Hello readers,
Two books in my series They All Had a Reason are set at the beach. Some of my earliest and fondest memories were made on the sun-drenched beaches of Southern California. I can still close my eyes and be transported to those days, feeling the warm sand under my feet and hearing the steady rhythm of the waves rolling in.
My older brothers never did anything halfway. They’d lug full-sized shovels down to the shore and build enormous sand sculptures—mostly forts with real moats that could bravely survive the incoming tide… at least for a while. We’d spend hours in the surf with boogie boards, body surfing until our arms ached, swallowing and coughing seawater. There were wipeouts and close calls, scraped knees and stinging salt in our eyes. But we loved it. It was magic. It still is.
Those beach days never really left me. They creep into my stories as quiet backdrops–emotional landmarks where characters face their demons, fears, moral uncertainty, and sometimes find healing. The ocean is unpredictable, powerful, and beautiful… just like life. That is why it keeps showing up, in one way or another, in my stories.
Thanks for reading—and for coming along with me on these journeys that still carry the scent of salt in the air and and the warmth of the sun on my cheeks.
Until next time,
Michele
P.S. Did you have a favorite beach (or summer adventure) growing up? I’d love to hear about it. Just hit reply!
