Hello, readers! I apologize for the extra email, but I’m participating in a multi-author giveaway this weekend (3/11-3/13) that you do not want to miss!

Spring Into Love Giveaway

For the past year, I have been part of an amazing group of authors online called Christian Mommy Writers. We have gotten together to provide a massive giveaway featuring 19 different authors. Each author will be giving away an e-book of their choosing, plus there’s the chance to win some extra special prizes.

Third Place Prize – winner receives 1 e-book of their choosing from the list below. Second Place Prize – winner receives 2 e-books of their choosing from the list below. Grand Prize – winner receives ALL the e-books below (yup that’s all 19 e-books) AND Gift Cards to The Flourished Mustard Seed ($35) and Sweet Sequels ($55)

Books Included

How to Enter

Click the link below and fill in your email address. For bonus entries, head over to my Instagram page, find the Spring Into Love post, and follow the author profiles I’ve tagged. Each of these authors are committed to clean and/or Christian content.

 

 

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 February, readers! It may have been a short month, but the writing life was surprisingly busy.

Checking Off the Boxes

• Completed final edits for Dusk Shall Weep! Watch my awkward celebratory video here.
• Created launch team graphics. Sign up here to join the team and receive an e-ARC. Application open until March 1.
• Attended the Catholic Writers Guild Online Conference, February 24-26
• Started to turn my chaotic notes into an outline for Larksong Legacy #3, Sparks Fly Upward
• Started to brainstorm on launch day features and budget-friendly giveaways. What would you like to see?

Triple Cover Reveal!

Over the past months, I’ve worked on several cover designs and can finally share details for three of them. I have absolutely loved working with these amazing authors and helping to make their inspirational stories shine. Make sure to check out their work, available soon!

12 Days of Courting Miss Thomas by Dani Renee – 1850s Historical Romance, standalone novella – Available in March for free to subscribers of Dani’s newsletter

Cathey’s Creek Road by Hannah Hood Lucero – Young Adult Contemporary Romance, standalone – available May 16, 2023

Through Thorny Ways by Jennifer Q. Hunt – 1920s Historical Fiction, Book 1 of Wisteria House – available June 20, 2023

Current Inspiration

In Dusk Shall Weep, one of the central storylines involves the Chinook tribe in Washington State. Much of my research of the Chinook came from James Gilchrist Swan’s 1857 book, The Northwest Coast; or, Three Years’ Residence in Washington Territory. He discusses the area around the Querquelin stream, or Mouse River, where a Chinook village had been abandoned due to the chief’s death and fear of evil spirits, whom only “Boston men” (aka white men) could tame. Once the settlers moved into the village, the natives quickly returned to trade with them. This story is one of many I incorporated into Dusk Shall Weep. Chinook customs of head flattening, slavery, spirit quests, funeral customs, howqua shells, and salmon fishing are also included, as are authentic Native American names.

Faithful Fiction Book Club

Over on Instagram, I co-host the Faithful Fiction Book Club with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. For our first quarter book, we’re reading In a Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem and will be chatting live with the author on March 21 at 7 CST/8 EST (note the date change from 3/14). Thank you to Stephanie for taking time out of her March 7 release of Code Name Edelweiss to join us!

Released in February

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

1. In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel – brings to life classic Hollywood, the symphony, and the stage
2. The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy – life, love, and family ties in the 1910s circus
3. A New Day Dawning by Sara Whitley – inspirational pro-life fiction
4. The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham – “Clue meets Indiana Jones with a fiction-loving twist”
5. The Desolate World by Kortney Keisel – a prequel novella to her witty and romantic dystopian series

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2022

 

Happy January, readers! I don’t know about you, but my post-Christmas to-be-read list is much larger and I may have pre-ordered one too many books. I find pre-orders to be fun as you have to actually wait for them, and it makes delivery day more special. It’s kind of like Christmas all over again.

And the honor goes to…

Every year, the Daughters of the American Revolution present the Women in American History award to a woman who has provided a substantial contribution to preserving and promoting American history. Therefore, it was a great honor to be presented with this year’s award based on the incorporation of American history into my novels and character inspiration based on my family history. I’d like to thank the wonderful women of the Caroline Close Stuart chapter for this recognition!

3 Months and Counting

“When the threat of darkness loomed like a dragon perched on the castle keep, it made you do things you might not otherwise do and things you would do, you did with careful precision.”

