Kingdom of the Heart by Lucy Walker (Vintage 1971 Edition)

“Kingdom of the Heart” is a romance novel set in the Australian outback, published in 1959. The story follows a young woman named Ruby who is struggling to cope with the sudden death of her mother. In an attempt to start over, she moves to the remote town of Alice Springs and begins working as a teacher.

There, she meets a rugged and handsome cattle rancher named Luke, and the two begin a passionate romance. However, their relationship is complicated by Luke’s troubled past and his struggle to come to terms with his feelings for Ruby. As they navigate their way through the challenges of life in the outback, they must confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities in order to find true happiness together.

“Kingdom of the Heart” is praised for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its portrayal of the complex relationships between its characters. It is a heartwarming and uplifting tale of love and redemption, capturing the spirit of the Australian outback and the resilience of its people.