A Letter From Libby…
Hello! I’m Libby Tanner – mom to four sweet kiddos, wife to a cinnamon roll accountant, and author of Better Than Gelato and Bigger Than Versace. I’m also a firm believer in going after your dreams.
My best friend (the one who’s promised to shred my junior high diaries when I die) was out to dinner with a group of women and mentioned that her best friend- ME- was finishing a first draft and talked non stop about character development and plot holes (sorry not sorry).
The reaction from the women was envy. Not for my success- this was pre book deal- but simply for the fact that I was doing something I loved.
For a lot of women buried in work, or raising children, or taking care of parents, dream chasing is at the bottom of the To-Do list. You may even feel it’s selfish to do something just for you. Or that it will make you neglect your other responsibilities. Or that it doesn’t really matter if you explore your passion for painting.
How do I put this politely? You’re wrong and here’s why:
- Creative expression boosts mood, alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhances overall psychological well-being.
- Completing projects provides a sense of achievement and fulfillment, boosting self-esteem and motivation.
- Joining communities or sharing work fosters relationships and a sense of belonging.
Pursuing your passion enriches your life and makes you better at everything else you do. We all have unique talents to explore. It’s only a matter of finding them and following them. In the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”
I bet you DO have that courage. And my mission for you today is to find one thing you love– painting, writing, singing, cooking– and schedule a time this week to do it. I promise, you’ll be happy you did.
About the Book:
Bigger Than Versace
Author: Libby Tanner
Publisher: City Owl Press
Release Date: June 16, 2026
Series: Book #2 in the Ciao Bella series (but can be read as standalone)
Genre: Romcom
In Milan, falling in love is always in style…
Lydia St. Clair is furious. After getting kicked out of college again, her father ships her off to Milan to work as a nanny for Isabella Rossi—a child far more manipulative than Lydia’s last sorority president. Lydia plans to leave as soon as possible.
Until she discovers Isabella’s father is Marco Rossi, an up-and-coming fashion designer. Lydia has loved fashion her entire life—but as a St. Clair, she was never allowed to pursue it. Respectable careers only. Law. Medicine. Not dreams.
When Marco offers her an internship at Rossi Designs, Lydia finally finds her place in the world she’s always wanted. Between late nights in the studio and learning the art of design, she begins to thrive. It doesn’t hurt that she’s working alongside Nico Moretti—a gorgeous model who’s kind, funny, and far too easy to trust.
For the first time, Lydia’s life fits. Until everything begins to unravel.
When things fall apart, Lydia’s instinct is to run. But walking away now would mean losing the future she’s finally built—and the love she never expected to find.
Will she find the courage to stay, or let fear and pride cost her everything?
Purchase link:
Amazon
About the Author:
Libby Tanner writes the kind of feel-good romance you read in the bath while eating cookies straight from the box. Her Ciao Bella series focus on first love, strong friendships, and following your dreams in the glamorous city of Milan, Italy.
Social media links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.
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