That’s the first line of my upcoming novel, Dusk Shall Weep, which releases in only a little over three months. If you’re able to read and review prior to release day, May 2, why not join my Launch Team?

Those selected for the launch team will be provided an e-ARC of the novel with the request that an honest review be posted on social media and retail sites within one week of release day, May 2. The Launch Team will also be asked to post on social media leading up to release day. Paperbacks will also be available to purchase.

For those with limited time available, the Influencer Team will post on social media promoting the release but are not required to read the novel. (Although reading and reviewing is certainly appreciated!)

Sign up for Launch/Influencer Teams

If you’re interested in reading, but can’t commit to read by May 2, you can still order the eBook direct from my online store and receive a 40% discount over any other retailer! No coupon code needed. 

Pre-Order Dusk Shall Weep – Direct from Author

Pre-Order Dusk Shall Weep – Other Retailers

Current Inspiration

In Dusk Shall Weep, my characters find themselves caught in the middle of the Battle for Seattle, one of several important battles between the Native Americans and the U.S. government during the Puget Sound War. Located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, Seattle is currently the home to over 750 thousand people, but during the war in 1856, its population totaled fewer than 150. Much of the current downtown area was also covered with marshland and expansive forests, containing some of the largest trees in the world. The harbor was primarily used for sending lumber south to California and the two-day shipping of a future Seattle giant was still over a hundred years away. In fact, after the Battle for Seattle, the town’s population decreased, with some believing that the little city would amount to nothing. 

Released in January

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

1. Yesterday’s Tides by Roseanna M. White – dual timeline where “intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations.”
2. Azure Blaze by Elizabeth C. Natalia – a contemporary Christian superhero battles the forces of darkness…and also falls in love.
3. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz – Scottish romance amid the Jacobite uprising of 1715
4. A Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse – suspense, secrets, and romance in the beautiful Grand Canyon
5. In the Midst of the Storm by Latisha Sexton – edge-of-your-seat contemporary romantic suspense & the sequel comes out March 7

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.

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2022

 

Happy December, readers! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I enjoyed some much-needed time with family, eating good food, playing games, and celebrating the birth of our Lord. Like much of the country it seems, we were also surprised with snow and -25 wind chill temps shortly before Christmas day. This weekend, it’s forecasted to be in the 50s. Missouri always keeps you guessing!

Bring out the red pen…again.

After a month off from Dusk Shall Weep, I’m diving into edits from my beta readers. It always amazes me how after five rounds of self-edits, all 8 beta readers managed to find at least one thing the others didn’t. As much work as it is to comb through their changes, I always know their creative insights will make the story better.

As you know from my previous newsletters, this book has been challenging to write, so I was deeply moved when I received the following comment from one of my non-author, non-family-member beta readers: “This book 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 Coraline.”

It may not always seem like it, but all authors need this kind of affirmation from time to time. If you read a book that inspires you, please email that author to let them know. Reviews are even better!

Covers, Covers, Everywhere

In between edits, I’m beta reading Jennifer Q. Hunt’s Through Thorny Ways, the first in a brand-new series set in the 1920s. I just finished designing the cover for this one and am so excited to read the story behind it.

Speaking of covers, I’m also working on designs for a contemporary YA romance, an 1850s romance, and a Regency romance series. The photos below are not the final products but have provided thematic inspiration and the designs are looking great. I hope to share more information on these lovely authors and their work in the coming months. 

If you’re an author in need of a future cover design or marketing collateral, I’m currently building my schedule for 2023 and 2024. Even if you don’t have all the details yet, I provide no-obligation consultations. Discounts are also available for members of the Christian Mommy Writers Group, Catholic Writers Guild, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Best Books of 2022

Need another read? Here are my favorites from 2022, in no particular order, although I’m happy to say that I met my goal of reading (and enjoying!) at least 12 independently published books. * = indie author

What was your favorite read of 2022? Reply and let me know! You might see it on my To-Be-Read in 2023.

