Australian Romance Readers Association

Daughter of Africa is released into the wilde

To say there has been a rollercoaster between my last two books would be putting it mildly.

When I wrote Song of the Starlings, it was during Covid, after my darling mum had grown angel wings and I was unable to be in South Africa to say goodbye in person. My beautiful maNdhlovu (mother of elephants), her Ndebele name given to her by the care workers in her home, was gone. My writing was angry. Dark. Grief-filled. Full of frustration and hopelessness, all coming out onto the page. I lashed out at the world in that book in my own way, rebelling and hurting.

It was also a story I had to wait for my boys to grow up before I could write. Now they stand over six foot, both able to defend themselves, and it was the right time. I could be angry for every parent whose child is taken.

And readers loved it. One said to me it was a return to the glimpse of darkness they had seen when I wrote Shooting Butterflies. I can only smile and say it is obviously a blackness in me that comes out once in a while.

A new series

After Song of the Starlings, I wrote the first part of my Pioneer series. A new historical novel that touches on my great-great-great-grandparents’ lifetime. It is a passion project. I see them in history books and diaries, and I wanted them to be more accessible to me. What better way than to research that era and write about it, to understand their lives.

This book was not as dark, but in its own way, it was sad and confused. It needed more time to develop. I know there is an amazing story in my hands, a truly high-concept book, but it lacked spark. My historical villain had not shown his true strength yet, and my modern villain, as my husband Shaun put it, ‘behaves like a spoilt, whingy child.’

So, I put that aside at 100,000 words and began a book that dear friends Dot Rosebery and Lin Mogg had wanted me to write for many years. Daughter of Africa. This story had been sitting with me for so long; it should have poured out. But it did not, and I had no idea why.

Two books in a row were a bust.

They needed more work, more love, and more than I had to give at the time, and I was floored.

Housten, we have a problem…

I had a developmental edit for the first time in my life. I was on the right track, but I could not pull the book together, and doubts in myself as a writer began to gather, as dark clouds on the African horizon.

What I did not know at the time was that I was ill. According to the surgeons, I had likely been unwell since a trip to South Africa in 2022. My body was slowly poisoning itself. Yet the human body is remarkable. Fix the problem, and it heals. Even a poisoned brain can come back, mostly.

Just a few months after my colon resection, my mind began to clear, and there was my story. A little dusty, in need of work, but there. This time it was different to writing through grief. It was a pleasure to sit in my chair and write. Ndhlovy, my elephant character, called to me again, breaking through the fog and the medication, and I did what any author does. I wrote.

A phoenix

The ideas flowed onto the page. I brought the plot together.

It was a story worth sharing. A story of hope. A story about choices. A story about fighting to return a displaced elephant, Amalee, to her ancestral home, while also being part of a broader effort to protect future generations.

I cannot change the past, but I can shine a light on one part of the problem and hope readers see it through my words and choose a different future for the elephants of Africa.

And so, after years of writing, edits, and proofreads, on 30 March 2026, Daughter of Africa went out into the wilde.

An invitation from my heart to yours

One of the biggest lessons I learnt from this book is that, despite planning and structure, the story that comes from the head and the heart is the one that is right for that moment. As a author I need to write what matters in that moment, and the body has to be in a place it can dream, imagine and then write.

I hope you love Daughter of Africa as much as I loved bringing Amalee and Ndhlovy to life. I hope Mitch and Marissa (my M&M team) stay with you long after the final page. Because sometimes, for those lucky enough to experience it, loving someone really is as simple as making that choice that your heart made for you first.

And finally, I wanted to thank ARRA and it’s amazing readers, for being there and supporting me on this exciting, but sometimes scary journey. From my first novel, My Brother-But-One, back in 2013 when my editor at the time, Haylee Nash from Harlequin, Mira, announced it at the ARRA event that she had just bought me, through the ups and downs of becoming an independent author, to this year at the Brisbane event, I finally had book eight, Daughter of Africa, for sale.

