book giveaway for January, and also a preorder.
The book giveaway for January will be poet and essayist Saeed Jones’ beautiful memoir How We Fight for Our Lives. I first encountered Jones in this beautiful interview he did with comedian Cameron Esposito on her podcast Queery. (He also has his own podcast, Vibe Check, in which he chats with Sam Sanders and Zach Stafford and gives really excellent book and poetry recommendations.)
I don’t really like applying simple adjectives to people’s stories about their lives, because that can only serve to flatten those stories. And who exactly do I think I am, to say that someone’s life experiences are heartbreaking or illuminating or whatever? I will tentatively say that what has stayed in my head from Jones’ memoir is his love for his mother and his terrible grief of losing her young; his frustration and loneliness as a young gay Black man in America; and a tremendous care for the possibilities of language.
The logistics are basically the same as last month! If you are interested in winning one of three paperback copies of this book, please fill out this google form. In four weeks (Wednesday, January 8th), I will draw three entries randomly to receive the book and send you an email.
And now. A PREORDER IS AVAILABLE TO YOU.
My first historical romance, A Bloomy Head, first in my new series Regency Cheesemakers, is up for preorder on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Nobles, Apple Books, and Smashwords. It will released on Tuesday, December 24th, just in time for you to spend your Christmas in bed reading. I will be revealing the cover SHORTLY.
For now, the description:
Army surgeon Thomas Holyoke never planned to return to Shropshire, to a life and a gender forced upon him. But after a terrible accident leaves him injured and feverish, he has no choice but to return to England with his faithful surgical assistant.
Newly widowed Kate Easting is determined to save her family's failing farm with her cheesemaking skills. However, she must also contend with an unnerving number of chaotic siblings and the handsome, difficult doctor her twin brought home for her to nurse back to health.
When a decapitated body is found near the farm, Kate and Thomas find themselves at odds. Investigating the murder might bring dangerous attention to Thomas and Kate's family, but letting a murderer roam free may have even more dire consequences. To make things more complicated, a spark of mutual respect and desire kindles between lonely doctor and cheesemaker. But what future can they possibly build together, when old secrets threaten to destroy them both?
Historical mystery romance, trans m/cis f.
My friends, I have worked so hard on this book with so many different people, and I am so excited for you to read it.
I leave you with this extra-creamy fennel cheese, which I hope will be ready to sample by New Year’s.
Best of luck in these trying holiday times,
Sharon