I grew up in a small coal mining community surrounded by farms, the Appalachian Mountains, and plenty of room to explore. The last of four children, my parents nurtured in me a sense of independence early on. I lived to be outdoors with my friends. We'd play from morning until night and experience the norms and imperfections of life that make us who we are today. For their love and trust, I am forever grateful. That freedom to play and explore allowed my imagination to grow, and helped foster my desire to write. Life now is more simple, but never dull, with my husband Jeff, our 3 children, Sadie (my Harlequin macaw) Whinnie, (our English bulldog) and our growing family (grand-babies!). My stories, hopefully, will uplift and delight parents, as well as the young reader. Enjoy!