I recently wrote about the hard parts of self-publishing and mentioned I was tackling the “blurb” for Tangled Roots this past week. I think it’s about 80-90% of the way there, but I’m done looking at it for now. I expect to publish the book in September, so this has time to cook yet. Here’s where I’m at with describing the sequel to Driftless Spirits:

Charlotte’s perfect birthday weekend with her best friend Ivy is interrupted by a grisly discovery buried at Moody’s B&B.

Police Chief Schafer notes the suspected murder is not her concern and, for once, Charlotte couldn’t agree more.  She works for Rosemary Moody now, helping the mayor fulfill her vision for Casten’s Horn.  She’s also the new caretaker of Casten House, a historic home with a storied past.  The rest of her time is spent enjoying her new boyfriend’s company and trying to forge a relationship with her roommate, who just happens to be a ghost.

A lot changed after Walpurgis Night and Charlotte’s new life is full.  Now, just a few days before Halloween, she doesn’t need to stick her nose where it’s not wanted.  But Ivy has other ideas and soon Charlotte is roped into investigating the murder with her boyfriend’s mother, a blunt but enthusiastic partner with a penchant for gossip.

One revelation leads to another and secrets from the past lead Charlotte to a present-day danger.  Something lurks in Casten’s Horn and it too changed after Walpurgis Night.

As for the cover, I do have a couple candidates bookmarked but nothing that has made me pull the trigger yet.

In other news, my husband finished his editing pass and yesterday we had some great discussions about certain parts of the book. My next pass starts after the holiday weekend. I feel good about the timing for a September release. It’s not about making a good book anymore. It’s about making a good book great.