Extract from Review by: Pamela Faye August 2005 Rolling Seas Reviews

"Lives would intertwine for seventy years, building empires from dust and ruin, but always the sight of aborigines taunted Emily. Her sanity was pushed to its limit, she only grew stronger with each test."
Barbara Hartmann King has written a story so compelling the reader will yearn to turn around and read it all over again. The spirit of pioneering settlers shines through the story of Coloured Sands. The beauty of the outback, the wildlife …. Coloured Sands would make a fabulous Australian movie production!

Review: Dr. Mark Austin, BA (Hons) M.Litt.Phd.
Unearthing Brilliant Australian Authors:

This is a well-researched historical saga, detailed by a writer who loves the outback. A loyalty to the Australian countryside permeates Barbara Hartmann's Kings writing and gives it genuine beauty, as naturally enchanting as the fragrance of spring flowers.

Comment at launch: Cr Warren Hubner, Mayor of Murgon Shire, said in his address:

‘Once you start reading this book, you will not stop until you’ve finished. I read right through the night and was in awe of the inspiration and talent of this writer – Coloured Sands is a real page-turner.’

Story: South Burnett Times:

A Historical Romantic Saga rich in romance as well as History, a thoroughly enjoyable page-turner for both men and women.

Review: SOUTH BURNETT TIMES by Jess Hodgson

Barbara’s book dream soars like an eagle
Passion and persistence have seen Barbara Hartmann King’s dreams come to fruition with her second book, Valley of the Eagle going to print.
Barbara’s first book, Coloured Sands was published in 2004, won an Australian Day Cultural Award, and has now had film-rights put in place. Who can tell where this local ladies legendry tales may end.
Asking Barbara to identify key people from the community who have offered her support prior to, during and following the publication of her books is a hard task. Dozens of people have enjoyed her writing and spent time encouraging her to keep it up.
Of all these support networks it is her family and close family friends whose names come to the top “Oh that would be my husband Rob,” she said in response to a query on her number one fan.
Mrs King is easy to approach, likable and well liked, the numbers said it all with the Murgon CWA hall awash with colour and chat as many of her fans, friends and family gathered to celebrate the books launch.
Mayor Peter Angel opened the events with a speech that recognised the unique outback approach of this remarkable lady and the admirable manner in which she showed respect for Indigenous Australians throughout her tale. Murgon’s Mayor is not the only one to notice this aspect of Mrs King’s writing.
“The mystical dreamtime qualities conveyed by the descriptions of the actual “Valley of the Eagle” that form a major part of the story are truly wonderful and insightful into one of our many cultures,” Dr John Gehrmann, a Murgon Shire landowner and close family friend said.
“I think Barbara has an extremely readable non-pretentious writing style that should appeal to all readers. Her writing is beautifully descriptive in her imaginative fascinating worlds. I am amazed at how much information and actual story Barbara crams into each book. For both books, I read them within three days of starting them, and given how many high priority work items clamour for my attention, it is an impressive feat for something to engage me that much,” the industrious Dr John Gehrmann proclaimed.

Review: ROLLING SEAS REVIEWS by Pamela Faye