Book Release Announcement:

I’m pleased to announce my debut novel, Shadows and Sacrifice — A World War Two Novel, will be released August 20th, 2023. It will be available as an ebook exclusively on Kindle. 

Description: On the British home front in 1943, Anna Herberts loses her beloved grandmother to Nazi bombs. Months later, she is reunited with her best friend’s brother, Cameron Jenkins, home on leave. When shadows from his past catch up with him, Cameron is forced to entrust Anna with his deepest secret — for four years he has been a spy in a secret government intelligence agency. Eager to avenge her grandmother and help end the war, Anna undergoes para-military training and joins Cameron with the French Resistance behind enemy lines. Together they are pushed to their very limits as they grapple with the high cost of shadow warfare and fight for freedom.

I began writing this book in September 2014 when I was still in college. It’s been through many drafts and it was the first book any other writers laid eyes on when I brought it to a writer’s group a few years later. My friend and writing mentor went over it line by line and gave me invaluable advice as historical fiction author himself. I queried many small publishers and literary agents. When I finally received any sort of feedback from an editor, it was that he liked my book. However, the market was saturated with WWII fiction, and their company had just published a book similar to mine the year before. So I slid my book onto the metaphorical shelf and decided to wait it out, determined to be published traditionally or not at all. 

However, this year I reread it and fell in love with the story and characters all over again. And I could’ve blitzed a bunch of small presses and literary agents with queries. But this time felt different. This time, I want my story to go out into the world to be enjoyed by others. I took a leap of faith and went ahead with self-publishing.

This makes me an Indie (independent) author, which means there’s no team behind my book. No marketers, designers, social media managers, or anyone else. Just little old me. Which means I need your help. If you enjoy historical fiction, adventure, and strong leading women, check out my book! You just might fall in love with Anna and Cameron the same way I have. If you do, please leave a review on Amazon and recommend to a friend. 

On the other hand, you may prefer other genres and stories, and I understand that. However, if you know someone who might like it, will you send them my way? You can send them this link, or to my website, kristippowell.com. 

I’ve already received many kind comments and support, and I’m immensely grateful. I’m building my email list, so if you’d like to stay connected to my writing endeavors, click on contact in the menu and fill out the form. 

Thank you for coming along for the ride. In the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing more about why I chose to write this story and some history behind it here on my blog.