Behind Have You Seen Him: Identity, Secrets, Storytelling & the Journey to Finding the Truth

Welcome back to another exclusive Book Club Conversation from The Page Ladies Book Club.

Today we're sitting down with Kimberly Lee, award-winning author of Have You Seen Him, to talk about writing thrillers, crafting unforgettable twists, deleted scenes, publishing, creativity, and what's next for David's story.

📖 Featured Book

Have You Seen Him

What if everything you believed about yourself was totally wrong?

Attorney David Byrdsong has spent most of his life trying not to think about the day he was abandoned at an airport as a child.

When he unexpectedly discovers his own face in a missing-child advertisement, his search for answers leads him into a deadly web of corporate conspiracies, long-buried secrets, dangerous truths, and questions about the people he trusts most.

Fast-paced, emotionally compelling, and impossible to put down, Have You Seen Him blends psychological suspense with a moving exploration of identity, family, belonging, and resilience.

💬 The Conversation

1. Three words to describe Have You Seen Him?

Page-turner. Twisty. Touching.

2. Why explore identity and belonging?

Kimberly shares that every piece she's written eventually circles back to belonging.

"We're all searching for answers to 'Who am I?' and 'Where do I belong?'"

The missing-child premise offered the perfect way to examine those universal questions through suspense and romance.

3. Where did the idea come from?

Kimberly explains how a real missing-child advertisement, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and a simple writing prompt asking "What if?" all collided to inspire David's story.

4. Can you silence your inner editor?

Not really!

Even though she encourages writers not to edit while drafting, Kimberly admits she's constantly revising as she writes and she's learned to embrace that process.

5. Favorite part of writing?

Polishing.

Returning to finished chapters with fresh eyes and refining every sentence is where she finds the most joy.

6. Plotter or pantser?

Kimberly doesn't create detailed outlines.

Instead, she often knows the beginning and ending, allowing her characters to discover the journey in between.

7. Favorite deleted scene?

One cut chapter featured a school custodian secretly helping Gayle escape campus while telling eerie local folklore surrounding the school.

Although it didn't survive edits, Kimberly hopes readers may see it appear in a future book.

8. Do you plant clues?

Absolutely.

She intentionally added subtle clues during revisions for observant readers hoping to solve the mystery early.

9. What makes an unforgettable thriller?

Kimberly believes memorable thrillers combine twists, pacing, surprises, humor, emotional connection, and characters readers genuinely care about.

10. Biggest literary influences?

Maya Angelou inspired her voice and courage.

John Grisham inspired her love of legal thrillers and ultimately encouraged her to combine her legal background with fiction.

11. Best writing advice?

Write every idea down.

Even the ones that seem silly.

You never know which one will become your next novel.

12. Biggest publishing surprise?

Kimberly shares a deeply personal reflection about fear, losing her father unexpectedly, and choosing to pursue publication despite feeling uncomfortable with self-promotion.

She leaves readers with Audre Lorde's powerful reminder:

"When I dare to be powerful…it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid."

13. What's next?

Have You Seen Him is only the beginning.

Kimberly is currently writing the second book in the trilogy during an upcoming writing residency and can't wait to reunite with these characters.

👩 About the Author

Kimberly Lee, JD, is an award-winning novelist, editor, workshop facilitator, and creative guide dedicated to helping others discover their authentic voice through writing, expressive arts, mindfulness, and reflective practices.

She is a graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law and serves on the faculty of Hugo House, The Loft, Arts & Healing Initiative, and Women on Writing. Her workshops have been featured at Esalen Institute, Hollyhock Retreat Centre, Omega Institute, The Huntington, and numerous organizations throughout North America.

Her writing has appeared in Literary Mama, Carve, F(r)iction, LA Parent, The Ekphrastic Review, BetterSleep, and many other publications.

Kimberly lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

🌿 Beyond the Novel

In addition to writing fiction, Kimberly leads expressive writing workshops, SoulCollage® retreats, and creativity experiences designed to help participants reconnect with imagination, intuition, and authentic storytelling.

🛒 Purchase Have You Seen Him

📚 Amazon

📚 Barnes & Noble

📚 Bookshop.org

🌐 Connect with Kimberly Lee

Website:
https://www.kimberlylee.me/

Instagram:
@klcreatrix

Newsletter:
https://www.kimberlylee.me/contact

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234889217-have-you-seen-him

📅 Upcoming Appearance

Book Reading & Signing

📍 Vroman's Bookstore

Pasadena, California

🗓 Sunday, July 19

⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM

Thank you for supporting The First Editions. Your membership makes conversations like these possible while helping us connect readers with the authors behind the stories we love.

Until next time…

Happy Reading!

—The Page Ladies Book Club

Book Club Conversations • Author Interview • Thriller Books • Mystery Books • Psychological Suspense

Welcome back to The Page Ladies Book Club! One of our favorite parts of reading is getting to step behind the story and hear directly from the authors who created it.

This month, we're thrilled to welcome Kimberly Lee, author of the award-winning thriller Have You Seen Him. In this exclusive preview, Kimberly shares the inspiration behind her unforgettable debut, her writing process, and why themes of identity and belonging continue to shape her stories.

📖 Featured Book

Have You Seen Him

What if everything you believed about yourself was totally wrong?

Attorney David Byrdsong has spent years trying to leave the past behind. Abandoned as a child and later adopted by a loving family, he's learned to keep his emotions guarded.

Then everything changes.

One ordinary day, David discovers his own face staring back at him from a decades-old missing child advertisement.

Determined to uncover the truth, David is pulled into a dangerous investigation involving corporate conspiracies, shocking secrets, murdered witnesses, and questions that threaten everything he thought he knew about himself.

Blending psychological suspense with emotional depth, Have You Seen Him explores identity, family, belonging, and the lengths we'll go to uncover the truth.

💬 Book Club Conversation

For readers discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe Have You Seen Him in just three words?

Kimberly Lee: Page-turner. Twisty. Touching.

Identity is at the heart of this novel. What drew you to exploring those themes?

"No matter our background, we're all searching for answers to 'Who am I?' and 'Where do I belong?'"

Kimberly explains that the theme of belonging has appeared throughout everything she's written from flash fiction to essays to novels. The missing-child premise became the perfect vehicle for exploring those deeply human questions.

Did the story begin with David or the premise?

