It's release day for Uncharted Hope!

Uncharted Hope is finally available! Are you ready for a new adventure?

 

If you’re an ebook fan, order the Kindle version here. Paperback lovers can order an autographed copy from my website here. Add it to your Goodreads shelf here.

I hope you enjoy this story of adventure, freedom, and hope as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Here’s a little about the story:
Sophia Ashton’s new medical assistant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which include being surrounded by a loving family—something she’s never known. During the job’s trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home.

Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia Ashton, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia’s difficult past blocks Nicholas’s plan, he must find a way to her heart.

Meanwhile, outside the Land...
When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.

The first print copies arrived today!!!!

One of the biggest joys for a writer is opening a box of the advance copies of her new book. (Sorry, if my enthusiasm frightened you, nice UPS guy!) It's a this-is-finally-real moment wrapped in birthday-ish glee and served with a side of accomplishment.  

Uncharted Hope will be available for everyone else September 12th, but for me, today is release day. This was a crayz-fun-hard story to write, and I'm overjoyed to hold the first copies in my hand.

In case you missed my last post, here is a little about the story:

Sophia Ashton’s new medical assistant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which include being surrounded by a loving family—something she’s never known. During the job’s trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home.

Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia Ashton, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia’s difficult past blocks Nicholas’s plan, he must find a way to her heart.

Meanwhile, outside the Land...
When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.

Are you ready for this new adventure? If you’re an ebook fan, pre-order the Kindle version here. Paperback lovers can pre-order an autographed copy from my website here.

I hope you enjoy this story of adventure, freedom, and hope as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Cover Reveal: UNCHARTED HOPE

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the latest book in the Uncharted series... 

Isn’t it gorgeous! I am, once again, blown away by the talent of my cover designer, Najla Qamber. She is amazing!

Uncharted Hope releases September 12, 2017. If you’ve read the first four books in the Uncharted series (The Land Uncharted, Uncharted Redemption, Uncharted Inheritance, and Christmas with the Colburns), Uncharted Hope will be a fun return to the Land for you. If you haven’t read Books 1-4, they are all available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Dive in!

For those who are ready for Book 5...

You might recall at the end of the 3rd Uncharted book, Uncharted Inheritance, Justin Mercer made it home to the Unified States with a sock full of seeds from the gray leaf tree. I couldn’t resist exploring what might happen next. And Christmas with the Colburns (#4) introduced us to Sophia Ashton, Lydia’s new assistant, which paved the way for more stories in the Land with our beloved Colburn family.

Well it all came together for Uncharted Hope! Here is a little about this new novel:

Sophia Ashton’s new medical assistant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which include being surrounded by a loving family—something she’s never known. During the job’s trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home.

Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia Ashton, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia’s difficult past blocks Nicholas’s plan, he must find a way to her heart.

Meanwhile, outside the Land...
When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.

Are you ready for this new adventure? If you’re an ebook fan, pre-order the Kindle version here. Paperback lovers can pre-order an autographed copy from my website here.

I hope you enjoy this story of adventure, freedom, and hope as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Happy reading,
Keely

ABOVE RUBIES Audiobook Now Available

Fantastic news! ABOVE RUBIES, book two in the Uncharted Beginnings series, is now available as an audiobook. The incredibly talented Amy Marie Smith brings this sweet historical romance to life with her beautiful voice. Here, have a listen:

Isn't Amy fabulous?! I could listen to her tell stories all day.

Download ABOVE RUBIES from your favorite online retailer: Amazon | Audible | iTunes 

About the book:

It’s 1863, and schoolteacher Olivia Owens believes education should be a top priority in the newly established settlement of Good Springs. Between planning lessons and helping out on her family’s homestead, Olivia doesn’t have time for Gabriel McIntosh’s charming advances. When the council denies her request to build a schoolhouse, Olivia must challenge their ruling and teach private lessons—all while hiding frequent bouts of word blindness (dyslexia). If the council knew the new teacher couldn’t always read, they wouldn’t allow Olivia to teach anymore.

As a carpenter, Gabe McIntosh is working hard to help build the settlement of Good Springs, and once his land is granted, he begins constructing his own house. When Olivia discovers he plans to share it with her, she guards her heart from him. But Gabe is determined to win her affection and figure out what she’s hiding.

