Happy May (almost June), readers! Missouri weather is out in full force here, alternating between bright and sunny weekends and chilly rainy weekends. This weekend in the United States is Memorial Day, where we remember all those who fought and died for our country. We thank them for making the ultimate sacrifice and pray for all those left behind.
Unsettled Shores – Now Available!
My War Across Waters duology is the perfect series to talk about this Memorial Day weekend as it features World War I soldiers and their families. Unsettled Shores launched in eBook on May 15 and was met with some amazing reviews! I am so grateful for your purchases, kind words, and sharing with your friends and family. Reading your words brings a smile every day. For those of you who have stayed with the Hope or High Water world through all four books and six years, I offer an additional showering of gratitude. Over the series, I have grown so much as a writer and part of that is due to your support. As hard as it is to close this series, I am excited to bring you the next one! (See next section for more details on Series 2.)
Some praise for Unsettled Shores:
“This must read novel is sure to become one of your all time favorites. I loved this story so much and the author’s writing style that she is now on my auto buy list.” ~ Page Turners Blog
“Gietl has crafted a novel to sink your teeth into.” ~ Jenny Knipfer, author of Silver Moon
“Do you ever finish a book and then just wonder what book could ever possibly compare to the one you just finished? Yes, that was how I felt when I finished Unsettled Shores.” ~ paper_trail_adventures, Instagram
“I cannot get over my love for these characters. They are just so honest and layered and real!” ~ the.enchanted.library, Instagram
“A captivating and surprising read. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did … By the last few chapters, it was really hard to walk away from.” ~ readingthroughnaptime, Instagram
Purchase Unsettled Shores
Next Up – Larksong Legacy
Last month, I revealed that my next historical fiction series will be set in 1850’s America. At the time, I was deep in research and wasn’t sure where exactly the series was going. I’m pleased to say that I have a much better idea now and the story is really starting to take shape. Usually my writing process if fairly chaotic, so it’s a different experience for me to have so much plotted before starting to write the first book. This series has a bit of a different flavor than my last one though, so advance outlining and proper foreshadowing will be key. Here’s what I can tell you so far:
- The working series title is Larksong Legacy as it revolves around the Lark siblings.
- Book 1 begins in Mid-Missouri, but doesn’t stay there.
- There’s an unusual twist to this historical fiction family saga.
- The story also involves a cursed woman. No, that is not the twist.
- Here are the books currently on my research pile. Any ideas what might be in store for our new characters?
A Double Giveaway
Many of you already know that I design my own book covers, but I also had the privilege of designing the relaunch cover for Jennifer Q. Hunt’s Some Through the Fire. This is a wonderful novel spanning from the 1917 Atlanta Fire through World War I and up to the 1919 Boston Police Riot, and I love how the cover expresses the beauty of the story. To celebrate the relaunch, Jennifer Q. Hunt is providing signed paperbacks of both Some Through the Fire and Unsettled Shores to one random winner (U.S. only). Make sure to enter soon as the giveaway only runs through May 31, 2021.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE
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Need a copy of my other books? All three can be read on their own or in order of publication. Click the covers below to purchase! Available online in ebook and paperback or by request from your favorite indie bookseller or local library. For book club appearances, contact me here.
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Kelsey Gietl 