Happy Summer Giveaway!

Can you believe it’s summer? THANK YOU for showing my new novel, WESTLAND, the love by making the Essie’s Roses series a continued Amazon bestseller. With so many new historical fiction reads out this year, I am beyond grateful you continue to share these stories of freedom, love, and family with your bookish friends.

You are the reason I write. And you are the reason I am pondering Essie’s Roses Book 3. Would you like to know what happens next with the women at Westland? Let me hear from you. Don’t forget to follow and visit me on Facebook and Goodreads for my latest book news!

Sometimes, it’s not the family we’re born into; it’s the family that finds us, the ones who save and care for us.
— WESTLAND (Essie's Roses Book 2), Michelle Muriel
Westland excerpt a new historical novel by bestselling author Michelle Muriel #historicalfiction2022 #amazonbestsellers

Summer is a time for sun, fun, and hopefully, for you, loads of fantastic beach reads. In the next few months, I’m contemplating what is next for my writing career. I’m hopeful about continuing the Essie’s Roses series and a few new stories waiting to see the light.

My goal is always to offer you an entertaining, thoughtful escape loaded with heart. I can only do this with your support, and I am forever grateful for your encouragement and book love. It’s why I keep writing.

I missed the sounds of the country, its stillness, where the swish of grass underfoot keeps time with katydids and crickets. The warm, moist air eased my chill. Memories in the house as of late turned frigid; my soul hungered for the sun.
— WESTLAND (Essie's Roses Book 2), Michelle Muriel

Thank You

Thank you, dear friend, for your amazing support this year. With the pandemic shutdowns, publishers have unloaded a prize load of historical fiction for you to read in 2022. I am honored you chose Essie’s Roses and Westland amidst the many offerings this year.


Summer Giveaway!

As a note of thanks, I’m hosting giveaways on Facebook this summer. It starts today!

Visit me on my Facebook page for your chance to win signed paperback copies of ESSIE’S ROSES and my new historical novel WESTLAND (Essie’s Roses Book 2). Essie’s Roses is the first in the series, a heartfelt story set before the Civil War about secrets, freedom and the power of love. The journey continues in Westland, where mystery, family, belonging, and secret gardens flourish between the women at Westland trying to rebuild relationships and a place to call home after the Civil War.

In addition, you also have the chance to win Laura Dave’s Eight Hundred Grapes. Many of you know her bestselling novel, The Last Thing He Told Me.

Find the giveaway post on my Facebook page to enter. Like, comment, share the post for your chance to win. Hurry! Giveaway ends Thursday, July 7th.


Summer Reading

I’m thrilled that after seven years on the market, readers continue to find and embrace the heartfelt story of Essie’s Roses. Thanks to you! Every review, post share, and mention enables me to write the next book.

So many enticing historical fiction reads out this year. Do you have a favorite? As I’m busy researching, writing, and re-reading my Essie’s Roses series to keep up with what the women at Westland might have in store next, I’m doing my best to tackle my summer reading list. I enjoyed The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis and Julia Kelly’s The Last Dance of the Debutante. I also look forward to reading Dreaming of Flight by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

I still can’t believe Westland was released in January, and I’m grateful it continues to warm hearts and find its summer readers.


Sharing My Love of Film & Acting

With my background in theater, film and acting, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path movie picks on my Facebook page. Of course, I love finding new authors and sharing what I’m reading. But my passion for the craft of acting and creating layered, believable characters never wanes. And during the pandemic, I found myself lost in old movies. Perhaps a wish for simpler times.

I love dissecting and discovering movies that mainly encompass goodness, fine acting, and heartfelt stories. At the end of the year, I’ll compile a list of my favorite finds, perhaps to add to your movie list, ready for those 2023 winter movie days. Yes, I said winter and 2023!


As we celebrate the Fourth of July, I’m reminded of the precious gift of living in the freest country in the world. We’ve been through trying times, and difficulties and challenges keep mounting. Yet, I remain thankful. Nothing or no one is perfect. I believe that is why I’m drawn to writing about human frailty and imperfections. I also enjoy exploring the journey of those striving to overcome those imperfections.

As you celebrate with your family and friends, remember the gift of freedom in your life. And strive to offer it to others in kindness, words and deed.

I appreciate you. Wishing you a wonderful summer filled with sun, fun, and great reads!

Happy reading,

Michelle