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 💜