This Place

Miriam Spencer's world shatters when her brother Jer and his wife Francine die in a snowmobiling accident, leaving their six-year-old daughter Celia orphaned. When Miriam arrives in Holmes Crossing for the funeral, she discovers a devastating complication: while Jer named Duncan Tiemstra as Celia's guardian, Francine named Miriam.Six years ago, Miriam and Duncan were falling in love-until Miriam's past caught up with her and she fled, leaving Duncan with no explanation. Now they're bound together by a grieving child who needs them both, forced to navigate their complicated guardianship arrangement while buried feelings resurface.Miriam carries secrets from her foster care childhood that shaped who she became, and Duncan struggles with his own family burdens and the scars of abandonment. Neither feels worthy of raising Celia, yet their love for this little girl becomes the bridge that might heal them all. With compassionate exploration of loss, family bonds, and how tragedy can become the catalyst for healing, this deeply emotional story honors grief's messy reality while offering genuine hope. After writing over 60 books, I still don't feel like I've written the perfect book.Inspired by long walks in the woods with my two trusty dogs to keep me company and scare away any bears, I keep trying.Sitting in front of the computer, losing myself in other places with other characters gives me hope and happiness. I hope my stories do the same for you.