Writer in Residence

by Rhonda McKnight

Sometimes the story you need to write is your own future.

Alexandra "Alex" Chambers is a writer who has lost her words. Facing a crushing case of writer's block and a looming deadline that threatens to end her career, she accepts a a writer-in-residence position near Edisto Island in the South Carolina Lowcountry. She expects solitude, Spanish moss, and the time to salvage her next novel. She doesn't expect Gabriel Scott.

Gabe is everything Alex isn't ready for--handsome, steady, and a bestselling author. From the moment he walks back into her life, ten years after a fleeting encounter in his bookstore, the chemistry is undeniable. He challenges her to stop hiding behind her laptop and start living the story she's afraid to tell.

But amidst the ancient live oaks, Alex also discovers a profound connection to the Gullah Geechee culture--a heritage she never fully understood until now. Guided by the quiet wisdom of Ms. Kate, an elderly Gullah cleaning woman with losses of her own, and a blood-deep pull toward a past that refuses to stay buried, Alex begins to unearth family secrets that reshape her identity.

To find her voice, Alex must confront the ghosts of her past and the fears of her present. Writer in Residence is a heartfelt tale mixed with second chances, love, heritage, determination, and the courage it takes to claim your own happy ending.

Genres: Contemporary

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Even as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story wrapped in generational trauma, history and the power of forgiveness. I adored it! The writing was beautifully done without being overly descriptive. I felt like I was watching a movie.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Charnis Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy from NetGalley.

This books was so beautifully written. The way she describes the people, places and everything else is almost poetic. In this novel we get to watch a woman rediscover who she is while also finding love. She has to let go of who she feels she is supposed to be to find her new voice. She also is learning a lot about her past and family. The love she finds in this book was so well written I could feel their connection through the pages. Excellently done.

[AshleeInPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the A.R.C. Writer in Residence is a heartfelt and emotionally rich story that follows Alex as she navigates a life-altering unraveling of truth. Her journey is both painful and powerful—discovering the devastating reality about her father while also coming to terms with a lifetime of deception from her mother forces Alex to confront everything she thought she knew about her identity and family. The emotional weight of her experience is portrayed with depth, making her growth feel authentic and hard-earned.

Amid the chaos, Gabe stands out as a grounding force. His steady, calm presence provides Alex with a sense of safety she desperately needs. What makes Gabe especially compelling is his honesty—he doesn’t hide his feelings, openly admitting he’s always had a crush on Alex and, later, that he loves her. Even when Alex begins to spiral and tries to push him away, Gabe remains unwavering, refusing to let their relationship fall apart. His quiet strength and consistency beautifully balance Alex’s emotional turbulence, making their connection feel both genuine and deeply reassuring.

Overall, the story captures the complexity of love, truth, and healing in a way that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a wholesome love story.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer in Residence is, at its heart, a story about identity: the kind you inherit, the kind you avoid, and the kind you finally choose to claim as your own.

In this South Carolina Lowcountry-set novel, Alexandra “Alex” Chambers arrives near Edisto Island with a serious case of writer's block and a crippling self-esteem issue. A looming deadline threatens her career, and the writer-in-residence position she accepts is meant to be a reset—quiet, restorative, and solitary. The unexpected reappearance of Gabriel Scott, a successful author with a disarming ability to see through her defenses, quickly disrupts her carefully constructed isolation.

The romance between Alex and Gabe carries a second-chance energy, but they are barely acquaintances from a decade ago. At times, it feels slightly forced in its early development. And yet, as the story unfolds, it settles into itself. Gabe, in particular, becomes easy to root for—grounded, patient, and quietly compelling in a way that balances Alex’s uncertainty. He's already worked out all his mess on the page.

What elevates this novel beyond a standard romance, however, is its rich engagement with Gullah Geechee culture. Through Alex’s growing awareness of her own heritage—guided in part by Ms. Kate, an older woman whose wisdom carries weight and truth—the story gains depth, texture, and emotional resonance. The cultural exploration becomes the glue that holds everything together, shaping not only the narrative but Alex herself as she begins to understand where she comes from and who she might become.

The setting is vividly drawn. The Lowcountry landscape—live oaks draped in Spanish moss, salt air, and slow, heat-and-humidity-soaked reflective rhythms—creates an atmosphere that feels both grounding and transformative. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to write, or at least believe you could. Even the smallest details linger, particularly mouth-watering descriptions of food, which are woven into the story with such care that they become part of the story's sensory experience.

Ultimately, Writer in Residence is about more than overcoming writer’s block or finding love. It’s about the courage to face what has been buried—family history, personal fear, unspoken longing—and to allow those discoveries to shape a new future. While not every element lands with equal strength, the novel’s emotional core is steady and sincere.

