It appears that lovers of fiction are embracing stories set in the Limestone Coast with two new releases jumping to the top of the best-seller lists.

Margaret Hickey’s story Broken Bay was ranked at number one last month and it is a rural crime thriller about cave diving,

It features the Little Blue Lake on the front cover and all the action is set in the Limestone Coast

Meanwhile, Penola and Coonawarra are the settings for Kookaburra Cottage which is a romantic novel by former Tantanoola resident Maya Linnell.

It was number two in the Top 10 for Australian Fiction published in June and just a few days later, it was the only Australian title in the Weekend Australian Top 10 Romance Books.

The sales data has pleased the Millicent High School graduate whose first writing job was as a journalist just over 20 years ago.

“This is wonderful news for a country girl who always dreamed of writing a book and is now the proud author of five bestsellers,” Ms Linnell said.

“I’m just back from the second leg of my book tour, 14 events so far, and cannot wait to meet with Mount Gambier readers at the upcoming library event on July 31.”

Among those who have hosted author talks with Ms Linnell has been media identity Catriona Rowntree.

She had charge of the Waurn Ponds launch with Geelong Libraries.

Kookaburra Cottage has also been endorsed by critics with these remarks penned by “Better Reading”.

“Maya Linnell is the beloved bestselling author and queen of cosy rural romances,” stated the critic.

“You can feel the authenticity in her descriptions of the vineyards around Coonawarra and Penola, as well as mentions of landmarks like Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake and Beachport’s donut van.

“Having her heart truly in the land, Maya Linnell once again gently delves into the deeper issues that rural communities are faced with but presents them in an entertaining and hopeful manner.”