P.S. To clue you into the wilde, not being a spelling mistake, this is my maiden surname, so it’s a play on that.

TM Clark

Zimbabwean-born TM Clark weaves her fascination for diverse cultures, wildlife, and storytelling into her literature. Her books cater to a wide audience, ranging across both children’s and adult fiction. She has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award, recognised as a Children’s Book Council Notable, and was awarded a Claymore at Killer Nashville 2022. When she’s not writing thrilling adventure stories, TM Clark is dedicated to helping other writers. She is the coordinator for the CYA Conference in Brisbane, which offers professional development opportunities to both established and emerging writers and illustrators. She co-hosts the Writers at Sea retreat, supporting writers in advancing their creative journeys. And collects books to help establish libraries in Papua New Guinea. Her latest novel, Daughter of Africa, released in March 2026, continues her commitment to delivering immersive, character-driven stories in the ‘spirit of the wilde.’

You can find TM Clark here: Website | Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky | GoodReads | BookBub | TikTok | Mastodon

Daughter of Africa

When an American heiress and an Australian anti-poaching veteran unite, Africa’s wild heart beats with danger, hope, and the fight for freedom.

American Marissa Whitney has always found solace in her bond with Amalee, the elephant she rescued as a child. But when tragedy and violence strike her family and Nevada is no longer safe, Marissa turns to the wilds of Zimbabwe, determined to return Amalee to her ancestral home. There, she finds an unexpected ally in Mitch Laski, a former Australian Special Forces operator turned anti-poaching leader, whose commitment to protecting Africa’s wildlife is as fierce as the threats they face.

Together, Marissa and Mitch are swept into a world of political corruption, and a vengeful cousin whose obsession could destroy them all. As they fight to save Amalee and the baby elephants of Zimbabwe, Marissa and Mitch must trust each other, and the wild land around them, if they hope to survive.

From a snowy ranch in Nevada, to the sun-drenched savannahs and shadowy underworlds of Africa, Daughter of Africa is a pulse-pounding contemporary adventure of resilience, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds between people, animals, and the land they call home. Will Marissa and Mitch’s courage be enough to outwit their enemies and give Amalee the freedom she deserves? Or will the ghosts of the past and the dangers of the present tear them apart forever?

Available here.

Why Scottish historical romance still captivates modern readers

In a world of constant notifications, fast-moving headlines, and ever-shortening attention spans, readers continue to find themselves drawn, again and again, to the rugged landscapes and passionate stories of Scottish historical romance. It’s a genre that has not only endured but thrived.

One might ask why? What is it about windswept Highlands, clan loyalties, and fierce independent characters that continues to capture the imagination of modern readers?

The answer lies in a powerful combination of escapism, emotional depth, and a connection to history that feels both distant and deeply human.

A landscape that feels larger than life

Scottish historical fiction offers something few other settings can: a sense of place so vivid it almost becomes a character in its own right. The Highlands, with their mist-covered mountains, ancient castles, and untamed beauty, provide a backdrop that feels timeless.

For readers, this setting offers more than just scenery. It provides escape. It’s a chance to step into a world where nature is raw and commanding, where the land shapes the people, and where every glen and loch holds a story.

In a modern world dominated by screens and urban living, that sense of wildness is both refreshing and deeply appealing.

History with heart

Historical fiction does something remarkable: it brings the past to life in a way that textbooks never could. Dates and events become personal. Conflicts become emotional. Readers don’t just learn about history, they feel it.

Scottish history, in particular, is rich with drama regarding clan rivalries, political upheaval, battles for identity and independence. These aren’t just historical facts. They are the foundations for deeply human stories.

When woven into a romance, these elements gain even more power. Love stories set against turbulent times highlight resilience, sacrifice and hope. They remind us that even in the most uncertain eras, people still sought connection, loyalty, and belonging.

Romance that feels earned

One of the defining strengths of Scottish historical romance is the intensity of its relationships. These are not casual love stories. They are built on conflict, loyalty, honour, and often, survival.

