I want to share why I wrote the Dove Pond books. If you’ve read any of them (and #4 is out right now – THE BOOKSHOP OF HIDDEN DREAMS), you’ll notice there’s a delicate bit of magic threaded throughout each book. I’m firmly of the belief that we need more magic in our lives right now, so you’ll find some in each visit to Dove Pond. You’ll meet the seven Dove sisters who are able to bring happiness into the lives of others, but they’re not the only ones. Read closely and you’ll see that other families in Dove Pond have other, less mentioned abilities. But Dove Pond is more than magic. As a reader, I’m very drawn to books set in small towns. That’s not surprising as I grew up in one, and I live in one now. I love walking downtown, visiting unique shops where I personally know the owners, and stopping to have coffee with my neighbors. Small towns are about the people who live there, and their relationships with each other. They feel safe to me. And comfortable. And welcoming. And—best of all—like home. When you visit Dove Pond, you aren’t only visiting the Dove family…

1–What is the title of your latest release? THE SECRET RECIPE OF ELLA DOVE 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? Ella Dove, a famous baker with the mystical ability to revive precious memories with her cakes, returns home and attempts to repair the two relationships that sent her running away from home to begin with. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I grew up in East Tennessee, which is in the extreme east point of the state. North Carolina was about fifteen minutes away, so we almost always played, fished, shopped, and skied in that state because of their wonderful mountains and quaint towns. The small town of Dove Pond is a compilation of all those wonderful towns, especially Black Mountain, which is located right outside of Asheville. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Heck YES. Ella’s self-confident, caring, and fun. She’s also a baker, and a magical baker at that, whose cakes and scones can bring back very dear, precious memories. I wish I really knew Ella Dove! 5–What are three words that describe your hero? Caring, funny, and empathetic. 6–What’s something you learned while writing this…

Those of you who’ve read my work know I frequently write about magic (the Maclean Curse and Talisman Ring Series), and now I’m beginning an entirely new, contemporary magic realism series. THE BOOK CHARMER is my newest book and it’s about a woman who is one of seven sisters, each with their own magical ability. Sarah Dove’s magic is that she can talk to books … and they can talk back, too, which is super helpful as she’s a librarian and so knows which book belongs with which reader. If I could have a magical power, I’d want Sarah’s because I can imagine of no power so wonderful as seeing a reader’s face light up as they read a book they love. Which is why I put it first in my list of FIVE TYPES OF MAGIC WE ALL NEED: 1. The magic of the right book at the right time. You know how it happens — there you are, dealing with something personal and heavy, when you find yourself lost in a book that gives you a deep sense of comfort. Sometimes the book dwells on the same issue you’re struggling with and gives you fresh ideas of how to handle…