Kimberly reveals that everything started with a real missing-child advertisement featuring both a young boy and an age-progressed image decades later.

Combined with reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and a writing exercise centered around asking "What if?", the idea slowly transformed into David's unforgettable journey.

What's your favorite part of writing?

Polishing.

Kimberly loves revisiting completed chapters, refining every sentence until each word says exactly what it needs to.

Do you enjoy hiding clues for readers?

Absolutely.

During revisions, Kimberly intentionally planted subtle clues throughout the novel that mystery lovers may discover before the final reveal.

📚 Continue the Conversation

These questions are only the beginning.

Inside The First Editions, members can read Kimberly's complete interview featuring:

✔️ Her deleted scenes

✔️ Balancing editing and writing

✔️ Her biggest publishing surprise

✔️ Favorite thriller ingredients

✔️ Influential authors

✔️ Writing advice

✔️ What's next in the Have You Seen Him trilogy

...and much more.

👩 About the Author

Kimberly Lee, JD is the award-winning author of Have You Seen Him, a writer, editor, workshop facilitator, and creative guide passionate about helping others discover their authentic voice through storytelling.

A graduate of Stanford University and UC Davis School of Law, Kimberly has worked with organizations including Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Hollyhock Retreat Centre, The Huntington, Hugo House, and The Loft. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications and anthologies, and she lives in Southern California with her husband and three children.

🛒 Purchase Have You Seen Him

📚 Amazon

📚 Barnes & Noble

📚 Bookshop.org

🌐 Connect with Kimberly Lee

Website:
https://www.kimberlylee.me/

Instagram:
@klcreatrix

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/234889217-have-you-seen-him

Newsletter:
https://www.kimberlylee.me/contact

📅 Upcoming Event

Book Reading & Signing

📍 Vroman's Bookstore

Pasadena, California

🗓 Sunday, July 19

⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM

✨ Unlock the Full Conversation

Want the complete interview?

Join The First Editions to access the full 13-question Book Club Conversation with Kimberly Lee, along with exclusive author interviews, printable book club resources, discussion guides, bonus content, and more.

Happy Reading,

The Page Ladies Book Club

If you love stories that are haunting, psychological, and twisty, you’ll want to put author Elizabeth DeVecchi on your radar immediately.

Her upcoming novel, The Shadow Beside Her: A Horror Novel, masterfully blends the grim realities of historical horror with spine-chilling supernatural suspense. Set against the backdrop of Italy during World War II, it promises to be a deeply atmospheric nightmare that horror fans won't want to miss.

We sat down with Elizabeth to chat about her childhood transition from scaredy cat to horror author, the fascinating historical rabbit holes she encountered while researching her new book, and why real-world dangers can be just as frightening as the monsters under the bed.

For readers who are discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe your books in three words?

Haunting, psychological, twisty.

Horror clearly holds a special place in your heart. What first drew you to the genre, and what keeps you coming back to it as a writer?

I was a total scaredy cat as a kid: horror films terrified me (though I admittedly saw my first horror flick at a drive-in … when I was 8. So that might be why.), I wouldn’t go near roller coasters, and jumped at anything that went bump in the night. Then I picked up some Lois Duncan books and loved them.

My parents had a basement library in the furnace room where they kept the scarier, more adult stuff. That is where I found Jaws, The Omen, Carrie, and other more mature horror books. Once I was hooked … I was hooked. I think the scaredy cat in me liked the idea that the things in the pages were so much more horrible than anything I was actually facing. Like, if I could survive the book, I could survive the real stuff.

As an author, horror is my go-to because I find it cathartic. There are also so many horrible things that happen in real life that are beyond our control. When I sit with paper and pen, I am in control. Well … until one of my characters goes rogue and the story shifts in a different direction.

Your upcoming novel The Shadow Beside Her blends historical horror with supernatural suspense. What inspired this particular story?

The creature in The Shadow Beside Her appears in my first novel, A Whisper in the Dark. I started this project to give some back story. Thinking about the events that eventually lead up to A Whisper in the Dark were my inspiration.

The Shadow Beside Her takes place in Italy during World War II. What made that setting and time period the right backdrop for this novel?

The creature I created thrives in environments of conflict and terror. So, I was looking for actual events that would fit well as a backdrop for the story I wanted to tell. Research led me to the events that occurred in the Apennines in 1944.

I have such love and respect for the Italian culture; writing something with Italy as the setting was an amazing experience. It also warms my heart that I was able to share some linguistic and cultural aspects in the story. My family in Italy will actually be able to read bits and pieces without having to translate.

What was the most interesting or unexpected piece of research you came across while working on the book?

I inevitably fall down research rabbit holes when I am writing a novel. First and foremost, the abject horror of the events that occurred on Monte Sole in Italy in 1944 shocked me to the core. We didn’t study any of that in school.

On a more pleasant note, I also did a deep dive into the minutia of how photography worked back then. From choosing a camera for Maria’s uncle (a Zeiss Ikon Nettar), to figuring out how he would have developed the pictures in war-torn Italy (Kodak sold home processing kits in a box), I was totally absorbed by this bit of research.

Many readers love stories where the real-world dangers can be just as frightening as the supernatural ones. What draws you to exploring that balance in your fiction?

In my own experience, I find that the more realistic a danger is, the more it frightens me. If I cannot picture myself in that situation, I might be scared by the story, but at a more superficial level. When we mix the supernatural and fantastical with real-world horrors, blanket the impossible with the possible, it makes for a deeper, more primal fear.

🌟 Unlock the Full Interview!

Want to dive even deeper into Elizabeth's writing world? We asked her the tough questions about her specific writing routines, how she handles characters who go completely rogue, her favorite fictional characters, and what she's working on next!

Join The First Editions Premium Membership Today to unlock the full, exclusive Q&A, along with premium book recommendations, behind-the-scenes author access, and much more.

Connect with Elizabeth DeVecchi

Don't forget to support this incredible debut author by pre-ordering her upcoming release or grabbing her backlist!

• Pre-order The Shadow Beside Her: Amazon Link

• Catch up on her previous books: A Whisper in the Dark and A Twist of the Lens are both available on Amazon.

• Website: www.elizabethdevecchi.com

• Socials: Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky | Threads | LinkedIn

Today, we are diving deep into the dark, atmospheric, and brilliant mind of horror author Elizabeth DeVecchi. Her upcoming novel, The Shadow Beside Her: A Horror Novel, seamlessly blends supernatural suspense with the grim historical realities of World War II Italy.

