An Early Holiday Gift from Me to You

I always knew I would write holiday stories. I really love the holidays, and they have been a life-changing part of my story.

But I had no idea my first holiday story would take place in the world of Willomina Tip, or that I would get the bright idea to produce a whole book in the span of about three months while moving across the country.

For the record, I don’t recommend the experience.

My friends, I wrote this book across multiple states, on a laptop and a phone. I wrote and rewrote, prayed, and agonized over it. And then finally…

I finished.

And honestly, I’m amazed. The story I never expected to write has become a story I am enormously proud of.

Without further ado, let me introduce you.

Willomina Tip: The Gathering Light

Meet the second book in the Willomina Tip series, arriving on November 16, 2026.

This time, we’re heading west to the Low Islands for the holiday season on Esmeer, where Gathering preparations, mysterious coal delays, and a promise for the light to return are about to collide.

A Holiday Mystery in the Floating Islands

As the Gathering season begins, the people of Esmeer anxiously await the arrival of their long-overdue coal shipment.

The Song of Light reminds Willomina that Ehyeh’s promise to bring the light comes true every year. But as she watches her people fall deeper into hardship, she begins to wonder: Will this year be the exception?

Meanwhile, Nat is struggling to fully embrace his new life in Port Griffon. He has a job with a respected coal merchant, a loving family, and new friends, but his past experiences and regrets still cast a shadow over his world.

Plus, the coal shipments are suspiciously late—could there be something darker at work behind the scenes? And can he solve the mystery before it’s too late?

A New Holiday Tradition From the Skies

The Gathering Light continues the story that began in Lost in the Imperial City. My characters have been looking forward to a calm, happy holiday season following the terrors I put them through in Book 1.

But…alas, disaster strikes!

The question is: what will they do about it?

At the heart of this wintry adventure is The Gathering, a special season leading up to the winter solstice when the people of Esmeer celebrate the creation of the world and the promise of the returning light.

Inspired by Hanukkah, Christmas, and a little of my own whimsy, The Gathering celebrates the promise of light entering a dark world. The clearest reminder of this promise is The Song of Light, an ancient Low Islander song about the struggle of being lost in darkness and the triumph of light.

Readers will also learn about the Gathering tree. Every year, Low Islanders write their hopes and dreams on small flags and hang them upon the tree. As the years pass and dreams come true, the flags are added to banners displayed around homes and shops, while new flags take their place on the tree.

More delights and secrets await this November 16th. I poured my heart and pieces of my own story into this book, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

New to the World of Willomina Tip? Catch Up Today!

Want to get ready for Willomina Tip: The Gathering Light?

You can begin the adventure with Willomina Tip: Lost in the Imperial City, the first book in the series.

Or, if you’d like a sneak peek before diving in, you can get the first seven chapters free and discover where Willomina’s story begins.

Fly well and fair skies: see you all in November.