Heart on the Land

Heart on the Land is book 1 in my new series - Tallowood Valley. The series tells the story of the Harper family, and is set in a fictitious town in rural Australia. The idea for setting a book in rural Australia came partly from my own childhood experiences, as well as wanting to share a little about my home country to all my overseas readers.

I have fond memories of visiting my uncle's wheat and sheep property in rural New South Wales when I was a child. My cousins who lived on the farm were all boys, and I enjoyed running around the property with them - not that we ever went too far as it was a huge property and some areas were "out of bounds". I recall spending time in the shearing shed, sliding down the sheep dip, riding on the harvester among the wheat, and playing hide and seek around the hay bales in the sheds. It was a lot of fun, and something city kids don't often get the chance to experience. In saying that, I am a city girl at heart - although I do enjoy escaping to the country every once in a while for the wide open spaces and the freedom it provides.

Although written from Max's point-of-view, Heart on the Land deals a little with the issue of postnatal depression - which is something I personally have experienced. I had four children in six years, and experienced some extremely dark moments when my children were young. I haven't shared much about that time - (I tend to hold my cards close) - but it is forever etched in my mind as a time of pruning and a time of growth. I can honestly say it is only by the grace of God that I can sit here today. God's unfailing love and my faith in His promises are truly what kept me going through those awful moments.

I hope you found some encouragement through reading Max's story. Although it contained heartbreak and sadness, and he faced an uncertain future, he chose to place his faith in the One who holds us all in the palm of His hand.

Blessings.x

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