When I was younger and people would ask me to write down my goals, I always (sometimes secretly) wrote down write a book. I don’t even know why exactly. It was just always on my heart, and I assume it was a God nudge. I had other goals too that I haven’t accomplished, but as time passed, those faded for me. But writing a book never did.
Now, with my twelfth book releasing in June 2024, I received my book cover that I finally get to share just in time for Christmas! I can’t think of a better gift. Moving into a women’s fiction direction (though there are still plenty of romantic elements!) was definitely a leap for me. There were points that I thought the book would never be done or ready. And of course I still have doubts as to how good it is – that’s apparently what we writers do! 🙂 But once I’m done with edits on a book, I release it. I never read my books again, because I would only want to make changes. So it’s in God’s hands now…and the cover is in your hands!
Without further ado, the cover for The Summer of Keeping Secrets!
Isn’t she lovely? I could not have envisioned a more perfect cover to represent this story. The book is set on the cliffs above Lake Dillon (a.k.a. Dillon Reservoir). It’s a little bit multi-generational family drama. A little bit first love. A little bit women’s fiction. And a whole lot of secrets. I cannot wait to share it with you all!
Here’s what it’s officially about:
For fans of Denise Hunter and Susan Mallery, a captivating story about a single summer that could completely break a family apart—or bring them back together.
Recently widowed Marin Henderson considers time with her two adult children a gift. And she’s intent on not prying into their lives while they’re all together, cleaning out her late parents’ Colorado home. But from the start, nothing goes as planned. Her free-spirited daughter, Slade, and her strait-laced son, Reed, both arrive ahead of schedule, and no one is explaining why. Marin knows they’re hiding issues in their personal lives. But she can only push so far because she, too, is keeping secrets.
Setting aside family tensions, the three of them get to work purging the house. But when Slade discovers a decades-old newspaper clipping about a body found on the rocks below the house, questions arise. Marin insists the death was ruled an accident, but Slade’s curiosity is piqued. And when a roof leak compels Marin to call on an old friend and flame for help, it’s the catalyst for a wave of revelations.
Between a daughter bent on distracting herself from her own career turmoil, a son desperate to hold on to his marriage and a mother forced to confront her choices from that long-ago summer, pieces of the past and present begin to unravel. And before the summer is over, they each must decide what to hold on to and what to let go…
As we near Christmas, I pray and hope that you are enjoying a peaceful holiday season. I know that for many the holidays can be a painful time, especially those suffering or in the throes of grief. If that is you, know that I am saying a prayer for you right now, that you will feel seen and comforted and experience peace that passes understanding during this season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my crew to yours.
Comments 2
Merry Christmas
Congrats on your new book, Jill–and I LOVE the cover, it seems to fit perfectly with your storyline! I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. And, ty for the prayers for those in the midst of grieving…. My mom passed in mid July this past summer so it will be exactly 5 months on Christmas Day. Our first Christmas without mom….