A Flower from Keanu follows a guarded small-town florist whose chance at renewal and love is threatened by family wounds, development pressures, and secrets buried deep within their community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I’ve lived in many small towns throughout my life (and throughout the world), and the dynamics are the same: unplanned, explosive growth that changes the fabric of the community, the politics of power-shifts with new money coming in, and how changes can benefit and/or break the community itself. I wanted to use that as a backdrop to Cassandra’s personal struggles, not only as a business owner, but as a woman who does not want to become a victim of her own angst, and works very hard to overcome those obstacles.

Why did you choose a flower shop as the place where Cassandra rebuilds her life?

Because flowers and plants really show the elements of life: beauty, brittleness, resilience, the clipping off of unwanted baggage, the loving, and the constant renewal. Life, death, and life, in an unending circle.

How did you balance the warmth of the romance with the suspense, conflict, and buried secrets of Hidden Glen?

Actually, it came easy because I only wanted the suspense to touch elements of her business, the town, and bits of her personal life. The romance was the focus, always. However, I did have to be careful, though, not to overwhelm the reader with too much town drama.

What does the rare Christmas flower symbolize for Cassandra and Keanu?

Symbolizes destiny, love, hope (despite the odds), and beauty renewed. That miracles, although rare, can happen.

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