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FAIRHOPE — Before her characters or stories come to life, author Lauren Denton dreams of the place she wants to spend the day.

Most of her writing happens in the winter months, during the school year. The Mobile native, who now lives outside Birmingham, longs to spend that cooler season by the sea.

"It's cold and I want to be near the warm water. I try to come up with a story in a place I want to take myself and the readers too," she says.

Her newest novel, "A Place to Land," brings readers to the tiny riverside retreat of Sugar Bend, inspired, she said, by places like Lillian and Josephine, tucked away into the inlets of the Perdido River.

But in Sugar Bend, secrets drift just below the water. When a long-lost boat floats to the surface two sisters forever tied to its sinking 40 years earlier must face a difficult truth.

Denton said the siblings learn to let go of what could have been and see who they can be when they leave the past behind.

"This story in particular says a lot about how much you will do to protect someone you love," Denton said.

Denton will discuss "A Place to Land" during a visit to Page & Palette in Fairhope on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m.

Recently named a "USA Today" bestselling author, Denton is also the author of "The Hideaway," "Hurricane Season," "Glory Road" and "The Summer House."