Happy June, readers! There’s so much to talk about this month, so let’s dive in!

For a Noble Purpose Awarded 1st Place

I am so honored (and excited!) to announce that For a Noble Purpose received First Place at this year’s Catholic Media Awards for the Catholic Novels category. Truly, I want to thank each and every one of you for your continued support of my writing.

Here’s what the judges had to say about For a Noble Purpose: “Well-written and produced novel which clearly undertakes all elements in the Catholic novel theme involving Catholic faith, Catholic imagination, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, and God’s closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy. Terrific, transportive story which not only engages and entertains with plot surprises but also inspires and offers examples of good Christian behavior in a “real” human setting. Memorable characters, and an excellent balance of very satisfying- yet clean- and Godly historical romance.”

What’s in a Name?

Remember this dark and mysterious fellow from last month’s newsletter? I asked you all for naming suggestions for Sparks Fly Upward‘s antagonist and you definitely delivered! I received 36 names, including many excellent choices. It was so hard to decide, but in the end, our bad guy’s name is:

Ashley Sterling

Congratulations to Erin L. who submitted the name “Ashley” and Jodi W. who submitted the name “Sterling”. Thank you to all who sent recommendations. Who knows, some of your other suggestions may end up as minor characters!

My Current Inspiration

In between writing sessions, I’ve been researching 1850s houses, circuses, and theatrical spaces. Right now, the story’s main circus space is set within a building similar to the popular octagonal style of the mid-1800s. These homes, especially in San Francisco, were more economical as they maximized the interior space within a compact floor plan, but still maintained a unique conversation-worthy exterior, what we would now call “curb appeal.” In some areas of the country, however, such as at South Carolina’s Frazier-Pressley House (above, courtesy WikiCommons), these homes were built on a much grander scale and more similar to what Ashley Sterling would have chosen for his circus. The floor plan shown is the closest to my vision for the circus interior, although a proscenium would have been added across Area K, creating a backstage. Sadly, only two of these houses still stand in San Francisco, while 68 survive throughout the United States.

Photographic Historical Note: Pick-up trucks were not in use in 1858 and Ashley Sterling is not a time traveler.

Have I Got a Deal For You

During the month of July, all of my eBooks will be 50% off on the Smashwords store as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! This includes my latest novel, Dusk Shall Weep, and recent award winner, For a Noble Purpose. Access the sale here.

In addition, all eBooks will be 50% off through my website using the coupon code EBOOK50. Sale runs June 30-July 31, 2023. Purchase your copies here. 

Released in June

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

1. Estuary by Lisa T. Bergren – Medieval Time Travel with action, adventure, and romance, sequel series to River of Time
2. Neverending Mercy by Latisha Sexton – contemporary romance about overcoming the past, restoring friendship, and returning home
3. City of Secrets by Megan Lynn Rose – two worlds collide in this royal romance/love triangle fantasy sequel to Kingdom of Lies
4. Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer – Snow White retelling set in 1890s Texas
5. A Royal Competition by Amanda Schimmoeller – The Bachelor meets The Princess Diaries in this royal competition romance

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy May, readers! Thank you for all your support on a successful launch of Dusk Shall Weep! Interacting with readers is one of my favorite parts of being an author, and it was inspiring to see your beautiful posts and encouraging words. Seriously, how cozy are these Instagram posts from @takingbooksbystorm, @transientdrifter, and @lizchapmanwriter? Thanks for sharing, ladies!

Want more fun behind-the-scenes of Dusk Shall Weep? Head over to the Events page on my website to see my recent Cath-Lit Live interview with author, Amy J. Cattapan and my Book Banter interview with author, Tanya E. Williams. Thank you, Amy and Tanya, for the invitations!

A final thank you to those who entered the release day giveaways. Congratulations to our winners: Judy, Ariel, and Andra!

If you still need a copy of Dusk Shall Weep, signed paperbacks and eBooks are available in my online store or at many online retailers. Purchase your copy here. 

Sparks are Flying

If you missed the news, Book 3 in the Larksong Legacy series is titled Sparks Fly Upward with an anticipated publication of Spring 2024. The title comes from the Biblical verses of Job 5:6-7, “For mischief comes not out of the earth, nor does trouble spring out of the ground; but man himself begets mischief as sparks fly upward.”

For a circus story set primarily in the oft corrupt 1850s San Francisco, there is definitely plenty of trouble to be had. So far, this story has proven to be grittier than the first two in the series with the characters experiencing some of their greatest challenges yet. It includes tests of faith as well as opportunities for love and forgiveness, even when one questions if they are truly deserved. And of course, there’s the usual dose of romance and happy ending; they just have a lot to go through before they get there.

