A delightful, warm and captivating rural romance from the bestselling author of Paperbark Hill.
April Lacey is determined to lead her family’s Limestone Coast winery into the future, but soon discovers the crumbling historic building and her father’s reluctance to join the food tourism revolution are just the beginning of her uphill battle.
English winemaker Connor Jamison has travelled to South Australia’s iconic wine region to learn from the experts and carve a name for himself in the industry. However, it quickly becomes clear that Connor’s past continues to nip at his heels.
United by food, music and an unexpected involvement in the Penwarra Country Show, April and Connor seem like the perfect match, but with old flames, new challenges and careers conspiring to keep them apart, can this pair forge their own path together?
Music festivals, a stunning coastline, an intoxicating vineyard, and clueless cooks thrust together in a bid to win a contest and save a winery. April is our determined heroine and Connor is the adorable British winemaking hero – one with an ex, musical genius parents and a desire to bake a half-decent quiche. What’s not to love about Kookaburra Cottage? It’s the first in a new series Maya Linnell, the beloved bestselling author and queen of cosy rural romances.
Linnell grew up on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, the same place she’s set Kookaburra Cottage. You can feel the authenticity in her descriptions of the vineyards around Coonawarra and Penola, as well as mentions of landmarks like Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and Beachport’s donut van. Having her heart truly in the land, Linnell once again gently delves into the deeper issues that rural communities are faced with, but presents them in an entertaining and hopeful manner.
Linnell’s lightness of touch and straight-out joyousness infuses this delightful rural romance. Set in the world of family wineries and international romances, April is on a quest to overcome all obstacles – including her dad and the legacy of being ‘stale’ – and establish her family business as a modern winery and top-rated bed and breakfast. But it all comes down to her… enter the hot Brit winemaker Connor and we can say ‘cheers’ is definitely in order.
Kookaburra Cottage is perfect escapism that’s still relatable. We’re with April from the outset as she deals with the hand she’s been dealt, cheering her on her culinary challenges and fledgling romance. There’s sunshine on every page. As ABC Wide Bay quoted, Linnell’s writing is ‘Full of warmth, humour and genuine heart, just like eating fresh scones from the oven.’ I would add that in Kookaburra Cottage, Linnell has topped the scones with some delightfully fresh jam and airily whipped cream… More, please.
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