Inspired or Insane? Celebrating Astonished’s Release day.

Happy release day to Astonished! Today, July 24, is the feast day of little-known medieval saint, St. Christina the Astonishing, and the inspiration for Astonished‘s store. St. Christina had a wild life to say the least and is appropriately named the patron of mental health disorders and mental healthcare workers. I spent time sifting through her near-death experience story to determine what was true and what was legend, exaggeration, or flat-out fabrication. In the end, I decided to retain certain aspects of St. Christina’s life while giving Astonished a story all its own. Was she inspired or was she insane? That’s what our characters are trying to discover.

Read on for a release day giveaway, launch team graphics, and details on how to purchase.

What’s it all about?

Opposites Attract Romance * Mental Health Awareness * Dyslexic MMC * Family and Sibling Bonds * A Touch of the Supernatural * Authentic Catholic Christian Faith

How fine the line between inspired and insane…

1914 – Avila Kohlfeld has spent most of her life in the shadow of Hawthorn Asylum. As the superintendent’s daughter, she grew up outside the institution’s inner workings, yet never quite apart from them. Then one night, a reckless visit to its walls claims the life of her sister—or does it? Avila doesn’t know what to make of the altered girl who is restored to their family. Is Callie truly inspired by God from her experience or is she as insane as the patients at the asylum? As whispers and speculation circulate, the community questions the superintendent’s suitability for his position. With her entire family’s future in jeopardy, Avila works on a desperate plan to prove that Hawthorn Asylum is caring for its patients, body and soul.

Abandoned by his parents due to his inability to read or write, Matthias Ward was diagnosed as “backward” and given a job where he can’t cause any harm—asylum mortician. He resolves to treat each body with the same dignity as he would if they were living. When the superintendent’s daughter ends up in his mortuary, the resulting whirlwind tosses his basement-dwelling days upside down. Avila encourages him to consider a different path, despite her own tenuous future. Is it possible that God has more for him outside of Hawthorn’s walls?

In a place where many enter but few leave, could the halls of Hawthorn Asylum still hold room for another miracle? Inspired by the incredible near-death experience of St. Christina the Astonishing, Astonished is a story of second chances and authentically Catholic Christian faith.

Now available in eBook and paperback.

Get Your Copy

Those who pre-ordered or signed up as advance readers, your signed copies went out in the mail last week. I’m hoping they’ve already reached you. If you still need a copy, here’s how to grab one:

Order Signed Paperback – Direct from Author

Paperback – All other retail sites

eBook – Direct from Author

eBook – All other retail sites

Have a book club? I love meeting with groups both virtually and in person (St. Louis/St. Charles, MO counties only). I don’t charge any appearance fees; your group just purchases the books. Contact me for more information.

Want to help spread the word? I’ve created pre-made graphics for anyone to use:

Launch Team Graphics

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! Thank you in advance!

Astonished Extras

In case you missed last month’s newsletter, here are a few fun extras to help immerse you into the world of Astonished:

Music: For those who enjoy book soundtracks, I’ve created a Spotify playlist of songs that either fit different scenes in the story or the book’s general mood. Songs are in no particular order. Enjoy!

Aesthetic Photos: If you’re interested to see the many photos I used as aesthetic inspiration while writing Astonished, check out my Unsplash collection. Here are a few of my favorites:

Giveaway Time!

Because you can never have too many good books, here’s your chance to win three more. All of these Christian Historical Fiction novels are excellent reads focusing on asylums and mental health. I’m honored to have Astonished stand beside them.

Enter the Giveaway

Giveaway runs through 11:59 p.m. CT on August 1, 2026. Open to US Residents ages 18+. Winner will be contacted directly. Not affiliated with any other company or organization or promoted by the authors listed above. Only one entry per person.