Fictional Novels

An Unexpected Adventure — 2nd Edition

What began as a dream in 2012 has grown into something that has turned into my own journey and adventure.

When I self-published An Unexpected Adventure in 2012, I knew the story had potential but also knew it needed polishing. Over the years, I have revised, expanded, and polished this story into the version it was always meant to be.

The 2nd Edition features an expanded story, a fully redesigned cover, and a level of polish that I am truly proud to put my name on. The cover you see here was designed by me using a brand-new skill I taught myself specifically for this edition.

An Unexpected Adventure is a fantasy fiction novel about a young woman just coming of age and her longing for adventure. She soon discovers that the adventure she always wanted looks nothing like she imagined. Along the way, she finds friendship, wonder, hardship, and loss — and must find the courage to face a danger she never could have prepared for.

Katina’s story is ready to meet the world once again.

Available June 10th, 2026

Short Stories

Hopelessly Battered was a short story written during a particularly dark period in my life. This short story was written as a way to cope with my own personal issues. A friend of mine who has a non-profit organization was so impressed with my story and what it symbolized that she wanted to use it in her work. I granted her permission, so long as credit was given to me as the author.

It tells a story of a deeply lonely young woman who, despite having material comforts and people around her, feels profoundly empty inside. She seeks refuge from her isolation by entering a café where she meets a compassionate stranger. Through their conversation, she reveals her emotional pain—years of feeling abandoned, forgotten, and repeatedly hurt have led her to lock her heart away for protection.

The stranger shares his own story of suffering and offers to heal her battered heart if she’ll retrieve it from hiding. Desperate for relief, she rushes home, retrieves the locked box containing her dusty, bruised heart, and returns to the café despite the excruciating pain of carrying it.

The man gently cleans and heals her heart as she watches through tears. The pain gradually eases until her heart is restored—no longer bruised or dirty. He promises to always be there whenever she needs him. Though she initially visits daily as promised, life eventually distracts her, and she forgets. But eventually her heart grows heavy again, she returns to find him still waiting patiently at their table, ready to offer his love and support.

The story is an allegory about emotional healing, the courage required to be vulnerable, and the faithful, restorative presence of unconditional love.

If you would like to read this story, please contact me, and I will be happy to share it with you.