Welcome to the first edition of my Extra Edition newsletter! I’m excited to bring you bonus content each month with a special inside look at my novels and the history behind them.

Christmas seems like the perfect time of year to start as its all about happy endings and new beginnings. There’s something so magical about that time of year, and ultimately inspiring as we celebrate the birth of Christ. And while I love watching those cheesy Christmas romances all year long, there are only a few that make it onto my annual holiday list (Check out Second Chance Christmas and The Spirit of Christmas for two of my favorites.) Logically, it also makes sense that all my books, except one, include a scene from the Christmas season. Keep reading for some of my characters’ favorite Christmas moments.

Sparks Fly Over Christmas

The following letter comes from the draft of my current work in progress, Sparks Fly Upward. It’s written from Martha to Garrett during December of 1854, about two years after they’ve parted ways on the westward trail. These letters will form the foundation for their friendship during the six years Martha is in Larksong and Garrett is in San Francisco. It is during this Christmas that Martha discovers how beautiful service can be when done out of love. (Note: Final text may change by publication.)

Dear Mr. Lark,

I haven’t received your last letter yet—mail seems to take longer in the winter, or maybe it’s that I look forward to it more—but I had to send Christmas blessings. Although, when you receive this, it will probably be March and you’ll think of spring. I used to hate spring because it meant summer was coming and heat, especially when my family lived in Carolina. Remember the mosquitos? But we also had peach trees Papa loved to lift me up to pick from. He called me his sweet peach. I do miss him.

I’ve enclosed a sprig of spruce bough from above our front door. I doubt it will retain its aroma, but I aim to try. We’ve decorated the lodges this year and everything is beautiful. I still struggle to believe I celebrate Christmas in my own home, or rather Jamison and Coraline’s home, but I think of it as mine. This year I serve them because I choose to, not because I am forced to. I decorate the home alongside them rather than being watched as I do so. It fills me with such joy that I do not need the fire to warm me. There is a true beauty in a life of service to those we love.

I’ve been praying for you, Garrett, and for Josiah, that the Lord is with you in California. Coraline tells me of the stories she heard on the trail and Mr. Reed always has something to tell of his times there. They aren’t tales of a positive sort. Jamison says that you’re struggling and do not know when you’ll be home. I think of that one verse: “Do not be led astray; bad company corrupts good morals.” I pray God favors you and you can return to us soon. We all miss you.

God go with you,

Martha Louis

Pick Your Party Dress

One of the early scenes in my first novel, Across Oceans, takes place at a Christmas Eve party at the prominent Winchester family estate in Hampshire, England. All the most affluent would have attended and even some of the less affluent (what we would call upper middle class today.) Like most events of the British elite, it was essential to wear the latest fashions, so as not to make a social blunder. This was especially important for young ladies, such as sisters Maggie and Tena, who were within their season (aka debutante year) and expected to catch a husband.

The gowns below are some typical ladies evening attire of the early 1910s. None of these are quite right for the sisters’ dresses in Across Oceans (hello, copyright restrictions), but I do imagine that #1 or #3 would be a good fit for Maggie, while Tena would choose #4 or #6. Which dress would you pick to wear to the party? I love all of these, but my first choice is in the caption below.

As American As Apple Pie

In our house, one of our favorite desserts is my husband’s apple crumble pie. It is absolutely delicious, having graced many a holiday meal. In fact, it will be present again this year at Christmas.

In Broken Lines, our two main characters share an apple pie during their “getting to know you” conversation at a New Years Eve Party (not technically Christmas, but still the Christmas season). Their pie was inspired by my husband’s recipe, which can be found below. I invite you to make our tradition part of your tradition this year.

Olden Time Christmas Playlist

Looking to switch up your Christmas music this year? How about adding some carols recorded in the 1910s? These would have been the same songs my characters listened to in the Over the Atlantic and War Across Waters series, complete with the authentic crackles of pre-modern-era recording equipment.

Listen and Enjoy!

