Maya Linnell author

Maya Linnell low res photography by Georgina Morrison-16.jpg

'When a new Maya Linnell novel lands in the office, we pretty much draw the curtains and shut up shop until it’s read…' Australian Country Magazine

'Maya lives the life that she writes about, thus her books ooze a warmth and authenticity'

Western District Farmer News

If you love Australian rural romance or need an escape to the country, then grab yourself a cup of tea - you're in the right place. Buy the bestselling rural romance novels Cockatoo Cove, Wallaby Lane, Kookaburra Cottage, Paperbark Hill, Magpie's Bend, Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge in paperback, eBook or audiobook or check in with your favourite book store or library! Out now with Allen & Unwin.

Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm is the fourth and final in a new series with a brand new cast of characters, a farm gate cafe, bee keeping, a reality TV show and lashings of country charm. Released June 2, 2026, you can purchase your copy HERE!

It's book tour time! If you're in Daylesford, Woodend, Kangaroo Flat (Vic), Indoorooroopilly (Qld) or Casuarina (NT) then I'd love to meet you at one of my book events to launch Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm.

What can you expect? At each of the FREE library events, I'll share the inspirations behind this new release, the journey to becoming a published author and tales from research trips. There'll also be books to buy, perfect to have personalised for your bookshelf or a gift, or to borrow from your local librarians!

RSVP direct to the libraries - see you there. And if you're booked to attend the sold-out RJ Readers Retreat in Geelong, I can't wait for a weekend full of bookish chat and fun!

@allenandunwin @hepburnlibraries @goldfieldslibraries @macedonrangeslibraries @rachaeljohnsisanauthor @brisbanelibraries @cityofdarwinlibraries

Ahhh sunflowers! One of my favourite flowers, so easy to grow and a lovely bloom to feature in my new novel Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm. In the story, my main character Clem Crossley lives on a sunflower farm and my research for this particular plot line took me down some neat rabbit holes.

How long does a sunflower seed remain viable? What would you charge for entry if you had an open day? Do people drive for hours to ‘pick your own bunch’ and take photos during peak blooming season? And what type of decorations would make the perfect cupcake toppers if you were setting up a roadside stall to capitalise on all those snap happy, sunflower loving tourists!

All joyous research that forms a small part of the bigger picture 🌻🐝🧁

Book launch events for Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm are officially underway! Thank you to Helen and the team at Litchfield Libraries in Coolalinga for making me feel so welcome on Friday. Big thanks also to the lovely readers who came along (bonus points to the fabulous Cheryl for representing SA’s Limestone Coast!), and Ashlee from The Book Shop Darwin for selling books on the day.

But wait, there’s more! I have more events on the horizon in Palmerston this Friday at 6pm, in Victoria (next week), Brissie (July 14) and back in Darwin (July 28). More details coming soon 🥰📚😻⭐️🌸🐝 @litchfieldcouncil

It’s release day for Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on a copy! Many thanks to all the team at Allen & Unwin for working with me to bring this novel into the world 🐝🌻📚

Here’s the blurb:

In the heart of rural South Australia, two people must confront their pasts and trust each other to take centre stage in a love story that’s all their own.

Widowed, cautious and clearly out of his depth, Spencer Hawkins never expected to find himself in front of a reality TV crew, let alone as a contestant on Love on the Land.

Clem Crossley has her hands full with her sunflower-filled property, two daughters, her new farm gate cafe and catering for the TV crew, without adding romance to the mix.

As the TV show airs, misleading edits and small-town gossip threaten to undo the bond Spencer and Clem are building. Clem, fiercely protective of her daughters, begins to wonder if Spencer is a risk she can’t afford.

In the heart of rural South Australia, Spencer and Clem must confront their pasts and trust each other to take centrestage in a love story that’s all their own.

@allenandunwin @annettebarlow

NT Writers Festival 🌴 What a fabulous weekend of books! Huge congratulations to the team @ntwriterscentre and volunteers behind this weekend’s writing festival in Darwin.

An inclusive and engaging programme, a brilliant location and perfectly warm weather to top it off.

Many thanks to @alleypascoe for hosting such a fab Pure Escapism panel today and keeping @littleredwrites and I on topic, and boy oh boy, what a firecracker of an evening on Friday. A heady mix of heat, humour and a whole lot of heart hosted by @mahi_maimou

Also loved seeing @akalagianblunt in her element in the Writing When the World’s On Fire panel and meeting one of my fav Gardening Australia presenters @hannah_moloney 🥰

@allenandunwin

I must admit, these green tree frogs are making their way into my heart! I find them chilling on the deck stairs, sunning themselves by the pool and often waiting beside my sneakers when I head out for a morning. Not quite as snuggly as a cat or dog, but still pretty darn sweet.

‘⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars from me, another must read by one of my favourite Australian rural romance authors and I highly recommend’

The first early review is in for Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm and gosh it’s lovely! It’s always a funny moment when you release a book into the world, a little bit of holding your breath while you wait for reader responses. And nope, it doesn’t necessarily get easier with each book!

Thank you @karrensreadingnook for this review, and big thanks also to Jessica @bibliobliss.au for this lovely photo.

Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm is out on June 2 in all good book stores with @allenandunwin !

I always love seeing happy librarians with my books! Big thanks to Emma and her team for this wonderful shoutout at the Kununarra Library.

Also, if you’re a booklover looking for an excuse to head to WA in late July or August, check out the program for the Kimberley Writers Festival. So many great authors scheduled! @kununurralibrary @visitkununurra

@allenandunwin

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Maya Linnell

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