Uncharted Secrets

Here’s a little something about each of the Uncharted books I’ve never told *anyone.

The Land Uncharted 
My fifth great-grandmother, Margaret Polk (a cousin of President James K. Polk), inspired Lydia’s character. Margaret was a physician, and I read in an Indiana history book that when she was called upon to help the ill or injured, she would ride her horse through mud at night to get to a patient and always beat the messenger back. The first line of the first draft of The Land Uncharted was borrowed from that description of my ancestor.

Uncharted Redemption
When I first began writing Levi and Mandy’s story, I did NOT like Levi. He was petulant and quiet—my least favorite kind of man to be around, let alone to write. I almost called off the project, but after a dream that became Chapter Eleven, I had to finish the story. Levi ended up being one of my favorite heroes of all time. 

Uncharted Inheritance
I cheered for Justin Mercer even as I wrote against him. I also freaked out my husband once when we were first married with this tendency; we saw Star Wars III, and I sided with Darth Vader. Granted, Mercer is no Darth, but I get emails from readers detailing their qualms with Mercer.

 

Christmas with the Colburns began as a full-length novel where Connor had to go to the mountains because of… well, a bunch of drama. I hated that storyline so much I nixed all of Connor’s scenes and only kept Lydia’s. I guess it was meant to be Lydia’s Christmas story all long.

Uncharted Hope (coming soon!)
I used an open plotting process to write this story so I could completely explore every possibility of where the Uncharted series should go next. I took way too long to write it, but Uncharted Hope will be released this fall.  I LOVE where the story is headed. (Cue the suspense music.)


*Someone somewhere probably knows, as I’m chatty about my stories.

Why I Took a Break From Social Media

Just over a month ago, I needed a break from social media. Big time. I felt like I'd done all I'd intended to do by being on the major online platforms and now they were distracting me from writing fiction--my true calling.

So, as an early birthday present to myself, I deleted my Twitter account, deactivated my Pinterest and Instagram accounts, and deactivated my Facebook account. I tried to delete my Google+ account, but since I'm on Blogger, it messed things up.

How did my break go?

Great! I finished the first draft of a novel that needed my full writing attention. I finished the homeschool year fully engaged. My days were filled with mental white space and my creativity flourished. I took a writing class and thoroughly enjoyed it. And I started reading fiction for pleasure again. It's nice having my brain back!

On the down side, I had an assigned admin on Facebook for my author page and the page for a homeschool website I run. My admin was getting the notifications from my Facebook pages and would let me know. I'd have to jump on to respond anyway, so it took up time for two people. I also got emails from people asking me to come back to Facebook and reviewers and author friends asking why I wasn't sharing their posts about me. (Kind of a common courtesy and since my author page was still up, it looked like I was ignoring them.)

I'm so glad for my break! And I'm not jumping back in full blazes. Never will. I plan to keep my email list as my preferred way of engaging with readers and email/text/phone calls as my preferred communication with colleagues, friends, and family. But for work reasons, it appears I should keep my Facebook account activated.

Activated and all-consuming are two different things.

That's the main point I learned in all this. My mind settled with not staring at a news feed all day, and I plan to keep it that way. I like not having to see everyone's every thought and worry and meal. I like not feeling like I'm missing something if I don't read all the posts in certain groups everyday.

Now for the social part of social media... have you ever gotten so swamped with things that are designed to feel urgent that you struggle to accomplish what is important? 

I can't be the only one :)

Book Spotlight: Across the River by Megan Easley-Walsh

A super huge congratulations to my writer friend Megan Easley-Walsh on the release of her fourth novel, Across the River! Megan writes well-researched historical fiction in a variety of subgenres, and Across the River will no doubt delight her fans.

Here is a little about Across the River:

For her, he'd go to the ends of the earth.

When she disappears, he might have to.

In the English countryside in 1774, Caleb Haroldson and Rebecca Turrington are destined to be together. Stealing her inheritance to fund the life of her choosing with Caleb seems like an easy enough task for Rebecca, as she schemes with him beside the river late one night. But Rebecca is not the only one making plans for her future.

When Turrington Manor is ravished by flames and a mysterious hooded figure on horseback appears, Rebecca is swept into a plot of revenge and revolution. Is anyone safe in a land where hundreds have gone missing.

