I’ve been working on two separate projects set in fictional Midwest small-towns. I can’t wait to introduce readers to the first and the sweet folks of New Hope, Wisconsin, in Holidays, Inc. (from The Wild Rose Press). An hour north of Milwaukee, this fictional former manufacturing community fell on hard times during the all-too-real 2008 financial crisis. The town never quite recovered. Until Dani Winter arrived… (stay tuned for more teasers soon!)

A proud Midwesterner since 1993, I’ve been blessed by the hard-working, supportive communities I’ve called home over the past three decades. And I’ve had the opportunity to visit and explore small-towns that have inspired me, including:

Galena, Illinois  History, special events, and spas. All three collide in Galena. With two resorts, Galena offers plenty of adventure year-round (skiing in the winter, golf in the summer). With so much to do in this little corner of Illinois, shopping, historic tours, festivals, visitors might need a couple trips to see it all.

Bayfield, Wisconsin (pictured above)  When I was in high school, my aunt and uncle purchased a vacation home on Madeline Island (across Lake Superior). I was lucky to spend many happy summers as their guest and fell in love with the region. My husband and I married there over a decade ago and had our reception in the white building pictured. The town and surrounding area offer a lot of outdoor adventures, hiking, boating, in addition to sightseeing.

Madison, Indiana  One of my college roommates grew up here. We visited her family, and I was so charmed by the community on the banks of the Ohio, I brought my mom for a return trip. The gorgeous town features a treasure trove of historic sites, houses, and museums. If you love restored old buildings, you have to go. 

If you get the chance to visit these towns, I hope you do!