Recommended Christmas Reads

And finally, a few recommended Christmas reads to help us prepare for the birth of Christ:

• Santa and the Christ Child by Nicholas Bakewell is one of my childhood favorites, blending religious and secular traditions as Santa goes on a journey to Bethlehem to meet the Christ Child.
• Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (And Still Does) is nonfiction by Catholic convert, Scott Hahn, encouraging readers to dig a little deeper into how Christ’s birth changed the world.
• If you haven’t listened to the Biblical Christmas story in awhile, the Hallow app has wonderful narration by Jonathan Roumie (plays Jesus in The Chosen) of all four gospels.

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy December, readers! In last month’s newsletter, I announced my decision to take a six month sabbatical from social media, starting December 1, exchanging those posts for a new bonus content newsletter beginning December 18 (for those who opted in.) Your support of this decision was overwhelming and definitely affirmed my decision. Many of you included stories of your own social media breaks and how rewarding you found the experience. Several authors noted that, while on break, they maintained rewarding connections with their readers. I genuinely hope that will be the case for me and you over the next six months.

If you missed last month’s newsletter, there’s still time to sign up for the monthly bonus content. Simply, complete the form at the link below to get all the inside info.

Join the Journey – Get Bonus Content

Meet the Author

With so many new subscribers (Welcome, friends!), it seemed like the perfect time for a “Meet the Author” refresh. I’ve included an infographic below with fun details on me and my books. Do we have anything in common? Was there anything that surprised you? Reply to this email and let me know!

Fictional Characters, Real Settings

With the holidays coming up, festivity is to be expected. When it came to festivity in the 1910s – at least for the rebellious youth – dance halls often came to mind. Featured in my novel, Twisted River, St. Louis’s Cave Hall was one of the premier dance halls of the time and for many decades after under the name Castle Ballroom. Located above a row of Olive Street shops, Cave Hall’s wood-planked dance floor and extended ceiling encompassed most of the building’s top two floors. From the raised stage at its farthest end, a mixed band led hundreds of couples to the rhythms of a fresh ragtime beat. Up above, a narrow balcony allowed space to observe the dancing or spend more intimate time in its dark corners. But it was on the hall’s edges that the boisterous gaiety was at its most extreme. Trussed up ladies and their beaus shuffled together in merry conversation, often discussing nothing of more consequence than the latest twenty-minute nickelodeon film. They were out on the town; talk of employment and politics were serious topics for parlors and dining tables, not rebellious dance halls.

Built in 1908 by Cornelius Ahern and Herman Albers, the hall was completely non-alcoholic, allowing it to thrive even throughout Prohibition. According to records, the infamous Morality Squad only visited one night in December 1911, hoping to enforce laws against inappropriate dancing. Supposedly forgetting that the hall was closed on Monday, they simply left. Otherwise, they may have witnessed the dances performed by Twister River‘s characters: the Grizzly Bear, Turkey Trot, and Lame Duck, amongst others. After many years in disrepair, Castle Ballroom was demolished in 2012.

What I Read in 2023

As the year comes to a close, here are my recommended reads from 2023, listed by genre then by time period for historicals. Have you read any of these? Which books should I add to my must-read list in 2024?

1690s Scotland: Royal and Ancient by Amanda Lauer; Post-Revolutionary War: Adrift by Rhonda Ortiz; Pre-Civil War/Antebellum: 12 Days of Courting Miss Thomas by Dani Renee (only available to her newsletter subscribers); Civil War: A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green; 1920s: Meet Me at the Clock by Tanya E. Williams, In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel, The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green, and Through Thorny Ways by Jennifer Q. Hunt; Great Depression: In a Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem; World War II Germany: Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn. Note: Due to the nature of the story, Cradles of the Reich is not a clean read, but I found it to be thought-provoking.

Firetender and Enkindle in Me by Erin Lewis; Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden; Cathey’s Creek Road and Already in the Kudzu by Hannah Hood Lucero; The One She Can’t Forget and The One Who Promised Forever by Tara Grace Ericson; Much Ado About a Latte, Sold on Love, and Two to Tango by Kathleen Fuller.

