It’s hard to believe, but this month marks 11 years since I published my first sweet small-town romance book. When I look back, I’m in awe of God’s faithful provision. My heart overflows with gratitude, joy, and so much love. Love for every story told, every character who got their second chance and found their happily ever after, and especially for every one of you who has come along on this wild ride.
Keep scrolling for an update on my writing life + an opportunity to read an advanced copy of my next release.
Over 250,000 Books—Thanks to YOU!
We aren’t supposed to talk about numbers in this industry: how much an author receives when they sign a contract, how big (or how small) a royalty check is, how many books you have to sell to hit The Lists … until one publisher tried to buy another publisher and then the tea started to spill. All of a sudden, we were all talking about numbers because frankly, some of the data was appalling. You can take a deeper dive into all of that if you’d like. The internet is packed full of juicy opinions.
My point is simply this. Sometimes we need to drag the truth out into the light because there’s something worth celebrating. Together, we’ve reached an incredible milestone. More than 250,000 copies of my books are out there in the hands and hearts of readers. That’s a quarter of a million times someone has chosen to escape to a charming small town, to root for couples in need of a second chance, and to believe in the promises of our good, good Father. My writing career is a testament to the fact that God is faithful, He cultivates the dreams He plants in our hearts, and that there is a place in the bookselling landscape for sweet small-town romance books.
To each and every one of you—whether you’ve read one book or every single one—thank you. Your loyalty, your reviews, your emails and social media comments, and your word-of-mouth recommendations have made my dream possible. I am truly blessed by this community of women who love heartfelt romance and uplifting, hopeful stories.
Celebrating Sweet Small-Town Romance
Why small towns? Because there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home, is there? Whether it’s a cozy Main Street café serving homemade pie, a coffee shop with vintage lights crisscrossing the pergola, neighbor who knows your name and doles out sound advice, or the joy of a second chance at love, small-town romance novels let us believe in fresh starts. I write for women like you—women who know that real love is built on trust, respect, and a heaping serving of grace.
If you’ve ever cheered as wounded hearts found healing, or swooned as two people discovered they were made for each other then these sweet, uplifting stories are for you. They’re for anyone who’s ever needed redemption, or who believes that there’s always hope for a happily ever after just around the bend.
Two Gorgeous New Book Covers
Coincidentally, my eleventh authorversary syncs up with the cover reveals for my next two small-town romance books. I can’t wait for you to meet the heroes and heroines featured in A Winter of Sweet Secrets and Lost Alaskan Memories, which is the second book in my Opportunity, Alaska miniseries. Both book were extremely challenging to write for a variety of reasons, so it will be extra rewarding to get these stories into your hands in just a few months.
Behind the Scenes: Writing (and Rewriting!) a 5-Book Series
This year has stretched me as a writer in ways I never expected. I’m deep in the process of writing and rewriting my five-book series for Sunrise Publishing. I’ll be honest: it hasn’t always been easy! I’m working with Susan May Warren to relaunch a series around one of the first stories I ever wrote, which was published as a novella. This particular heroine, Tisha McDowell, was also a secondary character in my first Love Inspired novel, The Firefighters’ Twins. It’s super fun to ‘hang out’ with fictional friends I created a decade ago. But at the same time, crafting small-town romance that feel gritty and authentic, yet hopeful and uplifting—especially in a world that sometimes feels anything but—is a huge challenge.
But every time I get stuck, I remember why I started: to give you stories that feel like a delightful escape, that remind us all we’re not alone, and that love can find us when we least expect it. Also, it’s worth mentioning that I prayed hard for this opportunity. I mean, to the point that I think God maybe just gave me what I wanted so I’d stop asking. Ha!
All kidding aside, thank you for your patience and encouragement as I partner with Susie and the team at Sunrise to make these books the very best they can be. I’m eager for you to get reacquainted with Tisha and the whole gang from the early years of my writing career. I think you’ll be surprised to see what she’s been up to.
Want to Be an Early Reader?
Here’s something special for my most loyal readers—you! I’m looking for early reviewers for A Winter of Sweet Secrets. If you love small-town romance, the grumpy sunshine trope, a single dad, a quest for a missing recipe and characters who crave a second chance at happiness, I’d love for you to join my advance reader team. I just need you to fill out this brief form. Space is limited, so don’t delay. If you’re selected, you’ll hear from me shortly.
Here’s To More Sweet Small-Town Romance Books
Thank you again for buying and reading my books. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and loyal devotion to this incredible genre inspire me every single day. Lord willing, here’s to many more years of sweet small-town romance, second chances, and happy endings!
