Sophie Brooks is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Wine & Whispers, the first novel in the Sophie Brooks mystery series.

Welcome, Sophie. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tell us about the novel that you live inside. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

I’m part of the Sophie Brooks Mysteries series, starting with Wine and Whispers. It’s a journey of new beginnings for me as I leave behind a farm-to-table restaurant and a complicated past to explore the world of sustainable dining and, unexpectedly, solving mysteries. The series combines my love of food and uncovering secrets with a dose of adventure and personal growth.

Does the writer control what happens in the story, or do you get a say too?

Oh, Daisy thinks she’s in control, but I have my ways of steering things. Sometimes she surprises me with twists I didn’t see coming, but ultimately, it feels like a collaboration. After all, who knows my instincts better than I do?

How did you evolve as the main character?

I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect. Leaving the safety of my restaurant wasn’t just a physical move—it was a leap into discovering who I am outside of what I built with Ryan. I’ve learned to trust my instincts more and embrace the unknown, even when it terrifies me.

Do you have any other characters you like sharing the story with? If so, why are you partial to them?

Oliver, my best friend and editor, is my rock. He’s my sounding board, my cheerleader, and the person who always knows how to lighten the mood with a clever quip. Sharing my story with him makes everything feel a little less daunting and a lot more fun.

What’s the place like where you find yourself in this story?

The series starts in Sonoma, California, where vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and every meal tells a story. It’s picturesque and brimming with charm, but there’s an undercurrent of mystery beneath the beauty. The community is welcoming yet layered, perfect for someone like me to dig into the secrets hiding just below the surface.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about you and the book?

Feasts and Farewells sets the stage for my journey, while Wine and Whispers dives into the heart of my new life. If you enjoy food, travel, and the thrill of uncovering hidden truths, I think you’ll love coming along for the ride. And don’t worry—Oliver ensures there’s plenty of wit and wine to go around.

Thank you for answering my questions, Sophie, and good luck to you and your author, Daisy Landish, with Wine & Whispers, the first book in the Sophie Brooks mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Sophie and her author, Daisy Landish by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter/X.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B & N –  Publisher – Apple – Smashwords – Everand – fable

About Daisy Landish: Daisy is a sweet romance and cozy mystery author, whose clean and sweet stories have tugged at readers’ heartstrings around the world. When she’s not writing love stories, Daisy spends her time reading, hiking at dawn, and riding into the sunset on her horse, Rosebud.