A story of colonial New Zealand the mystery girl who rose from the slums to become a force to be reckoned with.It is 1858 in boom town Dunedin. Dreamers and vagabonds are pouring into the new colony to seek their fortune in the province's goldfields. A newborn baby is found abandoned on the road. She finds acceptance in the notorious and close-knit community of Maclaggan Street. But at six years old, the spirited Billie is faced with making her own way in the world of pubs and prostitutes, commerce and chance.Why is the elegant gentleman so interested in Billie's sketchy past and future prospects? What does the Irish charmer want with a girl who detests him?This exciting saga twists and turns through some of New Zealand's historical events, with staunch pioneer characters strongly evoking Otago's gold fever days. From muddy city streets to wild-west shootouts, Southern Gold is a story of adversity, courage and enduring love.Book 1 in The Gold Series.Read the sequel Threads of Gold: Power and passion in a young country.