Happy May, readers! I know I’ve been a little quiet the last few months with only one newsletter, but it’s been for good reasons. Between writing Astonished, I’m still working on covers and interior book layouts for my clients along with lots of family life and my day job, plus trying to keep the characters for my next book at bay. It’s chaos but I really am blessed to be doing all the things.
What’s in this Edition:
- All the Astonished Updates – Launch Team and eBook Preorder
- Recent Reads I Recommend – My favorite reads from last month.
- A Little Non-Bookish Delight – The beauty of Goretti Fine Art
- Upcoming Events – Where to find me in 2026
All the Astonished Updates
Astonished is finally out with beta readers! This amazing group will be the first to read Astonished and provide feedback, looking for all the inevitable continuity errors and hopefully catching those pesky proofreading problems that always slip through the cracks. While the editing process is far from done, I can breathe a little easier now that the main part of writing is complete. I can’t wait to receive their notes and find out how I can make Avila and Matthias’s story even better for all of you.
I’m happy to also announce that the ebook is now available for pre-order everywhere. Paperbacks are still only available for pre-order through my online store. Audiobooks are coming this fall.
Bonus: If you would like to read Astonished early and for free, sign up for my launch team. Here’s all you have to do:
- Read Astonished and share your honest review on at least one site (Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, personal blog, etc).
- Request your local library purchase Astonished.
- Recommend Astonished to 5 friends via any method you choose.
- Optional – Share on social media. I don’t have social media, so I won’t require you to either.
Signed Paperback Pre-Order – Direct from Author
eBook Pre-Order – Direct from Author
eBook Pre-Order – All other Retail Sites
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.)
My first Elizabeth Camden novel, Beyond the Clouds, was a heart wrenching, romantic story to begin with! If you enjoy World War I, spies, and second chance romances, you definitely need to give this one a try. Even though this is third in a series it absolutely can be read as a standalone. I loved every quickly turning page!
I just finished beta reading A Blight of Gold by Susan Laspe and her first fairy tale retelling does not disappoint. This 18th Century Rumpelstiltskin retelling with an Oliver Twist twist has the heart-pumping high stakes curses and witty banter of her first series combined with an enemies to more/mistaken identities romance. This take on prince- meets-thief is definitely swoony, but still completely spice-free. Releases on August 21, 2026. Cover reveal coming soon!
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Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
A Little Non-Bookish Delight
In a world flooded with artwork created by AI, it is beautiful to come across genuine artwork created by people. Goretti Fine Art is a Missouri-based brother-sister duo who creates the most beautiful pieces for private and public worship spaces with a mission “to nourish the human spirit and to glorify God through beautiful, inspiring, and innovative imagery that speaks to contemporary experience, is grounded in the Judeo-Christian faith tradition, and builds upon the rich heritage of Western religious art.” Not only are their paintings beautiful and lifelike, but are thoroughly researched, utilizing several historical sources to make sure that each piece is as accurate as possible. I find their “Making of a Painting” blog fascinating and highly recommend checking it out. You can find the full gallery of their work on their website: https://www.gorettifineart.com/gallery The painting above of St. Maria Goretti is their latest piece. You can purchase copies of all their work on their website.
(Note: I receive no compensation for featuring Goretti Fine Art.)
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.
- 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
