What is “semi-sweet romance,” and how is it different from other romance genres?

Semi-sweet romance sits right in the middle—it has all the chemistry, tension, and emotional depth readers love, but without on-page spice. My stories include real-life moments, a touch of adult humor, and meaningful connection, while keeping the romance closed-door. It’s for readers who want to feel the spark without the explicit scenes, and who enjoy stories that focus just as much on heart, humor, and relationships as they do on romance.

What inspired the world of Strawberry Grove, TN?

Strawberry Grove was inspired by my love of small-town life—the kind where everyone knows your name, your business, and probably your grandmother’s biscuit recipe. I wanted to create a place that felt warm, familiar, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. It’s a town full of personality, where the gossip travels fast, the neighbors are deeply invested, and love has a way of showing up when you least expect it.

Why do you choose to write without on-page spice?

For me, it comes down to the kind of stories I love to read and want to write. I’m drawn to romance that focuses on emotional connection, character growth, and the little moments that make a relationship feel real. Writing without on-page spice allows me to keep the focus there, while still including chemistry, humor, and depth. It also makes my books accessible to a wider range of readers who are looking for romance that feels meaningful without being explicit.

How does your faith influence your writing?

My faith shapes everything I do, including my writing. It influences the way I approach love, relationships, and character growth. While my books aren’t preachy, there’s always a quiet thread of faith woven throughout—reflected in themes of grace, forgiveness, commitment, and choosing to love others well. It’s less about saying it outright and more about letting those values naturally show up in the story.

What does a typical day look like in your household?

“Typical” is a flexible term in a house with seven kids—but most days are a mix of homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, and managing the kind of joyful chaos that comes with a full house. There’s usually music playing, at least one child asking a question I have to Google, and something baking in the oven. Writing happens in the margins—early mornings, late nights, or any quiet moment I can find in between everything else.

How do you balance writing with homeschooling and motherhood?

Balance might be a generous word—I think of it more as a constant juggling act. I’ve learned to be flexible and to make the most of the time I do have. Some seasons are more writing-heavy, others are more family-focused, and that’s okay. I give myself a lot of grace and focus on consistency over perfection. Even small pockets of time add up, and over time, those moments turn into finished books.

What do you hope readers feel when they finish one of your books?

I want readers to close the book feeling warm, hopeful, and a little bit lighter than when they started. Like they’ve just spent time somewhere safe and comforting—with characters who feel real and a love story that reminds them of the good in people. If it feels like coming home, makes them laugh, and leaves them believing in love just a little bit more, then I’ve done what I set out to do.