About Novel Escapes

I’m Cheryl Boughton, a Canadian author and educator who believes in the transformative power of stories. Books have always been my constant — companions, teachers, and doorways into other worlds. I grew up in Dundas, Ontario, where weekends often took me to my family’s century-old farm. With little to do but read, I discovered a lifelong love of books through Black Beauty, Beautiful Joe, and Through the Looking Glass — stories that shaped both my imagination and my heart.

After more than thirty years in education, most recently as Head of School at St. John’s-Kilmarnock, I began dreaming about how stories could bring women together in new ways. That dream became Novel Escapes — a place where literary travel, reflection, and community intertwine.

At Novel Escapes, I design book-inspired retreats and reading journeys for women who want to slow down, reconnect, and find joy through shared stories. Whether it’s a cozy reading retreat in Ontario or a literary adventure abroad, each experience blends conversation, creativity, and a deep appreciation for books that move us.

Beyond Novel Escapes, I write fiction and essays that explore belonging, identity, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. My Substack, The Novel Note, is where I share reflections on reading, travel, and life after leadership — all with my British Blue cats, Poppy and Oliver, often supervising nearby.

I believe that stories — whether read, shared, or lived — have the power to connect us. And that’s what Novel Escapes is really about: bringing together curious, kind-hearted women who know that books aren’t just things we read, but places we go.

At Novel Escapes, you can expect carefully curated literary retreats and journeys that combine great books with beautiful settings and meaningful connection. Whether it’s a weekend close to home or a trip abroad, each experience is designed to offer time for reflection, conversation, and personal renewal. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and more deeply connected — to yourself, to others, and to the stories that shape us.