As Rebecca struggles for her freedom and Caleb endeavors to find her, both sides of the Atlantic are poised to erupt and everywhere lurks the haunting phrase "Across the River." 

Available now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo 

 

Visit Megan's website to discover more of her books. 

Aboard Providence only 99c on Kindle today!

Longlisted for the 2017 INSPY Awards!

 

In November 1860, Marian Foster joins a group of Virginia families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement off the coast of Brazil. As an amateur botanist, Marian eagerly anticipates exploring a new land. She boards Providence confident in the group’s plan, but during the voyage, her heart is drawn to Jonah Ashton, the secretive and sullen ship’s physician.

Jonah Ashton is determined to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When family obligation forces Jonah to take a voyage aboard Providence, he plans to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return home. While aboard Providence, Jonah is beguiled by Marian’s optimistic spirit and finds himself in uncharted territory. Soon Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?

Get swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God’s unfailing provision in this inspirational story reviewers are calling “a captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale.” Read Aboard Providence today and embark on an unforgettable voyage.

eBook on sale:
U.S. Kindle | U.K. Kindle 

Paperback available at your favorite online bookseller or order an autographed copy on my website.

 

Audiobook available:

Audible | iTunes  | Amazon

"A captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale I can confidently recommend to a wide range of readers.” —Heather Day Gilbert, author of Amazon Norse bestseller God's Daughter

"With vivid settings and multi-layered characters, Keely Brooke Keith whisks her readers off on a page-turning journey, not just across the ocean, but within the heart.” —Brenda S. Anderson, author of the Coming Home series

“A blend of history and romance with a compelling inspirational message, Keith expertly weaves an intriguing tale. Fans of the Uncharted Series won’t want to miss this journey.” —Heidi McCahan, author of Unraveled

"Keely Brooke Keith is a master storyteller, weaving adventure, love, and wonderful characters into a vivid story that will take readers on an unforgettable voyage to a new place."—Christina Yother, author of the Hollow Hearts series

Feel like sharing this deal with your book-loving friends? Simply drag the book image to your desktop and post or pin it wherever you hang out online. :)

Happy reading!

ABOVE RUBIES Available Now!

GUYS!!! I am so excited about this release! As I wrote Above Rubies, the story gripped my heart. Olivia's unique struggle forced me to write things I never dreamed I'd write. And Gabe... well, you'll have to meet Gabe for yourself. Actually, if you read Aboard Providence, you've met these two, but it was a superficial meeting. Their depth and strength has left an indelible mark on my soul. I hope you will be captured by their story too.

Here's a little about Above Rubies:

It’s 1863, and schoolteacher Olivia Owens believes education should be a top priority in the newly established settlement of Good Springs. Between planning lessons and helping out on her family’s homestead, Olivia doesn’t have time for Gabriel McIntosh’s charming advances. When the council denies her request to build a schoolhouse, Olivia must challenge their ruling and teach private lessons—all while hiding frequent bouts of word blindness (dyslexia). If the council knew the new teacher couldn’t always read, they wouldn’t allow Olivia to teach anymore.

As a carpenter, Gabe McIntosh is working hard to help build the settlement of Good Springs, and once his land is granted, he begins constructing his own house. When Olivia discovers he plans to share it with her, she guards her heart from him. But Gabe is determined to win her affection and figure out what she’s hiding.

Above Rubies is now available in paperback and on Kindle. You can order a signed copy from my website. The audiobook will be available by summer. 

I can't wait to share this journey with you!

ABOVE RUBIES is coming soon!

ABOVE RUBIES is coming soon. What's this one about? I'm glad you asked...

It’s 1863, and schoolteacher Olivia Owens believes education should be a top priority in the newly established settlement of Good Springs. Between planning lessons and helping out on her family’s homestead, Olivia doesn’t have time for Gabriel McIntosh’s charming advances. When the council denies her request to build a schoolhouse, Olivia must challenge their ruling and teach private lessons—all while hiding frequent bouts of word blindness (dyslexia). If the council knew the new teacher couldn’t always read, they wouldn’t allow Olivia to teach anymore.