Kingdom of Lies* and City of Secrets by Megan Lynn Rose (Romantasy); The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez (Dystopian); Azure Blaze by Elizabeth Natalia (Superhero); The Desolate World, The Rejected King*, and The Promised Prince* by Kortney Keisel. (*=Re-read and even better the second time around)

Did you know that 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!

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy November, readers! I recently made a major decision regarding my author accounts; beginning December 1, I’m going on a six-month social media sabbatical. This means that until June 1, 2024, I will have no new posts (with the exception of those I’ve already promised to other authors). I am deleting the apps from my phone and will set an auto-reply for direct messages. That doesn’t, however, mean I’m abandoning my readers.

For many months, I have felt this tug when it came to social media. There was a constant battle with what I should post, how often, and was I posting for the right reasons or just because I felt I had to? Was my content what God was truly calling me to share or what I need to be seen as an author? Most people would say a lengthy social media break isn’t a good business decision, especially in the months leading up to a book release. It has the possibility of making readers forget you and never return. But were those fears overshadowing the bigger picture? After lots of prayer, discussion with friends, and massive confusion, I believe that this break will help me to refocus on the stories I need to tell and what my readers need from me. It’s a decision as positive as it is frightening.

I am extremely grateful for my readers and especially you, my newsletter subscribers. You have taken an extra step to be on this journey with me and I never want to diminish the importance of your support. Therefore, from at least January to July 2024, I will be offering a second newsletter, sent once per month, that includes bonus content related to my writing process, characters, playlists, books I’m reading, etc., all curated especially for you. I want to be appreciative of your time, so this extra content will be opt-in via the link below. I ask you to pray for me, as I will be praying for you, as we take this next step in the writing journey together.

Write Your Novel November

It’s National Novel Writing Month, known in my Christian Mommy Writers group as Write Your Novel November. While the traditional goal of the month is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month, authors can use this month in a variety of ways. With the business of mom life, wife life, and my day job, I know that 50,000 words is an unrealistic goal for me, but I always try to complete a large chunk of my current work in progress. This year I made a goal to complete 30,000 words in Sparks Fly Upward, and I am pleased to share that as of writing this, I am at over 16,000 words. If you’re an author, what are your goals for this month? If not, do you have a reading goal?

Fictional Characters, Real Settings

One of the scenes in Sparks Fly Upward takes place at the real Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in San Francisco, a church that still exists to this day. After finding mixed information related to its founding, I contacted the church staff and was so appreciative when they sent me a photo of the interior from 1906, the same year the church would survive the Great San Francisco earthquake, only to be damaged by fire the next day. This would have been the same interior my characters see when they visit in 1858.

Old St. Mary’s has an interesting history. Its construction began in July of 1853 and due to its intention to be a Chinese mission, was built by Chinese laborers using brick brought over from China, yet built in a Gothic style. It included seating for over 1,200 people and its spire rose over 200 feet high, making it, at the time, the largest church in California. One of its unique features was the clock on its front tower, which read underneath, “Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil (Ecclesiasticus 4:23).” In the 1850s, San Francisco was known for its large number of brothels; the clock was installed as a warning to the men who frequented them.

The photos above show the church altar as it looked then versus how it looks today. The modern photo is from St. Mary’s website.

Getting Crafty

Do you enjoy craft fairs? I like to attend them on occasion, but this past month was the first one I decided to sell books at. Fellow historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe, and I shared a booth space, not knowing how many books we would sell or if we would sell any. (Craft fairs aren’t typically known for being book fairs.) I’m happy to say we were thrilled with the results. It was lots of fun talking to our readers, friends, and family, including those from the St. Louis chapter of the Catholic Writers Guild. Thank you to all who stopped by! This may have been our first craft fair, but it certainly won’t be the last.

On Central Park Giveaway

Thank you to those who entered the Hotel Hamilton giveaway last month. Congratulations to our winners, Katja and Mrs. M!