1. For a Noble Purpose by Kelsey Gietl * – I’m biased, but I really do enjoy this story!
2. A Class Reunited by Susie Murphy * (Note: includes some mature content)
3. A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz
4. The Unbroken Song by Jennifer Q. Hunt *
5. Games in a Ballroom by Jentry Flint
6. Welcome to the Hamilton by Tanya E. Williams *
7. The Souls of Lost Lake by Jamie Jo Wright
8. The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jamie Jo Wright

1. The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel
2. A Tapestry of Light by Kimberly Duffy
3. Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green
4. When the Last Rose Blooms by Ashley Clark
5. A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly
6. The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse
7. Many Sparrows by Lori Benton
8. The Uncertainty of Fire by Stephanie Daniels *

1. The Musician’s Dream by B.M. Baker *
2. The Trumpeter’s Forever Promise by B.M. Baker *
3. The One Who Got Away by Tara Grace Ericson *
4. Meant to Bee by Storm Shultz *
5. Picking Daisy by Valerie Howard *
6. Complex by Kortney Keisel *
7. Complete by Kortney Keisel *
8. Later On We’ll Conspire by Kortney Keisel *

1. Treacherous by Susan Laspe *
2. The Darkening Dragons by Sarah Everest *
3. Unbetrothed by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
4. Oathbound by Victoria McCombs

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 2022

 

Happy November, readers! I know I usually send my newsletter on the last Friday of the month, but this month, the last Friday is the day after American Thanksgiving. I certainly hope you have better things to do than check your email, so I’m sending my news early. And it’s definitely news you don’t want to miss.

But first, congratulations to Sarah, who was the winner of the Bookstagram Gratitude Giveaway! Thank you to all who entered!

Beta Readers, are you ready?

After another round of edits, the draft of Dusk Shall Weep is FINALLY out with beta readers. At the last minute, my characters decided to change their minds (again) about the final chapter. Seriously, if you’re not a writer, you can’t understand how exhausting characters can be. If you are a writer, then you probably understand why I’m glad to be rid of this draft for a month.

Now, for the update you’ve been waiting for. Just for my newsletter subscribers, I’m revealing the cover, blurb, and pre-order link for Dusk Shall Weep! 

Fair warning, the book blurb below contains spoilers if you haven’t read For a Noble Purpose.

Only in the darkness can you see the light...

Six months after traveling the trail to Washington Territory, the town of Larksong hasn’t become the utopia the Lark Family imagined. Instead, it’s falling apart, much like recently-widowed Coraline Shay’s life. Due to a degenerative eye disease, her vision is quickly failing. Once she goes completely blind, rather than helping to build Larksong, she’ll become a burden on her already disgruntled sister. To protect them both, Coraline swallows her guilt and devises a plan to trap an honorable man into marriage. Luckily, her chosen target doesn’t believe in divorce.

Jamison Lark always felt called to be a priest, until family obligation drove him west to Washington. He uses his unique Gift as a physician to help the people of Larksong, but his contributions never feel like enough. He can’t shake guilt over his failures, especially the death of his friend Oliver on the trail. When Oliver’s widow professes unexpected affections for him, Jamison’s own feelings for her are overshadowed by his doubts. For the first time, he faces a test of faith he’s not sure he has the strength to pass.

When word arrives of war being waged between the native tribes and the United States Government in nearby Seattle, Coraline and Jamison face challenges which threaten to tear them apart for good. Could this be the end of everything they love, or are their fractured lives more extraordinary than they ever imagined?

The Cover!

What do you think? The social media cover reveal will be November 29. If you are interested in posting about the reveal, simply reply to this email, and I can provide a few graphics. Or feel free to share my post to your page or stories. Any assistance is greatly appreciated!

Ready to pre-order? Dusk Shall Weep will be available worldwide on May 2, 2023. Order the eBook direct from my online store and receive a 40% discount over any other retailer! No coupon code needed.

Pre-Order Dusk Shall Weep – Direct from Author

Pre-Order Dusk Shall Weep – Other Retailers

Released in November

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

1. The Musician’s Dream by B.M. Baker – an inspirational romance full of music, redemption, and hope
2. Christmas on King Street by Ashley Clark – This split-time Christmas novella returns to her Heirloom Secrets series one last time.
3. Later On, We’ll Conspire by Kortney Keisel – Contemporary Christmas rom-com which will complete my 3-book Kortney Keisel binge this month
4. A Class Reunited by Susie Murphy – Book 5 in the Irish romantic saga, A Matter of Class. Each one in the series has been better than the last!
5. Within These Gilded Halls by Abigail Wilson – Regency romance where “hidden treasure and betrayal mingle with unexpected love”

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