By Blow and Kiss: The Love Story of a Man with a Bad Name. (Published serially under the title Unstable as Water).

"By Blow and Kiss: The Love Story of a Man with a Bad Name" by Boyd Cable is a story set on a tough Australian sheep station, and it illustrates how a brutal drought tests love and strength. It is set in the early 1900s, as it introduces the reader to Scottie Mackellar, an experienced shepherd, along with Ess Lincoln, his niece from the city, and Steve Knight, a mysterious horseman with a shadow over his name. When Ess came to the station, she had a big impact on all who lived and worked there as she sparked curiosity and tension for the men, especially Steve Knight. The story shows how people can be drawn to each other, even when faced with the difficulties of living in a tough place ruled by men.