In this complete uncut Q&A, Elizabeth opens up about her journey from a childhood scaredy cat to a master of psychological horror, her extensive historical research rabbit holes, her unique writing routine which involves a surprising amount of yarn, and why her rescue dog deserves a co-author credit.

Grab your favorite beverage, turn on a reading light, and enjoy this exclusive insider conversation.

For readers who are discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe your books in three words?

Haunting, psychological, twisty.

Horror clearly holds a special place in your heart. What first drew you to the genre, and what keeps you coming back to it as a writer?

I was a total scaredy cat as a kid: horror films terrified me (though I admittedly saw my first horror flick at a drive-in … when I was 8. So that might be why.), I wouldn’t go near roller coasters, and jumped at anything that went bump in the night. Then I picked up some Lois Duncan books and loved them.

My parents had a basement library in the furnace room where they kept the scarier, more adult stuff. That is where I found Jaws, The Omen, Carrie, and other more mature horror books. Once I was hooked … I was hooked. I think the scaredy cat in me liked the idea that the things in the pages were so much more horrible than anything I was actually facing. Like, if I could survive the book, I could survive the real stuff.

As an author, horror is my go-to because I find it cathartic. There are also so many horrible things that happen in real life that are beyond our control. When I sit with paper and pen, I am in control. Well … until one of my characters goes rogue and the story shifts in a different direction.

Your upcoming novel The Shadow Beside Her blends historical horror with supernatural suspense. What inspired this particular story?

The creature in The Shadow Beside Her appears in my first novel, A Whisper in the Dark. I started this project to give some back story. Thinking about the events that eventually lead up to A Whisper in the Dark were my inspiration.

The Shadow Beside Her takes place in Italy during World War II. What made that setting and time period the right backdrop for this novel?

The creature I created thrives in environments of conflict and terror. So, I was looking for actual events that would fit well as a backdrop for the story I wanted to tell. Research led me to the events that occurred in the Apennines in 1944.

I have such love and respect for the Italian culture; writing something with Italy as the setting was an amazing experience. It also warms my heart that I was able to share some linguistic and cultural aspects in the story. My family in Italy will actually be able to read bits and pieces without having to translate.

What was the most interesting or unexpected piece of research you came across while working on The Shadow Beside Her?

I inevitably fall down research rabbit holes when I am writing a novel. First and foremost, the abject horror of the events that occurred on Monte Sole in Italy in 1944 shocked me to the core. We didn’t study any of that in school. 

On a more pleasant note, I also did a deep dive into the minutia of how photography worked back then. From choosing a camera for Maria’s uncle (a Zeiss Ikon Nettar), to figuring out how he would have developed the pictures in war-torn Italy (Kodak sold home processing kits in a box), I was totally absorbed by this bit of research.

Many readers love stories where the real-world dangers can be just as frightening as the supernatural ones. What draws you to exploring that balance in your fiction?

In my own experience, I find that the more realistic a danger is, the more it frightens me. If I cannot picture myself in that situation, I might be scared by the story, but at a more superficial level. When we mix the supernatural and fantastical with real-world horrors, blanket the impossible with the possible, it makes for a deeper, more primal fear.

You write across horror, suspense, and short fiction. How do you know when an idea should become a short story versus a full-length novel?

Funny story: both A Whisper in the Dark and A Twist of the Lens started as short stories. But something in my brain knew that they needed to be developed … that there was more to tell. Many of the short stories I have written as of late were for specific submissions calls, whether by invitation or not. So, I knew I had to keep my word count within the parameters and to get my ideas across in the space allotted.

Looking back at your publishing journey so far, what has surprised you most about becoming an author?

I thought that writing the books and finding a publisher would be the hard parts. Turns out, there is a huge amount of work after that: from promo to setting up signings.

The most wonderful surprise has been the dedication and support of readers who have stumbled upon my work in the most organic ways. Readers who approach me and talk about characters in my stories as if they were flesh and blood real. It is amazing.

You've lived, studied, and traveled in several countries. How have those experiences influenced the stories you choose to tell?

In the back of my mind, I sometimes wish I had started this writing journey earlier in my life because I often feel like I am playing catch-up … though to what I don’t know. That said, the experiences I have accumulated along the way, traveling, living, and studying abroad are an essential part of the stories I now tell.

Each language opens a door to understanding the people who speak it. Each sojourn in a different culture offers new knowledge for the gathering. It’s extremely humbling to be outside one’s comfort zone, to be taught new ways of seeing things. Those experiences and ones I have only gained through aging, have made me a much different storyteller than I would have been had I started earlier.

What role does setting play in your writing, and how do you create an atmosphere that feels immersive for readers?

Setting is extremely important to my stories and I try my best to make it come to life for my readers. If my characters travel a certain road during the story, for example (like in A Twist of the Lens, where Charlie rides a restored motorcycle from Indiana to Colorado), I want to know what is on that road, what the scenery actually looks like. If I can physically get there, I will. If not, I’ll look through photos and even “travel” it on Google Maps.

I immerse myself in studying the plant life, smells, temperatures, sounds, and tastes of the places I choose for my stories (whether they are real or I need to invent them) before I begin to write. The more I know about the place I have chosen as a setting, the more the descriptions will naturally seep into the story as I tell it.

Do you tend to plan your stories in detail before writing, or do you enjoy discovering twists and surprises along the way?

I am not really a planner. I tend to start writing when I have a general idea of where I would like to go with the story. You never know when a character is going to say “not so fast!” and do something that turns everything in a new direction. I prefer to let them lead me.

That said, I do write an ending to my books when I am about halfway through. It inevitably ends up changing, but I want to at least have a coherent and developed endpoint down so the final product doesn’t seem rushed.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

At the moment, there is no typical writing day, as I write around my other responsibilities with my family. I try to eke out blocks of time to write each day, sometimes heading to coffee shops or the library to get away from seeing the things I need to get done in the house.

That said, when I do have time to write, I start clearing my mind by crocheting a kraken. I can think about what I am going to write while crocheting and when I finish, I’m ready to write and have a cute little creation to boot. This has earned me the name The Kraken Lady in some circles, as I like to give them out at conventions and sometimes have them for sale on my table or as part of giveaways (when you make one every day, you end up with A LOT of krakens).

