Caleb never expected to find magic in the woods behind his house -- or to discover friendship, first love, and a family secret that could change everything he thought he knew about his life. But when he meets Morai, a reclusive hedgewitch whose knowledge of the land and its ancient rhythms stretches back generations, and Teddy, a messy, determined boy from town with a reckless heart and a sharp wit, Caleb's quiet summer transforms into something extraordinary.

Together, the three of them navigate the hidden rules of spells, the secret language of plants and animals, and the subtle, watchful magic that pulses through the forest and the hedge bordering their world. As Caleb learns more about his family's hidden legacy, he begins to understand magic is not just a force to wield -- it is a bond, a responsibility, and a path toward self-discovery. Along the way, friendship becomes love, courage takes root in unexpected ways, and the quiet power of connection proves stronger than fear.

This tender, immersive queer folk fantasy is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, honoring the past while shaping the future, and discovering the courage to embrace who you are -- and who you love -- against all odds. It's a story about magic, community, and the ways hearts can grow together, even in the shadow of secrets, danger, and the unknown.



I grew up between the Ozarks and Kansas City, shaped by both quiet woods and city streets. I met my husband in 2007 at a skating rink, a moment that changed everything. Today, we're raising our daughter and spending our summers in the pool or at the lake, usually with our two dogs close by.



My sister Tammy passed away at 45 after a battle with stage four metastatic breast cancer. She loved listening to the stories I wrote, and now, in a way, she's part of them. I get to carry her with me—on the page, in the quiet moments, and in the worlds I create.