Ms Jenkins will be joined by fellow author Lisa Ireland who will also speak about her writing career.

Library marketing manager Leanda Elliot said it is an exciting development for Stawell and the town’s literary scene.  

“We are very excited to have the authors here, It's really nice to have someone who grew up in Stawell come back and to see their successes and what they've been doing,” she said.

Ms Jenkins writes about spicy paranormal romance while Ms Ireland writes rural fiction.

Both have promised to speak about their lives as authors and what it it is like to live on the other side of their books and romantic narratives.

“There has been quite a bit of interest from the public. We don't get a lot of publicity here about romance writing so it's definitely something different,” Ms Elliot said. 

Ms Jenkins said it would be an absolute thrill to come back to Stawell in her professional capacity.

“Being an author really is my dream job and I'm very passionate about it. It's lovely to be able to share that passion with the folks in my home town,” she said.

Experiencing the culture shock of shifting from a career in the Navy to the arts, Ms Jenkins went on to work as a teacher and editor before writing full time.

“Books teach us, they give us an escape, and they broaden our worlds in way too numerous to mention,” she said.

“In a lot of ways stories help us make sense of the world, and they remind us that we're not alone. Whether you want to broaden your mind or just to escape for a couple of hours, books can get you where you need to go.”

Ms Jenkins and Ms Ireland will hold two talks, one at Stawell Library on Friday, October 21 at 7pm and Horsham Library on Saturday, October 22 at 11am.

Ms Elliot said bookings for the Stawell event can be made on 5358 1274, and the Horsham event on 5382 5707.

Events will have books sales, signing sessions and refreshments.