Love Letter to Amelia Island

I have dreamed about writing a children’s picture book ever since I became a mom in 2012. Maybe it was the warmth of snuggling with my baby boy as I read to him. Maybe it was my love for the beautiful illustrations or the sweet stories themselves. But when we bought our place on the beach I knew I had found my inspiration! With every walk on the beach, every bike ride to Fort Clinch and every stroll around Downtown Fernandina Beach, I imagined a little dog and his best pal exploring the wonders of Amelia Island.

After years of writing, editing and searching for the perfect illustrator, I am thrilled to share that my debut children’s picture book, Marcus Finds Fantastic Flavors, will launch this spring! My story is about a Westie dog named Marcus and his best boy, Boo. From the beach to Fort Clinch to the harbor, Marcus and Boo are always together. But one day on the way to get ice cream in town (one of my son’s favorite island activities), Marcus goes chasing after some furry friends (a pair of Frenchies) — and loses Boo! How will Marcus find his best boy again? Well, you’ll just have to wait for the book launch to find out!

The book is a fun little story with a nice message about the value of sharing. But more than that, it is my love letter to Amelia Island. As I hope you will see when the book is released, Marcus and Boo will take you for a romp around Amelia Island, revealing all of my favorite spots through gorgeous illustrations created by the talented Anil Tortop.

In the meantime, I leave you with the cover for Marcus Finds Fantastic Flavors, and my best wishes for each and every one of you to enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s Day exploring the wonders of Amelia Island. Or planning your next trip to our Fantastic little island!