Lea Wait here, adding to what’s become a week of announcements. Although Kaitlyn Dunnett (aka Kathy Lynn Emerson) made a spectacular announcement Monday, as it turned out, I’d planned to make an announcement this week, too.
I’m excited to announce that in 2014 I’ll have three books published.
In the first quarter of the year Islandport Press, a wonderful small press in Maine, will publish UNCERTAIN GLORY, the fifth of my historical novels for young people aged 8-14 set in Wiscasset, Maine. Set in April of 1861, UNCERTAIN GLORY focuses on a boy — Joe Wood — who really did publish a newspaper in Wiscasset, on his friend Charlie Farrar, who dreams of excitement far from Maine, and on Nell Gramercy, a 12-year-old traveling spiritualist whose life is not as glamorous as it appears. As with my other historical novels set in Wiscasset, most of what happens in the book actually took place in this small seaport town during the first two weeks of the Civil War.
The seventh in my Shadows Antique Print Mystery Series: SHADOWS ON A MAINE CHRISTMAS will be published in the fourth quarter of next year, taking Maggie back to Maine. But this Christmas someone is afraid auld acquaintances won’t be forgot, and long-hidden secrets will be revealed. That fear results in attempts at blackmail, murder … and Will’s Aunt Nettie and her elderly friends are in the middle of it all. It may be a Merry Christmas. But who will be alive to see in a Happy New Year?
And there’s more.
Perhaps most exciting, I’ve just signed a three-book contract with Kensington Press for a new series, set in Haven Harbor, Maine. The theme of the series will be needlepoint, but there won’t be a craft shop in sight. Tentatively called TIME’s TWISTED THREADS, the first in the series is scheduled for publication in the fourth quarter of 2014. Here’s a sneak peak at the beginning of that first book, introducing protagonist Angie Curtis:
The day had already been the sort you want to drown in a dry martini or a bubble bath. Preferably both. And that was before I heard Gram’s voice, loud and clear as always, coming from my “missed messages.”
“Angel, it’s time to come home. They’ve found your mama.”
No one in Arizona called me “Angel.”
I stared across the small room I’d called home for the past ten years at the stained needlepoint cushion squashed into the corner of the couch. The couch had come from Goodwill. The cushion had come from Gram. It was her last gift before I’d lit out and left the shores of Maine and the comforts of Haven Harbor.
She’d embroidered it in the sea blues and pine grees she knew I loved. And she’d done it quickly, in simple basket weave and continental stitching. But in the middle of the design, instead of the lobster or lighthouse or puffin that was usually the center of a pillow designed for the tourist trade, Gram’d embroidered her phone number.
Large. Complete with 207 area code.
Men who’d come and gone in my life had kidded me about it. “What’s that? So you won’t forget to call home?”
I’d laughed. I’d known that wasn’t why she’d stitched the number there, even though I’d also known I hadn’t called home half as often as I should have.
The number was there in case I was sick, or worse, and police searching my apartment needed to find my next of kin.
Gram wanted to be found. She hadn’t wanted to lose me, as she had Mama.
I pulled my duffel out of the closet and started packing. Wally could find someone else to sit surveillance on Mrs. Juanita Simpson.
Mama had been found. Gram was right. It was time to go home.
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Way to go, Lea! Mega congrats.
Kathy/Kaitlyn
Congratulations! That’s wonderful. 🙂
Awesome news – Congrats!
Nothing but good news from the great state of Maine! I’m thrilled about your new contract, Lea. Three books next year? Catch up on your sleep now! An irresistible hook for the needlepoint book. Wish I didn’t have to wait until next year to read it. I’m sending you congratulations and lots of hugs. 🙂
Great news!!! I have enjoyed all of the Shadow books, just finishing the last one. I am looking forward to the next one and the new series. I just purchased the four children’s books for my grandson, but I am going to read them first. I was born and grew up in Wiscasset and now live in Edgecomb.
Congratulations, Lea! I can’t wait to read these books.
I’m really excited — especially about the new series! My contract calls for a new book every six months .. which means a lot of writing. But, after all: that’s what writers do. Right?
Right!
Congratulations!
I haven’t had a chance to write but I did enjoy the new Shadows book. It was over too soon. So I’m very glad to hear there will be another. Plus, it’s obvious that Will and Maggie need to resolve some things. The new series sounds great. I’m intrigued already. My one complaint is that my favorite writers can’t seem to write as fast as I read. Sorry. No pressure. Really.
Congratulations. Yes, of course. Absolutely. But if I seem to say that distractedly … that’s because my imagination is still engaged after that opening segment of the new series. Nicely done set-up, both of situation and of character. I definitely look forward to this one.
Congrats, Lea! I adore old needlework and love the new series concept. Can’t wait to read it.
Wow, Lea. Congrats! Super good news. Love the excerpt, too. Will look forward to this book coming out.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm! I’m so excited about the new series, too … it’s like entering a whole new world! Will look forward to taking you with me into it … in 18 months or less! Stay tuned ….
Congrats! I can’t wait to read them.
That is such great news; you must be beyond excited, Lea. Will let my Maine grandmother friends know about the children’s book too; I for one will be looking forward to buying it for my three grandchildren.
Keep up the great work.
Thank you, Cynthia! I just found out UNCERTAIN GLORY will be published in April, 2014 … my publisher is working on the cover now — always an exciting time! I’ll be sure to post details nearer publication date.
Lea: you are an incredibly prolific and talented author. I only hope some of your talent/persistence will rub off on me.
Congratulations on your wonderful news.
Sherie
I missed this announcement, Lea. How fabulous!! Many congratulations. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Just finished Shadows on a Cape Cod Wedding and loved it. Posted a review on Barnes and Noble (5 stars) but there were a few glitches so I’ll keep checking to see that they really post it. In the meantime, excited about your new series and of course very much looking forward to the next Maggie saga, which I hope won’t be the last.