I’m famous! + A Marriage Story for National Marriage Week

Happy February, readers! It’s cold and icy in Missouri, so I’m bundled up in fleece and sipping tea while working on edits. How’s the weather where you are?

What’s in this Edition:

In the NewsSt. Louis Review feature with fellow Catholic authors

6 Days to Publication – Stars in the Storm and National Marriage Week

Releasing in February – Other authors’ new releases I’m most excited about.

In the News

I’m famous! Well, sort of. Last week, our local Catholic newspaper, The St. Louis Review published a feature article on the Catholic Writers of St. Louis group with special spotlights on myself and fellow author, Susan Laspe. There were also recognitions of some of our other members: Denise Montgomery, Mary Hirt, and Donna Volkenannt. The article turned out wonderfully and brought some much needed recognition to the abundance of well-written Catholic Christian novels that are available in the market. Thank you to Review journalist, Jennifer Brinker, and Review photographer, Jacob Wiegand for shining a light on our work!

Read the Article to Learn More.

6 Days to Publication

After many weeks of review (that’s my proof copy above), edits, more review, and more edits, I’m happy to say that Stars in the Storm is finally ready. There’s less than one week until February 9, the release of Stars in the Storm, the fourth and final book in the Larksong Legacy series. While the publishing industry standard is to release books on Tuesdays, one of the fun aspects of being independently published is that I can choose to release a book on any day of the week.

I chose February 9 for Stars in the Storm because this story is first and foremost about a marriage, and Sunday, February 9 is World Marriage Sunday, part of National Marriage Week (February 7-14). Stars is about two people who are walking on opposite sides of life, longing to find a way across the void, and doubting if it’s even possible. It is a story of loss and hurt but also of faith, redemption, and forgiveness. Marriage can be difficult, but with God’s guidance, it can also be one of the most beautiful paths we can walk in this life. I hope that all married readers can relate to Cade and Alice Ann as they pray for their spouses, and those unmarried can find inspiration as they discern and pray for their vocation.

The theme of this year’s National Marriage Week is “Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!” The Catholic Christian organization, For Your Marriage, has provided many great National Marriage Week resources on their website including an at-home couples retreat, Lectio Divina readings, and marriage enrichment videos. (Graphic below is from their website.)

Pre-orders for Stars in the Storm are now available in eBook at all major retailers and in paperback at my online store. Paperbacks will be available at other retailers on release day.

Pre-Order Stars in the Storm – eBook

Pre-Order Stars in the Storm – Paperback

Catch Up with the Rest of the Series.

Releasing in February

Need another read? Here are the new releases I’m excited about:

  1. The Dreams We Knew by Rachel Scott McDaniel – In 1920s New York, the daughter of a crime boss and a detective must come together to solve the murder of a rising star.
  2. The Fur Trader’s Lady by Gabrielle Meyer – A romantic and thrilling historical adventure set in the heart of the Canadian wilderness
  3. Incarnate by Antony Barone Kolenc – While dodging ruthless zealots and evading government plots, Joshua must discover if he was truly cloned from the blood of a Eucharistic miracle.
  4. Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go to Funerals by Sharon J. Mondragón – Southern and sassy Grandma Ruth likes to meddle in everyone’s business more than Gladys Kravitz likes to spy on the neighbors. 
  5. An Overdue Match by Michelle Griep – Can a librarian and a tattoo artist find love or will they judge a book by its cover?

Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!


Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey

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Purple Mask Publishing

2025 Zumbehl Rd, Ste. 33

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Published by Kelsey Gietl

I’m Kelsey Gietl, a Missouri native, Catholic Christian, cover designer, and award-winning author of historical fiction with a dose of romance and a dash of intrigue. Connect with me on my website (kelseygietl.com).