I write contemporary adult and YA fiction that explores real life in all its complexity—always with a generous helping of humor. Praised by Library Journal for writing with “intelligence and subtlety,” my stories capture the authentic, dramatic, and often laugh-out-loud dynamics of family, relationships, and human connection. My debut novel, Night Diving, was recognized with the ForeWord Magazine Silver Award.
My motto is: If you’re not clutching that tissue box, busting out laughing, and humming “Aww!”, I haven’t done my job.
An Italian-American New York kid living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’m an unapologetic “glass-half-full” gal who loves sharp banter, romantic slow burns, long rambling walks, coffee (the elixir of life!), and love stories that also deeply celebrate friendships and family. Whether writing women’s fiction, romance, or YA, I’m drawn to stories where ordinary people discover extraordinary joy in everyday life.
I’ve had an exciting summer, starting with the release of my women’s fiction novel, Mermaid, published in July 2026. That was followed by my YA romance, Spinning Into Gold, on Sept. 8. Merry-Go-Round Man, the first book in my Adult Romance series, will be out in October.
When I’m not writing, you can usually find me on the hunt for my next shortcut life hack, walking along the bay, noticing and sharing those everyday shots of joy, or wrestling—or dancing?—please let it be dancing!—with my latest manuscript.
My short story “Gretel McKay — Goodbye Day” received an Honorable Mention in the Children’s/Young Adult Fiction category of the 2026 Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition.