By Kristie Booker

Blooming Into Life

A Novel

In the heart of Chicago, Colleen’s picture-perfect life is shattered by a single photograph—a mysterious image that raises questions about her husband’s faithfulness. Amidst the suffocating expectations of her elite social circle and the constant scrutiny of her mother-in-law, Colleen must confront the doubts that plague her marriage and the void within herself.

Guided by her personal coach, Colleen embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, determined to break free from the confines of her insecurities and rediscover her true strength. As she navigates the complexities of love, trust, and personal growth, Colleen begins to question the life she has built and the woman she has become.

Meanwhile, nestled in the rolling hills of rural Illinois, Mary Ann’s century-old family farm stands as a beacon of tradition and resilience. But beneath the picturesque surface lies a family torn apart by tragedy and the passage of time. With her beloved son, Johnny, forever frozen in memory and her daughter, Colleen, lost to the allure of city life, Mary Ann yearns to bridge the gap between past and present.

When a local news channel offers to showcase their farm as the oldest and largest in the county, Mary Ann seizes the opportunity to reunite her fractured family. Determined to share the wisdom and values of their heritage with her grandchildren, she sets out to convince Colleen to return home for the Fourth of July filming.

As Colleen and Mary Ann’s paths intertwine, they must confront the ghosts of their past and the uncertainties of their future. Through laughter, tears, and the unbreakable bonds of family, they discover that the key to healing lies in embracing their roots and finding strength in each other.

In this heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery, author Kristie Booker weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Blooming Into Life is a testament to the courage it takes to trust, the freedom found in letting go, and the joy of coming home to oneself.

By Kristie Booker

Empty Nest

A Short Story

In this short story that inspired Kristie Booker’s upcoming novel Summer in the Moon Garden, Kat navigates an unexpected event that forces her to confront a new reality threatening to upend her world. Kristie immerses readers in Kat’s emotional journey, using rich descriptions of the setting to mirror her inner turmoil. Once warm and inviting spaces now feel tainted by the revelation of a secret.

As Kat grapples with this new information, the story explores themes of trust, communication, and the challenges of maintaining a sense of self and purpose within a long-term relationship. Driven by Kat’s internal struggle, the narrative offers a poignant and relatable glimpse into the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll of secrets on a family.

Through Kat’s experiences, readers are invited to reflect on the delicate balance of love, loyalty, and personal growth within the context of a shared life. Download your free copy of this thought-provoking short story today!

Get ready to embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship, self-discovery, and second chances in Summer in the Moon Garden, a captivating novel by Kristie Booker.

As Kat’s nineteen-year marriage crumbles and her twin sons study abroad in Spain for the summer, she seeks solace in her hometown of Criss Creek, Illinois, during the annual Memorial Day celebration. There, she reunites with her best friend Jess, who is grappling with her own marital struggles. Desperate to escape her unemployed husband’s negligence and self-destructive behavior, Jess keeps her lottery win a secret, confiding only in Kat.

In an effort to rekindle their zest for life, the two friends create a bucket list, determined to find joy and adventure amidst their personal challenges. Little do they know that their summer will become a transformative journey of self-discovery and reclaiming their freedom.

As if guided by fate, Kat’s first love, Danny, resurfaces, igniting a whirlwind of emotions and old feelings. However, their potential reconnection is complicated by Kat’s turbulent divorce and the lingering guilt she carries for breaking Danny’s heart two decades earlier when she chose her soon-to-be ex-husband.

Summer in the Moon Garden is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the possibility of second chances. Kristie Booker’s beautifully crafted story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Kat and Jess as they navigate life’s unexpected twists and turns. COMING SPRING 2025!!!