Hi, I’m Melanie Holden, wife, mom to two beautiful girls, and a hopeless romantic who discovered a passion for writing about the messy, beautiful parts of growing up.

I first began writing this story with my own daughters in mind, but soon realized I was really writing it for myself.

My debut novel, Willow Creek, follows sixteen-year-old Reese Andrews as she figures out love, friendship, and who she wants to be. I ’ve always been drawn to stories that feel real. The kind that make you laugh, ache a little, and remember exactly what it felt like to be young.

When I’m not writing, you’ll find me with my family, or curled up with a cup of tea watching Gilmore Girls. I hope my stories remind readers that even in uncertain times, there’s always room for hope, connection, and new beginnings.

Sixteen-year-old Reese Andrews never asked for a fresh start, but when her family moves to the small town of Willow Creek, she finds herself slowly falling for its quiet charm. Afternoons at the local café, new friends who feel like home, and a boy who sees her in ways no one ever has begin to pull her out of her comfort zone.

Then someone from her past returns, stirring up feelings she thought she’d left behind. Suddenly, Reese is caught between the boy who feels safe and familiar, and the one who makes her heart race in ways she can’t ignore.

As Reese navigates first love, second chances, and the pressure of choosing her own path, she learns that the hardest decisions are the ones that matter most.

Willow Creek is a tender, unforgettable story of love, belonging, and the courage it takes to trust your heart.