Which part of the writing process do you enjoy most: brainstorming, drafting, revising, or hearing from readers after publication?

I love love love interacting with readers. When my characters come to life in the mind of a reader, it is a total high. Of course, I also love writing the stories and it can sometimes be hard to write the end and have to move on to another world and another tale.

If you could give aspiring writers one piece of advice, what would it be?

First, I would say to not judge yourself while getting down that first draft. Don’t get caught in a cycle of continuously going back to edit every time you sit to write. I did this and it drastically slowed any progress. Get it all down. Then you can go back and begin to edit. You can’t edit what isn’t there. Also, find a good tight group of Beta readers. A group that will be brutally honest.

As a reader, what kinds of books are you most drawn to when you're not writing?

I am drawn to stories with elements of horror … especially psychological horror. That said, I am in four book clubs and only one of them is horror-themed. This has me reading books from all sorts of genres, often ones I wouldn’t search out on my own. I would suggest this to other readers (ok, maybe not four book clubs. It can be a lot). You may find yourself in love with a book you never would have picked up on your own.

If you could experience one book again for the very first time, which book would it be and why?

Honestly, there is more than one book that fits in this category. Though, I think books have a different effect on us at different times of our lives. I’ll pick one. If I could, I would love to go back in time and read Watership Down for the first time again. It had such a profound effect on me when I was a child. For one thing, it taught me to look at something “mundane” like the bunnies in our backyard through a whole new lens.

Your bio mentions an ever-changing menagerie of pets and guest creatures. Have any of them ever inspired a character or scene in one of your stories?

Dante, our rescue dog, inspired my debut A Whisper in the Dark. In fact, the very first scene is what happened to inspire the book. I bring a life-sized photo cutout of him to my signings and he signs each copy with a nose or paw print.

My son’s gecko, Limoncello, inspired some of the aspects of the creature in that book and in The Shadow Beside Her. And the cat in A Twist of the Lens is based on our kitties.

What is a question you wish readers asked authors more often?

Oh, I am always blown away by the variety of questions my readers ask. No complaints here!

Just for fun: if readers could only pair one snack and one drink with The Shadow Beside Her, what would you recommend for the ultimate reading experience?

For authenticity’s sake, I would have to say homemade tortellini, a slice of castagnaccio (chestnut cake) and a glass of Nonno’s negretto wine.

📚 Support the Author!

Thank you so much to Elizabeth DeVecchi for giving our premium community such an amazing behind-the-scenes look into her work! Show her some love by pre-ordering her next release or expanding your bookshelf with her backlist below.

• Pre-order The Shadow Beside Her: Amazon Link

• Grab Her Backlist: A Whisper in the Dark and A Twist of the Lens are both available right now on Amazon.

Connect Online:

• Website: www.elizabethdevecchi.com

• Instagram: @themoonthesunandlittleman

• Threads: @themoonthesunandlittleman

• Facebook: Elizabeth DeVecchi Profile

• Bluesky: @esdevecchiauthor.bsky.social

• LinkedIn: Elizabeth DeVecchi on LinkedIn

If your next mystery pick is Last Night Was Killer by Mary Pauline Lowry, you're in for a wild ride and we've created everything you need to make your reading experience even more memorable.

Whether you're hosting a full book club, reading with a friend, or diving into the mystery on your own, The Page Ladies Book Club has you covered with four guides designed to help you laugh, theorize, and uncover every twist along the way.

📚 Book Club Kit & Individual Book Club Member Reader Guide

Planning a book club meeting? Our Book Club Kit includes discussion questions, themed activities, a host guide, a themed menu with recipes, games, decorations, door prize ideas, and more!

Download the Book Club Kit & Individual Reader Guide here

👯 Buddy Reader Kit

Reading with a friend? Our Buddy Reader Kit guides you through the novel with scheduled check-ins, spoiler-conscious discussion questions, fun activities, prediction prompts, and collaborative detective challenges that make every twist even more enjoyable.

Download the Buddy Reader Kit here

🔎 Deep Dive Solo Reader Kit

Prefer to read at your own pace? Our Solo Reader Kit transforms your reading experience into an interactive mystery investigation with guided journaling, clue tracking, character analysis, theme exploration, reflection pages, creative prompts, and more.

Download the Solo Reader Kit here

Which Kit Is Right for You?

📖 Book Club Kit – Perfect for hosting your next book club meeting.

👯 Buddy Reader Kit – Ideal for reading with a friend, partner, or family member.

📚 Solo Reader Kit – Designed for readers who love annotating, reflecting, and fully immersing themselves in every chapter.

Or download all three and choose the reading experience that fits you best!

Thank you for reading with The Page Ladies Book Club. We hope these resources help you enjoy Last Night Was Killer even more and inspire some unforgettable discussions.

Happy reading and happy sleuthing! 🔎📚

Some books make you laugh. Some keep you guessing. And then there are books like Last Night Was Killer by Mary Pauline Lowry, which somehow manages to balance murder, motherhood, grief, romance, political intrigue, and pole dancing into one wildly entertaining mystery.

Our book club couldn't stop talking about this one.

📖 Book Club Deep Dive

At first glance, Last Night Was Killer feels like the perfect cozy mystery setup. A woman wakes up after a night she can't remember only to discover there's a dead body in her trunk. Naturally, she's the prime suspect.

But this story quickly becomes much more than a whodunit.

Tilly Turner is far from your typical amateur sleuth. She's a struggling stand-up comedian, a grieving daughter, a single mother raising twin girls, and someone whose life seems to unravel a little more with every chapter. Instead of making her frustrating, those flaws make her incredibly relatable. She's messy, overwhelmed, sarcastic, funny, and constantly trying to hold everything together while life keeps throwing new disasters her way.

That emotional realism became one of the biggest talking points in our discussion.

Rather than making Tilly a flawless heroine, Mary Pauline Lowry allows her to make mistakes, question herself, and keep moving forward anyway. Beneath the humor is an honest story about starting over after loss, rebuilding confidence, and learning that asking for help isn't a weakness.

🕵️ The Mystery

One of our favorite parts was how unpredictable the investigation became.

Just when we thought we had the killer figured out, another clue completely shifted our theories. Every member of our group had a different suspect at some point, which made for one of our most animated discussions in months.

