I’ve been working on my new novel for over 18 months. What started as a simple feel-good story became so much more! I was in a dark place, searching for light, positivity, and relief when I began writing my latest book. But Abby (my main character) surprised me. Her story has taken me on a journey that was healing in many ways, and I believe it will do the same for you.

Why?

Abby is a lot like me and you.

As I got to know Abby, I realized she had a lot going on inside that needed to be honestly addressed. She misses her mom, deeply. She has triggers, real moments that take her by surprise and scare her. She is angry and sad and, sometimes, happy and excited all at the same time.

If you are a girl of any age, I am sure you can resonate!

Writing this story has made me cry more than once, bringing out my own grief journey and forcing me to face it head-on, but it has also made me laugh. The little town of Torrance is full of quirky characters with good hearts, meddling old women who want to see a young couple fall in love, and is centered around a diner that will have you yearning for a plate of chicken-fried steak and sweet tea.

Yes, Abby has to wrestle with some hard things: grief, anger, confusion, change…but she also falls in love with a boy who doesn’t back off when she is struggling.

And isn’t that what every girl longs for? A boy who sees the weight we carry and, instead of running away, helps us carry it?

I can see the finish line!

I can hardly wait to share this story with you! I hope to wrap it up by Christmas, find a good editor then, hopefully, an agent. Pray for your girl. I self-published my last novel but have decided to give the traditional route a go this time. I truly believe this story has what it takes and I am finally confident enough to entrust it to a good agent and publisher.

(And if you happen to know a good editor and/or agent feel free to let me know!)

More soon!

Jeanine