When I first moved to North Carolina, I had no idea that these ancient mountains would completely transform not just where I lived, but how I saw the world—and ultimately, how I would tell stories.

The Blue Ridge Mountains aren't just a setting in Keepers; they're a character unto themselves. Every time I visit and see that misty blue haze rolling over the peaks (the very phenomenon that gives these mountains their name), I'm reminded why this landscape called to me so deeply when I was crafting Emma's journey.

There's something about these mountains that demands honesty. Maybe it's the way they've stood here for millions of years, weathering every storm, or how the morning mist rises from the valleys like ancient breath. When Emma retreats to her family farm in Linville after the shooting that changed everything, she needs that kind of steadfast presence—something bigger than her trauma, older than her pain.

I chose the town of Linville for Emma's healing journey because I wanted to capture the essence of the real Blue Ridge communities I've come to love. These are places where your neighbor knows your name, where the local pub owner might recite Robert Burns on a Tuesday night, and where the rhythm of farm life can slowly mend a broken spirit. In Keepers, the mountains surrounding Emma aren't just beautiful—they're therapeutic.

The Linville River that flows through Emma's story mirrors the real waterways I've discovered hiking these peaks. There's something magical about standing knee-deep in mountain water, casting a fly line while the world quiets around you. It's in those moments that I understood why fly-fishing became Emma's meditation, her way back to herself. The river doesn't judge; it simply flows, carrying away what no longer serves while reflecting back what remains.

Scottish heritage runs deep in these mountains, something I wove throughout the book. From Daniel Campbell's Highland-inspired pub to the Burns poetry that Dave quotes by the river, the Blue Ridge Mountains have always been a haven for those seeking a new kind of home while honoring their roots.

When readers tell me they can smell the pine trees and feel the mountain mist while reading Keepers, my heart soars. Because that's exactly what these mountains do—they ground you, heal you, and remind you that some things are worth fighting your way back to. 

The Blue Ridge Mountains didn't just inspire my story; they taught me that sometimes the most profound healing happens when we allow ourselves to be held by something larger than ourselves.

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.