The Nameless Character

Speaking of obstacles in Sparks Fly Upward, I am having a terrible time figuring out the name of its villain. I went through several names that all seemed wrong, so, instead, I decided to take it to you, the readers. Here’s a few things to know about him:

• The photo above is my current inspiration for “Circus Man.” Despite his flaws, he’s a smart dresser and has a charisma which wins him many friends.
• He runs a circus on the outskirts of San Francisco. From the outside it seems family-friendly like The Greatest Showman. Behind the scenes, it more like the movie Moulin Rouge. (Don’t worry, it’s still a clean read.)
• He has no problem using anyone and anything to get what he wants. He has a talent for seeing opportunities and capitalizing on them in the worst way.

Do you think you have the perfect name for “Circus Man”? Send me your suggestions by replying to this email. You may see your choice end up in the story and your name credited in the acknowledgments. Thank you in advance!

Released in May

Need another read? Here are the May/June 1 releases I’m excited about:

1. In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart – Mystery, suspense, history, and romance all on an 1897 River Showboat
2. Who am I to Judge by Emily Hanlon – An odd church lady known as the “Purple Pest” must sleuth out the truth in this Christian murder mystery
3. Cathey’s Creek Road by Hannah Hood Lucero (Releases June 1) – bluegrass and dubstep music mix in this young adult romance of healing and hope
4. Through Thorny Ways by Jennifer Q. Hunt (Releases June 1) – the beginning of a 1920s family saga about reconciling with the past and finding light for the future
5. Full of Wonder by B.M. Baker (Releases June 1) – a fake dating sweet contemporary romance

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Happy Tuesday, readers! The day is here! Dusk Shall Weep, the second book in the Larksong Legacy series is now available in both paperback and eBook. Keep reading for details on where to purchase and special release day giveaways.

What Advance Readers are Saying

“Hit me in a very deep way concerning faith, the power of prayer and ultimately walking in trust with Jesus. Whew! What an experience you have given me in the characters of Jamison and Cora.” ~ Mindy S.

“Engaging and kept me reading hungrily. I was sad to see it end.” ~ Tabitha on Goodreads

“Draws you in immediately and keeps you guessing throughout with the just perfect mix of romance too!” ~ @danielledyannabril on Instagram

“At one climatic moment, I stood in my kitchen with tears streaming down my face. The characters’ heartache had become my own, making their eventual triumph that much sweeter.” ~ Jennifer Q. Hunt, author of Through Thorny Ways

“She deals with the struggles and suffering of life on the frontier, as well as the tenuous relations with the native residents, and the unique nightmare of blindness with grace and skill.” ~ Sarah Everest, editor of B-17: Voices of the Air

Where to Purchase

Ebooks of Dusk Shall Weep are still 40% off on my website through today, May 2. Don’t miss out on this special deal, not available at any other retailer. Price will increase tomorrow, May 3.

Order Signed Paperbacks and eBooks Direct from the Author

Order Unsigned Paperbacks and eBooks from Other Retailers

Many libraries have also been ordering copies of my books. If you’d like to see Dusk Shall Weep at your local library, simply ask your librarian how to request a copy. Common information needed for these requests is listed on my website.

Whichever way you decide to read, I would be grateful if you could post a review on your favorite retailer and/or social media site. Even one sentence is enough. Reviews help authors find new readers, and they help readers find new books they’ll love.

Giveaways

To celebrate the launch of Dusk Shall Weep, I am running three giveaways from now through May 5. These will be posted throughout the day on social media, but links are available to newsletter subscribers now. You may enter once per day.

Giveaway #1 – Inspirational T-shirts from LoveandFaith.com (U.S. Residents only)

Giveaway #2 – Marian Prints from JustLovePrints.com (U.S. Residents only)

Giveaway #3 – International eBook Giveaway (Non-U.S. residents only)

 

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

 

Happy April, readers! I hope everyone is having a blessed Easter season!

Thank you to those who entered the In a Far-Off Land giveaway last month. Congratulations to our winner, Kayli! It was fun seeing what you all considered your favorite classic movies. Gone with the Wind and The Sound of Music tied for first with Little Women in a close second. 

Only 4 Days to Go!

Tuesday, May 2, is finally Release Day for the eBook of Dusk Shall Weep! I want to thank those who have already pre-ordered the eBook and purchased copies of the paperback. Plus, an extra thanks to those who have helped promote this story on social media, written reviews, and sent your personal notes of encouragement. It’s wonderful to hear how Coraline and Jamison’s story inspired you personally and helped strengthen your faith journeys. As the Latin “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” says, “For the Greater Glory of God.”

