Starting Afresh is here! The last book in the Henderson County Series is here. It’s the Series finale!

The Journey of Henderson County: From One Stormy Night to a Series Finale

After more than three years, the final installment of my novella-length series is finally out! This moment feels surreal, and I’m reminded of how it all began. Let me share the story one more time, for those who might not have heard it before.

The journey started with the first book, Starting Over, which I wrote for a fall romance competition. The competition had two key requirements:

1. The story had to be a fall romance under 20,000 words.
2. It had to feature one stormy night.

At the time, I was riding a wave of acceptance for several short stories, so my confidence was high. Everything was falling into place: editing was completed, and the launch date was set. But just weeks before release, the publisher announced they were closing their doors.

To their credit, they were incredibly gracious, returning our fully edited stories and wishing us well. While it was disappointing, I wasn’t ready to give up on Starting Over. I reached out to my cover designer and published the novella independently under the J&M umbrella.

The response was incredible, but there was one consistent piece of feedback: readers wanted more. The story had been tied up neatly for the main couple, but the short length left them eager to learn more about the world and its characters.

That feedback planted the seed for what eventually became the Henderson County series. Over the next few years, I expanded the story into four additional novellas. Together, they created a rich, interconnected world that centered on the charming Henderson County and its unforgettable characters.

With those prompts in mind, the story came to me effortlessly. I wrote the first draft in a week, fueled by inspiration and excitement. The cover was designed, and my manuscript was accepted alongside many other talented entries.

Questions and Feedback

One of the questions I’ve been asked repeatedly is: “Why are your characters white?” It’s a fair question. The honest answer is that when I started writing, I created characters I thought would be accepted more easily by publishers. It wasn’t a decision I put much thought into at the time—it felt like a pragmatic choice.

As the series progressed, however, I consciously introduced more diverse characters. Representation matters, and I wanted the evolving world of Henderson County to reflect that.

Would I change anything if I could go back? Honestly, no. These characters and their stories have resonated with readers in ways I could never have imagined, and I’m proud of what the series has become.

Looking back, the journey from Starting Over to the final book has been a labor of love—marked by unexpected twists, a lot of learning, and a community of readers who made it all worthwhile.

To everyone who has followed this journey, thank you. I hope you enjoy the final chapter as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing this world to life.

Get Your Copy of the Final Book in the Henderson County Series!

The journey through Henderson County comes to a heartfelt conclusion with the final installment of the series. Don’t miss this chance to revisit the charming town, reunite with beloved characters, and experience the satisfying end to a story that began on one stormy fall night. Whether you’ve been with the series from the start or are just discovering it now, this book is a perfect blend of romance, community, and second chances. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the world that readers have fallen in love with!

Celebrate the Series with a Special Giveaway!

As a thank-you to all my amazing readers, I’m hosting a special giveaway to celebrate the release of the final book in the Henderson County series. The giveaway includes a signed copy of the first book of my other series In Other Words, a paperback romance by another famous romance author, exclusive swag, and a Christmas chocolate. Don’t miss your chance to win and celebrate the series that started it all!