I have to say the past two weeks have felt a little surreal.
On April 28, I released Mending Hearts, my first book in seven years, and and watching the sales come in has been one of the coolest experiences of my life. When I first started publishing my books back in 2013, I had no clue what I was doing, but this time it was different because I’ve learned so much since then.
At random moments, I catch myself smiling and thinking, people are buying my book right now. It still doesn't feel entirely real.
Here’s what included this week:
My First Book Sales
Jessie and the Garden
What I’m Currently Reading
Launching a new book is hard work. But after releasing my book, I can say without hesitation—it’s worth every bit of it.
In the first two weeks, I sold copies through my shop, on Amazon, and through Draft2Digital. One of those sales was to a library, which made me do a little happy dance, because that means my book might be read by many people over the years. Knowing Mending Hearts is in a library's digital collection somewhere feels like a dream come true for this school librarian.
But the moment that really got me happened at work.
A coworker came up to me and said she’d finished Mending Hearts, and that it had made her a little teary-eyed.
I wasn’t expecting that at all.
I write sweet romance because I believe in stories that leave you feeling good and hopeful. But hearing that Rachel and Greg’s story actually moved someone to tears? That’s the kind of thing that reminds you why you write in the first place.
After two weeks of giving myself permission to breathe and just be, I’m ready to get back to Sunrise Beach. Book 2 is calling my name, and I’m genuinely excited to see where this next story takes me. I’ll be sharing more as it unfolds so stay tuned.
Hey, it’s Jessie. Spring has officially arrived at our house, and that means one thing. Mom is outside getting her garden ready to plant.
I take my supervisory duties very seriously, so I’ve been right there with her, keeping a close eye on what she’s doing. Belle has been out there too, though she has a different approach to the job. She finds a warm patch of sunshine and just soaks it in.
Honestly? She might be the smarter one.
There’s something to be said for knowing when to work hard and when to find your sunny spot and relax. Mom could probably take a lesson from both of us.
PS Don’t tell her I said that.
While you’re waiting for Book 2, I don’t want to leave you without something great to read! I’ve been connecting with some wonderful authors lately, and I’m excited to share a few of their books with you.
I haven’t gotten to read these ones yet myself, but they’re already on my list.
I’m actually juggling two books right now—an audiobook and a physical book.
I’m listening to The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center on audio, and I’m enjoying it. There is some swearing, and some dialogue that might not be for everyone. But it’s closed door so far. And I’ve been rereading The Disappearance of Vanessa Shaw by Sarra Cannon for a reading challenge I’m doing.
If you’ve read either of these, I’d love to hear what you thought!
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