When a friend that you've been toiling alongside in the writing space for years can finally call themselves a published author, there's many reasons to celebrate.

Chrissie Bellbrae is a talented Australian writer who took control of her writing career by self-publishing her debut novel 'The Florentine Quilt' early in 2025.

I'd had the pleasure of reading an early draft of this novel some five years ago and knew then this story was special.

To now see it out in the world in all its stunning glory, is immensely satisfying.

A novel set across three timelines and written from the point of view of three exceptional women, with history, mystery and magic effortlessly weaved in, this book will appeal to readers of Kate Forsyth and Kell Woods.

It was a joy to welcome Chrissie on the podcast recently to talk about her gorgeous book and journey to publication.

Well worth a listen.