I’m Alex — a writer, communications professional, and lifelong reader with a deep love for stories that feel grounded, personal, and just a little bit bittersweet. These days, I run a few small businesses, raise two boys, and spend my evenings either wrangling cattle or winding down with a good book. My reading life isn’t particularly glamorous — it happens in the in-between moments: car lines, late nights, and those rare, quiet stretches when the house is finally still.

Books have always been my favorite way to reconnect with myself. They let me slow down, reflect, and see the world through someone else’s eyes — which is a skill I carry into everything I do, from branding work to motherhood. I’m not here to chase trends or keep up with BookTok. I’m here to read intentionally and share honestly.

The Rural Reader is my space to do just that — to write about books the same way I talk about them with close friends: with heart, context, and a little healthy overthinking. If you're the kind of reader who underlines sentences, rereads the last paragraph before turning the page, or thinks about fictional characters days later, you're in good company here.