Moving to France when I was 20 years old from Texas, USA, I did not speak more than a few words of French, nor did I know much about the country, the currency, the people, the culture, the politics, the food, the ideals, or the history. The culture shock for my young, immature mind was incredible. I stuck with my move and left behind my country of birth to find a new life next to my husband, only visiting my hometown once every few years.

Being separated from all I have ever known is difficult at times, but I have come to love my new country. From this, I came up with the idea of a young girl named Hannah who shared my experiences—to a point.

In 2008, I began writing "Croissants Every Morning," but life took over, and I had to stop. I picked up the story again after publishing "Goddess of the Black Land," and I don't plan to stop writing ever again!