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Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26In 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.
'Maya shines a light on rural romance and celebrates storytelling that makes the heart sing and smiles abound.' Graziher Magazine
Spencer Hawkins never expected to find himself in front of a reality TV crew, let alone as a contestant on Love on the Land. Widowed and cautious, Spencer joins the show to shake up his quiet life as an English teacher and a bee-keeper, but the cameras bring chaos and scripted drama, leaving him questioning whether he's truly ready to risk loving again.
Clem Crossley is busy enough with her new farm gate café, her sunflower-filled property, and raising her two daughters without adding romance to the mix. When her café is unexpectedly called in to cater for the TV crew, she sees a different side of Spencer—he's clearly out of his depth.
Their paths cross again when Harriet Crossley signs up to perform in the Penwarra Players' annual theatre production. Somehow between rogue guinea pigs, a troublesome new employee and a side-hustle that's more work than joy, Clem finds more than friendship, considering his excess baggage.
As the TV show airs, misleading edits and small-town gossip threaten to undo the bond they've built. Clem, fiercely protective of her daughters, begins to wonder if Spencer is another risk she can't afford.
Set in the heart of rural South Australia, Spencer and Clem must confront their pasts and trust each other to take centre stage in a love story that's all their own.
'Maya shines a light on rural romance and celebrates storytelling that makes the heart sing and smiles abound.' Graziher Magazine
Spencer Hawkins never expected to find himself in front of a reality TV crew, let alone as a contestant on Love on the Land. Widowed and cautious, Spencer joins the show to shake up his quiet life as an English teacher and a bee-keeper, but the cameras bring chaos and scripted drama, leaving him questioning whether he's truly ready to risk loving again.
Clem Crossley is busy enough with her new farm gate café, her sunflower-filled property, and raising her two daughters without adding romance to the mix. When her café is unexpectedly called in to cater for the TV crew, she sees a different side of Spencer—he's clearly out of his depth.
Their paths cross again when Harriet Crossley signs up to perform in the Penwarra Players' annual theatre production. Somehow between rogue guinea pigs, a troublesome new employee and a side-hustle that's more work than joy, Clem finds more than friendship, considering his excess baggage.
As the TV show airs, misleading edits and small-town gossip threaten to undo the bond they've built. Clem, fiercely protective of her daughters, begins to wonder if Spencer is another risk she can't afford.
Set in the heart of rural South Australia, Spencer and Clem must confront their pasts and trust each other to take centre stage in a love story that's all their own.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Maya Linnell
8 books175 followersFrom country show baking to raising orphaned lambs, bestselling author Maya Linnell writes about the life she lives and loves. A keen bookworm, former rural journalist and radio presenter, Maya has six rural fiction titles published with Allen & Unwin - Wallaby Lane, Kookaburra Cottage, Paperbark Hill, Magpie's Bend, Bottlebrush Creek and Wildflower Ridge.
She lives with her family in rural Queensland, writes to the soundtrack of kookaburras, and relies on copious amounts of tea and chocolate to fuel her days at the keyboard.
Maya was shortlisted in the 2021, 2020 and 2019 Aus Romance Reader Association awards for categories including Favourite Australian Romance Author, Favourite Debut Author and Favourite Australian-set novel and her novels have consistently made bestseller lists and the Better Reading Top 100.
Follow Maya on Instagram @maya.linnell.writes
She lives with her family in rural Queensland, writes to the soundtrack of kookaburras, and relies on copious amounts of tea and chocolate to fuel her days at the keyboard.
Maya was shortlisted in the 2021, 2020 and 2019 Aus Romance Reader Association awards for categories including Favourite Australian Romance Author, Favourite Debut Author and Favourite Australian-set novel and her novels have consistently made bestseller lists and the Better Reading Top 100.
Follow Maya on Instagram @maya.linnell.writes
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
South Australia. Spencer Hawkins is a widower, he never expected to be contestant on Love on the Land and they assure him it’s not like the other infamous show where couples take part in an experiment and get married. Spencer isn’t a farmer, he’s an English teacher at Penwarra Area School, and a part time bee-keeper, and now the centre of attention at South Giddi Giddi and with five single ladies vying for his heart and whole crew observing.
Clem Crossley is juggling being the mum of two young daughters, her café at Sunny Gate Farm, one staff member is being difficult, she’s very aware of the statistics for new businesses failing and she doesn't want any bad feedback. Clem is unexpectedly called into cater for the show, she sees Spencer in a different light and he’s floundering like a fish out of water.
Harriet Crossley applies to perform in the Penwarra Players' yearly production produced by Ian and Louisa Brealy, Spencer helps his late wife's parents with the script writing and making the sets. Clem is determined for her daughters not miss out on important experiences, like after school activities, sports, hobbies, camps and joining the theatre.
Love on the Land airs, Spencer has signed a non-disclosure contract, the way they edit the program is misleading and he can't tell anyone how it ends. Clem and Spencer are attracted to each other, but she’s wondering if they have any hope of having a relationship, when, and will she have her heart broken again?
I received a copy of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm by Maya Linnell from Allen & Unwin and NetGalley in exchange for a review. This is the fourth book set in the Limestone Coast and of course this time it’s Clementine and Spencer’s turn to be in the spotlight.
I really liked the supporting characters as well, Clem’s daughters Harriet and little scribbling Indi, her grandfather Arthur and aunty Jean, brother Jack and partner Lauren, friends Mia and Hazel, Kev and Sebastian, Spencer’s in-laws Ian and Louisa, Dolly the schools well-being dog; they add different layers and points of view to the well written narrative and which is woven together perfectly.
