sandra L Rogers
This powerful sweeping love story is set against the majestic beauty of Cooyar Cattle Station, one of the largest properties of its kind in Queensland. Frances is the headstrong only child of wealthy owners Malcolm and Jess McInners and Will Benson is the station's part-aboriginal head stockman.
From their close childhood friendship to their sudden strong physical attraction to each other in their teenage years, the outbreak of WWII changes their lives forever - but not their love.
When Will is reported missing in action, presumed dead, Frances impulsively marries Arnold Smith, a sailor, before he is deployed on the ill-fated HMAS Vampire. On Arnold's safe return they settle down on their own cattle property Wongadoo and raise their son Barry.
Meanwhile Will has survived the fighting in Tobruk - due to the care of a nomadic Bedouin Tribe. When the war ends and Will discovers Frances has married, he stays in the Mediterranean, working odd jobs and finally settling in Crete.
After years in a presumed happy marriage, Arnold embezzles France's fortune and leaves her for a local barmaid. Devastated by the cunning Cruelty of Arnold's betrayal, Frances embarks on a dangerous mission to kill them both.
When sudden tragedy and great loss reunite Frances and Will in a way neither could have imagined, fate unveils a long kept secret that will bring unexpected happiness to both of them.