Introducing: From Harvest to Home

August 9, 2022 will always hold a special place in my heart because today is the day I can officially call myself a published author!

I’m thrilled to announce that my first book, From Harvest to Home, has been released today! If you love all things fall, you’re going to adore my book. It is a seasonal lifestyle guide with simple yet mouthwatering recipes, DIYs, entertaining tips, and more to carry you throughout the season.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a few photos from the book, how it came about, and other highlights.

From Harvest to Home: How It Came to Life

In late 2020, my manager and I began talks with my publisher, Chronicle Books, to publish this seasonal lifestyle guide. Once I signed my deal, I spent mostly January-June 2021 writing the book. With some edits in the fall of 2021. It was tough for me to keep my mouth shut about the book concept for so long because I’m always eager to share everything with you guys. But I’m glad that it’s finally out in the world, and I can finally share more details!

There was only one person I had in mind to photograph the book: my partner, Tom McGovern. He has several published cookbooks out already. And I’m so glad I got to team up with him to bring my vision to life.

From Harvest to Home: Photo Shoot Insider Info

As a first-time author, I didn’t realize I’d also be fully producing each shoot for the book. While I’ve produced blog photoshoots for over a decade, photographing a book is a different beast.

Essentially, it was up to me to plan shoot locations, work with Tom to hire a food and prop stylist for each shoot, and ensure that my publisher got the exact shots they needed for the book.

Last July, we shot most of the recipes in the book at The Inn at Stinson Vineyards, one of my favorite places to stay in the Charlottesville area. A huge thank you to their team for being so kind and accommodating! I can’t wait to return and relax/enjoy the property without a looming photoshoot.

Additionally, we headed up to Woodstock, Vermont, and the Hudson Valley in New York to get the atmospherics for the book. A huge thank you to Jess for helping me with some of the Woodstock locations you’ll see in the book!

From Harvest to Home: The Scoop on the Book Recipes

A huge thank you to the food stylist, Diana Jeffra, who helped with recipe development and shots for the book. Yes, all of the recipes in the book are original (this is a frequently asked question I’ve been getting!). Still, you have to rigorously test out recipes before you publish them to make sure that, A. they taste good and B., the measurements and recipe instructions are accurate.

All of the book recipes were meant to be simple. Nothing is going to require a ton of fancy kitchen equipment — in fact, they’re all delicious and attainable recipes that anyone at any cooking level can create.

Out of all the recipes in the book, my absolute favorite is the Apple Cider Donut Muffins. Please, make these first for me.

From Harvest to Home: What’s The Deal With A Book Tour?

Will there be in-person events to celebrate the launch of the book? The answer is yes.

The calendar of events is still being finalized, but I’ll update this blog post and announce these dates on social media once they’re set in stone (we’re currently aiming for September!) Yes, I will return home to the East Coast to celebrate.

I hope you enjoyed the teaser photos and behind-the-scenes info — and make sure to buy the book to keep on your coffee table this fall or for your PSL-obsessed friend in your life!

Introducing: From Harvest to Home