The True Story of Maddie Bright

In 1920, seventeen-year-old Maddie Bright gratefully accepts a job as a serving girl on the royal tour of Australia by Edward, Prince of Wales. Maddie's talents soon earn her the respect of Helen Burns, the prince's vivacious press secretary, and Rupert Waters, his most loyal man, and Maddie is in awe of Edward himself, the 'people's' prince. 

What starts as a desire to help her family, devastated by the recent war, becomes for Maddie a chance to work on something that matters. When the unthinkable happens, it is swift and life changing.

Decades later, Maddie Bright is living in a ramshackle house in Paddington, Brisbane. She has Ed, her drunken and devoted neighbour, to talk to, the television news to shout at, and door-knocker religions to join. But when London journalist Victoria Byrd gets the sniff of a story that might lead to the true identity of a famously reclusive writer, Maddie's version of her own story may change.

1920, 1981 and 1997: the strands twist across the seas and over two continents to build a compelling story of love and fame, motherhood and friendship. Set at key moments in the lives of two of the most loved and hated figures of the twentieth century, in Maddie Bright, a reader will find a friend and, by novel's close, that friend's true and moving story.

EVENTS

Mary-Rose MacColl in conversation with Cass Moriarty at Books @ Stones, Brisbane
Thursday 2 May 2019
6 PM
RSVP here

Mary-Rose MacColl at Springfield Central Library, Ipswich
Saturday 08 June 2019
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
RSVP here

PRAISE FOR THE TRUE STORY OF MADDIE BRIGHT

'A thoughtful, multi-layered tale that probes the stories we tell ourselves about family and friendship, power and control. MacColl's writing deftly - yet gently - explores the nature of courage and kept me guessing to the very end.' - Kirsty Manning, author of the bestselling The Jade Lily

'Featuring undertones of humour and history set amongst the backdrops of quintessential Australia and London, The True Story of Maddie Bright is a beautifully balanced tour de force. It is a breath of fresh 'heir' to discover an author with a unique voice that captivates you with a clever tale full of mystery, intrigue and twists.' Fleur Wells, Goodreads

'A truly wonderful book, I took my time reading this one as I never wanted it to end!' Kylie D, Goodreads

'This is a beautifully told tale, with humour and heartache, guilt and grief, secrets, but also love and hope. An utterly entrancing read.' Marianne, Goodreads

'Beautifully written, flawlessly planned and executed, with one of the most satisfying novel endings I have read recently, I thoroughly recommend this book.' Deborah, Goodreads

PRAISE FOR IN FALLING SNOW

'You can't judge a book by its cover but, in this case, you certainly can. It is charming and
instantly appealing and so is the novel, the second for Brisbane writer Mary-Rose MacColl.' Ballarat Courier

'I found In Falling Snow a wonderfully engaging tale, so caught up in life at Royaumont I regretted putting it down to attend to the mundane tasks of everyday life. I would recommend this novel
particularly to participants of the Australian Women Writers Challenge, but I also feel it would be widely enjoyed by readers who find the synopsis appealing.' Book'd Out

'A marvellous family saga and a moving account of life and death.' Sunday Examiner

'What would you sacrifice for love? Your family? Your chance to change your life? And how do we keep each other's secrets? This powerful novel explores these themes and much more ... I loved this book and I cried, my highest compliment.' Sunday Mail

'This is an absorbing, well-written story that pays tribute to the courage of medical men and women in the First World War.' Toowoomba Chronicle

'From the delightful cover to the story within, is a beautiful book that is testament to author Mary-Rose MacColl’s painstaking research and flair for drawing out a memorable tale.' Monique Mulligan, Write Note Reviews