Characters Unveiled: Get to Know Avila, Matthias, and Callie

Happy March, readers!

What’s in this Edition:

• Astonished‘s Ladies League has a Name – Find out what it is.
• Avila, Matthias, & Callie – Learn more about Astonished‘s main characters.
• Recent Reads I Recommend – My favorite reads from last month.
• A Little Non-Bookish Delight – The Phantom of the Opera is here.
• Upcoming Events – Where to find me in 2026

Astonished‘s Ladies League Has a Name

Thank you to everyone who submitted suggestions for Astonished‘s ladies league. There were so many good choices, but in the end only one could be chosen. Congratulations to:

Roses of the Ridge

Thank you to Heather S for the suggestion! I chose this name because Missouri’s state flower, the Hawthorn Blossom, for which the town Hawthorn Ridge is named, is from the rose family. So, the ladies in the group will be referred to as the Roses. When Heather mentioned the connection, it seemed like the perfect fit.

Avila, Matthias, and Callie

With only a few months left until Astonished releases on July 24, it seemed like a good time to officially introduce you to the story’s three main characters. There are a lot of side characters, too, but we’ll save them for another day. For today, let’s get to know Avila, Matthias, and Callie a little better. (Model photos are compiled from Unsplash. Aesthetic photos from Unsplash and Canva.)

Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter where I’m hoping to include a cover reveal and pre-order links.

Recent Reads I Recommend

Need another book for your TBR? Of course you do. Here are the books I’ve recently read and loved. (Note: I receive no compensation for featuring the books below.)

I have a strange love for survival films (natural disasters, apocalypse, etc.) and marriage reconciliation stories, so I knew I was going to love The Fault Between Us even before reading it. And I enjoyed it even more than I thought. Set in 1959, author Stephanie Landsem creates a high stakes story where I was invested in all the characters, including 4 POV characters and many side characters. (As an author myself, I can tell you that it isn’t easy to write 4 points of view and write them all well.) Each of the characters had realistic motivations for their actions and even when they were misguided, I could understand where they were coming from. By the time the actual Hebgen Lake earthquake happened about halfway through the story, I was on the edge of my seat, flying through the pages, hoping beyond hope that all of them would make it out alive. Whether they do or not, I won’t share. You’ll have to read that for yourself.

Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!

Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.

A Little Non-Bookish Delight

Yesterday, my family attended the closing night performance of one of my favorite musicals, The Phantom of the Opera at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, here in St. Louis. I’ve seen this show at least five times before and every time is just as good as the last. The man who played last night’s Phantom was the best I’ve seen yet! While the movie is good, if you haven’t seen the stage version, the special effects, sets, and costumes absolutely make the show. I majored in theatrical design in college and I nerd out every time those candles slowly glide up through the fog.

Extra special thanks to my husband for the assist with the photo!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! Here’s where you can find me and my books in 2026, including the opportunity to pre-order Astonished. All events are in partnership with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. As additional events are scheduled, I’ll add details on my website.

• Catholic Women for Christ Conference – March 21, 2026 – St. Louis University High School – Requires advanced registration.
• Incarnate Word Academy Spring Boutique – April 23, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – Requires advanced registration.
• Elks Lodge 2587 Craft Fair – July 18, 2026 – O’Fallon, MO
• St. Joseph Catholic School Craft Fair – October 10, 2026 – Cottleville, MO
• Francis Howell High Band Craft Fair – December 5, 2026 – Weldon Springs, MO

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