Almost Paradise

Remember the song, “Almost Paradise,” by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson? There’s a line that says, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s door.” And that’s how I feel about the imminent publication of Port of Destiny: A Victorian History, Mystery, & Romance. First of all, I always refer to Galveston as paradise (except for hurricanes). In addition, the book has been a dream of mine for many decades, and seeing it in print will be a heavenly dream come true.

Thank you for all the help you’ve offered regarding title, cover, and book description. Here is the front cover, a work of art, hand-painted by the talented Rebecca Evans (rebeccaevans.org).

And the book description, which I hope you find intriguing:

Three immigrants. Two disappearances. One murder. And a love story that defines them all.

When Rosa's brother vanishes from hurricane-ravaged Galveston, she turns to his best friend, Nathan, to help her uncover the truth. Together they are swept into the mystery that swirls around her immigrant family in a city rebuilding after the devastating 1900 storm. Just as Nathan's feelings for Rosa blossom, Chana enters the picture. Bold, resilient, and with a conflicting love interest of her own, she forces them to make the most important decisions of their lives.

Here are a few of the advance author review blurbs:

"The Port of Destiny combines the worst disaster in U.S. history, with a complex mystery, all while layering in delicious romance. Saralyn Richard's most satisfying novel yet.”—Elena Taylor, author of The Haunting of Emily Grace

“Richard’s lovable characters stay with you long after their story ends. I love this book that’s inspired by true events. I wanted it to go on and on!” –Margaret Mizushima, author of the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, including Fighting Edge

“Vivid imagery, brisk pacing, rich character development, and shocking cliffhangers make the book impossible to put down. The ending is powerful—expect goosebumps and misty eyes.”— Sherrill Joseph, author of the Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries

“Richard masterfully reconstructs the past in Port of Destiny, a love letter to storm-tossed Galveston.  Two lives and two countries intertwine in a coming-together moment that will blow you away. A magnum opus by the author.”  –Tracey S. Phillips, author of Forewarned

"A lively read about a little-known part of American history.”—Sasha Vasilyuk, author of Your Presence is Mandatory

“The Port of Destiny is a step back in time and a step forward to understanding a resilient people and the home they made of a wounded island. “--Phyllis H. Moore, author of A Dickens of a Crime

“Young immigrants thread their way between what they must do to survive in a new country and the demands of old-world traditions they left behind. Readers will cheer for them as they discover who they are, even as they’re enmeshed in a murder, the mystery of a missing brother, and the ordeal of leaving their homeland forever.—Ginny Fite, author of The Physics of Things.

I’m now scheduling launch events, book clubs, blogposts, and other fun activities into the fall and winter months. The first two so far are the launch party on October 3 and the book signing at Then and Now Bookshop on October 10 (during ArtWalk, 4:30 – 9 pm). If you are in the Galveston area, please come.

Here’re the invitations:

If you would like for me to come to your book club, organizational meeting, or other gathering, in person or by zoom, let me know, and we’ll set up a date and time.

Meanwhile, know that I’m so grateful for you! I hope you’re getting through the “dog days of summer,” and I wish you the best of health, success, and happiness.

Much love,

Saralyn