This month’s giveaway is one paperback copy of The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green. This is an exciting story of romance and betrayal in the world of 1920s art and Egyptian archeology, set in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The second book in the series, The Hudson Collection, releases June 4, 2024. To enter, complete the form at the link below by November 24, 2023. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter. U.S. residents only.

Releasing in November

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

1. Already in the Kudzu by Hannah Hood Lucero – military romantic suspense set in the blue ridge mountains.
2. The One Who Promised Forever by Tara Grace Ericson – small town firefighter romance of second chances within marriage. I read the first two books and they were excellent.
3. One Week in November by Sarah Everest – a novella of friendship, family, and the tough choices we make that change everything
4. A Faith Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer – the fifth novel in a Catholic Civil War series of faith and romance set in the American South
5. A Class Inherited by Susie Murphy – the sixth book in the A Matter of Class series about Irish immigrants from different sides of the class divide. Note for my clean readers: this series is not clean, but is wonderfully written. It is currently the only series I make an exception for.

Did you know that 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!

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Read past newsletters here: NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy October, readers! I know you opened this newsletter for one main reason: to find out when you can read Sparks Fly Upward. Until a few days ago, I honestly wasn’t planning to post it yet. Usually, I wait until I’m farther along in the writing process, but throughout this book, my characters have been unruly and keep changing things. The ending is now on its fifth or sixth version (no promises that it’s the last.) My antagonist decided he wanted to make me research something off script which led to me killing and subsequently resurrecting someone else. Of course, that then led to adding said not-quite-dead character into multiple scenes. I’m glad I brought this person back (I think you will be too!) but can someone please tell my characters to stop the chaos?!

As I said, I wasn’t planning to set a release date yet, but I think it’s what is needed. Being an indie author is wonderful because you get to decide your own schedule and move it according to your needs. The downside is that you can continue pushing things off and never get anything accomplished. By sharing this date with my readers, it provides a tangible goal and will hopefully help my characters settle down, too. Please pray for me as I work through this story that I will stay motivated and remember to allow God to guide my pen.

For now, I am only releasing this date to my newsletter subscribers. You’ll also be the first to know when the cover reveal and pre-order are available. Both will be sometime in early 2024.

Buy Books, Support Kids

Still need copies of my books? Want to support a good cause? On Saturday, October 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. visit St. Joseph Cottleville Catholic School (1351 Motherhead Rd.
St. Charles, MO 63304) for their Craft Fair where I will be signing books with fellow historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. Not only will you help to support a good cause, but you can purchase signed books at a discount. We will both be offering the following deals: 3 books for $30, 2 books for $25, or 1 book for $15. You’re also welcome to bring up books you’ve already purchased to be signed and grab some swag! Hope to see you there!

Hotel Hamilton Giveaway

Thank you to those who entered the In Spotlight and Shadow giveaway last month. When asked what your favorite stage play/musical was, almost every answer was different! There were two titles that received two votes, however: The Phantom of the Opera and The Sound of Music. Congratulations to our winner, Michael L!

This month, I’ve partnered with author, Tanya E. Williams for a double giveaway, celebrating the release of Meet Me At the Clock on October 25. For international residents, Tanya is providing an eBook copy of both books in the Hotel Hamilton Series to one winner. For United States and Canadian residents, I am also offering a chance to win one paperback copy of Meet me At the Clock (will be shipped directly from Amazon). To enter, complete the form at the link below by October 27. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter.

Enter the Giveaway

Releasing in October

Need another read? October is a great month for new releases (and why my TBR list is out of control)! Here are the ones I’m excited about:

1. A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green – a Southern Civil War story that’s so much more than a romance. Read my review here.
2. The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee – romance and river pirates aboard a 1920s showboat
3. Royal and Ancient by Amanda Lauer – time travel romance in 1691 Scotland
4. Lost in Wonder by Liz Chapman – romantic Regency adventure of love and loss, facing fear, and embracing the wonder of God. This book is the Q1 2024 featured read for the Faithful Fiction Book Club.
5. Meet Me At the Clock by Tanya E. Williams – two maids at a luxurious hotel in 1927 Vancouver discover the demands and injustice of a fast-changing society. Read my review here.
6. The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright – dual-time (1915 and present day) of “mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings” at a historic theater
7. Not Quite Mr. Darcy by Kim Griffin – a 29-year-old widow travels across the sea on a journey of faith, love, and family
8. New Augsburg by Christa Petzold – The first in a series about a small town church community in a dystopian world

