Hey sugarplums—Kendra Cassidy here, back in your inbox with another author who’s bringing the sunshine, sass, and swoon. And this time? We’re slipping off our shoes and digging our toes into the warm, sugary sands of Kimberly Webb’s imagination.

Now, Kimberly isn’t just here to give you a happily-ever-after—though she’s got those in spades. She writes feel-good romance with heart, humor, and just the right splash of tropical breeze to make you forget your inbox is screaming and your coffee’s gone cold. Her debut novel, Jillian’s Island, serves up laughter, healing, and second chances in a pitch-perfect blend of cozy charm and emotional warmth. If you’ve ever wished your beach read came with a hug and a homemade piña colada, Kimberly’s your girl.

She’s got a degree in English and Creative Writing, a history of buddy-writing stories with her cousin (aw), and an addiction to mystery and humor that sneaks into everything she writes—even when she’s trying to behave. Also, can we talk about how she’s basically a superhero? Writer, wife, mom of three, jogger, hiker, ice cream explorer… I’m exhausted just typing that.

So grab your flip-flops and floaties, darlings—this interview’s got heart, wisdom, and a few magical detours. Let’s dive in.

Reboots – a great idea or a lack of creativity?

If done with a twist, I love it! I don’t like to see a copy-paste of an original, but a reimagination is so fun!

A book you’re looking forward to release (by someone else)?

Sarah Adams “In Your Dreams”

A book that pleasantly surprised you?

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

• I first tried creative writing  in Jr. High, buddy writing a story with my cousin. And my first attempt at a novel was after reading my favorite books 5-10 times and realizing that an adventure would last longer if I wrote it myself!

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

• I started writing as a young teenager, but I realized that I wanted to really pursue it as I went into college. I wrote my first full-length novels in college, and never could completely let go of the dream!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

• I have 2 kids at home that keep me hopping, and when then don’t need me, I enjoy jogging and swimming, hiking on easy mountain trails, and finding good ice cream places!

Is there a trope you find yourself going back to in multiple works? Or one you avoid?

• Mystery and Humor. I’ve attempted many different genres as I searched for my niche, and no matter what else happened in a plot, there were always elements of mystery and romance - even when I didn’t think they were going to show up!

What does your family think of your writing?

• My parents are incredibly supportive and always have been. My mom reads every version of all of my work and has been an amazing sounding board as I create plots and add quirkiness to characters and situations. 

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?

• You can’t edit an empty page. You can only get better through practice. So just close your eyes and write. You can always fix it later!

What is the first book that made you cry?

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The graveyard scene was burned into my bones!

What is your writing Kryptonite?

• I do take negative criticism personally. I’m trying to be better, but I tend to hurt my own feelings by dwelling on other people’s comments too much. I’m learning not to read reviews, for sure!

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

• I did. I wrote and published under a pen name for the early part of my writing career. I never did much with those novels and have decided to write and publish under my real name now to make it easier for people to find me online!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

• That’s tricky. I’d like to think I do both. I certainly hope that my take on an idea or a theme is creative enough to set me apart, but I don’t want to write things that are off-the-mark from what readers want. It’s a fine balance - surprise vs predictability, a fresh take vs comfort. I think there has to be elements of both in order to keep your readers engaged. 

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you building a body of work with connections between each book?

• I’d like each book to stand on its own, but since they are part of the same group of friends and have a common theme, they will be easily read as an interconnected series. 

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

• Reading the Chronicles of Narnia was very shaping for me. When I reached the end of the final book, I was shaken by the parallels and symbolism that Lewis used. I had caught on to a few of them through the series, but I found the ending so powerful that it brought me to tears and stayed with me for weeks. 

Are you traditionally or self published? Or both? Do you feel there are advantages to one over the other?

• I am self published. In my genre, I hope to be able to find my readers in an organic way through word of mouth and sharing through social media and advertising. 

What does literary success look like to you?

• Success for me looks like finding readers who love my works, come back for me, and help keep me motivated to continue creating worlds that people love. 

What do you have coming next?

• My next book is Bothered and Bewildered, another book that takes inspiration from a classic TV series, Bewitched. In this story, my main characters are the stars of a television remake of Bewitched, learn about themselves and each other, and find love in expected and unexpected ways. 

And that’s a wrap, sunshine!

If Kimberly Webb hasn’t charmed you into grabbing a beach blanket and her debut novel Jillian’s Island, I don’t know what will. Honestly, I’m half a margarita away from booking a fictional vacation to her entire backlist—and I don’t even care if I get sand in my bookmarks.

Keep your eyes on this one—Kimberly’s crafting love stories that don’t just warm your heart; they remind you why we believe in second chances and perfect moments in imperfect places. Whether she’s making you laugh, cry, or swoon (sometimes all in the same chapter), she’s the kind of author you’ll want to follow wherever the tide takes her.

Want more? You know what to do:

 🌴 Follow Kimberly on Instagram

 📚 Check out her website for updates and extra goodies https://authorkimberlywebb.com 

 📘 Grab Jillian’s Island on Amazon and fall in love

Until next time—stay wild, read boldly, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

 —Kendra 💋

Jillian knows how to keep her cool. She’s spent years smoothing over chaos as a yacht stewardess, but nothing could prepare her for the real storm: when her grandfather’s yacht is shipwrecked on a remote Bahamian island.

With Grandpa Skippy and five other castaways stranded alongside her, Jillian must navigate more than just survival. Mysterious ruins, unexpected dangers, and the island’s secrets test their limits. And then there’s Dr. Carter Buckley, a marine biology professor who’s far too distracting for this deserted-island scenario.

As friendships form and romance stirs under swaying palms, Jillian realizes getting off the island might not be the only adventure fate has in store.

For fans of clean romance, charming banter, and unexpected detours into paradise, Jillian’s Island is your next feel-good escape.

Jillian's Island, is an island survivor story of an unlikely cast of castaways, surprise romance, and plenty of laughter. This feel-good fiction will make readers smile, melt, and rediscover their faith in love. If you're into strong female leads, happy endings, and romance with a sunny side, this is the next book for you!