My Works in Progress

The Magic of Wings

An antique dragonfly necklace—allegedly once pirate booty.

Vivid dreams of British ladies in empress-style gowns—one in tears about a ladybug with no spots.

A ride on a Gasparilla float that transports far further than any parade route.

On a break from less than stellar dating experiences, Mallory joins the Krewe of the Gasparilla Garter to jumpstart her life. The fun group’s big event of the year is Tampa’s Parade of Pirates. But ever since buying a vintage dragonfly necklace she’ll wear at the coronation ball and parade, she’s freaked out by an intense, realistic dream—a red-haired lady from a long gone era is in teary despair about a pirate filching her dragonfly necklace.

While decorating the float, Mallory hears old-timey sailor’s commands and sees the face of the compass spin, attributing those imaginings to strong glue and her immersion in the new hobby.

At the coronation ball, a potent attraction sizzles between Mallory and Wes, a member of The Salty Dog krewe. Her best friend describes him as a player, so Mallory rebuffs his flirtatious advances. Does he see her as a tantalizing challenge, ’cause he sure doesn’t scare away easily?

Just when their fates seem slated to intertwine, a momentous ride on the Gasparilla float transports Mallory much farther away than any parade route—and her ordinary life.

Seasons Spin Round

(A contemporary romance with elements of magical realism, set in fictional towns within Vermont.)

With all the ups and downs her holiday season brings, Silver Vail may as well be a carousel horse—and in fact, she’s carving one. The fun hobby distracts her from heartbreak.

Just when she thinks her relationship is growing deeper with ski-instructor Terrance, he delivers shocking news, compelling Silver to fill the next four seasons with something else to be passionate about. That outlet is the carving class taught by charismatic Jake Finn. The chemistry between them is clear as winter icicles, but her in-limbo romance with Terrance, combined with Jake’s reluctance to date a customer, keeps them from acting on the attraction.

Jake showers her with attention. But is he romantically interested or just a friendly person? Has Terrance’s adventurous nature been good for her, bringing her out of a homebody shell, or are they incompatible? The hard choices Silver must make sends her life spinning in emotional, unbridled directions.