The mystery layers together missing memories, political corruption, criminal enterprises, unexpected betrayals, and plenty of red herrings without becoming confusing. It rewards readers who enjoy piecing together clues while still delivering satisfying surprises.

😂 Humor That Never Feels Forced

What truly separates Last Night Was Killer from many mysteries is its sense of humor.

The pole-dancing classes could have easily become a gimmick, but instead they add confidence, friendship, and some of the novel's funniest scenes. Combined with Tilly's sharp inner dialogue and awkward encounters, the comedy provides a perfect balance against the darker elements of murder and grief.

Several of us laughed out loud more than once.

❤️ Themes Worth Discussing

Our conversation naturally moved beyond the mystery itself.

Some of the biggest discussion topics included:

• How grief affects every decision we make.

• The impossible expectations placed on single parents.

• Female friendships that grow in unexpected places.

• Reinventing yourself after failure.

• Finding humor even during life's hardest moments.

• Whether Tilly made the right choices or simply the only choices she felt she had.

These emotional layers gave our discussion far more depth than we expected from a comedic mystery.

📚 Book Club Rating

⭐ Mystery: 4.5/5

😂 Humor: 5/5

❤️ Emotional Depth: 4.5/5

🕵️ Twists & Suspense: 4.5/5

💬 Discussion Potential: 5/5

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

If you're looking for a mystery that's equal parts funny, heartfelt, suspenseful, and completely unpredictable, Last Night Was Killer is an excellent book club pick. It offers plenty of laughs while still delivering meaningful conversations about grief, motherhood, friendship, and second chances.

Thank you to William Morrow, NetGalley, and Mary Pauline Lowry for the opportunity to read and review this book.

💬 Book Club Question

If you woke up with no memory of the night before and discovered a dead body in your trunk, would you investigate on your own to clear your name or call the police immediately?

📚 Want to keep the discussion going? Tap the link to download our FREE Mini Book Club Reader Kit for Last Night Was Killer, complete with discussion questions and bonus activities. 

Looking for the full experience? Join The First Editions to unlock our complete Book Club Kit, featuring an extended discussion guide, themed activities, printable worksheets, hosting ideas, and exclusive extras designed to make your next book club unforgettable.

#BookClubBooks #LastNightWasKiller #MysteryBooks #CozyMystery #BookClubDiscussion

Welcome to your exclusive, unrestricted look into the creative world of debut romance author Ellis Darnell! While the public preview gives readers a taste of her charming coastal setting, we saved the full, raw, and delightfully honest 30-question chat for our First Editions members.

Grab a Diet Pepsi and some Taco Bell (Ellis’s ultimate writing fuel), and dive into this deep conversation about battling imposter syndrome, drafting an entire novel on an iPhone, and what the future holds for the cozy town of Driftbay.

1. The Debut Milestone

Q: Congratulations on your debut release! What has been the most exciting part of preparing for the launch of What The Heart Wants?

Ellis Darnell: "Thank you so much! Honestly, the most exciting and special part before launch was getting my first proof copy. Getting to physically hold the story in my hands was such a monumental moment, a culmination of so much hard work. I cried when I unboxed the first copy!"

2. Describe the Vibe

Q: For readers discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe What The Heart Wants in three words?

Ellis Darnell: "Cozy, sweet, and heartfelt."

3. A Long-Awaited Spark

Q: What inspired you to write a story centered around love, grief, family, and fresh starts?

Ellis Darnell: "I got the basic idea when I was seventeen, of a young girl reeling from the loss of her mom and going to live with her aunt. I wrote a (very rough) story around that time. Then life happened and so many years went by and I stopped writing for a long time. I got inspired again about two years ago for the diner aspect, and just stuck a note in my phone about it.

Then last fall, the story hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew I had to tell it. I had always wanted to tell stories from different perspectives but didn’t know how to structure it when I was younger. It wasn’t until I started reading Freida McFadden books that I realized I could write different perspectives and how I could structure it. I knew I wanted to write from Thea’s perspective, and adding her aunt’s in changed so much with what I could do for the draft."

4. Dreaming of Driftbay

Q: Driftbay sounds like a charming coastal town. What drew you to that setting, and is there anything readers should know about it before diving in?

Ellis Darnell: "The beach always relaxes me. I actually vacationed at the beach while I was working on the book and getting to spend a few days beachside while delving into these characters really helped me create the setting. I’m also from a small town in the Midwest, so combining both aspects created a perfect slice of heaven for me. I wanted somewhere peaceful where Thea could heal and discover that sometimes the smallest places take up the biggest room in our hearts."

5. The Ultimate Comfort Food

Q: Baking plays a role in the story. If you could choose one baked good that perfectly represents What The Heart Wants, what would it be and why?

Ellis Darnell: "While there’s many recipes mentioned in the book, I think Thea’s lemon-blueberry scones would represent the book the best. They’re sweet and a little tart, just like Thea’s and Beth’s journeys with grief and love."

6. The Swiftie Soundtrack

Q: Your author bio mentions that you're a huge Taylor Swift fan. If What The Heart Wants had an unofficial Taylor Swift soundtrack, what songs would make the playlist?

Ellis Darnell: "OH MAN - this is a tough one! Guilty as Sin? is included in the book playlist, but if I had to make just a Taylor playlist, it would be…

• Guilty as Sin?

• Ruin the Friendship

• Opalite

• You Are In Love

• State of Grace

• Treacherous

• Everything Has Changed

• Enchanted

• Fearless

• Labyrinth

• Midnight Rain

• evermore

• Daylight

• Lover

• Gorgeous

• Tied Together With a Smile"

7. A Note for Readers

Q: If readers could only know one thing before picking up your book, what would you want them to know?

Ellis Darnell: "Just like grief, love isn’t linear but it’s never too late for true love."

8. The Ultimate Comfort Read

Q: The Comfort Read: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?

Ellis Darnell: "Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam - I discovered it in junior high and it’s still one of my favorite books to this day!"

9. Resting on the Nightstand

Q: The To-Be-Read Pile: What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?

Ellis Darnell:

• A Kingdom of Salt and Stone – Liv Webster

• Comeback Season – Sarah Adkins

• Beneath The Broken Sky – Emily Scotto

• Everything’s Coming Up Rosie – Courtney Walsh

10. The Gateway Book

Q: The Gateway Book: What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?

