I'm so excited to share my debut novel with you! Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a place I've visited often and grown to love, this story is about finding your way back to yourself when everything seems lost.

When I first imagined Emma Patterson, I knew she needed to be someone strong yet vulnerable—a police officer whose world gets turned upside down by a tragic shooting. Her journey from the bustling streets of Raleigh to the peaceful banks of the Linville River became a story I couldn't stop writing.

I wanted to explore how sometimes our greatest strength comes from allowing others to care for us. Emma's story is about finding home in unexpected places—something I experienced myself when I moved to North Carolina.

Published by Outer Ridge Press

I'm a storyteller at heart, drawn to the quiet magic of small towns and the deeply human moments that bind us together. Originally from Houston, Texas, I now call North Carolina home—and let me tell you, this place has completely captured my heart and soul.

The Blue Ridge Mountains became the inspiration behind my debut novella, Keepers, and I can't imagine setting my stories anywhere else. Through my characters, I hope to invite you into a world where relationships matter, and every story serves as a gentle reminder of what it means to truly belong.

My characters may live on the page, but they're born from the same spirit that lives in all of us, that deep longing to love and be loved, to connect, and to come home.

One of my favorite scenes to write was when Daniel serves this incredible dish at his pub. I spent so much time perfecting the description that I just had to create the actual recipe!

"The golden, buttered crust of the pie crackled under his knife as he portioned out generous servings. Beneath the surface, the creamy mash melded into the fragrant filling—a delicate balance of flaky white fish, smoked haddock, and tender shrimp, all swimming in a silken béchamel laced with herbs and the rich milk of Emma's Alpine goats."

I want to bring the flavors of The Stag & Thistle into your kitchen! This heartwarming dish combines traditional Cornish cooking with Highland touches that will transport you straight to Daniel Campbell's cozy pub.