Hey sweet friend,

On June 15,2025 I shared with the world I was an author and A Place to Belong was released into the world with one goal: to make God's grace famous. I asked the Lord if that was ok and He said, “Go for it!”

I had no idea what God had in store.

I hoped these stories would remind women that God’s grace is real and for them, that they are deeply loved, and that He made them just as they are—on purpose.

Today, one year later, my heart is overflowing with gratitude because of you.

Over the past year…

❤️ Eight books have been published.

❤️ More than 3,000 women have welcomed Willow Creek into their world.

Three thousand.

I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around that. 🙌

Over the past year, as y'all have shared your hearts with me, Ive had the privilege to pray for you and cheer you on. I don't take that for granted for a second.

And can I just say... I LOVE hearing from y'all. 🫶

Some of you have told me the story felt like "a big warm hug." Others have said they wished they could sit on Glory's everyone’s 😅💁‍♀️ front porch with a glass of sweet tea, and still other have shared how the stories have encouraged them and inspired them to see God working in your own lives.

Thank you. Truly. 🤗

Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing the books with friends. Thank you for your reviews, your emails, your prayers, and your encouragement along the way.

You’ve been part of this story from the very beginning, and I couldn’t have celebrated this first year without you.

So let’s celebrate together!

🎉 FREE on Amazon this Fourth of July weekend

📖 A Place to Belong — where Willow Creek begins.

📖 Books and Buried Secrets — the very first Willow Creek mystery.

Whether you're discovering Willow Creek for the first time or visiting old friends, I hope these stories leave you smiling and remind you that God made you just as you are—on purpose. That's the heartbeat behind every story I write. (Ephesians 2:10)

Also, I created a collection of free Willow Creek phone wallpapers featuring favorite quotes from the books. I hope they encourage you every time you unlock your phone and remind you that everyone is on their own journey of grace, even you. 🤗

Also, feel free to share this email with your friends! 😁

If someone comes to mind who would enjoy a visit to Willow Creek, forward this email to them. The books are completely free on Amazon all weekend, and I'd love to welcome them too.

👉And if you’ve been reading Willow Creek through Kindle Unlimited, here’s a little tip: while the books are free, you can “buy” them for $0.00, and they’ll stay in your Kindle library forever—even after you return them through Kindle Unlimited.

I’d love for these stories to always have a place on your bookshelf.

There’s always room for one more chair on the porch. 🫶

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this first year more wonderful than I ever could have hoped for.

If this first year has taught me anything, it's that when God is writing the story, we can trust Him with the next chapter too. I can't wait to see who He brings to Willow Creek in the year ahead.

Grace + hugs,

Melissa Alyse

P.S. Happy first birthday, Willow Creek. ❤️ As God reminds me so often... we're just getting started.