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

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Read past newsletters here: NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy September, readers! It’s back to school for the kids and back to work for me, in more ways than one. I began a new day job and created a new timeline for drafting Sparks Fly Upward. Please send prayers that both continue to go well! I don’t have a release date just yet, but hopefully will have more to share in the coming months.

Also, a few months back, I proposed the question of what to name the villain of my next novel. Many of you enjoyed having a say in the writing process and asked to see similar opportunities in the future. So, throughout the process, I’ll be doing just that.

Pick Your Programme (That’s Not a Typo)

Sterling’s Theatrical, the name of the circus in Sparks Fly Upward, is partially inspired by a real-life San Francisco circus, Rowe’s Pioneer Circus, which ran from 1849 through the 1850s and also traveled to several states and even other countries. Their most popular acts involved the equestrian acrobats; their riders were considered some of the best in the world. This was a time before the familiar 3-ring circus. Usually, shows consisted of a large open-floor space with various acts occurring at its center, trapeze artists swinging above, and equestrian acrobats performing around its outer rim. Tickets cost $1-$2, around $35-$75 in today’s money.

While none of my research noted a darker side to Rowe’s circus, it was known that many other circuses and theatres of the old west contained back room saloons, gambling, brothels, and other types of trafficking. I decided to merge documented fact with speculated rumor to create Sterling’s Theatrical, a show that is beautiful on the surface and dark and twisted behind the curtain. It’s very different from the trail life of For a Noble Purpose or the pioneer life of Dusk Shall Weep, and the change of pace has made for some fun, although at times emotional, writing.

While Sparks Fly Upward focuses on only a few key circus acts, many acts are needed in order to create an enjoyable show and a believable literary world. So here’s the question I open up to you, readers: What are 3 acts you would like to see incorporated into the story? They can be listed in the program above or of your own choosing. Reply back to this email and let me know. The top 3 favorites will be included. I can’t wait to see what you’d pick!

Join us Live with Author, Jennifer Q. Hunt

On September 26 at 7 p.m. CST / 8 p.m. EST, join the Faithful Fiction Book Club live on Instagram as we chat with historical fiction author Jennifer Q. Hunt about her most recent release, Through Thorny Ways. The first book in this family saga is beautifully written, creating connections between the restoration of a Southern plantation, the redemption of a broken family, and finding forgiveness. Together, the characters learn how to overcome the past and form more beautiful relationships with each other, their community, and Christ.

In Spotlight and Shadow Giveaway

Thank you to those who entered the In Pieces giveaway last month. When asked whether you would rather learn to sew with Molly or learn to sail with Josiah, it was split down the middle with Molly’s sewing class winning by only 2 votes. Congratulations to our winner, Susan B!

This month’s subscriber giveaway is for one paperback copy of In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel. As someone who majored in theatrical design in college, the 1920s part of this dual-time novel resonated with me in all kinds of ways. To enter, complete the form at the link below by September 22. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter. U.S. residents only.

Enter the Giveaway

Releasing in September

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

1. A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson – When a regular girl finds out she’s royalty, it’s The Princess Diaries meets A Christmas Prince
2. Fall Back and Find Me by Sarah Hanks – Civil War split-time about strong women overcoming impossible odds
3. Freedom’s Price by Pegg Thomas – an indentured servant is torn between freedom, truth, and the Quaker family she’s grown to love
4. The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse – 19th century paleontologists discover secrets, and love, amongst the dinosaur bones
5. Like a Ship on the Sea by Kellyn Roth – Is a loveless marriage of obligation better than setting sail on a voyage without a safe harbor?

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

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Read past newsletters here: NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023