Characters are frequently shaped by duty to family, to clan, to country. Love, therefore, is not always easy or convenient. It must be fought for. Protected, and sometimes risked against everything else.

This creates a kind of emotional depth that resonates strongly with readers. The stakes feel real and the choices matter, so that when love does triumph, it feels earned in a way that lingers long after the final page.

Strong, unforgettable characters

Another reason readers return to this genre is the strength of its characters. Scottish historical romance often features heroines who are resilient, resourceful, and unwilling to be confined by the expectations of their time. Alongside them are heroes who are equally complex, fierce yet honourable, hardened by life yet capable of deep loyalty and love.

These characters are not perfect. They are shaped by their world, their past, and their struggles. Imperfection makes them relatable.

Readers don’t just observe their journey, they invest in them.

A sense of identity and belonging

At its core, Scottish historical fiction often explores themes of identity: who we are, where we come from, and what we are willing to fight for.

Clan culture emphasises belonging. Loyalty is not just a personal choice but rather a way of life. This creates a powerful emotional thread that runs through many stories.

In today’s world, where people often feel disconnected or uncertain, these themes strike a chord. They remind readers of the importance of community, heritage, and the ties that bind us together.

Escapism with meaning

While the genre offers a clear sense of escapism, it is not empty or superficial. Readers are transported to another time, but they also encounter meaningful themes: courage in the face of adversity, the complexity of human relationships, and the enduring nature of love.

This balance is part of what makes Scottish historical romance so compelling. It allows readers to step away from their everyday lives while still engaging with ideas and emotions that feel relevant.

Why these stories matter now

In uncertain times, readers often turn to stories that offer both comfort and inspiration. Scottish historical romance delivers both.

It reminds us that the past was not simple or easy. People endured. They loved fiercely, fought bravely, and held onto hope even when the odds were against them.

These stories reassure us that resilience is part of the human spirit. That love can survive hardship, and that even in the most turbulent times, there is beauty to be found.

An invitation to the past

For those who have never ventured into Scottish historical fiction, there has never been a better time. The genre offers rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a chance to experience history in a way that feels immediate and alive.

For longtime readers, it continues to provide what it always has: stories that sweep you away, challenge your heart, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

In summary, Scottish historical romance is more than a genre. It’s an experience, one that invites readers to lose themselves in another time, and in doing so, discover something timeless about love, courage, and what it means to belong.

Vanda Vadas is an award-winning, bestselling author of historical fiction, published both traditionally and independently. With a lifelong love of history and the stories hidden within its margins, she writes to illuminate the past in all its complexity.

You can find Vanda here: Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Scoundrel ScotHer agenda is deception. His vow is protection. However, fate has other plans.

Lachlan MacLanoch is a Scottish laird with a rake’s reputation, yet his past has left him embittered, untrusting of women, and unwilling to marry. When an English aristocratic lass arrives at his Highland estate, he is pledged to protect her virtue—at all costs. But the spirited and beautiful Sassenach is so very, very tempting …

To atone for one sin, Lady Helene Beckett is forced to commit another. She undertakes to dupe and seduce the Laird of Drumocher Castle as part of a desperate mission to save her young sister’s life. Complications arise when the laird’s honourable code of conduct proves impenetrable—and her feelings begin to soften towards him.

Outside forces conspire against them—meddling families, secret wagers—forcing Lachlan and Helene to rethink their long-held beliefs. Will it be enough to mend hearts broken by betrayal, heal souls scarred by secrets, and discover a love brave enough to forgive?

From burnout to happily ever after?

2019 was my annus horribilis but it also gave me a chance to ‘pivot’ as Ross demanded of his friends when trying to carry his new couch up the staircase and ultimately getting it wedged stuck. The first half of the year was like a snowball gaining speed and momentum to become an avalanche that led to burnout. My workplace was toxic, I was juggling the carer needs of a sick elderly parent with that of my young family (including a toddler), and my own health had sunk to an all-time low. As a doctor, I was giving all day to my patients and staff and then coming home to give to my kids, husband, and parents until my well was completely dry. I was so hollow I was almost transparent.

