In the quiet town of Nokomis, Kelsi's life takes an unexpected turn when she moves into Dennis Aiken's home, an eccentric but kind-hearted widower with a penchant for storytelling and a profound love for his late wife, Gloria. As Kelsi helps Dennis navigate his daily challenges, she finds solace and wisdom in his tales of love, loss, and resilience.
Through their deepening friendship, Kelsi learns the true meaning of family and community. Dennis's stories and guidance inspire her to reconnect with her roots and pursue her dreams with newfound determination. Together, they embark on a journey of growth, remembrance, and hope.
As Kelsi faces her past and embraces her future, her bond with Dennis becomes a beacon of light, reminding her of the unbreakable connections that shape our lives. Join Kelsi in this heartfelt tale of love, renewal, and the magic found in everyday moments.
I’ve been writing stories since I was a teenager dreaming of fame and fortune in the literary world. While I’m still waiting on the fortune part, I’ve published over 50 books, mostly in horror, but also in literary fiction, thrillers, Westerns, young adult, and children’s genres—sometimes under other names.
My writing tends to explore the darker sides of life, often blending the supernatural with raw human emotion. If you like slow-burn psychological horror with depth, you’ll probably find something on my shelf worth reading.
In my other lives, I’ve worked as a machinist, journalist, corporate writer, public relations guy, and English teacher. I have a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Oklahoma, and a background in journalism, too. I'm a lifelong Oklahoman, currently living in the central part of the state with a couple of dogs, a cat, and too many books.
When I'm not writing, I'm probably kayaking, camping, or spending time with my kids and grandkids.
Feel free to reach out—I enjoy connecting with readers.
An epic love story with mystical spiritually, I really enjoyed this book. It was so refreshing, so hopeful. I loved so many of the characters. It makes me want to visit Nokomis!
Sycamore Souls is a quiet, emotionally resonant novel that reminds us how deeply transformative human connection can be. Set in the small town of Nokomis, the story unfolds with tenderness and patience, allowing the relationship between Kelsi and Dennis Aiken to develop in a way that feels genuine and earned.
Dennis is a particularly memorable character—an eccentric, kind widower whose love for his late wife and gift for storytelling bring warmth and wisdom to every page. Through his stories, the novel explores themes of love, grief, and resilience without ever feeling heavy-handed. Kelsi’s journey, shaped by her time in Dennis’s home, is equally compelling as she confronts her past and slowly rediscovers purpose, belonging, and hope.
What makes Sycamore Souls stand out is its quiet magic. There’s beauty in the everyday moments, in the conversations shared, and in the way community and chosen family are portrayed. This is a story that doesn’t rush it invites you to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the bonds that shape who we become.
A touching and comforting read, Sycamore Souls will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about love, healing, and the power of shared lives.