A Place Called Home invites readers on a deeply personal journey through heartbreak, resilience, and reinvention, tracing your transition from a painful divorce to establishing a unique, welcoming household that becomes a refuge for strangers and a sanctuary for yourself and your daughter. Why was this an important book for you to write?

This book had been living inside me for a long time. The experience of creating a new home and family out of a challenging time stayed with me, and I always had a feeling it might help someone else. After my divorce, I didn’t know how I was going to manage—financially or emotionally. But with faith, creativity, and support from others, I found a way forward. Writing A Place Called Home gave me the chance to reflect on that time and hopefully encourage someone else who might be wondering, “How can I do this?” I may not have all the answers, but I hope my story sparks ideas or comfort for someone who needs it.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

More than anything, I wanted to share the feeling of community and the power of opening your heart and home to others. The people who came to live with us were going through transitions of their own. Somehow, in supporting each other, we all found a bit of healing. I wanted to show that even if your family looks different than you expected, it can still be full of trust, love, and faith. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, the act of taking a step—of saying yes—can lead to beautiful things.

What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?

The most challenging part was simply finding the confidence to begin. I’ve always loved the idea of writing a book, but I wasn’t sure I could do it. Thankfully, my daughter encouraged me to try a writing program, and that helped me learn the basics and find a supportive community. From there, the memories just started to flow. The most rewarding part was seeing my thoughts and feelings take shape on the page—especially when I’d read something back and think, “Yes, that’s exactly how it felt.” That was a wonderful feeling.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

I hope they come away with a sense of hope. Life has a way of surprising us, especially during times of transition. It’s not always easy, but starting over is possible—and sometimes it leads to something even better than you imagined. I also hope readers feel inspired to advocate for themselves, to reach out, and to trust that the right people and opportunities can show up when you make space for them.

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