Update

  • Behind The Scenes, Update

    September update

    Hello my lovelies! September has twirled in like a whirlwind—one hand on its hip, the other tossing confetti—and I, for one, am here for the fabulous chaos. Let’s dive in, shall we?

    💃 Back to the ballroom! That’s right—I’m back in the ballroom, baby! There’s nothing quite like the sound of your heels on the floor, the music swelling, and your body remembering steps it hasn’t danced in months. In ballroom dancing here in Australia, we’re graded through a medal system (a bit like karate, only with more sparkle and fewer bruises—usually). My next grading will be at the end of November, and I’ll be dancing for my Gold New Vogue medal. New Vogue is a uniquely Australian style of sequence ballroom dancing, born in the 1930s and characterised by its elegant, flowing routines. Think vintage glamour meets structured grace—with a little sass, obviously. And while I won’t be hitting the competition floor myself until next year (watch this space!), I’m currently living my best dance mum life supporting my daughter, Cameron, as she prepares for both the State Championships and National Championships this December. 💖 Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.

    🏆 In my award season era. I’m so thrilled to share that I’ve been named a finalist in the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative Awards for Creative Service of the Year! This award celebrates the incredible achievements of entrepreneurial women across Australia, and I’m beyond honoured to be recognised alongside so many fierce, fabulous changemakers. Winners will be announced on October 17, so keep your fingers, toes, and broomsticks crossed for me. 😉

    But wait—there’s more!

    Two of my books are also being recognised in the Chanticleer International Book Awards:

    • 👻 Baby Got Ghost (Sleepy Hollow Mysteries #1) has been longlisted for the Mystery & Mayhem Award.
    • 💀 Kiss of Death (My Celestial Midlife #1) has been shortlisted for the Shelley Award (yes, that Shelley—as in Mary, Queen of Goths herself).

    It’s an absolute thrill to have my stories acknowledged on the international stage. I’ll be keeping you all updated as results roll in!

    🎃 Sleepy Hollow update. Spooky babes, rejoice—Ghost Interrupted is on its way! Ivy’s next adventure is currently scheduled for release in late September or early October, and trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride through the supernatural streets of Sleepy Hollow. Ready for a sneak peek? Here’s the blurb reveal!

    Ghost Interrupted

    Some curses sink. Others rise to the surface…

    After surviving one murder, I thought I’d earned a break. Instead, I ended up with a secretive mermaid in my bathtub, a haunted shipwreck whispering from the deep, and a ghost in my kitchen who has a tight spectral grip on my heart.

    When a local diver washes up dead his flickering spirit begs me to help—but I can barely hear his warnings over the storm brewing inside me. Something ancient is stirring beneath Sleepy Hollow, and it’s not just calling to the cursed. It’s calling to me.

    Now I’m caught between two men—one who makes me feel alive, and one who reminds me I’m haunted. The deeper I dig into this magical mystery, the closer I come to unraveling a centuries-old curse, a dangerous truth, and maybe even myself.

    Murder, magic, and one very opinionated kitten—just another day for Ivy Hearst! From the award-winning author of Ghost Appeal and Baby Got Ghost, Ghost Interrupted is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist and a little heart beneath the haunt.

    ✨ My Celestial Midlife rises! Big things are brewing for Bunny, too! I’ve officially started writing Death Warmed Up, the final book in her trilogy. It’s shaping up to be magical, emotional, and just the right amount of unhinged (just like her… and maybe me 😉).

    This series is also getting a shiny new makeover—think new covers, a new series name, and a fresh vibe to match Bunny’s evolution. I’d love your input:

    • What do you want to see wrapped up in Bunny’s last hurrah?
    • Any ideas for what the new series title should be?

    Hit reply and tell me your thoughts! I read every single message, and you know I love a good brainstorm.

    That’s all for now, my darlings. September is already shaping up to be massive, and I can’t wait to dive headfirst into all the sparkle, story, and sassy chaos it brings.