Ms Linnell is known for including social topics in her stories and we need to show compassion and empathy towards people suffering from issues such as, post-natal depression and post-natal psychosis; terminal illness and VAD, loss of a spouse and how hard it is, stages of grief and feeling guilty about moving on, living in a small country town, the community spirit and how the gossip grapevine works.
Five stars from me, another must read by one of my favourite Australian rural romance authors and I highly recommend.
Clem Crossley is juggling being the mum of two young daughters, her café at Sunny Gate Farm, one staff member is being difficult, she’s very aware of the statistics for new businesses failing and she doesn't want any bad feedback. Clem is unexpectedly called into cater for the show, she sees Spencer in a different light and he’s floundering like a fish out of water.
Harriet Crossley applies to perform in the Penwarra Players' yearly production produced by Ian and Louisa Brealy, Spencer helps his late wife's parents with the script writing and making the sets. Clem is determined for her daughters not miss out on important experiences, like after school activities, sports, hobbies, camps and joining the theatre.
Love on the Land airs, Spencer has signed a non-disclosure contract, the way they edit the program is misleading and he can't tell anyone how it ends. Clem and Spencer are attracted to each other, but she’s wondering if they have any hope of having a relationship, when, and will she have her heart broken again?
I received a copy of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm by Maya Linnell from Allen & Unwin and NetGalley in exchange for a review. This is the fourth book set in the Limestone Coast and of course this time it’s Clementine and Spencer’s turn to be in the spotlight.
I really liked the supporting characters as well, Clem’s daughters Harriet and little scribbling Indi, her grandfather Arthur and aunty Jean, brother Jack and partner Lauren, friends Mia and Hazel, Kev and Sebastian, Spencer’s in-laws Ian and Louisa, Dolly the schools well-being dog; they add different layers and points of view to the well written narrative and which is woven together perfectly.
Ms Linnell is known for including social topics in her stories and we need to show compassion and empathy towards people suffering from issues such as, post-natal depression and post-natal psychosis; terminal illness and VAD, loss of a spouse and how hard it is, stages of grief and feeling guilty about moving on, living in a small country town, the community spirit and how the gossip grapevine works.
Five stars from me, another must read by one of my favourite Australian rural romance authors and I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
☕️🐝 Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm by Maya Linnell 🐝☕️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Between heartbreak and hope, Maya reminds us that even the hardest seasons can still lead to sunrise.
This was a beautiful, emotional and deeply compassionate read that completely captured my heart.
While this story delivers the warmth, community and rural charm Maya is so loved for, it also explores heavier topics with incredible care, sensitivity and humanity. These storylines were handled so thoughtfully, never overshadowing the hope woven throughout the novel, but instead adding emotional depth and authenticity that made the story even more powerful.
Her characters felt real, flawed and deeply relatable, and I found myself completely immersed in their lives from beginning to end.
There were moments that made me smile, moments that broke my heart, and moments that reminded me just how healing stories can be.
This is rural fiction at its absolute finest, some stories don’t just touch your heart, they leave a mark on it, and this was definitely one of those stories, Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm is out June 2, and there’s still time to preorder or grab yourself a copy on release day.
Trust me, this is one you’ll want on your shelves.
💛 A big thank you to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for this gifted e-copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Between heartbreak and hope, Maya reminds us that even the hardest seasons can still lead to sunrise.
This was a beautiful, emotional and deeply compassionate read that completely captured my heart.
While this story delivers the warmth, community and rural charm Maya is so loved for, it also explores heavier topics with incredible care, sensitivity and humanity. These storylines were handled so thoughtfully, never overshadowing the hope woven throughout the novel, but instead adding emotional depth and authenticity that made the story even more powerful.
Her characters felt real, flawed and deeply relatable, and I found myself completely immersed in their lives from beginning to end.
There were moments that made me smile, moments that broke my heart, and moments that reminded me just how healing stories can be.
This is rural fiction at its absolute finest, some stories don’t just touch your heart, they leave a mark on it, and this was definitely one of those stories, Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm is out June 2, and there’s still time to preorder or grab yourself a copy on release day.
Trust me, this is one you’ll want on your shelves.
💛 A big thank you to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for this gifted e-copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Clem’s story is one that has an emotional impact that affects the people in her life.
Spencer has been through some rough moments and is starting to move forward.
Spencer is featuring on a TV reality show Love on the Land. He’s fulfilling a promise he made. His emotions are being played with, and he’s unsure if this is what he wants.
Clem is busy working in her cafe, raising her daughters and wanting to further herself within the community. Little by little things start to go wrong, until Clem finally realises what is wrong.
Spencer and Clem, become friends and talk about life. Both have different views on things and both question whether things could work out between them after trying to hide things from the prying eyes of the community.
This book has some upsetting elements, that are mentioned, but outing these issues and who can help is a major focus in the book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me give an honest review of this book.
Spencer has been through some rough moments and is starting to move forward.
Spencer is featuring on a TV reality show Love on the Land. He’s fulfilling a promise he made. His emotions are being played with, and he’s unsure if this is what he wants.
Clem is busy working in her cafe, raising her daughters and wanting to further herself within the community. Little by little things start to go wrong, until Clem finally realises what is wrong.
Spencer and Clem, become friends and talk about life. Both have different views on things and both question whether things could work out between them after trying to hide things from the prying eyes of the community.
This book has some upsetting elements, that are mentioned, but outing these issues and who can help is a major focus in the book.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me give an honest review of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another great rural romance read from Maya Linnell. It was beautifully written and heartwarming. You always feel the love of the family, friendship and community in Maya’s book. Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher Allen& Unwin for the ARC.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews