Happy August, readers! But what happened to the July newsletter, you ask? Due to an overly busy month at my day job, my authorly duties got away from me. It was one of those months where you finish work and just want to play video games and watch tv with the kids. Ok, ok, I’ll admit most of the gaming was initiated by me. June’s top game was Hogwart’s Legacy and July’s included LEGO Marvel Super Heroes with my son and creating a Lord of the Rings themed world in Minecraft with my daughter.
Despite losing myself in work and games, however, I did find time for a few book related activities including the Jingle Jangle in July vendor fair with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe.
Cover Wars – Please vote!
From August 13 to 19, I will be one of the featured authors in Author Shout’s weekly Cover Wars competition. Basically, every week, they feature a handful of authors and readers vote on which one has the best cover. The winning author will then be featured on their website and newsletter for another week. Readers can vote once per day. Thank you in advance!
Designing in the Kudzu
On July 4, I revealed the cover design for Hannah Hood Lucero’s romantic suspense novel, Already in the Kudzu. This is the first book in her Sons of Vigilance series, and I am blessed to have been commissioned for all four covers. (Thanks, Hannah!) Hannah wanted the cover to show a pivotal moment in the story without giving too much away, and I think the end result provides just the right mix of suspense and setting. Already in the Kudzu is available for preorder and releases November 10, 2023.
Adrift Release Day Giveaway
August 8 is release day for Adrift, the second book in the Molly Chase historical fiction series by Rhonda Ortiz. I was an early reader and after waiting two years, I am happy to say that Adrift is as good, if not better than, its predecessor, In Pieces. Molly and Josiah have become one of my favorite literary couples and their relationship is the perfect friends-to-more romance, based in faith, family, and copious amounts of witty banter. Plus, the side character couples’ stories will have you as invested as the main characters. Overall, this story is 5-star fabulous, full of family secrets, spies, intrigue, and so much history. I loved every moment.
To celebrate the release, I am giving away one signed paperback copy of the first book, In Pieces to one newsletter subscriber. To enter, complete the form at the link below by August 25. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter. U.S. residents only.
Released in July/Releasing in August
Need another read? Here are the July and August releases I’m excited about:
- Adrift by Rhonda Ortiz – spies, sailors, and witty romance in 1793 Boston
- The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel – World War II Hollywood spies on the Swedish elite
- Refuge for the Archeologist by Danielle Grandinetti – romantic suspense between a curious female archeologist and a coastal town cowboy
- A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White – aristocratic acrobats and espionage in 1909 England
- Two to Tango by Kathleen Fuller – a small town librarian and pediatrician dance their way into love
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Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey
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Purple Mask Publishing
2025 Zumbehl Rd, Ste. 33
St. Charles, MO 63303
