For those of you wondering what I’m up to with this out-of-the-blue addition to the Tea Rose Saga that’s about to be released, here’s a quick, spoiler-free Q&A:

Q: Is Molly’s Letter a new Tea Rose Saga book?

A: Yes! But it’s not a 700-page novel. It’s a 120-page novella, and it’s the first in a series of new stories set in the world of the Rose books. Each story centers on an episode in the lives of these characters who might’ve been mentioned in the Rose books, but not deeply delved into. Or they might not have been mentioned, and might be entirely new – even to me! I’m calling these stories Rose Petals – all parts of the larger bouquet that is the Rose Saga.

Q: Does Molly’s Letter feature major characters from The Tea Rose?

A: It sure does! Fiona Finnegan and Nick Soames return in this story, as do Fiona’s Uncle Michael and her friend Mary Munro. Plus a new character – but I can’t say too much about him…yet!

Q: Where is the story set?

A: Molly’s Letter is set in New York, within the timeline of The Tea Rose, in the gap between Parts Two and Three, in the summer of 1891.

Q: What is Molly’s Letter about?

A: The story tells us how two characters in The Tea Rose, Michael Finnegan and Mary Munro, try to find love again after each has lost a beloved spouse, and how Fiona and Nick try to help them…but that help might be too little too late. The story contains one of the saddest scenes I’ve ever written, and one of the funniest, too – at least, if you like slapstick humor as much as I do. And it ponders an important question: It is possible to get a second chance at love?

Q: Where and when can I buy Molly’s Letter?

A: When – October 3. Where – On Amazon and Barnes & Noble as an ebook ($3.99); at your favorite bookstore in hardcover and paperback ($19.99 and $9.99, respectively); and on my website, if you’d like a signed hardcover or paperback copy (also $19.99/$9.99). If you’re not in the U.S., you should still be able to find it at most retailers (online or brick-and-mortar) – the pricing may be a bit different in your currency, but in the same ballpark.

Q: Can I get a pre-order copy?

A: Yes! You can pre-order an ebook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and a signed print edition (paperback or hardcover) on my website. Other retailers (including your local bookstore) will be able to offer it in the next few days. If you wish to order a signed print copy from my site – and I hope you do! – please do so early so I can make sure I have enough on hand to fill your order as soon as possible after the book releases on October 3. I hope to have books here within a week of release – as soon as I get them, I’ll sign them ship them right out to you!

Q: Are you publishing these without a traditional publisher?

A: Yes! These aren’t traditional books – they are a collection of related but independent stories, I don’t know what all of them are going to be, how many I’m going to do, or how long they’re going to be. And that’s not a model for traditional publishing. If my Rose Petal story is 100 pages long, I want to publish 100 pages … and price it accordingly. So I have started a small publishing company called Wild Rumpus and our first project is to produce these Rose Petal stories. I’m a little nervous to be doing this independently, to be honest (I mean, what do I know about the business of publishing?!) … but it’s incredibly exciting and liberating at the same time!

Q: What about translations? An audiobook?

A: Yes to both – at least, I hope so! We’re in discussions to produce both right now, and I’ll keep you posted!

Q: So, we have Molly’s Letter with Fiona and Nick … what other Tea Rose Saga stories are we going to see and when?

A: Well, I don’t entirely know, but I do have several ideas, and they span all three Rose Saga books. I’m working on the second one right now … and it’s set in the Winter Rose and featuring (who else?) Sid and India. I’m biting my tongue to not spill the whole plot right here because I LOVE those two and I’m so enjoying being with them again … but I think I better write it first! When will it be out? Well, when it’s done 😉. Seriously, my hope is to do one of these every few months … so maybe around the holidays or very early 2024.