Yes. I know. I know. I’ve not been keeping up with this blog very well. In my defense, I’ve been getting a house ready to sell and packing so we can move, so it has been a bit busy around here. That’s not saying when I’m done with moving that I will be so much better at keeping up with this little corner of the world. But I will try.

I’ve had many many readers reach out to me wondering when this second book will be publishing. I apparently didn’t even mention here that I was publishing it on Kindle Vella and entering it into their serial writing contest. News flash: It didn’t win. Other news flash: shortly after, Amazon announced that the serial site would be closing. And as of February, after publishing all the episodes, the platform is now defunct. While I was doing that however, I somehow managed to send the story to my editor who improved this manuscript by leaps and bounds, as she did with The Uncertainty of Fire. There are still a few of her notes that I’m working on, and then I plan to format it to send to beta readers.

What’s that you say? Yes. I’m ready for readers who aren’t afraid of giving some feedback on this story. If you enjoyed my first book (or even if you didn’t but would like to read another story by me) and would be willing to help me make it the best I can, then use the link to apply to be a beta reader. In case you’re not exactly sure what a beta reader does, here’s the scoop:

• I send you a digital copy of the manuscript (my plan is to have it ready to send in mid-June).
• I will detail in an e-mail the things I’m looking for. Though input on grammar, spelling, and other typos are welcome, those really aren’t what I need you to concentrate on. I’ll be interested in your impressions of character likability, places where the plot isn’t clear, or where you’re losing interest, But again, I’ll give more details in an email if you’re selected.
• Not everybody will be able to join. There are limited spots available. So don’t delay.
• You won’t have had to read the first book in this series, The Uncertainty of Fire, but you will read some spoiler-ish things that took place in it, so just be prepared for that.
• What you can expect from my stories: strong faith themes, immersive historical settings, character-driven plots, sweet and clean slow-burn romance, and in this particular project: frenemies and lots of witty banter

Here’s the blurb for the book to help you decide, and I’ll post the link to apply for the beta team below.

Tucson, Arizona Territory, 1873

Seventeen-year-old Sara Jane Carter would love nothing more than to succeed her father as editor of their fledgling Tucson newspaper, despite his wishes for her to marry. He’s even chosen the ideal match: Keller Callahan, the charming apprentice who is now unattached after a recent relationship ended in disappointment and heartbreak.

Courtship is the last thing on Sara Jane’s mind when a health crisis and a nationwide financial panic leaves her to manage the paper’s upkeep amid dwindling subscribers and supply shortages. Facing mounting debt, she dares to attract new readership by printing a big headline targeting the one man in town who could destroy her livelihood. As she delves deeper, Keller seems to oppose her at every step, though maybe not for the reasons she thinks. Will she forge ahead, risking Keller’s friendship and the paper’s reputation? Or will she rely on God despite the obstacles threatening her hopes and dreams?

Application to be a beta reader for An Unconfirmed Report, Uncertain Riches Book 2 https://forms.gle/GsUY4iq9ztMsujUCA

You might be saying, I don’t want to do that, but I do want to read your book. When’s it coming out? I’m sure hesitant to give even an estimate any more since I’ve done this before. But…my hope is to release it late summer or early fall of this year (2025). There will be a few more hurdles to leap after I get feedback, but that’s my plan. I appreciate every message and email from readers asking about it. The enthusiasm has been very encouraging, and I really hope the story will make the wait worth it. Though it had never been my plan for it to take this long, God has been in control the entire time. And He’s never late.