Hello friends!
Winter is almost here and so is Bottlebrush Creek! To say I'm excited is an understatement! I hope you're keeping well and you're all ready to dive into Angie's story. What better time to curl up by the fire with a good book?
Stay safe folks, happy reading!
PS Just a reminder you can find my books in all good book stores and libraries in paperback, eBook and audioBook, or order Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge online.
Bottlebrush Creek is out Tuesday!
OUT THIS TUESDAY - June 2! I started writing Bottlebrush Creek in 2018, and now, after being polished and lovingly massaged into shape, it's finally out in the world for you to enjoy. It features Angie McIntyre and Rob Jones, and their grand plans to make the perfect home for their young family. Set in south west Victoria, there's a family dairy farm, a fixer upper project, a meddling mother-in-law, troublesome tradies, guest appearances by the extended McIntyre family and of course a generous serve of baking, gardening and rural living.
A handful of special reviewers, podcasters, journalists and radio hosts received early copies and their feedback made me cry happy tears!
'Wow what another beauty. A moving, heartfelt story of love, hard work, family and relationships... a beautifully written story... a keeper and a must read.' Helen, Family Saga Blogspot
'The country flavour is so honest and relatable. Another winner!' Jodi, Western District Farmer Newspaper
'Laced with authentic Australian family drama ... showcases the highest level in the rural romance genre.' Phil, Happy Valley Books
'A brilliant follow up, I could have stayed within the pages of Angie and Rob's story forever. Five-stars all the way!' Claudine, Talking Aussie Books
'A heartfelt, believable and throughly addictive read. It will have you completely hooked and drawn in from the very beginning.’ Craig, Happy Valley Books
'A perfect "escape to the country" to visit old friends and meet some new ones. Each page had me vicariously living my dream of renovating an old country cottage.' Pamela Cook, Writes 4 Women podcast
Thanks to the many people who sent me early photos of Angie in the wild (photos above from @bookishBron, @claudineTinellis, my Mum and Nanna and @intheHartland).
I can't wait to see more photos of Bottlebrush Creek with your pets, your baking, in your gardens and in your book shelves. Please keep them coming (and see the dahlia seed giveaway below for an extra incentive)! If you haven't ordered your copy yet, check your local book shop Tuesday or you can buy online here.
Lights, camera, ACTION!
I so hope you'll be able to join us for one of these free events - they're sure to be heaps of fun! You can ask questions via the comments in the live stream as I'm being interviewed on June 10 and 14, and the camera will be trained on the hosts and I, so you can join us in your PJs or tracky-dacks and raise a glass (or a cuppa) to celebrate my new book.
Click on an image above or head to www.mayalinnell.com/newsandevents for more info.
I had so much fun interviewing Karly Lane for Frankston City Libraries, watch a replay here. Also lovely to see New Idea featuring Bottlebrush Creek as the Book of the Month and I'll be a guest on Kevin Walsh's Good Morning Country on Wednesday morning (June 3), which is broadcast nationally across the community radio network.
The fixer-upper sub-plot in Bottlebrush Creek was partly inspired by building a home with my husband, Jase, the bread-baking, brick-making hero in my very own romance story. Read more in the Owner Builder magazine here. There's also a reader contest to win Bottlebrush Creek!
I've been so thrilled to see the microwave chocolate self-saucing pudding recipe in use. How gorgeous are these puddings from (L-R) @Mersel, @bone.victoria and @Melissa_loves_love! Have you made it yet? Here's a link to our YouTube tutorial if you missed it. In the next newsletter I'll be sharing the special coconut cake recipe from Bottlebrush Creek.
May was action-packed in our household. My middle child had her tonsils out, my youngest had a birthday and we finally chose a high school for our eldest next year.
We've been enjoying glorious autumn bonfires and this Mother's Day was my favourite yet. The kids surprised me with beautiful drawings, banners, poems, chocolates and scones for breakfast. I didn't get to hug my own mum or Nanna in SA but I'm hoping they open the state borders soon. Hope your Mother's Day was lovely too.
Home schooling was relocated to our shed house (the tiny shed we lived in while we built our home) because the new internet provider accidentally reconnected the wrong NBN box. The kids and I set up the classroom at the ping-pong table, and I typed the final chapters of my 2021 book with a rug over my knee, icy fingers and a very big smile. Now it's time to reread my first draft and see what shape Lara's story is in.
My two eldest children will join their little sis at school from June 9 when the Victorian schools completely reopen. Like many of you, I'll be happy to hang up my teaching hat and return to full-time writing!
That's it for this month, folks. Stay well, stay safe and stay warm! Love, Maya x
Feeling social? Head over to my Instagram account for regular updates on books you'll love, biscuits and cakes that'll have you reaching for your apron, and the latest news on my rural romance books.
I'm also on Facebook and of course there's my website www.mayalinnell.com