This Year (book 1)
Status: Publication slated for fall 2026
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Tropes: anonymous communication, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, found family, Christmas romance
Inspiration: I started writing this story while my mother was dying. I was intrigued by this idea of someone continuing to text their parent after they had passed away, and that's how Hadley's story was born. After that, I wanted to weave in what it means to navigate friendships during grief.
A three-part, multi-point-of-view contemporary YA about three girls experiencing grief, forgiveness, friendship, and falling in love during the “most wonderful time of the year.”
This year, Hadley and her dad won’t be doing their annual Black Friday shopping because he died just after the last time. That doesn’t stop her from texting his old number though. When she gets an unexpected response, Hadley has to decide if she’s ready to navigate grief and open up to life (and love) after loss.
This year, Mary Ora has landed the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, but during a promotional routine inside an inflatable snow globe, her dreams are fractured by a reckless driver. Her parents think it’s the perfect opportunity for her to stretch herself, but Mary Ora would prefer that nothing change, including her relationships.
This year, Eve has been abandoned by her mom, her best friend, and at times, her dad. So even though some music lessons might be on her wish list, her priority is finding emotional support for her younger brother and the chance to be let off the hook as his caretaker. Eve will ask anyone for help, as long as it’s not her ex-best friend.
When the three girls’ paths align during the holiday season, they’re forced to face what’s holding them back from the type of friendship and love that make life bright.