The Paris Prize

In the rugged heart of sheep country, a woman can dream ... From the shearing sheds of the Great Dividing Range to the highlands of Scotland, Maddy Rainforth is on a mission to make the finest Merino wool and turn dust into Dior.

Australian grazier Maddy Rainforth breathes one dream: producing the finest Merino wool the world has ever seen.

But farming in Australia is punishing – Maddy must battle and adapt to devastating drought, bushfires, dust storms and the attitudes of a growing industry ruled by the old ways. Fortunes can be made and lost all on the turn of a season, and Maddy gambles everything she holds dear in pursuit of her greatest passion.

Out of the ashes of the catastrophic years of World War Two, haute couture rises in popularity and European ateliers search the world over for quality fleece and fabric. Soon the prestigious Paris Wool Prize comes knocking, asking for more than Maddy can give. Can she compete on the global stage when the odds are stacked against her?

For fans of The Dressmaker, The Paris Seamstress and the The Woolgrowers Companion, this is a sweeping story of love, legacy and obsession from one of Australia's best-loved authors.

PRAISE FOR TANIA BLANCHARD
'Galvanising historical fiction' Sydney Morning Herald
'Breathtaking ... Rich in every sight, taste and smell' Australian Women's Weekly
'Richly imagined and captivating ... Outstanding historical fiction' Better Reading

PRAISE FOR THE PARIS PRIZE

'Incredible historical fiction ... Opened my eyes to farming in rural Australia, the wool industry and merino wool in fine fashion' Mrs G's Bookshelf

'This country has some of the best historical fiction authors in the world and Tania Blanchard is on that list ... Dynamic, compelling, fascinating and a wonder to read. A delightful, beautiful and informative read' Craig and Phil, Happy Valley Books Read

'What a beautiful love letter to Australian farmers. I could feel the tenacity, resilience, determination and ambition in Maddy Rainforth's story' Anna Loder

'Another immersive novel by Tania Blanchard that brilliantly brings the wool-growing and weaving industries to life' Debbie Wassell

'A sweeping piece of historical fiction with vivid landscapes and a fascinating insight into the wool industry ... Maddy's warmth, determination and resilience make her a captivating character to follow' Bianca Rose, Belladonna Books

'I loved this story. What an amazing history of how Australian wool became the best in the world' Janet L

'Beautifully written, emotionally charged historical fiction ... Rich with historical detail and a heartwarming Australian story. World War Two, Mother Nature, fashion and a mysterious family heirloom makes for an immersive read that's hard to put down' Emily, The Bookdragons Den

'An inspiring and immersive historical novel, perfect for fans of The Gown and The Paris Dressmaker' Kirsten