I was waiting for this sequel and was prepared for either a letdown in the intensity of the relationship between Charlie and Travis, or a series of twists and turns in the plot line which would have left me thinking the author was reaching for straws.What I got instead was an absolutely stunning sequel. Here is a richly developed, extremely insightful character development portrayal from Charlie's point-of-view which blew me away in the dimensions that N.R. Walker imbued in his psyche--to say nothing of the social, cultural and economic aspects of cattle raising in the Outback. The most important side of Charlie that we get to see is how conflicted he is about being public about his love for Travis, and how terrified he is that Travis will either want to go back to Texas without him, or as the plot moves along, that the Australian Immigration Department will refuse to extend Travis' visa.While Travis remains the ideal in terms of what Charlie wants in a relationship, Charlie cannot face the fact that what may send Travis back home is that Charlie may not be able to come to terms with the social obligations that come with their relationship. When Travis is threatened with deportation, Charlie keeps up a cheerful, positive front and tells everyone it's not going to happen. Charlie's conflicted attitude toward much in his life before and since he met Travis is played out on every page along the way with the supporting cast of Ma, George, and a few new additions to the crew (including a being named Matilda, who almost steals the show).The book still gives us a richly detailed view of life in the Outback, both on the huge "stations" where the farmers work and also the central city of Alice Springs, where commerce is conducted, and social norms are expressed. But what brings this book out in the open, so to speak, is the extraordinary love story between Charlie and Travis--and the depth of love and support for both of them from their friends and co-workers, who are now their family.On her website, author Walker has this neat way of letting us know what kind of character to visualize in her books--she searches stock photo databases and comes up with the photos of those who most match her ideal for her chief protagonists. I was astounded when I saw what she had picked for Charlie and Travis--the are just as I imagined they would be! And she has "imagined" a tale that I think you will cherish and hold for a long time to come.