    Until next time 💜

  • Update

    August update

    Hello, my lovelies!

    Can you believe we’re already in August? While the rest of the world melts into their sofas in the winter sun (hello, fellow Aussies 🥶), I’ve been on fire in all the best ways, which is why I didn’t even manage a July update—woops!

    🏆 Accolades to make me blush (but not really)

    So, this happened…

    • Winner of the 2025 ROAR Award for Best Blogger/Writer/Author — which means you lot have been roaring your support and I couldn’t be more grateful.
    • Winner of the 2025 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense for Best Published Cozy Mystery — Ghost Appeal is apparently just as appealing to judges as it is to readers.
    • And just to really drive the point home: Judges’ Top Pick for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Cozy Mystery (yes, also for Ghost Appeal — she’s the moment, darling—Sleepy Hollow is taking off!).

    Can I get a hell yes?

    ✍️ Currently writing

    • Still lovingly immersed in the haunting charm of Ghost Interrupted (Sleepy Hollow #2). She needed a few plot amendments (because of course she did), but she’s coming together like magic—and I am loving every eerie twist.
    • I’m also deep in a re-read of Kiss of Death and Cheating Death while plotting Death Warmed Up—Bunny’s final story. What do you want to see in her swan song? More mayhem? More magical meddling? More snogs with Death himself? Hit me up with your thoughts!
    • Speaking of steamy things… I’m eyeing a bit of a relaunch for my spicy alter ego Lucy Lark. If you’ve got a taste for the sinfully supernatural, I chatted with the fabulous ladies at The Plot With a Twist about Dreadful Desires (Monsters of Whitechapel #1). You can catch the podcast episode here (and yes, I dish some juicy behind-the-scenes).
    • Oh, and there’s a super-secret-sexy-story in the works. No hints yet, but I’m dying to see your guesses 👀

    💃 Life, lately

    • My tiny queen, Juniper the mini dachshund, continues to reign supreme in this house. She’s perfect. I will not be taking questions.
    • After months of recovery, I’m finally back in the dance studio! Hoping for a full surgical clearance this month so I can truly unleash my inner ballroom diva.
    • I’ve been doing a bit of home reno—small touches, some new decor, just enough to freshen things up and lift the ol’ mood. Are you into decorating? What’s your favourite project you’ve ever done?

    That’s me for now, darlings. As always, thank you for being here—for reading, for supporting, for loving these weird little worlds I create. I’ve got so many exciting things coming your way. Stay tuned, stay spooky, and stay fabulous. 💋

    With love always 💜

  • Behind The Scenes, Update

    June update

    I don’t have any big news to share this month, and honestly? That feels kind of nice.

    After the madness of May—event planning, book rebrands, and puppy chaos—it’s been weirdly quiet around here. Not in a ‘relaxing, wine-and-bubble-bath’ kind of way (lol I wish), but more in a ‘my brain is rebooting while I stare at a wall thinking about ghosts‘ kind of way.

    Some things I have been doing:

    • Plotting the next twists and turns for Ghost Interrupted, and making myself cackle with some unhinged dialogue. (This book is wild, and I love that for us!)
    • Slowly working on re-outlining the final Celestial Midlife book. Bunny’s story isn’t done yet, and I want to do her justice!
    • Looking through WOW26 author EOIs, brainstorming decorations that won’t make me sob glitter, and trying not to yell every time I see a Canva mockup that ignores margins 😇
    • Adjusting to life with Junie the Chaos Gremlin. She’s currently in a chewing phase. My slippers are not okay.

    I haven’t been writing as fast or as much this month, but I’ve learned to trust that slow seasons are part of the process. Sometimes your brain needs a little composting time before it blooms again. (Yes, that’s a gardening metaphor. No, I haven’t touched my garden since 2022). The most exciting thing I can share this month is that I am a finalist for both the 2025 ROAR Award (Best Blogger/Writer/Author) and the 2025 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense! I should know the results for both later this month, so stay tuned.

