Happy 250th Birthday, America!

In just a few days, the United States of America turns 250 years old, and I couldn’t resist taking a moment to celebrate—with a little bookish twist.

Some of you know that my very first published novel, the original version of The Chevalier and His Unlikely Lady, made its debut on July 4th, 2012. Releasing a romance on Independence Day felt wonderfully symbolic, but it was also an unexpected gift from my publisher. She never said anything outright, but I’ve always suspected that giving my book a July 4th release date was a little “fireworks” favor. Either way, it was very cool.

Fourteen years later, I tried to hold myself to the same date. My plan was to release the revised The Chevalier and His Unlikely Lady on July 4th, 2026, in honor of both the book’s origins and America’s 250th birthday. But after spending countless hours tightening scenes, deepening the romance, and polishing the story, I simply couldn’t wait that long. One of the sweetest benefits of self‑publishing is that you don’t have to. When the book is ready—and your heart is ready—you can bring it into the world on your own timetable.

So here’s to 250 years of American stories, big and small. I hope you’re crafting a few memorable ones of your own this year. And if you’d like a patriotic‑holiday‑adjacent read to mark the season, I’d love for you to spend a little time with The Chevalier and His Unlikely Lady—a small toast to a country where stories like these are possible.