Getting to Know You

Over on Instagram and Facebook, we’ve been getting to know some of Larksong’s residents a little better. Fair warning, if you have not read For a Noble Purpose, the graphics below do contain spoilers.

   

   

And here’s an intro to two characters I have not shared on social media. Quea’ Quim and Anwillik are Native American siblings from the Chinook tribe whom you’ll meet for the first time in Dusk Shall Weep. (Note: Quea’ Quim’s photo is not accurate of historical Chinook clothing, but it was difficult to find free stock photos of Native American men.)

   

Ebooks of Dusk Shall Weep are still 40% off on my website through release day, May 2. eBooks will be emailed directly to you on release day.

Order Direct from the Author

Order from Other Retailers

Whichever way you decide to read, I would be grateful if you could post a review on your favorite retailer and/or social media site. Reviews help authors find new readers, and they help readers find new books they’ll love.

Release Day Goodies

Make sure to check your inbox and/or social media on Tuesday for details on how to win Release Day Goodies including t-shirts from LoveandFaith.com and a Marian prints package from JustLovePrints.com. Plus, there will be a special eBook giveaway just for my International Readers.

Released in April

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

1. The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright – dual-timeline gothic tale about a cursed castle and a century-old mystery
2. Why Trey Let Me Get Away by Kortney Keisel – sports second chance contemporary rom-com and the first book in her spin-off series to Complete
3. The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese – inspiring and romantic contemporary story of survival and second chances
4. When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder – Regency romantic suspense about two siblings who, once abandoned, must now find a new meaning of family
5. The Good Death of Kate Montclair by Daniel McInerny – dark comedic fiction about the journey we all must take from this life to the next

Follow me on Instagram, Goodreads, or Bookbub for my full book reviews.

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!

 

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2023

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

 

Happy March, readers! Also, welcome to my new subscribers from the Spring into Love Giveaway event! I’m so glad to have you join us. Although tomorrow is April Fool’s Day, there are no jokes here. Only more fantastic news!

Paperback Readers Rejoice!

If you’re like me and prefer paperbacks, I have great news. Paperback copies of Dusk Shall Weep are now available for purchase online! This includes major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, ordering through your favorite independent bookseller, or requesting a purchase through your local library. Signed copies are also available through my online store.

Order Signed Paperbacks – Direct from the Author

Order Paperbacks – Other Retailers

Remember, if you prefer eBooks, Dusk Shall Weep is 40% off on my website through release day, May 2. eBooks will be emailed directly to you on release day.

Whichever way you decide to read, I would be grateful if you could post a review on your favorite retailer and/or social media site. Reviews help authors find new readers, and they help readers find new books they’ll love.

Current Inspiration

In between preparations for the release of Dusk Shall Weep, I’ve been working on the outline for Sparks Fly Upward. I am pleased to say that it is about 80% complete with just the final climactic scenes and the resolution left. That may not seem like a lot, but the ending can be one of the hardest parts to figure out. As usual, my characters have gone in some extremely unexpected directions, and I’ve had to reign in my antagonist when he decided to be particularly evil.

To find inspiration, I’ve been reading San Francisco city directories from 1855-1859. Historical city directories were like the phone book today, containing addresses for individuals and advertising businesses. Unlike today, they also sometimes included a timeline of key events in the prior year and historical information. These directories have been invaluable for learning the details of a city with a very different atmosphere from the one we know today.

The photograph above is from the National Gallery of Art and shows San Francisco Bay looking toward Alcatraz Island.

Giveaway – In a Far-Off Land

Thank you to everyone who joined Faithful Fiction Book Club’s live Q&A with Stephanie Landsem on March 21. We had a great time discussing Stephanie’s novel, In a Far-Off Land and spoiler-free tidbits about her latest release, Code Name Edelweiss. 

I am giving away one paperback copy of In a Far-Off Land to one newsletter subscriber. To enter, complete the form at the link below by April 21. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter. U.S. residents only.

Enter the Giveaway

Released in March

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

1. The One She Can’t Forget by Tara Grace Ericson – sweet second-chance-amnesia-romance. The first one in the series was fantastic!
2. The Divided Kingdom by Allison Ramirez – clean dystopian inspired by the Divided Kingdom of the Old Testament
3. 12 Days of Courting Miss Thomas by Dani Renee – 1850s historical romance novella for which I designed the cover. This one is only available to her newsletter subscribers.
4. The Metropolitain Affair by Jocelyn Green – romance and betrayal in the world of 1920s art and Egyptian archeology
5. Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti – Depression-era romantic suspense about secrets, lies, and attempted murder

Follow me on Instagram, Goodreads, or Bookbub for my full book reviews.

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!

 

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 2022