    In the meantime, if you haven’t preordered Ghost Interrupted yet—go on, treat yourself to some murder, mermaids (!), and a magical kitten. You deserve it. Grab it here:

    That’s it from me for now. I’m percolating. Brewing. Scheming (and probably hiding from Junie with snacks.) I’ll be back next month with more updates, hopefully with some fun reveals. Until then—take naps when you can, hydrate like you mean it, and take care of yourself!

    With love always 💜

  • Update

    May update

    I need a coffee.

    May has been an absolute whirlwind, and I’m only just now—sort of—pausing long enough to catch my breath. There’s been so much going on behind the scenes that I feel like I’ve barely stopped moving. But I’m finally taking a moment to fill you in on all the things, and let me tell you… there’s been a lot.

    First up: something exciting—I’m a finalist in the 2025 Roar Awards for Best Blogger/Writer/Author! I was honestly floored when I found out. It’s such an honour to be recognised for the work I love doing, and knowing that people connect with it? That’s everything. 💜

    Then of course, there was WOW25. After more than a year of planning, it finally happened—and it was an absolute blast. Authors and readers from all over came together for a weekend of bookish indulgence, and I couldn’t have asked for a better vibe. It felt like magic. The best kind. EOIs are already flying in for next year, so if you’d like to stay in the know, pop over to the WOW website and subscribe for updates. It’s going to be even bigger and better.

    And in the land of book business… rebrands everywhere. The Mosswood series has had a full glow-up—thirteen books and a novella, completely re-covered. It took more than a hot minute (let’s be honest, it took several), but I’m so happy with how they turned out. They’ve got this fun, fresh energy now, and I’m excited to bring the series to a whole new audience. I’d love to know which one’s your favourite when I start sharing them.

    Speaking of rebrands—there might be one coming for my Celestial Midlife series too. I’m almost finished my second read-through of Kiss of Death and Cheating Death, and once that’s done, I’ll be plotting and diving into Death Warmed Up. I’m aiming for an August or September release if everything goes to plan. (Yes, I’m writing ahead of schedule. No, I don’t know who I am anymore.)

    Oh, and… we got a puppy.

    After a year of mourning the loss of our beautiful girl Harriet, we decided it was time to open our hearts to a new little soul. Enter: Juniper. Or Junie. Or Tiny Furry Dictator, depending on the day. She’s a miniature dachshund and already ruling the household with charm, attitude, and a very specific bark she uses to demand snacks. I’m completely obsessed. Please don’t send help.

    Meanwhile, I’m deep in the next Sleepy Hollow book, Ghost Interrupted. This one’s been so much fun to write—it’s weird and witchy and just the right kind of twisty. Best of all? I’m ahead of schedule on it too. Preorders are up if you want to make sure you get it the moment it drops.

    There’s more news brewing behind the scenes that I can’t talk about just yet, but I promise it’s exciting. I’ll share when I can. Until then—take care of yourself. Rest when you need it. Make messy progress. And don’t forget to hug your dog.

    With love always 💜

  • Update

    April update

    When the hurlyburly’s done…

    ‘Hurlyburly’ seems the right word for it! I absolutely refuse to believe that its April already, because that would mean that Wild Out West is nearly here. EEEK!

    In case you don’t know, Wild Out West (or WOW as we are affectionately calling it) is a romance book signing event that I’m co-hosting with my author bestie Julie Weaver. It’s taking place on 3 and 4 May in South Perth, Western Australia, and I can’t freaking wait! We’ll have over 65 authors (local and interstate), plus hundreds of bookish babes looking to get their fill of fabulous books – as well as a drag queen, pop-up tattoo booth, and tarot readings. If you’re in the neighbourhood and looking for some book-filled fun, this is the event for you. And what’s more – we’ve signed up to do it all again next year, too!

