There is a specific feeling to starting a new series. Even after 50+ books, it never goes away. It feels like sending your child off to school for the first time. You hope it finds friends. You hope you did more right than wrong with it. You just hope it’s ready.

Authors pour so much of themselves into these stories. My friends often tell me that when they read my romances, they can hear my voice on every page. It’s a thought that brings me peace. When my adult children ponder the future, I tell them that one day I’ll be old, and yes, one day they’ll lose me—but if they ever want to hear me again, I’m right there in my books.

My humor, my philosophies on forgiveness, and my belief in the importance of family—both the one we’re born to and the one we create—are woven into the fabric of every chapter .

My stories originate as a spark in my imagination, but they truly come to life when they brush up against my real life. They become better every time my husband or my children talk through a plot point with me. Over the years, my children have been part of this journey on so many levels. My oldest daughter worked as our graphic designer and photographer, and now my youngest, Serenity, is creating my covers.

Every point of overlap between my stories and my family is beautiful to me. I hope that light shines through both in my writing and in how I show up here with you. If my stories leave you smiling and feeling just a little bit better about the world and the people around you, my heart is full.

Welcome to Firebrook Valley. I hope you find a new friend in Drew and Bella.

Not You (Firebrook Valley, Book 1) Available for Pre-order now. Launches March 11.

With love,

Ruthie

Welcome to Firebrook Valley! I am so excited to finally introduce you to the rivals, the tension, and the billionaires of my brand-new series. (Includes: cameos from some of my OG billionaires.)

When I first started dreaming up Firebrook Valley, I had a very specific vision for the covers but I couldn't quite find the right fit while shopping for designers. 

 This was the original concept cover. Every masterpiece starts somewhere! 

My concept cover:

Serenity Cardello, my 15-year-old daughter, offered to draw the characters and create the covers for me. I love how they came out, and I hope you do as well.  I've hired her for the entire series. I couldn't be prouder. 

 As you can see, she gets her artistic talent from me . . . (wink). 

My original title for the first book in the series was Not Me, but I decided on Not You. I hope you enjoyed this look behind the scenes. I’m so grateful for my family who puts up with me and for you for coming along with me on this crazy, but often amazing, writing journey.

Use Goodreads? Don't forget to add NOT YOU to your WANT TO READ LIST. Simply hover over the button below and click WANT TO READ!

It’s finally here. Strictly Friends is out in the world! I’ve waited so long to share this story with you, and I’m still grinning thinking about all the twists, laughter, and heart you’re about to dive into. There’s a lot I could say about this book (and believe me, I will), but today, I want to talk about Mark Walker, our reluctant, maple-spiced hero, and why he holds such a special place in my heart.

Mark wasn’t supposed to be the star of the show. He’s quiet. A little too self-deprecating. A guy who would rather fix your porch than talk about his feelings. But that’s precisely what made me fall for him and why I think you will, too.

When we first meet Mark, he’s staring at his reflection in a bathroom mirror, groaning that he doesn’t look like Hugh Jackman. (Spoiler: he doesn’t need to.) He’s only attending a ridiculous celebrity lookalike event because his sweet, meddling parents roped him into it, complete with a syrup sales pitch and a note in his suitcase daring him to “come home with a story you can’t tell us.”

That double-dog dare from his mom? That’s the soul of this story.

Mark isn’t just a good man. He’s the kind of son who puts his parents first. The type of neighbor who shows up when no one else does. He’s been living quietly, almost invisibly, holding everything and everyone together except himself.

Until he walks into that convention and meets a man who looks exactly like him.

The bonding. The dare. Thee absolute confusion that follows . . .

What I love most about Mark is that even in the chaos, mistaken identities, long-lost family secrets, and the wildest maple-syrup-meets-love story you’ve ever read, he never stops being him. Honest. Loyal. Surprisingly funny. That rare kind of man who listens more than he talks and doesn’t realize how much people need someone like him, until the right woman looks him in the eye and says, “You matter.”

If you love romance characters with heart, a little mystery, a lot of family, and heroes who don’t know how handsome they are until you show them, Strictly Friends might just be your new favorite.

Thank you to everyone who’s preordered, shared, reviewed, or messaged me about this book. Truly. This story means a lot to me, and I hope it touches you too.

Now go meet Mark. You’ll be glad you did.

—Ruthie 💛

P.S. Let me know if you’d fall for a guy who owns a sugar shack. This might become a thing.