'Good Job Mom.'

‘Good job today mom, it’s amazing to see you do this all! I’m so glad I could help.’

One simple text, that brought me to tears.

It’s hard to put into words the connection that happens when I share my books during a market but both my daughter and husband got to experience the magic that happens a few weeks ago. Believe me when I say, I couldn’t even make this stuff up.

My daughter shared in a tender moment, with tears in my eyes when one beautiful older lady, (who looked very similar to my late grandmother) purchased three books. It happens EVERY market I go to - one customer ends up reminding me of my Oma Elly and if you know my book story, you know that she is the inspiration behind the ladybugs hidden on all of the pages for the littles to find. We always find what we’re looking for - and for me, I’m always looking for Oma Elly.

My husband and I got to meet the most amazing 9 year old girl named Berkley, who shared with us all about how her dream is to become an author. Heck, she’s already writing novels, so this kid means business! The spark in her eye suggests that she really will move mountains to reach her goal, and I can’t wait to look for her name someday as the author of her own book.

He also got to feel the raw emotion of having a grandmother ask me to sign ‘Lily’s Heavy Heart’ for her young granddaughters, who were grieving the loss of their mother. It was a moment neither of us will forget.

These moments hit deep.

These moments are the reason books and stories matter.

They bring families together. They offer to show us a piece of ourselves. They bring joy, healing and hope.

I’m forever grateful for every reader who’s welcome one of my books into their home, and has shared a piece of their heart with me.