Hi there! It’s been a while and I hope you all have been safe this summer. I took a hiatus from my blog and newsletter to go back to the south of France in June after almost three long years (Yes, it was magnifique! More on that later.) and to get organized with writing projects.
The first of which has been to prepare for the roll out of my new novel, THE SECRETS WE HIDE. I’m excited to finally be able to share the cover, the publishing date of August 25 and some details of the story.
Here’s the back cover copy to give you an idea of the story.
“The deep traditions and values of Kaito Tanaka’s Japanese heritage are severely tested when he returns home to Honolulu from duty in Vietnam to find his wife, Hana, in the grip of progressive mental health challenges.
As Hana’s condition worsens, Kaito’s life becomes absorbed in protecting and caring for her and their daughter, Kiana. Hana becomes increasingly reclusive while their daughter Kiana grows troubled and rebellious.
A friend’s mysterious death followed by Kiana’s sudden disappearance
cut deeply into Kaito’s soul. Meditation is Kaito’s drug of choice. Secrecy hides the truth from others but Kaito’s commitment to Hana is unwavering. As years go by, Kaito begins to make an annual pilgrimage to a Buddhist retreat in Koyasan that
renews his spirit. In the end, a serendipitous coincidence there opens the door to happiness – if he can allow himself to accept it.”
“Set against lush backdrops in Hawaii, Japan, Corsica, and the south of France, this beautiful story of resilience perfectly balances the heartbreak and destruction of mental illness with the compassion and serenity of an unforgettable hero.”
~ Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son and The Promise Between Us
This story contains more serious subject matter than my previous novels, but rest assured you will find yourself in France at some point. My research was extensive and I learned a great deal as I wrote the story. I also had excellent support and guidance and am so grateful to all those who shared their expertise with me. My thanks to them is in the Acknowledgements in the back matter of the novel. This is all part of what makes the writing experience so fulfilling.
My hope is that readers find this story brings strong feelings of love, commitment, hope and inspiration. Life doesn’t always bring what we expect but we should always be open to change. Hmmm – does that sound familiar? This story may not begin like one of my past novels but I’m pretty sure you will agree that it ends like them.
And for your eyes only at this point … the full cover will be posted in my next newsletter. The novel is now available for pre-order. Just click here to have it in your mailbox on August 25th.