For readers who enjoy romance with a strong sense of place and a meaningful exploration of heritage, this is a thoughtful and satisfying read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a story set in a small town with memorable characters, a little romance, some family drama, betrayal and secrets I’m gonna eat it up every time.

Rhonda McKnight is back with another heartfelt lowcountry novel following a writer who can’t seem to find the right words to complete her next novel. If Alex doesn’t deliver by her deadline this could be the end of her writing career. She accepts a writer-in-residence position near Edisto Island in hopes of finding a spark of ideas but instead she runs into Gabriel Scott. Having been ten years since their last encounter Gabe might be exactly the spark she needs to finish her book.

What I love about McKnight’s writing is how seamlessly her stories flow from one theme to the next. The way she goes into detail painting a vivid picture of the setting and what the characters are experiencing from the food to the Gullah culture and language was flawlessly done.

Writer in Residence isn’t just about a 38-year old woman trying to save her writing career. It’s about a woman’s journey to finding herself, a search for family, falling in love, uncovering the truth about her lineage and the long kept secrets of her mother and father’s past. Sometimes the answers we seek can be found by simply returning home.

𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐:

🌻 𝙰 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛-𝚍𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙
🌻 𝙶𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚊𝚑 𝙶𝚎𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚎 𝙲𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎 & 𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚊𝚐𝚎
🌻 𝙰 𝚗𝚎𝚠 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗
🌻 𝚄𝚗𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚐𝚎
🌻 𝙸𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚊𝚌𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍
🌻 𝙰 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎
🌻 𝙰𝚗 𝚞𝚗𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙼𝙼𝙲

This is maybe the 3rd or 4th book I’ve read that speaks on Black people being swindled out of their land. I love how the author tied all of this into Alex’s family history. Overall, I enjoyed this book and if you’re a fan of Rhonda McKnight’s lowcountry novels you will too.

[Ladiami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I didn’t even realize I needed until I was already in it. From the very beginning, I felt myself slipping into Alex’s world, and before I knew it, I was completely lost in the story in the best way. The writing was so beautiful and immersive that it honestly felt like I was right there in the South Carolina Lowcountry, surrounded by the atmosphere, the history, and the emotions that filled every page.

I connected deeply with Alex and found myself rooting for her in every possible way as she tried to find her voice again. Her journey felt real and relatable, especially that feeling of being stuck and unsure of what comes next. Ms. Kate completely stole my heart. There was something so grounding and powerful about her presence, and I was truly endeared to her wisdom and quiet strength. Even Beck, with her flaws, felt human and understandable, which made the story feel even more layered and honest.

This book took me on such an emotional ride. There were moments that felt tender, reflective, and even a little heavy, but it was all worth it. I tried to pace myself because I wasn’t ready for the story to end, but it was almost impossible not to devour the pages. Every chapter pulled me in deeper, and I just needed to know how it would all unfold.

What really stayed with me is the message at the heart of the story. Sometimes the story you’re meant to write isn’t just on the page, it’s your own future. That idea felt powerful and personal, and it made Alex’s journey even more meaningful. This was a beautiful story about love, identity, healing, and second chances, and it’s one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Thanks Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction | Thomas Nelson for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer in Residence completely pulled me into the South Carolina Lowcountry from the very beginning. This felt like one of those books you slowly sink into and honestly don’t want to leave when it’s over.

I really connected with Alex. Watching her struggle with burnout, self-doubt, family secrets, and trying to find herself again felt very real. What started as a story about writer’s block turned into something so much deeper about identity, healing, forgiveness, and finally understanding where you come from.

The setting was absolutely beautiful. Rhonda McKnight writes in a way that makes you feel like you’re sitting on the porch with sweet tea listening to family stories while the Spanish moss blows in the background. I could picture every scene so clearly.

Ms. Kate was probably my favorite character in the entire book. I loved the way the Gullah Geechee culture and history were woven into the story because it added so much heart and depth. It never felt forced or overly heavy. It just felt meaningful.

I also really loved Gabe. He was calm, supportive, patient, and genuinely cared about Alex without trying to change her. Their relationship felt mature and comforting instead of overly dramatic.

This book has romance, family drama, long-buried secrets, emotional healing, and a strong sense of home and heritage. It definitely hit me emotionally in a few places.

For me this was a 4 star read. Beautifully written, emotional, atmospheric, and full of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It is beautifully written. I would love nothing more than to share a meal, sip some sweet tea, sit in the garden, and simply listen at the feet of Ms. Kate as she shares her history and wisdom. The descriptions are so vivid that I could easily imagine myself taking in the beauty and smelling the food.

