One thing she knows for certain... the release of her next book, a fictional piece titled “A Chain of Dreams” is something of great pride.

This is Mardie’s third book and her first attempt at fiction.

Previously she wrote an autobiographical piece titled “With a Song in my Heart” which she released at age 82 followed three years later with a historical piece “Jewels along the Newell”.

Both publications sold out their initial print run.

However, it’s her new book that has Mardie bubbling with excitement at the moment.

“This is my first attempt at fiction and I can say I’ve loved writing this book. Fiction has always been my favourite read,” Mardie said.

“This book focuses on heroine Tish O’Reagan, her parents Nell and Padraic, sister Louise and brother Dominic and Hugh - an ordinary Australian family who through circumstances are forced to adapt to change.

“At this stage, depending on the printers, I’m looking at launching this book either at the end of April or early May.

“April 15, the date of my birthday would have been great but unfortunately copies won’t be back from the publishers.”

Mardie is delighted with the efforts of local artist Heather Moss in bringing to life on canvas the book’s heroine Tish O’Reagan.

“Heather has beautifully captured not only Tish but the Australian countryside I describe in my book,” Mardie said.

“It’s certainly the cover I envisaged and I can’t thank Heather enough for her beautiful work.”

SYNOPSIS: as penned by Mardie:

If flame-haired Tish O’Reagan had not won a scholarship to study voice production at the Trinity College of Music in Dublin, the family would have continued running their 3,000 acre mixed farming venture in the Central Western Slopes of NSW.

However, because she accepted the scholarship, her parents, Nell and Padraic, and spirited sister, Louise, accompany her and become temporary residents of Dublin, leaving “Ballycahill” in the hands of their sons, reliable Dominic and cheeky young Hugh.

The family bring their unique Australian-ness to all they meet, helping many to find solutions to major problems.

Will this bring respect, or resentment, and will Louise find healing from her broken romance back in a Sydney hospital? 

Or will her reluctance to be hurt again become an insurmountable problem in a new relationship?

Will Hugh come through adolescence as unscathed as his hero and brother Dominic appeared to do?

Read this endearing and informative story of an ordinary Australian family placed in an unfamiliar country and how they learn to adapt.

And follow the paths of the younger members who, by virtue of their natural resilience and adherence to family values, also make their mark and achieve their dreams.