This Thanksgiving, I have so much to be grateful for.  I am always grateful for my family, my forest home, and so much more, but this year I am especially grateful for the journey of publishing my first book.

Oliver's Garden has been on my mind for about five years.  I wrote so many drafts, telling the story in my head to my children when they were younger, and I wasn't sure I would ever settle on a final draft.  Then there were illustrations.  Who could I have illustrate this book that I held so dear to me?  After a few attempts and not finding the perfect fit, I asked my middle son, Declan, to give it a go.  His illustration sample blew me away and was the image I didn't even know I had held in my mind.  I am so grateful for him!

I am grateful that I finally took the leap on August 1, 2025, and sent my manuscript to about 15 publishers.  I received offers from four of them.  After weighing all my options, I made the decision to sign with Atmosphere Press.  I am grateful for the professional team at Atmosphere who have been gently guiding me through this new process of publishing, and I can't wait for Oliver's Garden to be in your hands.

I hope this Thanksgiving you will find that one thing you have been putting off doing and push forward.  I know you will be grateful you did.