A visit to my GP resulted in a prescription for sleeping pills and a recommendation to take three months off work. With a busy radiation oncology practice, I couldn’t entertain that option. Not only did I have patients and colleagues who depended on me, but I was also not willing to risk the permanent reputational damage taking that kind of leave of absence could do to the career I had built. There had to be another way to work through the fog.

While the sleeping pills broke the cycle of insomnia, I needed to reignite my joy. My usual stress-relieving habit was to knit, but my inflammatory arthritis was so bad at the time that the crippling pain and stiffness prevented me from holding knitting needles. Similarly, drawing was out of the question. So, I turned back to creative writing, which had been something I loved during school but had barely done since. Unless you count the time I tried to write a thriller some five or more years previously and which I abandoned halfway through. It had been full of cliches and completely lacking in suspense or tension and remains on a floppy disc somewhere in the quagmire of my study. This time I would write what I knew about—medicine and hospital politics.

Medical TV dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy and ER had been so successful. Was it purely the voyeuristic insight into grisly traumas and bloody surgeries? Or was the soapy drama equally important? And why were there so few examples in book form when the TV format reigned supreme? I was cognisant that the romance genre remained the highest selling fiction genre worldwide, and spice, which had previously been shameful and limited to erotica, was now making its way into mainstream romance. Could I incorporate all these elements into a commercially successful product? I thought it was a good place to start and I put pen to paper, the old-fashioned way. Six months of stealing moments in the palliative care gardens while eating my toasted sandwich and drinking Coke Zero, or twenty minutes while I eased my toddler into her bedtime routine, and occasionally waking to scribble on my notepad via the dim light of my phone. The first draft flew from my mind to the pages as the characters took shape and the plot arcs bounced ahead like a stone skimming the surface of the water. By the end of 2019 I had pivoted. My well was full and I had found joy again.

But when the final word made it first to the page and then laboriously to the computer, the next step meandered ahead like the yellow brick road in Oz. I had my completed first draft, but how did I reach the utopia of publication that was the Emerald City? Two decades in medicine had yielded a mediocre number of medical publications and a PhD, but I knew nothing of the publishing industry. Like any good student, though, I began with a course on how to edit a manuscript. COVID had just sent the world into panic stations and the course moved from in-person to online at the last-minute, denying networking opportunities amongst the basics of editing. From there it was two years of editing, submitting, being rejected, more courses, more rejections, and eventually a line in the sand. Once I had a draft of the second book in the planned series I knew it was time to self-publish if I wanted to move forward. Time to trust my own voice and let my stories out into the world to sink or swim on their own merit.

Now, I’ve published two books in nine months and am working on the third. What started as a mindfulness exercise has become a routine I won’t let go despite the inherent difficulties in getting exposure as an indie author. Writing lifts me up and balances the demands and emotional fatigue associated with my medical practice. This is my happily ever after.

You can find CE de Gzell here: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Caught in the Undertow

When the one man she can’t stand is the only one she has left.

Dr Poppy Mason is a year older, and getting used to her slightly more senior role as a resident medical officer. But a worldwide pandemic hits and life starts spinning out of control. The respiratory team is on the front line and continuous changes, limited support, and unrelenting pressure take its toll on Poppy, threatening to bring her undone.

COVID restrictions leave her boyfriend, Will, stuck on a country term and physical distance isn’t the only threat to their relationship. When her consultant goes AWOL, and her registrar flakes, Poppy is stuck working with sexy but oh so annoying, Joshua Hunter, who did his best to make the last year difficult for her. Only, now he’s actually helpful, and soon he becomes her closest ally in the hospital. Will her mind and body stand up to the challenge of working with him, day in and day out? And how will Dr Anderson, a powerful figure in The Bennelong Hospital, respond to Poppy’s plea for help? Join Poppy and her friends, Gemma and Lucas, on this next adventure.