I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and surviving our current “normal.” Please know that you are all in my prayers during this trying time. In particular, I thank God for all those on the front lines, putting their own lives at risk to ensure that we stay healthy and safe. Now that my own family is more into the groove of managing work, school, and a pandemic, I’ve had a little more time for writing.

Latest News

First thing’s first. Tomorrow, April 25, was supposed to be the official launch date for Broken Lines before Coronavirus swept in and changed plans. I’m still providing the first two chapters in a sneak peek sent directly to my email newsletter subscribers, so if you haven’t signed up yet, you can still do so today.

The paperback proof of Broken Lines arrived yesterday and well, the colors aren’t quite what I expected. Unfortunately, that tends to happen when the digital file is converted to ink on paper. In fact, I had to adjust the coloring for Twisted River three times before I landed on the correct combination. So, it’s back to Photoshop until I get this one right too. And speaking of ways to stay in the know, I’ve now joined Instagram. Make sure to follow me over there for updates, book recommendations, and more.

Lastly, I had a particularly productive month and finished my detailed outline for War Across Waters Book 2: Unsettled Shores. I’m super excited about the unexpected twists the plot line is taking and also a bit overwhelmed as they require a lot more research than I anticipated. So, that stack of library books I said I checked out last month? Well, that’s only going to be a drop in the ocean of information I need to learn. To give you a taste, my currently compiled list includes topics such as treatment of war-inflicted injuries, convalescent homes, spy rings, French culture, and WW1 German occupation.

Recommended Reads

I had been looking forward to reading Veiled in Smoke ever since I saw the cover last fall. From the rose and grey colors to the woman’s gown to the smoke swirls encasing the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire, it’s a perfectly lovely combination. The story surrounds Meg and Sylvia Townsend, two Chicago bookshop owners whose father returned from the Civil War suffering from “soldier’s heart,” a 19th century version of PTSD. When fire sweeps through the city, he mistakes the resulting chaos for rebel invaders and, memory compromised, wakes the next morning accused of murder and locked in the city asylum. It’s now up to his daughters to discover what really happened the night of the fire and save their family from the ashes.

This is a wonderful intriguing book both inside and out. All of the characters were interesting in their own right, with the two sisters being distinct from each other, even though their day to day situations were often the same. The author transported me to several fantastic historical locations whose details painted a vivid picture without overloading the senses. One detail in particular that I liked was her accurate use of spectacles worn by the newspaper reporter, Nate. It may seem like a silly observation, but if you wear glasses, you probably understand the adjustments, cleaning, and tired eyes that can come with wearing them. I’ve found very few authors really nail that level of accuracy. Finally, as an author myself, I often see plot twists coming, but this story actually kept me guessing. Twice I thought I had it all figured out, then the author made me guess again, which I truly loved. I recommend reading her historical notes at the end which discuss her research for the story and distinguishing fact from fiction. She also includes a neat guide to real life locations on her website here. I believe there are two more books to this series and you can be sure I will be pre-ordering them.

 

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COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2020

Fear not. Life isn’t finished with you yet.

~ From Broken Lines (War Across Waters #1)

Well, my readers, these are certainly crazy times we’re living in. We’re part of a historic moment and whether we consider that good or bad, it is certainly important. Our world has an opportunity before us, just as we do in any historic moment, to learn from what we’ve experienced and come out better for it. It may take time, and it may not be an easy road, but I believe in the end, we will indeed be better. Social media and the internet can be harmful in many ways, but in times like this, it also has the ability to unite us like no other time in history. Quarantine during the influenza of 1918 looked very different than quarantine now, and for that I am thankful. Have hope readers. Humanity is a beautiful species. We will prevail.

Latest News

In between seasonal allergies, homeschooling, and doing our part to social distance, I’m also managing to work on my writing each day. I always say that one hour a day will get the book done and that’s still my motto, even if that hour is broken into ten minute increments. During this time, I’ve been switching between administrative tasks for Broken Lines and outlining the next book, Unsettled Shores. Before the libraries closed, I also managed to check out a rather large stack of research material, which I aim to focus on in the next several months. And lastly, within all of these other tough decisions, I made one more: Hope or High Water is now officially two duologies.

Yes, you read that correctly. One world, two series. So, what exactly does that look like?

As shown above, Across Oceans and Twisted River are now under the series title, Over the Atlantic, while Broken Lines and the forthcoming Unsettled Shores will make up the series, War Across Waters. Based on reader feedback, these books can be read in any order, although several characters do follow through all four books. So, if Across Oceans’ Edwardian England just isn’t to your liking, start in St. Louis with Twisted River. Or if you prefer The Great War on the American home front, wait for Broken Lines, then read the first two as prequels. Take the journey any way you like!

And now is the best time to do so! From now until Easter (April 12), both books are on sale for 50% off ebooks and 25% off paperbacks. Get your copies here: Across Oceans and Twisted River.

Finally, in case you missed it, last week I released a statement related to COVID-19 and the postponed upcoming release of my third book, Broken Lines. Although this news may be disappointing, newsletter subscribers will still have the opportunity to read the first two chapters on its original release date, April 25. These chapters will not be posted on the website or social media, so make sure to subscribe in order to receive this sneak peek.

Recommended Reads

Looking to add more reading material to your quarantine list? This month, instead of reviewing a new book, I’m going to provide a list of books which I found to be either positive, humorous, and/or uplifting. Because we could all do with a bit of inspiration and a few laughs, could we not?

Also, one of my favorite locally owned independent bookstores, Main Street Books, is currently offering free shipping for all orders placed in the United States. I was not compensated by Main Street Books to endorse their services. I just really love promoting small businesses and the historic district this one is located in. To order from them, visit: https://mainstreetbooks.indielite.org/

   

 

 

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.

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2020