What is something interesting readers would enjoy learning about you?

Besides writing, I like to travel and have for many years. One of my favorite places in the world is Yellowstone National Park. I think a lot of people are surprised when I gush about Yellowstone since I’ve lived in the South the majority of my life. It’s a beautiful and spiritual place to me with all kinds of natural wonders and wildlife. It’s one of the few untarnished places left in the country (minus the tourist stops). I went to school a couple hours away from Yellowstone in the late 80s and spent most weekends there, then I returned every few years with my children. Last fall was the first time my husband and I had been back in a while, and we rented a jeep and drove around taking it all in. It was magical, and I already miss it. I would seriously consider a seasonal job there now that I’m an empty nester!

What was the inspiration behind your story?

One thing that fascinates me about life is that it always comes full circle in one way or another. A Guardian Til Christmas is my second book in the fictional small town of Lagrasse, Georgia, and I wanted to bring back someone that once left to chase her dreams. Besides past heartache, I wanted to have some light comedy, too, and the first things I thought of were some of my favorite Sandra Bullock films. Her romcoms inspired the girl boss versus serious hero with a heart of gold in this story, and some of their past struggles were influenced by my own life experiences. 

What encouragement do you hope readers will take away from your story?

With every story I write, I try to pass on some kind of message from the things I’ve learned. Our heroine, Kylee, has unresolved feelings about her “perfect” younger sister who tragically passed, and she has to come to terms with them. Sometimes we get so caught up with our dreams trying to prove our worth, we forget that we already have it no matter what we experienced or were taught about ourselves. Healing hurt feelings between our family members and ourselves can be a lifelong journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Moving on is important, but I don’t believe that means we have to move on alone.