Alex was really frustrating at the beginning with all the complaining and negativity; though I understood it. Alex needed those kids just as much as they needed Alex. I can’t imagine what it would be like to never get answers, only to be devastated by the truth once it’s known.

Gabe. “Now that’s a good man, Savannah.” I loved their banter and the way the relationship developed, especially how Gabe chose love.

I enjoy continuing to learn more about the history of the Gullah Geechee people, and Ms. McKnight’s books always make me want to visit the Lowcountry.

This is a story about forgiveness, healing, generational trauma, history, and choosing love. One of my favorite quotes from the book perfectly sums it up:

“Love heals wounds and trauma. Love opens the pathway for more love. Love will find forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation if we let it.”

I had already preordered the audiobook when I read description of the upcoming book, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in this book all over again when it’s released.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC in return for my review.

[Anne Wolters · Rating 4 out of 5]

After publishing twenty-nine successful books, Alex Chambers suddenly finds herself facing an impossible deadline with nothing to turn in. Her creativity has vanished, leaving her with a crippling case of writer’s block that threatens her career. When Gabe, Director of the Lowcountry Literacy Center, offers her a summer teaching position—complete with a quiet cabin—Alex hopes the change of scenery will help her rediscover her voice.
Alex and Gabe crossed paths a decade earlier at one of her book signings, back when he managed a small bookstore. Now Gabe is a bestselling author in his own right, traveling for signings and speaking engagements. Their reunion sparks an immediate connection, one that deepens as they spend more time together.
Surrounded by live oaks and the rhythms of the Lowcountry, Alex forms meaningful bonds with her students and slowly begins to write again. Her time at the Center also introduces her to the rich Gullah Geechee culture—uncovering long buried truths about her own family’s history.
This is a warm, captivating story about second chances, creative renewal, and the power of community. I found myself fully immersed and eager to turn each page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely romance between two writers, set in the Lowcountry, focusing on books, community, and love.

We have our main character Alex, a writer who has lost her spark and is coming up on a looming deadline. Desperate to find some inspiration, she accepts a writer-in-residence position near Edisto Island in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Surrounded by the bayou, summer heat, and Spanish moss, Alex is determined to write her next book.

In comes Gabriel Scott, another successful writer who encourages her to write the story she wants, versus the story she thinks people want to read.

While helping her, sparks fly and romantic tension builds. Alex also finds out that there are some secrets about her family that she is close to uncovering.

With Gabriel's help, she not only starts the book of her dreams, but she reveals the secrets of her family's past, all while falling in love.

A slowburn romance with discussion of faith, creativity, and secrecy, Writer in Residence is beautifully written and had me captivated from the very first page.

[Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

[prachismusings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt quietly reassuring, especially as someone dealing with writer’s block. It reminded me that not every moment stuck on the first chapter leads to failure, and sometimes the story just takes longer to find itself.

Set in the South Carolina Lowcountry near Edisto Island, the novel follows Alex, a writer struggling to meet a deadline after losing her creative spark. Hoping to find inspiration, she takes on a writer-in-residence position surrounded by the slow, heavy beauty of the bayou landscape.

There, she meets Gabriel Scott, another writer who challenges her to stop writing what she thinks people want and instead focus on the story she truly wants to tell.

As they grow closer, a gentle romance develops alongside Alex’s creative journey. At the same time, she begins uncovering long-buried secrets about her family, adding another layer to her search for truth, both on and off the page.

It’s a slow-burn story about creativity, identity, and love, written with a quiet charm that keeps you invested from beginning to end.

[Khaliat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
I loved this book so much, I really didn’t want it to end.
I fell in love with every character, and the mystery kept me hooked the entire time. You can feel the Southern love and warmth throughout the story, especially in the way everyone connects and in how deeply Alex cares about the literary center and the kids. It all felt real and comforting, even when things got heavy.
I also really appreciated the historical elements. I actually learned new things, which made the story feel even richer.
This book really hit me emotionally. I felt for Alex. I understand where Beck is coming from, and I get Alex’s pain too, but honestly? I can’t even imagine living your whole life believing something, only to find out it was all a lie.
The writing itself is beautiful. It pulls you in so deeply that you feel like you’re right there in the story, experiencing everything alongside the characters.

[Symone · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Books like this are the reason I read. The wholesome ones that really connect with you. I loved the overall vibe and how this story made me feel. The themes of faith, forgiveness, and restoration came through so well.

