The uplifting novel tackles important topics including love, strength of family bonds, the hardships that come with midwifery and the importance of mental health support in the heart of the Australian Outback.

Ms McArthur, who has written 45 novels and sold more than two million books since she began writing at the age of 30, believes it's important to discuss difficult subjects.

"I always try to be inspire my readers and I believe in the good in people," Ms McArthur said.

"Touching on these issues, which everyone faces, is important. I understand the concern and emotional toll families can have when a member of their family has a mental illness and how important it is for them to get the help they need."

The romantic drama author, who was a nurse at the Kempsey Maternity Ward for 33 years before retiring in 2018, drew on the relationships she has created with the Dunghutti people since moving to Kempsey more than three decades ago to help write The Desert Midwife.

"There is a lot of Indigenous content as the novel is set in Central Australia. I was very determined to represent their culture in a respectful way and I had a lot of collaboration with Indigenous people," Ms McArthur said.

"I have met a lot of lovely Dunghutti people over the past 30 years and that helped a lot."

The Desert Midwife follows an outback midwife, Ava May, on a challenging journey of sacrifice, love and hope.

Ms McArthur will be at Kempsey's Big W tomorrow (Wednesday July 17) from 11am-12pm for book signings.

The Desert Midwife can be purchased at book stores or online at https://www.fionamcarthurauthor.com/books.

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