Review of 'Kookaburra Cottage' by Maya Linnell

Review of 'Kookaburra Cottage' by Maya Linnell

Release date: May 30, 2023

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Maya Linnell’s new novel Kookaburra Cottage is a feast for rural romance fiction lovers. This novel takes us on a fresh journey with new characters in a new location. Her successful previous four novels were about the McIntyre sisters who lived in the western districts of Victoria (where Maya herself has lived). This time her new lead character, April Lacey, resides in Maya’s home state of South Australia on the Limestone Coast. South Australia is well-known for its world renowned wines. So, a vineyard is a perfect setting for Maya’s new book. It sheds a spotlight on the hardworking winery families and the beautiful terra rossa soil found in southeast SA (in the Coonawarra region) that delivers such a glowing produce. We get a clear picture of what it is like to live and work on a vineyard, along with a taste of other horticultural activities and agricultural shows.

As always with Maya, she draws upon her vast country living experiences. Topics of cooking and growing food abound on these pages (cooking classes included). Tourism also comes into play as April dreams of restoring a crumbling historic building on her family’s property which she names Kookaburra Cottage. It is a lot of hard work but with the help of a few hands, April turns this place into an attractive accommodation. Then she applies to DestinationSA with hopes to receive help for her family’s business and bring their winery into the future.

Music also takes a front row in this novel which is appropriate as music and wine are a great combination! Here enters an English winemaker Connor Jamison (also a musician) who has landed in Australia and travelled to SA to learn from the experts (renowned around the world). That alone is a good reason to come here for sure. But Connor has some secrets. Although he is on a two year visa to learn how to make better wine, there may also be personal issues of why he is here. Is he running from a troubled past or just wanting to make a fresh start? Outside his interest in winemaking, maybe he craves some distance to heal his hurts. But since solutions to life’s problems are never that easy, it becomes apparent he can never completely escape the past and it may turn up when least expected. And, of course, it does!

There is a good community spirit in this novel and a lovely flow between April and Conner. They work well together and, yes, they gradually draw close. They each have had past relationship issues so trust is a big focus. It was lovely to watch these two connect, coming from different worlds. And to see how they manage all the obstacles that confront them.

Little Archie is also a delight and seeing his excitement in growing things made my heart sing. But watching him try to please his parent by playing the piano perfectly was heartbreaking. This kind of pressure from parents is too often a reality. Sometimes music or a specific instrument is not the right thing for a child. Something I can appreciate. I am musical and learning to play was easy for me (it runs in my family) but I have seen other children suffer terribly trying to learn something that is not their interest or is unnatural to them. There are so many other things a child can do! Like growing vegetables, fruit and plants. Archie is a prime example! He just oozes joy and contentment working in a garden. I am sure Maya has taken some warm inspiration from her own children. Also she draws upon her hobby farm with the inclusion of adorable Houdini-like lambs! And Connor’s hometown Derby in England is a nod to her mom’s English heritage. There’s a whole lot of Maya’isms in this novel that make it even more special for she draws upon her own experiences.

In summary, Kookaburra Cottage is a solid story with lots of country magic and charm. Yes, Maya is still the queen of rural romance fiction! She dishes up heaps of tasty treats and a large dollop of homespun honesty, love and passion. Family and friends are always at the centre of her stories. And respect for the land they work and live on. A heartfelt delivery every time. 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy.