Bonnie is gone, but Scarlett’s other children Wade and Ella have their needs, as do her sisters, Careen and Suellen. Baby Careen’s seclusion in the nunnery and mysterious signing over of her share of Tara to the dangerous varmint overseer Jonas Wilkerson is the impetus for Scarlett’s journey to England where she will cross her husband and return home bearing unexpected gifts.

Her home and reputation are under attack, but Scarlett is determined to save both Tara and her marriage. She plots, she lies, she bats her luscious lashes and swishes her gorgeous green velvet gowns. She’s hard to resist. Mammy, Prissy and Belle Watlin all reprise their former roles. Warning: reading this book may result in unexplained desires to eat corn pone and down a few stiff bourbons.

Gone with the Wind’s copyright has expired in Australia, allowing exclusive publication of this third go at the continuation of the saga. The Winds of Tara’s author is a native Texan who grew up in a small town where North Carolina meets South Carolina. Her grannie told many tales of the Civil War, of Confederate and Yankee kinsmen, of heroes in their family annals. After reading the Margaret Mitchell classic when she was 13, Pinotti, now a doctor, has completed her own tribute tome.

This homage is not authorised by the Stephens Mitchell Trust, but James Tumblin, credited with being the world’s largest collector of GWTW memorabilia on the back cover of the book, says it’s an ‘excellent read’. A must for those who must read sequels by other than the real author. Tomorrow is… another day. Fontaine Press, RRP $32.95.