Mannus Ridge is a small town nestled in the foothills of the NSW Snowy Mountains. Like many country towns in that part of the world, it's a place where everyone knows everyone, life moves at a gentler pace and community still matters. In real life, though, it's been inspired by Tumbarumba, where my paternal family is from. It's always felt like home to me.

For years I'd wanted to set a novel there. I just hadn't planned to write this one. Ainsley, however, had other ideas.

An antagonist in my Careful What You Wish For trilogy (part of my Melbourne Girls series), she simply refused to stay in the background.

'I'm not as bad as you make out,'' she seemed to say.

'Prove it,' I replied.

The result was Christmas at Mannus Ridge— Ainsley's redemption story.

I always imagined it would be a standalone novel, until I returned to Tumbarumba. Walking through town, another story quietly began to take shape.

Second Chances at Mannus Ridge is coming soon...