From Petaluma to Lahoma Springs: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Jilted Lovers Club’s Fictional Town

When I began writing The Jilted Lovers Club, I knew I wanted the setting to feel warm, charming, and deeply rooted in community. I didn’t have to look far for inspiration—my wonderful hometown of Petaluma had everything I needed to shape the fictional world of Lahoma Springs.

Petaluma’s charm found its way into nearly every corner of Lahoma Springs. One of the most obvious nods is The Till, the town’s cozy seed and garden shop. It’s directly inspired by The Seed Bank, which once lived in Petaluma’s historic bank building before moving to a smaller location. I loved the idea of a shop that felt like it held stories within its walls—and so The Till was born.

The Lahoma Hotel is another homage. I based it on the timeless elegance of Hotel Petaluma, though in fiction, I gave it a few creaky stairs, some outdated rooms, and a little wear and tear to deepen the story. In real life, Hotel Petaluma is beautifully maintained, a true gem with over a century of history and a stunning interior to match.

Local foodies might recognize Charred, Lahoma’s sizzling steakhouse, as a cousin to Petaluma’s Seared. It’s the kind of place you go for a celebration—or a confrontation (you’ll see what I mean). Seared is one of my favorite restaurants for a truly memorable meal. And yes, their Manhattans are the kind of drink you write books about (again—just wait!).

And then there’s the river. The Lahoma River closely mirrors the Petaluma River, complete with docks, boat rentals, bridges, and waterfront homes. with its docks, bridges, watercraft rentals, and homes along the shore. Writing scenes on the river (sometimes while I was literally at the river!) always took me back to slow, golden afternoons near the water, where the hum of town life is never far away. One of my favorite moments in the book is a paddleboard scene on the river—something I’ve done myself and hope to do again while the weather’s still warm.

But maybe the most important piece I borrowed from Petaluma is the spirit of the people. Lahoma Springs is full of loyal, tight-knit characters who show up for each other—even when it’s messy. That deep sense of community came straight from real life. Petaluma is the kind of place where you always run into someone you know, where the shopkeepers are your friends, and where locals fiercely protect their town’s character (just Google Petaluma’s public art drama for proof!).

If you’re from Petaluma, you might spot more Easter eggs as you read. And if you’ve never been, maybe The Jilted Lovers Club will give you a taste of what makes small-town life so magical—at least the way I imagine it. 

Just know this: every corner of Lahoma Springs has a little piece of my heart, and a whole lot of Petaluma.

The Jilted Lovers Club is a small-town, slow-burn romance about a single dad who’s sworn off love, a designer who’s sworn off kids, and the little girl who’s about to change everything. Set in the fictional town of Lahoma Springs—deeply inspired by Petaluma—this heartfelt love story explores grief, second chances, and the healing power of community.

The Jilted Lovers Club releases August 8. Pre-order it here, or find it now on bookshelves at bookstore The Velvet Chapter in Petaluma, CA.