elle early

The inspiration for Bury the Child came from my love of gothic storytelling and the haunting beauty of small towns with deep, untold secrets. I was drawn to the idea of exploring the hidden scars that linger in families and communities, and how those wounds shape the people who live there.

The story began as a “what if” question: What if a woman broke down in a small town, only to uncover secrets that force her to confront both her past and the darkness she lived with as a young woman? The more I wrote, the more the tale unfolded into a mix of suspense, romance, and emotional reckoning—a true gothic journey that’s as unsettling as it is redemptive.

Giovanni Spada is the quintessential gothic, Byronic hero—brooding, enigmatic, and haunted by a past he can’t escape. But beneath his stormy exterior lies a man with a fiercely loyal heart and a depth of compassion that surprises even himself. He’s a protector at his core, though his methods are often as shadowed as his soul. Giovanni’s journey is one of redemption, love, and the struggle to find light in the darkness—making him impossible to resist.

Bury the Child delivers all the gothic romance goodness you crave, including a crumbling mansion steeped in secrets and a brooding hero you can’t help but fall for. Expect a dark, atmospheric setting, simmering tension, and a story where love blossoms amidst shadows and whispers of the past.

The story unfolds in River Pines, a small, secluded town nestled on the rugged shores of Lake Superior. With its windswept rocky shores, dense forests, and a chilling sense of isolation, River Pines is as beautiful as it is eerie. The town is steeped in history and secrets, with Hirondelle House at its heart casting long shadows over the lives of those who live there.

Bury the Child brings the heat with a three out of five spicy peppers rating. The romance is steamy, with moments of intense passion that sizzle amidst the suspense. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and while the love scene is open-door, they’re balanced with the emotional depth and mystery that drive the story.

The lakeside setting in Bury the Child was inspired by the setting of my grandparents’ cottage on Harsen’s Island, Michigan (even though it was the St. Clair River and not Lake Superior). Growing up, I spent summers there, and the vibe and close-knit community of the island are reflected in the mystique of River Pines.