Q&A: Maya Linnell, Author of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm

What sparked the idea for Love on the Land and why did you want to explore reality TV in a rural romance novel?

I’ve watched many episodes of Farmer Wants a Wife and a chance encounter with a contestant sparked the idea for my new novel. I saw the contestant in 2024, shortly after her season had finished airing. I was instantly curious to know how ‘real’ the reality show actually was,  whether she’d watched it back, and if the experience had been what she’d expected. It took a lot of will power not to bombard her with questions.

Spencer and Clem are both navigating grief, family and second chances. Why did those themes feel important for this novel?

The older I get, the more I realise everyone has dealt with heartache in one form or another, and while everyone deals with it differently, grief is also something that connects us. I have some beautiful friends who are navigating divorce and separation, so it brings me joy to write second-chance romances with them in the back of my head.

You spent a day with beekeeping friends while writing this novel. What surprised you most about the world of bees?

I loved seeing their perfectly-made honeycomb up close, and the orderly travel paths the bees stick to as they travel in and out of the hives. I didn’t realise quite how sweet honey would be fresh from the hive, either!

Why do you think readers continue to gravitate towards cosy, small town romance?

I think people love a warm, cosy escape to the country. And with charming characters, an abundance of baked goods and plenty of furry friends, then why wouldn’t they?!

Your books often celebrate community and connection. What is it about small-town life that keeps inspiring you as a writer?

There’s so much to love about small-towns, and the communities within them. Everyone usually knows everyone, which is a double-edged sword that provides endless drama, humour and plotlines. I could write a hundred more books on this aspect alone!

Food plays such a comforting role in your books. What would be on the perfect Sunny Cross Farm menu?

Definitely scones with homemade jam, vanilla slice and baklava doughnuts like Clem has in the story, plus seasonal produce, hearty winter soups and eggs in all their glorious forms.

If Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm became a TV series, who would you cast as Clem and Spencer?

I’d happily have Rodger Corser as my Spencer, and Rose Byrne would be great for Clem. Try Maya’s recipe for scones! Makes about 12.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups self-raising flour
• 2 teaspoons icing sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornflour
• 1 egg
• milk
• 300 ml thickened cream

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan-forced. Dust a baking tray with extra flour.
2. Sift the dry ingredients or whisk together in a mixing bowl.
3. Crack the egg into a measuring jug and then fill with milk to the ½ cup mark. Mix with a fork. Add to the dry ingredients along with the cream.
4. Stir together with a butter knife until just combined.
5. Gently knead the dough on a floured benchtop until smooth. Roll out until it’s about 3 cm thick.
6. Cut out rounds with a metal scone cutter (NOT a cup or waterglass—see page 109).
7. Transfer the scones to the lightly floured tray, spacing them evenly so they’re not touching. Bake until perfect (they will smell cooked). My oven takes about 12 minutes and I turn the tray 180 degrees halfway through baking.

Tip 1: I never sift the dry ingredients, I use a whisk instead.

Tip 2: I like to use a 6.5-cm metal scone cutter.

Tip 3: You can add cheese and chives, or cheese and bacon for a savoury version.

Tip 4: You shouldn’t need to cut these scones in half, they usually break open with a gentle flex, ready to be slathered in butter and your topping of choice.

Buy a copy of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm here.