Ellis Darnell: "Oh, gosh, there’s so many! But definitely the American Girls series - I remember devouring all of the girls’ stories. I had the Felicity doll, and was also a huge fan of Molly, Addy, and Samantha!"

11. Early Creative Sparks

Q: You've been creating stories since you were young. Do you remember the very first story you wrote that made you think, "I want to be an author"?

Ellis Darnell: "I wrote a Harry Potter-inspired story about mind readers when I was eleven. Fantasy is so much harder to write with all of the world-building. I’d like to dive into that genre one day."

12. Advice to My Younger Self

Q: Looking back, what advice would present-day Ellis give to eleven-year-old Ellis who was busy building fictional worlds?

Ellis Darnell: "Keep going, even on the hard days. Just like shows, it will always come together in the end."

13. The Self-Publishing Eye-Opener

Q: What surprised you most about the publishing process that readers might not realize?

Ellis Darnell: "Being a self-published author, I am responsible for every aspect. I’m surprised at how much time I spend on marketing - that is currently my main priority as I approach launch. I am surrounded by incredible people in my personal life that have helped me along the journey - I could NOT have done it without their help."

14. Facing the Inner Critic

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing What The Heart Wants?

Ellis Darnell: "Imposter syndrome. I still struggle with it, to be honest. I have days where I think I’m not good enough and that no one will want to read my story. But I love my characters and story and I think others will, too."

15. The Mobile Writing Studio

Q: The Writing Setup: Are you a desk-and-computer writer, a couch-and-laptop writer, or a hand-written notebook writer? What does your ideal writing space look like?

Ellis Darnell: "My laptop at the kitchen table. Fun fact, I didn’t have a working laptop for the majority of the time I wrote this book! My mom got me a new one for Christmas, which is amazing! I wrote about 85% on Google Docs on my iPhone!"

16. Literary Fuel

Q: The Fuel: What is your ultimate writing snack or beverage? Are you powered by coffee, tea, or something completely different?

Ellis Darnell: "Diet Pepsi, through and through. Also, Taco Bell - specifically, Doritos Locos Tacos."

17. Midnight Inspiration

Q: The Routine: Are you a morning bird who writes before the world wakes up, or a night owl who gets creative after dark?

Ellis Darnell: "A night owl! I cannot count how many good ideas that have come to me when I’m falling asleep or wake me up in the middle of the night. Thank God for my phone and the notes app!"

18. Transforming the Process

Q: Plotter vs. Pantser: When starting a new project, do you outline absolutely everything beforehand, or do some surprises reveal themselves while you're writing?

Ellis Darnell: "I used to be a pantser, but this was the first project I worked off of an outline. For my next project, I have an 11-page outline already!"

19. The Background Brain

Q: The Hardest Part: What comes easiest to you when writing—creating the world, drafting dialogue, or developing plot twists? Which part is the most challenging?

Ellis Darnell: "I’ve always said that my brain is like an old 90’s computer - always running something in the background. I can be at work, in a rehearsal, or even trying to fall asleep and the best ideas will hit me!"

20. Surprising Characters

Q: Without giving away spoilers, which character in What The Heart Wants surprised you the most while writing?

Ellis Darnell: "Judith."

21. A Day in Driftbay

Q: The Cast: If you could spend one day hanging out with any character from your books, who would it be and what would you do together?

Ellis Darnell: "Probably a tie between Thea and Beth. I’d love to spend a day in Driftbay eating their baked goods, reading a good book, visiting the diner, and relaxing at the beach."

22. Feline Feedback

Q: Your bio mentions two cats. If your cats could review your books, what do you think they'd say?

Ellis Darnell: "More fish."

23. From the Stage to the Page

Q: You also work in theatre. Has anything you've learned from stage management influenced the way you tell stories on the page?

Ellis Darnell: "Being in theatre has introduced me to a variety of personalities. I am always observing and constantly inspired by the most random, mundane things. I always tell actors that they are always auditioning for their next role and sometimes, my next book!"

24. Ready for the Screen

Q: If What The Heart Wants became a movie or TV series, what scene would you be most excited to see brought to life?

Ellis Darnell: "Either the scones scene between Thea and Graham or Charlie and Beth’s date night!"

25. The Island Provisions

Q: You're stranded on a beach with only three books, one album, and one fictional character. What are you bringing?

Ellis Darnell: "Books - Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam, The Teacher by Freida McFadden, and Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak.

One album - Gone Now by Bleachers.

One fictional character - Louise Belcher from Bob’s Burgers."

26. Vacation Destinations

Q: What fictional world would you most like to visit for a week?

Ellis Darnell: "Velaris!"

27. The Literary Confection

Q: If your writing style were a dessert, what dessert would it be and why?

(Ellis left us with a sweet cliffhanger on this one—but based on her book, we’re betting it tastes like a warm lemon-blueberry scone with a side of heartfelt comfort!)

28. Return to the Coast

Q: Can readers expect more stories set in the world of Driftbay?

Ellis Darnell: "Oh, yes. I’m excited to expand the collection."

29. Sneak Peeks & Signings

Q: Are there any upcoming projects or future releases that you're especially excited to share with readers?

Ellis Darnell: "While I can’t say too much, I am planning book two for these characters, focusing on early-reader fan favorites, Beth and Judith. I also will be having some signings this summer and fall! You can check the schedule on my Instagram, @authorellisdarnell."

30. The Lasting Impression

Q: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from What The Heart Wants after turning the final page?

Ellis Darnell: "Grief and love are messy, but what’s meant to be will always work out in the end."

Support the Author & Secure Your Copy!

What The Heart Wants is available for pre-order right now! Support Ellis's incredible self-published debut journey by ordering through these fantastic book boutiques:

• Signed & Special Pre-orders: The Enchanted Heart Booktique

• Sweet & Spicy Romance Picks: Coastal Cowboy Romance Bookstore

• Local Indie Support: Wallflower Book Co.

Connect with Ellis Darnell online:

• Official Website: Author Ellis Darnell

• Instagram/Threads: @authorellisdarnell

• Goodreads: Ellis Darnell Page

• 
  

📱 Instagram & TikTok Caption

Caption:

Pack your bags, we’re heading to Driftbay! 