The setting felt so atmospheric. The cabin with the screened porch gave me a sense of nostalgia. The marsh, bottle tree, birdhouses, and beautiful vegetation all added something special. I really enjoyed learning about Gullah Geechee customs, especially the way the same soil, rich with meaningful history, was cherished and used to nurture both body and spirit. It added so much depth to the story.

The romance was a perfect touch too. There was zero spice but honestly it didn't need it. The love came through clearly in words of affirmation, support, and the tender, soulful moments they shared. It was truly an honor reading this. 🥰

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intriguing and complex read this one was. I picked this one up thinking that I was just going to get a romance between two writers. While it certainly was that as well, and I did thoroughly enjoy the relationship between Alex and Gabe, it was also so much more than that... perfectly blending that romance with the journey of Alex to find out the truth about her heritage, the secrets of her family... and to find her voice as a writer again. Her story takes us on an emotional journey that I couldn't help but find myself drawn into. Prior to this book, I had absolutely no knowledge of the Gullah Geechee culture, so I thought that was a really intriguing part of this story. If you're looking for a book that combines romance with women's fiction and complex family relationships, this is certainly one worth checking out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Zhana Cox]

‘The Thing About Home’ and ‘Bitter and Sweet’ have both stayed with me long after I finished them. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite hit me the same way.

I’ve honestly been struggling to figure out exactly how I feel about this novel. It wasn’t bad but it never fully pulled me in emotionally the way previous books did. With ‘The Thing About Home’ and ‘Bitter and Sweet’ , I felt deeply connected to the characters and their journeys. Here, I kept waiting for that same spark or emotional weight to click into place and it never fully happened.

There were moments I enjoyed like Ms. Kate’s wisdom and I still appreciate McKnight’s storytelling style overall but this story felt more distant to me. I finished the book wanting to feel more than I actually did.

Maybe this one just wasn’t for me in the same way her earlier novels were yet I’ll still continue reading her work because I know what she’s capable of when a story truly lands.

[Jenise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

Rhonda McKnight’s writing speaks to my soul. Her descriptions of the Gullah Geechie culture and people speak to my need for discovery and exploration of my people. My grandmother was from Manning so this book felt very familiar and comforting to me. The main character was frustrating at times because of her constant comparison of herself with everyone but her background made sense of it.

The complexity of the family secrets, and the budding relationship with her cousin brought such depth to this story. Ms. Kate was such a positive and spiritual presence in Alex’s life. I just LOVED HER! The romance had me kicking and giggling. The way Rhonda wrote such sexy and sensual moments without the explicit description made me so happy! It was a just a beautiful pure romance and in my eyes Gabe is an elite book boyfriend. 😍🥰 He always said the right things and his affirmations to Alex of who she is and what’s she’s capable of made me fall in love with him as well.

This book was not only entertaining but there were so many 💎 gems for life dropped within these pages. I highlighted so much. I cannot wait to get the physical book as a trophy. So many awesome life lessons that made me think. I loved this book and at this point I’ll ready anything Rhonda writes.

[LaCricia A'ngelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a frequent reader of Rhonda McKnight’s novels I had high expectations for this book. The author has penned another winner.

Writer in Residence had all the elements of books I love. Romance, Suspense, and Inspiration. With all the uncertainties Alexandra was facing, she still found time to pour time into children that needed her.

As always there was a statement made that will stick with readers. “The same way we don’t get to inherit someone’s salvation, we also don’t get their hell.”

I highly recommend this novel. Thank you NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Latoya (jamaicangirlreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I see a book being described as a warm hug, I'll always think of Writer in Residence

This book was a warm hug. The writing, the storytelling, soothing even during the hard parts.

It was comfort for my soul

Its the kind of story that makes you smile, feel hopeful, cant wait to learn more about something new. The history, the life experiences of the characters, their communities and all they survived.

Its a book I wish I was reading while sipping some cool lemonade on a porch on a warm summer day surrounded by a garden..........

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rhonda McKnight has done it again!! Another fantastic novel set in the Low Country-I love it here! There are points in this book where you just feel good and there are parts where betrayal and hurt are not sugarcoated. I love the growth that the main character experiences during her writing process and the eventual transformation. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be back later with my thoughts 4.5

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning about a widely unknown culture is always interesting, especially when the information is presented within an interesting story about finding your own history.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Pia Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Southern, “Low Country” series has been a beautiful experience of overcoming and accepting all truths. Just as the stories before, it was a wonderful time.

[Cel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writer in Residence was exactly what I needed.
​The Setting: Beautifully descriptive.
​The Journey: Emotional and relatable.
​The Writing: Smooth and engaging.
It’s soulful, it’s cozy, and the character growth is everything. If you love stories about finding your voice and second chances, add this to your TBR immediately. 💓💓