No April Fool’s jokes here, I promise. I know I’m early for April’s newsletter, but I wanted to get this out to you before Easter. I hope that these next few days provide inspiration as we celebrate our risen Lord. Know that my prayers are with you as we continue through this joyous Easter season.
What’s in this Edition:
- Who’s ready for a Cover Reveal? – See Astonished‘s cover.
- Recent Reads I Recommend – My favorite reads from last month.
- A Little Non-Bookish Delight – Experiencing the Easter Triduum
- Upcoming Events – Where to find me in 2026
Astonished has a Cover!
I repeat, this is no joke. Astonished finally, FINALLY, has a cover. This cover went through so many versions over the past year. It’s actually crazy when I think about how many, and I am thankful it is finally complete. A massive shout out to everyone who provided input, especially my daughter who modeled, fellow authors Jennifer Q. Hunt, Susan Laspe, and Tanya E. Williams who put up with all my indecisiveness, a long phone call with my mom who helped seal the deal, and the many members of the Catholic Writers Guild who shared feedback on the final version. Oh, and St. John the Apostle’s intercession because, let’s just say, it’s been greatly needed.
Ready to see the cover?
Here it is!
What do you think? For now, you can pre-order both paperbacks and eBooks through my website for delivery on or after July 24, 2026. By my next newsletter, eBook pre-orders will be available at other retailers, and audiobooks will be available Fall 2026.
Now to finish writing and get this off to beta readers!
Recent Reads I Recommend
Need another book for your TBR? Of course you do. Here are the books I’ve recently read and loved. (Note: I receive no compensation for featuring the books below.)
There is a lot of WWII fiction set on the battlefield or related to spies, but not so many that deal with everyday families on the American Homefront. Until We Meet by Camille di Maio has just the right mix of complicated family dynamics, sweet romance, and a nod to the power of friendship. I found all six of the key characters (Margaret, Dottie, Gladys, John, William, and Tom) to be three-dimensional and fully relatable, even the ones who came from a very different background than my own. While the book’s description focuses on the women in the story, the friendship between the three male soldiers is given equal prominence. I especially liked how it didn’t shy away from the emotional aspects of male friendships and that it’s ok, even healthy, for men to be vulnerable with their closest friends. Especially in a time of war, everyone needs someone to support them through the hardships, and this book showed exactly that.
Note on Content: There is some profanity, but it isn’t excessive. One character also admits to being gay, but has not embraced that lifestyle and lives as a single man. I found his struggle, and his friends reactions to it, to be handled well.
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!
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
A Little Non-Bookish Delight
Tomorrow begins the Easter Triduum, when we observe the three days leading up to Christ’s Resurrection (The Last Supper, Good Friday, Holy Saturday). As a Catholic Christian, this is also the main season when new Catholics receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation). I’m thrilled to share that my local Archdiocese of St. Louis has over 1,000 people coming into the Church this year.
Last year was the first in a long time that I attended the entire Triduum. Every minute was absolutely awe-inspiring and emotionally-moving. If you haven’t been in awhile, or ever, I invite you to do so this year. Even if you’re not Catholic, you’re welcome and encouraged to share this time with us. (One element to be aware of: Non-Catholics are not able to receive Communion in a Catholic church, just as Catholics would not receive in a non-Catholic church. Here’s why.)
Not sure what to expect? The video below provides an excellent overview, starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Saturday’s Easter Vigil.
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! Here’s where you can find me and my books in 2026, including the opportunity to pre-order Astonished. All events are in partnership with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. As additional events are scheduled, I’ll add details on my website.
- Incarnate Word Academy Spring Boutique – April 23, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – Requires advanced registration.
- Elks Lodge 2587 Craft Fair – July 18, 2026 – O’Fallon, MO
- St. Joseph Catholic School Craft Fair – October 10, 2026 – Cottleville, MO
- Francis Howell High Band Craft Fair – December 5, 2026 – Weldon Springs, MO
Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com
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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2026
Purple Mask Publishing
2025 Zumbehl Rd, Ste. 33
St. Charles, MO 63303
