I am happy to welcome Tricia Stringer to Book’d Out today

A country girl through-and-through, Tricia grew up on a farm on South Australia’s, Eyre Peninsula. With a brief stint in the city for secondary education and teacher training she has always lived in rural communities and is currently not too far from the beach in the Copper Coast region of South Australia. Here she shares a rambling old farmhouse with her husband and assorted animals – only some of which are pets! Some people would think that being an IT coordinator, teacher, librarian, wife, mother and grandmother would be enough to fill your days – yet somehow Tricia still finds the time to write. She has published three books for children and four for adults. Queen of the Road was her first book with Harlequin and she is very excited that it went on to win the RWA Romantic Book of the Year for 2013 as well as be one of the 50 Books You Can’t Put Down in the 2013 Get Reading campaign.

Right as Rain is her newest release, available now.

“Mackenna Birch thinks she’s met the man of her dreams while on holiday in New Zealand. Adam Walker seems funny, kind and loving…until — to Mack’s disbelief — he walks out on her. Nursing a broken heart, Mack returns to the family farm in Australia to find her beloved father unwell and her scheming younger brother home from the city, showing a great interest in taking over the business. Also in her absence, a new worker has been hired, and Mack’s unsure of his motives.
Mack longs to make big changes to the farm — changes her father has approved. But with her dad’s ailing health, all her plans have been put on hold. Soon Mack finds herself turning to Hugh — her old friend and neighbour — as her confidant. As they support each other through family pressures, their friendship strengthens, leading them to question their true feelings for each other.
Then, out of the blue, Adam turns up from New Zealand, adding to the melting pot of emotions. Soon Mack’s juggling some tough decisions and trying to make those around her happy. But can she find the balance and have her own ever-after?’

My review will appear later today, in the meantime please read on for a Q&A with Tricia Stringer and your chance to win one print edition of Right As Rain.

Q & A with Tricia Stringer

Q: What five words would you choose to describe Right As Rain?
TS: Australian, rural, realistic, riveting, romantic

Q:What was the first element of inspiration for the story of Right as Rain?
TS: I can never pinpoint that first drop of inspiration. This story came together from several events – my first proper visit to the South East of South Australia opened my eyes to its beauty and variety of settings; I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Bistro Dom in Adelaide where the menu board listed Hawkers Creek lamb, this was lamb from the chef’s wife’s family farm. Being from a sheep farm I thought how cool to have your own lamb listed on the menu at such a fantastic restaurant; I read about a Wagyu beef producer in the South East who has a tasting room. These three things were the catalyst for the beginnings of an idea that became Right as Rain.

Q:I understand you grew up on a farm, did you have dreams, like MacKenna of one day managing the family property?
TS: I have two older siblings and in my day it was understood the male took over the farm. My brother did and I never thought it would be any other way. I was very interested in genetics though and toyed with the idea of joining what would have been the first group of females to study animal science at Roseworthy Agricultural College. I went for my first love which was teaching. That proved to be wonderful choice for me.

Q: What was the most interesting fact you discovered when researching Right as Rain?
TS: I enjoyed talking with South East farmers. Some things were the same for them as for the farms where I grew up on Eyre Peninsula but there were also many differences. I knew nothing about irrigation for instance. I also really enjoyed feeding my interest in genetics. I gave myself permission to do lots of research. More than was needed for the book but I found it interesting and who knows – it may appear in another story someday.

Q: Do you have a favourite lamb recipe to share?
TS: Oh no! Do I have to pick? There are so many beautiful ways to cook with lamb. I had fun researching as I’m not a particularly inventive cook but I do love roast lamb. It’s hard to beat and so simple to cook. For the best flavour, halve a clove of garlic and rub each half into the meat and bone, use a good quality olive oil to drizzle on the meat then rub in cracked black pepper and sea salt flakes. Put in a baking on tray on a bed of fresh rosemary sprigs. My son taught me this one and it’s delicious. Serve with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, my favourites are roast parsnip and cauliflower and broccoli au gratin.

Q: Can you please share three of your favourite novels by Australian women writers?
TS: That’s too hard. I have so many. I’ve listed three but there are so many wonderful Australian women writers.
Run to Me by Diane Hester
Burning Lies by Helene Young
Lola’s Secret by Monica McInerney

Q: What is your preference?
 Coffee/Tea or other?  Coffee
Beach/Pool or River? Beach
Slacks/Jeans or Leggings? Jeans
Butterfly/Tiger or Giraffe? Tiger

Right As Rain is available to purchase from

Harlequin  I Booktopia I Amazon AU I Amazon US

via Booko

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GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Morey Media

I have

1 print edition of Right As Rain to giveaway

**Open to  Australian Residents only**

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Entries Close December 29th, 2013

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