🌊 Custom-designed for our favorite comfort romance lovers, we’re sitting down with debut novelist Ellis Darnell to chat all things healing, small-town charm, and the ultimate Taylor Swift bookish playlist. 🎧✨

From crying over her very first physical proof copy to drafting 85% of her entire manuscript directly on an iPhone notes app, Ellis’s journey is just as inspiring as her sweet, heartfelt storytelling.

Here’s a little taste of our interview:

📖 In three words, what is What The Heart Wants?

"Cozy, sweet, and heartfelt."

🧁 If your book were a baked good, what would it be?

"Thea’s lemon-blueberry scones... They’re sweet and a little tart, just like the journeys with grief and love."

💡 What's one thing readers should know before picking it up?

"Just like grief, love isn’t linear but it’s never too late for true love."

Ready for the full 30-question deep dive? 💎

Ellis gets completely candid about overcoming imposter syndrome, the theater management background that inspires her characters, and a sneak peek into Book 2! Tap the link in our bio to visit our Bindery page and read the full exclusive interview.

Link in Bio to Read More!

📚 Are you an author interested in being featured in a future Book Club Conversation? Visit our Linktree and complete the Author Interest Form!

💬 Readers: Is there an author you'd love to see us interview? Drop their name in the comments below!

👯 Authors: Tag an author friend who might enjoy sharing their story with our community.

#BookTok #CozyRomance #SmallTownRomance #DebutAuthor #WhatTheHeartWants #Bookstagram #SwiftieBookish

Welcome back to new Book Club Conversations, book lovers! If your favorite kind of read involves a charming coastal town, a cozy diner, a dash of mouthwatering baking recipes, and a deeply moving story of healing and love, you are going to fall head over heels for today’s featured author.

We are sitting down with debut novelist Ellis Darnell to celebrate the upcoming release of her book, What The Heart Wants! Ellis shares the emotional milestone of unboxing her very first proof copy, the exact Taylor Swift tracks that capture the vibe of her book, and how dual perspectives helped bring this sweet, comforting world to life.

Enjoy part one of our interview below!

1. The Debut Milestone

Q: Congratulations on your debut release! What has been the most exciting part of preparing for the launch of What The Heart Wants?

Ellis Darnell: "Thank you so much! Honestly, the most exciting and special part before launch was getting my first proof copy. Getting to physically hold the story in my hands was such a monumental moment, a culmination of so much hard work. I cried when I unboxed the first copy!"

2. Describe the Vibe

Q: For readers discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe What The Heart Wants in three words?

Ellis Darnell: "Cozy, sweet, and heartfelt."

3. A Long-Awaited Spark

Q: What inspired you to write a story centered around love, grief, family, and fresh starts?

Ellis Darnell: "I got the basic idea when I was seventeen, of a young girl reeling from the loss of her mom and going to live with her aunt. I wrote a (very rough) story around that time. Then life happened and so many years went by and I stopped writing for a long time. I got inspired again about two years ago for the diner aspect, and just stuck a note in my phone about it.

Then last fall, the story hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew I had to tell it. I had always wanted to tell stories from different perspectives but didn’t know how to structure it when I was younger. It wasn’t until I started reading Freida McFadden books that I realized I could write different perspectives and how I could structure it. I knew I wanted to write from Thea’s perspective, and adding her aunt’s in changed so much with what I could do for the draft."

4. Dreaming of Driftbay

Q: Driftbay sounds like a charming coastal town. What drew you to that setting, and is there anything readers should know about it before diving in?

Ellis Darnell: "The beach always relaxes me. I actually vacationed at the beach while I was working on the book and getting to spend a few days beachside while delving into these characters really helped me create the setting. I’m also from a small town in the Midwest, so combining both aspects created a perfect slice of heaven for me. I wanted somewhere peaceful where Thea could heal and discover that sometimes the smallest places take up the biggest room in our hearts."

5. The Ultimate Comfort Food

Q: Baking plays a role in the story. If you could choose one baked good that perfectly represents What The Heart Wants, what would it be and why?

Ellis Darnell: "While there’s many recipes mentioned in the book, I think Thea’s lemon-blueberry scones would represent the book the best. They’re sweet and a little tart, just like Thea’s and Beth’s journeys with grief and love."

6. The Swiftie Soundtrack

Q: Your author bio mentions that you're a huge Taylor Swift fan. If What The Heart Wants had an unofficial Taylor Swift soundtrack, what songs would make the playlist?

Ellis Darnell: "OH MAN - this is a tough one! Guilty as Sin? is included in the book playlist, but if I had to make just a Taylor playlist, it would be…

• Guilty as Sin?

• Ruin the Friendship

• Opalite

• You Are In Love

• State of Grace

• Treacherous

• Everything Has Changed

• Enchanted

• Fearless

• Labyrinth

• Midnight Rain

• evermore

• Daylight

• Lover

• Gorgeous

• Tied Together With a Smile"

7. A Note for Readers

Q: If readers could only know one thing before picking up your book, what would you want them to know?

Ellis Darnell: "Just like grief, love isn’t linear but it’s never too late for true love."

8. The Ultimate Comfort Read

Q: The Comfort Read: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?

Ellis Darnell: "Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam - I discovered it in junior high and it’s still one of my favorite books to this day!"

9. Resting on the Nightstand

Q: The To-Be-Read Pile: What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?

Ellis Darnell:

• A Kingdom of Salt and Stone – Liv Webster

• Comeback Season – Sarah Adkins

• Beneath The Broken Sky – Emily Scotto

• Everything’s Coming Up Rosie – Courtney Walsh

10. The Gateway Book

Q: The Gateway Book: What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?

Ellis Darnell: "Oh, gosh, there’s so many! But definitely the American Girls series - I remember devouring all of the girls’ stories. I had the Felicity doll, and was also a huge fan of Molly, Addy, and Samantha!"

Join The First Editions for the Full Interview! 💎

Want to dive even deeper into Ellis Darnell’s writing journey? This free preview is just the beginning! By upgrading to our premium membership, The First Editions, you can unlock the complete, unedited Q&A right now.

What you'll unlock as a premium member:

• The Full Interview: Exclusive bonus questions where Ellis dishes out her absolute best advice for aspiring debut authors, behind-the-scenes secrets of writing What The Heart Wants, and what she is working on next.

• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Early reveals of upcoming author spotlights, cover reveals, and community features before anyone else sees them.

• Exclusive Community Perks: Join dedicated discussion threads with fellow romance lovers, participate in member-only book giveaways, and get direct access to our premium literary events.