As a carpenter, Gabe McIntosh is working hard to help build the settlement of Good Springs, and once his land is granted, he begins constructing his own house. When Olivia discovers he plans to share it with her, she guards her heart from him. But Gabe is determined to win her affection and figure out what she’s hiding.

Would you like me to email you when my next book comes out? Add your name to my list here.

Cover Reveal! Frozen Flames by Lara Whatley

Lara Whately's upcoming YA release, Frozen Flames, sounds exciting. Check out the summary:

Lexi would give anything to have those minutes back—the minutes when she’d stood inside the fence, waiting for the clock to tick down on that stupid dare. If she hadn’t stayed—hadn’t gone in the first place—she wouldn’t be in this mess. 

But she had, and she was. And now things were different. 

Very different. 

When you wake up one day with a whole range of new abilities, life gets interesting quick. You can fly, disappear, and shoot deadly flames from your finger tips. Suddenly, being an orphan who’s forced to live at your high school seems like no big deal. Now your biggest worry is that people have started to notice. And they won’t seem to leave you alone. 

For Lexi, navigating this new world is no easy task. Can she control her abilities? Whom can she trust? Has she said goodbye to ‘normal’ forever?

 

Are you ready to see the beautiful cover for Lara Whatley's new release?

Isn't it gorgeous?!

Born and raised in the rolling horse country of southern Ontario, Lara Whatley has always had a passion for reading. As soon as she could, she was writing short stories, and then her first novel. She published her debut novel in 2014, and is continuing to pursue her passion. When not writing or reading, Lara can be found in the great outdoors with her two dogs and imagination.

Connect with Lara online:

Website: http://larawhatley.com

Twitter: @LaraEwrites

Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelastpages/

First Chapter Free ~ Start reading Aboard Providence now!

A voyage aboard Providence changes their plans, but can it change their hearts?

In November 1860, Marian Foster joins a group of Virginia families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement off the coast of Brazil. As an amateur botanist, Marian eagerly anticipates exploring a new land. She boards Providence confident in the group’s plan, but during the voyage, her heart is drawn to Jonah Ashton, the secretive and sullen ship’s physician.

Jonah Ashton is determined to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When family obligation forces Jonah to take a voyage aboard Providence, he plans to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return home. While aboard Providence, Jonah is beguiled by Marian’s optimistic spirit and finds himself in uncharted territory. Soon Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?

Get swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God’s unfailing provision in this inspirational story reviewers are calling “a captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale.” Read Aboard Providence today and embark on an unforgettable voyage.

Get it now:

Amazon  |  Audible  |  iTunes

Aboard Providence ~ Chapter One

Jonah Ashton held two letters, one in each hand as if the gravity of their messages bore physical weight and his open palms were the pans of Lady Justice’s scale. The papers felt deceptively equal and light, but the words written on them produced heaviness in his chest that could not be ignored. He sat on the edge of his bed in the musty room at the back of his aunt’s fine Philadelphia home and glanced up at his classmate.

Frederick straightened his starched collar in the dressing mirror. He raised an eyebrow at Jonah. “Well?”

“Well what? I must go home. I haven’t got a choice.”

“Of course you do. Stay and fight the allegation so you can finish the medical program.”

Jonah shook his head and studied the letters for the twentieth time. One letter, written in the scurried script of a concerned professor at Penn’s Medical School, warned of a possible criminal charge and adjured Jonah to prepare his defense; the other letter summoned him to his father’s estate in Accomack County on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He blew out a shaky breath and pointed at the Spencerian scroll of his father’s closing command. “He said to come home at once. He believes the tension between the States will escalate since Lincoln’s been elected. He’s been talking about settling land in South America, and I knew he expected me to go with them. I didn’t think it would be until after I earned my degree.”

“Why would someone of your father’s wealth and connections want to leave it all behind and sail to South America?”

“His inherited wealth and connections mean nothing to him, but he has always dreamed of…” Not wanting to paint his father as impetuous, he changed his explanation. “There are unsettled islands off the eastern coast of South America. They are beguiled by the challenge of establishing a new colony.”

“They?”

“Mine and seven other

7 Book Launch Essentials

Today, I'm over at K.M. Weiland's Helping Writers Become Authors, chatting about book launches.

If you're a writer, you must check out HWBA. One of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers, it's a daily dose of the best writer advice. Join me there today!