Hello dear readers,
Greetings from Rippavilla, one of my hometown’s most haunted landmarks and the
setting for my newest release, Once Upon Our Time. This historical Civil War
structure sits grandly on U.S. Route 31, in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Its moody
presence there is a reminder for visitors and residents alike of that dark moonless
night of November 29th, 1864, when the Union Army seemingly “snuck by”
General John Bell Hood and his Confederate troops stationed there, eventually
leading to the Battle of Spring Hill.
It also happens to be the same date and location where my beloved ghost character,
Jonathan Ezra Sweet, meets his fated end, thus becoming the charmingly,
handsome ghost that psychic, Delia Achley, meets and falls in love with. Locked
into its tragic past, Rippavilla makes the perfect setting for a love story of the
ghostly kind, and it’s very easy to imagine Johnny still walking this property for
nearly 164 years.
As an author, I’m often asked where I get my ideas for the stories I write. It’s a
difficult question to pinpoint to a single answer, as so many things I see and
experience living day to day inspires much of what you read on the page. In the
case of Once Upon Our Time, the story grew specifically from the history of the
structure and the eerie vibes it still gives off today.
As I may have mentioned, my own home is built directly at the end of the
landmark’s property. The berm Delia climbs to meet her Johnny is exactly like the
one that currently exists in my own backyard, and the property my house sits on
was historically noted as being part of the Confederate encampment led by General
Hood. I have on many occasions crossed that berm to walk along the same
pathways Delia takes to the Rippavilla and the “energy” (or “vibes” if you prefer
the term) of the property does make one’s skin…well… prickle. I’ve also taken a
tour of the structure on a few occasions, and the unearthly atmosphere inside is
similar to the feelings experienced on the outside. Do ghosts really find refuge at
Rippavilla? There are plenty of articles on the subject you can bring up on Google.
Whether you’re a believer or not, you might agree that this local heritage site
perfectly lends itself to stories of spooks and spirits. If you are ever in the Nashville area, I suggest you drive about an hour south to visit Rippavilla and
experience the place that gave Johnny Sweet his ghostly home.
If you haven’t yet read Johnny and Delia’ story, Once Upon Our Time, you can
purchase a copy in e-book, paperback, or a gorgeous special edition hardcover
format with silver foiling and sprayed edges, right here on this website.
In other news, I am busy in these spring months getting ready for my new
upcoming releases. On July 7th, 2026, Serenade Publishing will launch my new
paranormal romance, Devil’s Food, a delightfully, devilish parable featuring a self-
absorbed guardian angel, a burned-out, disenchanted demon, and the young woman
baker who changes everything. It’s sweet, poignant and genuinely funny, and I
can’t wait for you to read it. A cover reveal is coming soon.
Also, up this fall is Book 1 of my newest series, the Morrigan Tales, a prequel of
sorts to The Tooth Fairy Chronicles, featuring some of your favorite characters
from Rosie and Declan’s fantastical adventures. If you enjoyed the antics and witty
banter of the Black Knight, his wife, Maureen, the Banphrionsa of I Idir, and her
ever-patient brother, Fr. Kevin, you’re going to love The Morrigan Tales.
Please know how much I am grateful for your support. Though I love the
storytelling process, it is my readers who actually make the stories come to life.
Always feel free to drop me a line or comment in the space below. I love hearing
from you.
Until next month, may your days be sunny and your troubles few.
Victoria Rocus
