USA Today bestselling author, Abby Jimenez, is a Food Network champion living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international cult following. Abby’s wry literary wit was spotlighted as the admin behind the hilarious viral comments on the now famous Nadia Cakes Vageode™ cake. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house. She was recently featured in the November issue of Welcome Home and answered generously answered a few questions!

1. Why did you become a writer?

It was never my plan to become a published author. Writing was just a hobby I sort of fell into. I’ve always been a huge reader and I love, love, LOVE romance. I started to get the idea that maybe I could write one, so I joined an online writing group and started honing my craft. My first shot at penning a novel was a YA romance—and it was awful. So, so awful. I decided to trunk it and try my hand at a contemporary romance instead, and it turns out that’s my sweet spot! My new book got a good reception with my writing group, so I had the courage to query it, and here we are!

2. What inspired your current novel?

The grieving heroine in The Happy Ever After Playlist is loosely based on one of my friends. She lost her husband, and she struggled for years afterward with complicated grief. I watched this and felt so helpless. Writing this book was my way of making her okay again during a time when I couldn’t. The book is funny and sad and healing, and I think it feels authentic because at its core it is.

3. What’s next for you?

My next book is called Life’s Too Short. It comes out April 6, 2021. It’s the story of a famous inspirational YouTuber named Vanessa Price and the hot lawyer who lives next door, Adrian Copeland. Vanessa has a hereditary predisposition for a fatal disease, so she lives her life like every day might be her last. The workaholic Adrian lives every day like he has the rest of his life to do what he puts off. It’s a beautiful opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers romance that is sure to make you laugh and cry.