    On top of that, I’ve also released the first book of my Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series – Baby Got Ghost! I loooooved writing this book, and I’m already deep into book two and can’t wait to continue with Ivy’s crazy shenanigans! Sleepy Hollow is so much fun… and just wait until you meet Jude 😉 👻

    I’ve had a few questions lately from readers about other projects I have on the go, so here in no particular order:

    • There is definitely a third Celestial book on the way – I am hoping it will be done by the middle of the year and I’m currently reviewing Kiss of Death and Cheating Death in order to make it the best it can be.
    • I am DYING to write more Gwen – do we have any Gwen lovers in the house? I can confidently reveal that her second adventure will be called Gwen Lee and the Sword of Camelot! Release date hopefully late 2025.
    • I miiiiiiiiight have a Mosswood-adjacent story floating around in my skull. Help – too many ideas are a curse!

    I also just want to thank each and every one of you who have reached out with messages of support and well-wishes for my ankle recovery, and also my recent AuDHD diagnosis. Having you all in my corner means the world, and I’m so grateful for you all.

    Things will be hectic now until after WOW – but I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it in the May update!

    With love always 💜

  • Cozy Mystery, Update

    March update

    No rest for the wicked 😉

    I hope this post finds you well and that you’re enjoying the start of spring (or at least the hope of it, depending on where you are)! March has arrived, and I have so much to share with you all, both personal and professional. It’s going to be a month full of exciting new releases, a little peek into the future, and a heartfelt note of gratitude.

    I’m thrilled to announce that Baby Got Ghost, the latest addition to my series, will be officially released this month! This story has been a labor of love, and I’m so excited for you all to finally dive into it. As always, there are ghosts, mysteries, and plenty of twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. I hope it’s everything you’ve been waiting for, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts once it’s out in the wild!

    But wait—there’s more! While you’ll be enjoying Baby Got Ghost, I’m already hard at work on the next book in the Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series! I can’t say too much just yet (I like to keep a little mystery), but I’ll just say this: things are going to get even crazier. Expect more twists, more unexpected encounters, and a whole lot of heart-pounding moments, plus a fin-tastic new friend for Ivy! It’s shaping up to be an adventure you won’t want to miss, and I’m so excited to be able share it with you all when the time comes! Keep an eye out for all the reveals!

    On a more personal note, I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible support during my recovery from surgery. The outpouring of love and kind thoughts you sent my way truly helped me through some tough days, and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you. It means the world to me to have such a thoughtful and caring community. I’m (metaphorically back on my feet now and feeling better every day, and I couldn’t have done it without your positive energy.

    Lastly, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the difficult political climate many of us are facing. There’s a lot happening in the world right now, and I know it’s hard to stay hopeful in times like these. Please know that my heart goes out to all of you, and I’m sending my love to you at this time. It’s so important to stay connected, support one another, and find moments of peace in our busy lives. Together, we can make a difference.

    Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey with me. Your support and encouragement keep me going, and I’m so grateful to share these stories with you. March is going to be an exciting month, and I can’t wait for what’s to come! Take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you soon with more news!

    With love always 💜

  • Cozy Mystery, Update

    February update

    New book incoming!

    Hope you’ve had a fantastic start to the year! I don’t know about you, but I always feel like January has 230928309283 days and I have to fill all of them with being the best version of myself. I love the productivity boost this gives me, but I gotta be honest – I’m feeling a little drained!

    I’ll be having some forced time off this month, because I’m heading in for surgery on my ankle. I won’t be able to walk on it for at least a month, so that means lots of bed rest! So give me all of your book, TV, and movie recommendations!

    I’m currently putting the finishing touches on Baby Got Ghost, the second book in my Sleepy Hollow Mysteries series. This spooky-cool tale will be in the hands of my editor while I’m out of action, ready for me to finalise by the end of the month. I can’t wait for you to experience Ivy’s next adventure! You can make sure it’ll hit your ereader on release day by preordering it on Amazon here.

    That’s it for now – talk to you soon! 💜