She’s Not Just Along for the Ride

After losing his mother and feeling an ever-widening distance from his children, Jack Callahan makes an impulsive decision—he leaves behind his life in Illinois and heads south to Port Isabel, Texas. With only his loyal dog, Cardi, and aloof cat, Millicent, as company, he embraces the solitude of RV life, believing it will bring him the peace he desperately seeks.

But Port Isabel has other plans.

As Jack settles into this quiet coastal town, he finds himself drawn into an unlikely circle of travelers, each carrying their own burdens. Among them is Melanie, a woman with her own scars, whose presence stirs something Jack thought he had lost. With every sunset, ghosts of his past rise to the surface—an unsent letter, a long-lost friend, and a reckoning he never expected. He begins to realize that redemption isn’t about erasing the past but finding the strength to face it.

In the rhythm of the tides and the quiet moments between strangers, Jack learns that healing isn’t about running away—it’s about finding the courage to stay.

Reflections from Port Isabel

Port Isabel is more than just a destination—it’s a place of transformation. The waves whisper lessons of resilience, the wind carries the echoes of change, and the quiet moments offer wisdom only time and reflection can reveal.

In Waves, Wind, and Wisdom, Keith Thorn shares personal reflections, life lessons, and thought-provoking stories inspired by the rhythm of coastal life. From the shifting tides to the endless horizon, this collection explores the things we carry—memories, fears, habits, and beliefs—and the moment we finally let them go.

Written from the heart of Port Isabel, this book is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey—both on the road and within. Whether you’re searching for meaning, healing, or simply a new perspective, these reflections remind us that sometimes, the greatest wisdom comes from simply watching the waves.

A Novel of Adventure, Reflection, and Second Chances

Emily and Jake embark on a six-month journey to Port Isabel, Texas, seeking a break from their routine lives. They quickly become part of a close-knit community of Winter Texans, spending their days on the sunlit beaches of South Padre Island and their evenings enjoying local gatherings.

As they immerse themselves in this new environment, they confront unresolved personal challenges, including strained family relationships and past grief. Through meaningful interactions with local veterans and the discovery of a mysterious journal from the 1960s, Emily and Jake are prompted to reflect deeply on their future. Ultimately, they must decide whether to return to their former lives or embrace the possibility of a fresh start in this welcoming community.