Hi! I’m Melissa Bourbon—writer, reader, creative soul, and self-proclaimed story witch.
For me, stories have always held a certain kind of magic. Whether it’s the twist of a mystery, the pull of an old family secret, or the quiet strength of intuition, I love writing books that explore the seen and unseen. I love the mystery and the magic.
I’m the author of several mystery series, including the Book Magic Mysteries, the Magical Dressmaking Mysteries, the Lola Cruz Mysteries, and the Bread Shop Mysteries (written as Winnie Archer). Each one brings together strong women, deep relationships, and just the right touch of something spellbinding—whether that’s actual magic (as I wish the world could be) or the everyday kind that comes from connection, healing, and hope.
But there’s another side of my writing life I’ve been waiting to share…
Introducing Ivy Cassidy, my new pen name for books that lean into richer magic, ancestral threads, and the emotional depth of women’s fiction. These stories are quieter in some ways but more powerful in others. They are woven with folklore, heart, and the idea that sometimes the stories we inherit are the ones that shape who we become.
✨ The House of Spells and Secrets, the first Ivy Cassidy novel, is coming March 2026. It’s full of legacy, sisterhood, mystery, and magic. I can’t wait for you to read it!
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me designing book covers, mentoring writers through WriterSpark Academy, walking my trio of dogs (Nacho, Pippin, and Dobby), or reading something magical with a cup of tea in hand.
Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the internet. I hope you find something here to pique your interest, whether it’s a book, a character, or a bit of inspiration, and I hope it stays with you long after the last page.