Blue Skies is Ms McDonald’s second book.

It follows Red Dust, which was the highest selling novel by a debuting author in Australia in 2009.

“Red Dust succeeded so much more than I dared dream it would,” Ms McDonald said.

“It really took off on its own journey.”

The journey continues for the book, having been released in Germany on Monday.

While Red Dust is set in South Australia, Ms McDonald said Blue Skies was set in Esperance.

It draws the reader into the world of Amanda Greenfield, who has just returned home to the family farm, Kyleena, with an honours degree in agribusiness.

Then tragedy strikes: Amanda’s mother dies and her grief-stricken father argues they should sell the farm.

But Amanda feels otherwise and summons all her strength to save Kyleena, along the way facing mixed fortunes in both love and life.

Running parallel to Amanda’s story is the story of early settlers in the area.

Ms McDonald also said the plot was filled with mystery.

“I wanted to let people know what the early day settlers went through.

“And there had to be mystery, because I like that sort of thing.”

Ms McDonald said she and her “overactive imagination” took six months to complete Blue Skies.

Set for national release in April, pre-release copies of the novel will be on sale at the Condingup Fair tomorrow.

Ms McDonald will be conducting signings throughout the day.