Don't miss out on the full story—join The First Editions family today!

Support the Author & Secure Your Copy!

What The Heart Wants is available for pre-order right now! Support Ellis and these wonderful indie bookstores by grabbing your copy via the links below:

• Signed Copies: The Enchanted Heart Booktique

• Coastal Cowboy Romance Bookstore: Shop Romance Books & Literature

• Wallflower Book Co.: Pre-Order Online

Connect with Ellis Darnell:

• Official Website: Author Ellis Darnell

• Instagram/Threads: @authorellisdarnell

• Goodreads: Ellis Darnell Author Page

Welcome to your exclusive deep dive into the world of Shepherd’s Grove!

DeAnna Kaye Fields is currently having a whirlwind summer with back-to-back releases. Below, she opens up about the emotional weight behind her newest characters, her "pantser" writing habits, and the incredible indie community that helped her bring these stories to life.

1. A Car with Personality

Q: In Golden Hour, Bellamy gives her heart to her patients, her friends, and her beloved Kia Soul named Colonel Mustard. Do you also give your cars dramatic names?

DeAnna: "My cars absolutely DO have dramatic names! In fact, Colonel Mustard was MY yellow Kia Soul, and I loved her! Had to feature her in my first book! My current car, an orange Nissan Rogue, is named Orange Crush!"

2. Real-Life Small Town Charm

Q: What is your absolute favorite thing about Kentucky small-town life that you knew you had to capture in your novels?

DeAnna: "In small-town Kentucky, you will inevitably run into someone you know at Walmart. And if you don’t, you’ll make small talk with someone in line. Or the cashier. Don’t even get me started on the church connections! I absolutely love that part of small-town life!"

3. The Ultimate Writing Fuel

Q: You describe yourself as "hopelessly addicted to Coca-Cola." Is it your ultimate writing fuel?

DeAnna: "Listen, Coca-Cola is now, and forever will be, my go-to drink. I have Coke Hey Dudes (so does Rowena in Grass Is Greener), and when Carnival Cruises switched from Coke to Pepsi about 8 years ago, I sent them a Facebook Message. Now, they have switched back to Coke. You’re welcome Carnival Cruisers!"

4. The Gateway Book

Q: What was the first book you remember reading that made you fall in love with reading?

DeAnna: "The Outsiders. Hands down. I loved that book so much that to this day, some 30 years later, I still cannot eat bologna because Ponyboy could no longer eat it."

5. The Comfort Read

Q: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again?

DeAnna: "This is going to sound odd, but it's Gone With the Wind. I like to escape back into Tara with Scarlett. I mean, Rhett Butler? Hello!"

6. The To-Be-Read Pile

Q: What exciting books are currently hiding in your own TBR pile?

DeAnna: "Valicity Elaine’s Withered Rose series, JB Juke’s Wen Rising... there’s honestly so many! I just went to Indy Lit Con ‘26 and found so many Indie authors I'm wanting to dig into!"

7. Building the Grove

Q: Golden Hour focuses on Edison and Bellamy, while Grass Is Greener shifts to Rowena and Luther. How do these two couples interact within the broader community?

DeAnna: "One of my favorite things about Shepherd's Grove is watching side characters grow into main characters. While Bellamy and Edison aren't front and center in Grass Is Greener, readers will still see familiar faces. Characters pop in and out of each other's lives just like they would in a real small town."

8. Balancing Light and Shadow

Q: In Grass Is Greener, you tackle heavy themes like grief and addiction recovery. How do you balance the cozy safety of a closed-door romance with these emotional struggles?

DeAnna: "No life is perfect, and I want to show that. There are happy, joyous moments in the midst of grief, addiction recovery, or other heavy elements. Love still blooms even if there’s fog or obstacles."

9. Pursuing the Dream

Q: What was the exact spark that made you say, 'It's time to sit down and write these stories'?

DeAnna: "My youngest daughter graduated and got a job and a boyfriend. She wasn’t around much, so I suddenly had more time on my hands. I decided to put that time to good use!"

10. Plotter vs. Pantser

Q: Do you outline everything or fly by the seat of your pants?

DeAnna: "Oh, I’m a pantser who sorta kinda knows the plot. Just today, I completely rewrote book 5 (including the title) while washing my hair! Sometimes the characters take over, but I try to reign them in!"

11. The Writing Setup & Routine

Q: Are you a desk-and-computer writer or a couch-and-laptop writer? Morning bird or night owl?

DeAnna: "I sit in the living room at a TV tray in a chair we got from my mother-in-law. I like being in the living room with my hubby. During the week, I write in the evenings as I still have a full-time job. Saturdays I tend to get started in the afternoons after my husband and I have finished our dilly-dallying."

12. The Hardest Part

Q: What comes easiest atmosphere, banter, or breakthroughs? And what makes you want to pull your hair out?

DeAnna: "It all drifts between easy and difficult. Sometimes I crack myself up with the banter; other times I’m stuck. The emotional breakthroughs can be tough. Book 3, Signed in Red, has some emotional elements that actually made me cry while writing them. That was… difficult."

13. The Cast

Q: If you could spend one day hanging out with any character from your upcoming books, who would it be?

DeAnna: "Grass Is Greener has a dog named Ivy she’s named after a dog we lost, IV. Honestly, I’d love to hang out with Luther’s girl and give her all the pets and cuddles."

14. Double Summer Celebrations

Q: With Golden Hour out July 1st and Grass Is Greener out September 1st, do you have any release-day traditions?

DeAnna: "Well, Golden Hour is my first, so no traditions yet! I am having a launch party at my favorite local bookstore, Main Book Hook, and I hope to make that a tradition! With signings and writing and editing, I may not see much sun this summer!"

A Final Word from DeAnna: "The indie author community is like none other. I've needed help from recommendations to KDP hiccups to joining lives, and multiple people from across all genres and continents have stepped up. They get nothing for it either, just my eternal gratitude. I'm blessed to be a part of this community!"

🔗 Connect with DeAnna Kaye Fields

• Official Website: www.dkfwrites.com

• Socials: @dkfwrites (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads)

• Goodreads: Follow DeAnna's Reviews

Add the Shepherd's Grove Stories to your shelf:

• Read Golden Hour: Amazon Link

• Pre-order Grass Is Greener: Amazon Link