Debut novel · Out now

Past Perfect Vacation

A story about self-worth, second chances, and the cost of trying to rewrite history.

Past Perfect Vacation book cover

The story

Claudia Lee, 40, is struggling to balance the demands of motherhood, a stagnant marriage, and an unfulfilling career. Pregnant with her third child, Claudia feels disconnected from the woman she once was, unsure of where her life has led. After a fateful breaking point, she finally makes the bold decision to file for divorce. But everything changes when she meets Mhairi, an unexpected visitor with magical powers.

Mhairi, a fairy godmother with a surprising twist, offers Claudia a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a vacation that sends her back to age 20. Now, with the wisdom and confidence of a 40-year-old and the body of a youthful 20-year-old, Claudia relives her past with a chance to do everything she couldn't before, and everything she wishes she had done.

But the adventure soon takes an unexpected turn. As Claudia lives out her teenage dreams, she learns from Mhairi that altering her past could have disastrous consequences for her future, and even her children's existence. With just one week to make things right, Claudia must navigate the delicate balance of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice, facing tough decisions that could shatter hearts, including her own.

Past Perfect Vacation explores themes of self-worth, the importance of second chances, and the cost of trying to rewrite history. It's a powerful story that reminds readers to embrace both the flaws and beauty of their journey through life.

Paperback & ebook

Where to buy

Published by Omnific Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Available from major retailers worldwide.

Here are the independent bookstores I know of that are selling the paperback as print-to-order

Canada

British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Saskatchewan
Quebec

International

Australia
India
Korea
Netherlands
New Zealand
UK
Past Perfect Vacation audiobook cover
Audiobook

Hear it read aloud

I narrated the Past Perfect Vacation audiobook myself, with LB Tran as sound designer and the voice of Jun, and Graham Kent as Chad.

  • Included with an Amazon Music Unlimited subscription
  • Available on Audible
Behind the book

Fun facts

I wrote the manuscript in 3 months

I got to keep everything except for the footnotes and embedded links I originally wrote in as reminders for myself or quick links for my friends reading the draft chapters

My writing process is sort of having an idea of the big things that happen but I write without a plan, chapter by chapter, just riding the ride, like word improv

My two cheerleaders for this book were my Rooster art director, Connie Choi, and my San Francisco bestie, Keika Lee – I sent them chapters as I finished them and they kept me motivated to finish with their comments like, “WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!”

Coming next: Quiet Billionaire Housewife

My next novel is scheduled for publication by Ciolna Press in Q4 2026. Want to be first to hear? Reach out.