We snuck away to Kiawah Island over Indigenous Peoples Weekend — technically for the hubbie’s work, but it turned into a rainy, cozy, restorative few days. The kids came too, and between the drizzle and deadlines, I actually got some downtime: napping by the fire, reading with the sound of rain, and a few beach walks when the clouds finally lifted.
We couldn’t resist visiting our three favorite bookstores — one on Kiawah, a romance-only gem, and a Charleston classic. They never lose their magic. I love how every shelf feels handpicked with heart. I came home with two books, the girls grabbed three between them, and even my husband found one — so our carry-ons were stacked.
The Kiawah weekend left me equal parts waterlogged and restored — the best kind of fall reset. A few glimpses are in the reel below. 🌧🔥
The editing desk has been slow but steady — I’ve now isolated what I need to turn around for each of my manuscript requests and should have pages ready for two agents by end of next week!
Life has a way of crowding out writing time, but I’m banging away at life to make room for words again. ✍️
(And that counts as progress in my book.)
Fall calls for cozy reads and comfort romances, so this month’s treat is a total vibe:
🍂 Cozy Fall Romance Giveaway — a collection of small-town, slow-burn, snuggle-by-the-fire stories that’ll melt your heart and make your mug of tea taste sweeter.
👉 Grab your free romances here!
Historically, I’ve been pushing the anthology covers that my short stories were first featured in—but I recently updated my site with new covers and blurbs for each individual story.
So now you can find:
✨ Butterflies & Goodbyes ✨
and
💋 Frenching My Flatmate 💋
Each one captures a different kind of heart-flip—one fierce and aching, one flirty and full of light. Here’s a peek at what’s new…
✨ Butterflies & Goodbyes ✨
A sci-fi fantasy romance
A rebel fighter. A reluctant chef. Once bound by a betrothal forged for rebellion, now divided by years of loss and survival. Kendrick seeks her out again—not just for the rebellion’s desperate need, but for feelings that never fully faded. But Beatrix has her own scars, and stepping back into the fight may cost more than she can bear.
🥞 Waffle House energy. Alien peril. A second-chance romance with sparks brighter than the stars.
💫 The first taste of a world readers are already begging to see more of.
👉 Read my story in the Love at Dawn Anthology
💋 Frenching My Flatmate 💋
A steamy Paris-set contemporary romance
After losing her mom, Izzy throws herself into finishing her neurosurgery degree in Paris. Enter Julien—her maddeningly charming French flatmate and an acupuncturist who knows exactly how to get under her skin (and maybe into her heart).
🇫🇷 Serious med student. Teasing French flatmate. Sparks that could light up the Eiffel Tower.
🥖💋 First featured in Craving My Roommate. Newsletter readers will be the first to know if this one returns!
A few things making me smile this month:
📚 Bookstore hopping in Charleston — rainy skies, cozy shelves, and two perfect new reads. (Photo of my two new books by the fire below!)
🧖♀️ TULA Skin Care Detox in a Jar — my weekly skin reset. Clay-based, smoothing, and every time I use it someone asks if I “did something.” Here’s the one I love »
🍫 Clio Snacks Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bars — tangy, creamy, salty-sweet perfection. My new freezer staple.
(FYI: I do not receive revenue for any links I share.)
Rain on the island, stories in hand, and a fire that makes everything feel possible. 🌧️🔥
Sasha says hi — from her back, paw in the air, eyes rolled back in pure belly-rub bliss. 🐾
I’m leaning into fall — finding quiet where I can, fighting for creative time, and reminding myself that slow progress is still progress.
Here’s to cozy nights, small joys, and the next step forward. 💛
