Q&A with Maya Linnell author of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm

We talk to Maya Linnell, author of Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm.

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

ML: 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.

A&U: Clem’s farm gate café feels incredibly vivid — did you draw inspiration from any real places or people?

ML: Thank you! I've enjoyed sampling many seasonally-inspired cafe menus while living in rural Australia. It wasn’t one single premises that inspired Clem’s business, rather an amalgamation of special farm-gate and country cafes.

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

ML: 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!

A&U: Why do you think readers continue to gravitate towards cosy, small town romance?

ML: 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?!

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

ML: 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!

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

ML: 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.

A&U: What scene made you smile the most while writing?

ML: That’s a tough one! Either the scene where they meet the guinea pig, or the scene when Clem gets home from school camp to see the mischief her cheeky daughter Indi has caused in her absence.

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

ML: 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.

A&U: What books or authors do you turn to when you want comfort reading?

ML: I have so many favourite authors, it’s hard to mention just one. But recently I’ve loved the McBrides of Montana series by Adelaide author, Amy Barry. Set in America’s Wild West era, the series revolves around a cheeky little sister who tries to find mail-order brides for her cowboy brothers. I’ve been recommending them to anyone who will listen!

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

ML: I’d happily have Rodger Corser as my Spencer, and Rose Byrne would be great for Clem.

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Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm

by Maya Linnell

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.

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