Divine Twists & Turns

Three weeks from today on October 6 Colors of Truth my 17th novel releases, and I’m especially grateful to finally be at this milestone with this book. Because writing this one has been a journey—in so many ways.

Colors of Truth, a Carnton novel

First—
I wrote the majority of Colors of Truth during Dad’s final year of life here on earth with dementia. So a lot of what God taught me during those exhausting but blessing-filled months—trusting the Lord no matter what, leaning into his strength instead of mine, and not measuring his faithfulness by my feelings or circumstances—made its way into the pages of this book.

Second—
Catriona O’Toole and her younger sister Nora (pictured on the cover) hail from Country Antrim, Ireland, which is where my own ancestors resided until the early 18th century when they came to America. It’s also where the McGavocks (who owned Carnton) emigrated from as well. #smallworld #stopfollowingme

Third—
It’s also the first time I’ve written about sisters, and I must say . . . I loved it! These two Irish sisters are each a handful in their own right. But when they clash as sisters often do—look out!

Fourth—
Wade Cunningham, the male protagonist/hero, is a former Federal soldier who now works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin—a town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant.

Following the American Civil War, this young country was on the brink of bankruptcy with anywhere from one-third to one-half of all currency in circulation being counterfeit. Hence, the Secret Service was formed within the Treasury Department.

Have I mentioned I love writing real history?

But what’s most unique about Colors of Truth is that it’s my first indie (independently published) book. It’s a v-e-r-y long story that I won’t go into great detail here, but here’s a video I shared in a personal note to my reader eUpdate friends last week explaining my publisher’s cancellation of Colors of Truth, along with the third (and final) Carnton novel I’m currently writing . . .

So, as they say, here we are.

Between this novel being printed and ready to ship to stores, then suddenly being delayed, then on again, then off again, it’s been one crazy roller coaster ride. But you know what? God’s been with me through every single twist and turn, and he’s drawn me closer to him than I’ve ever been before. So for that alone, I’m grateful for this experience.

The Kindle version of Colors of Truth is available for pre-order now, and the print and audio versions will be ready any day now.

You may have questions similar to those I received from readers last week:

Q: Will there still be a Carnton novel book 3 in the series?
A: Yes! I’m writing that story right now, and it will release next summer through Fountain Creek Press.

Q: Will Colors of Truth have the same cover?
A: Yes, it will (as pictured above). So you don’t have to look for another cover.

Q: Will the book be available in print, ebook, and audio like usual?
A: Absolutely. And have I mentioned how excited I am to share Wade and Catriona’s story with you? And little Nora’s too!

Q: Will the book be in my favorite local bookstore where I usually buy your books?
A: I’m working on that now and, of course, part of that answer depends on whether that favorite local bookstore is even open right now due to COVID. But rest assured, I’m working on those channels of distribution, and for ALL versions of the novel to be available for purchase online on October 6.

Any other questions? Please post them below and let me know.

I’ve learned a ton about indie publishing in recent weeks, with more yet to learn. But it’s exciting, and I’ve always loved a challenge, so . . . onward!

Besides, compared to the enormous obstacles so many others across the world have faced in 2020, this unexpected turn doesn’t feel quite so overwhelming. Especially considering Who’s at the helm!

As my son Kurt often says, “God’s got this!” And he does.