Just Released!

An Illuminated Life is the standalone sequel to the

award-winning The Wisdom of the Olive Tree.

It is the second book in the Umbria series.

  • “It’s so relatable because of the author’s anecdotes plus it was a quick read that will keep you turning the pages.”

    Paula T.

  • “All I can say is WOW, what insight put into words! Been a long time since I had someone's writing with meaning which I could not put down…”

    Jim H.

  • “Sometimes you find a literary gem so exquisitely written that it can transport you, the reader, to different locations and allow you to feel what the characters are feeling.”

    Matthew Z.

The Wisdom of the Olive Tree

Umbria Book 1

Won 1st place in the 29th Annual CIPA Awards

and was a Finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards!

What’s left when everything that matters to you falls away?

And more importantly…will you be brave enough to find out?

When a senseless accident and a jarring discovery strip Beth Steeler of all the roles that define her — mother, wife, essayist — rebuilding her life will mean facing the past….and learning what forgiveness really means.

More Praise for The Wisdom of the Olive Tree

  • Through a life lived full of loss, Beth stands tall like an Olive Tree, that despite being gnarled and hollowed by pain, grief, and loss, still bears fruit. I really enjoyed this emotional and heart wrenching read.

    Nursebookie, GoodReads

  • It’s the story of forgiving oneself ...While the book is deeply rooted in religious undertones, it’s not preachy in its approach. It’s a novel that’s relatable for all readers who’ve ever felt the pain of the inexplicable.

    Janet, GoodReads

  • Most of us have experienced loss in our lives—death or broken relationships... This book will give you that inspiration to hold on just a little bit longer because the tides will change and it will get better.

    Paula, GoodReads