THE second romance novel by former Millicent author Maya Linnell is set to come off the presses, with Bottlebrush Creek expected to launch at the Millicent Library later this year.
The former The South Eastern Times journalist enjoyed success with her debut novel Wildflower Ridge in 2019.
Its launch at the Millicent Library was attended by 100 well-wishers including past classmates at Tantanoola Primary School and Millicent High School.
“It was so special to launch Wildflower Ridge at the Millicent Library last year with so many friends, family and community members,” Ms Linnell said.
” I was thrilled by the support from my hometown and have again given a shout out to several special South East residents in the acknowledgements section of the new book.
“Here’s hoping the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lift soon and we can go ahead and give Bottlebrush Creek a hearty Wattle Range welcome on June 5.”
Ms Linnell said she did not have to search far to find inspiration for her second novel.
“Having built my own home with husband Jason – handmade bricks and all – I knew I wanted to add an owner-builder plot for my main character Angie McIntyre, one of the four farming sisters from Wildflower Ridge,” she said.
“I have thrown insubordinate tradies and budget issues into the mix, plus a dairy-farming sub-plot and lots of volunteer commitments that will resonate with anyone from a small town.”
Ms Linnell’s debut novel was a rural romance set in Victoria’s Western Districts.
It launched into the Australian bestseller charts in June 2019 and went on to be shortlisted for Small Town Romance of the Year by the Australian Romance Readers Association.
Ms Linnell had an extensive book tour planned for Bottlebrush Creek, encompassing every mainland state, however all events are currently on hold.
Published by Allen and Unwin, the plot of Bottlebrush Creek is also set to have wide appeal.
