Hi, all!
I’m delighted to announce that my 9th novel, A BITTER VEIL, will be coming out “officially” April 15 (but it’s already available as an e-book here and in print here within a day or so.) And the audio version will be out soon as well.
Here’s a description:
It all began with a line of Persian poetry .
Anna and Nouri, both studying in Chicago, fall in love despite their very different backgrounds. Anna, who has never been close to her parents, is more than happy to return with Nouri to his native Iran, to be embraced by his wealthy family. Beginning their married life together in 1978, their world is abruptly turned upside down by the overthrow of the Shah, and the rise of the Islamic Republic.
Under the Ayatollah Khomeini and the Republican Guard, life becomes increasingly restricted and Anna must learn to exist in a transformed world, where none of the familiar Western rules apply. Random arrests and torture become the norm, women are required to wear hijab, and Anna discovers that she is no longer free to leave the country.
As events reach a fevered pitch, Anna realizes that nothing is as she thought, and no one can be trusted…not even her husband.
Already VEIL has received some lovely praise:
“Meticulously researched, fast-paced… this political thriller will please established fans and newcomers alike.” Publishers Weekly
“A tragically beautiful story … that is both subtle and vibrant… the author does an amazing job… but never sacrificing the quality of her storytelling… a bleak and heart-wrenching tale that will stick with the reader long after they finish the book.” Crimespree Magazine
“Libby Hellmann’s A BITTER VEIL brings a lyrical, literary dimension to her writing. Readers will be fascinated by this glimpse behind the veil of Revolutionary Iran and how a young American woman deals with her Iranian husband and family.” Cara Black, Author, Amy LeDuc Investigations Series.
If you’re in the Chicago area, I’ll be doing three launch signings and would love to see you…
If you live North, you’re invited to The Book Stall on April 14 at 2 PM
If you’re South or West, Centuries and Sleuths, May 5th at 2 PM
and if you’re in Chicago, come to the Hidden Shamrock Saturday May 6th
But if you’re not in Chicago, we can still connect. In fact, instead of a tour this year, I’ll be hosting several online activities, including a
Video Chat: Tuesday, April 17 6 PM (Eastern)
On Tuesday, April 17, at 6 PM (Eastern time so plan accordingly), I’ll be talking about A BITTER VEIL, the state of publishing, and anything else that’s on your mind during a 45 minute video chat online! This is a brand new service provided by Shindig Events that allows up to 500 people to interact together in real time. And it is so easy to use that even my 92 year old mother will be there. All you do is go to this website. That’s it! You’ll be able to ask questions, watch my slide presentation (don’t worry — it’s short) and even chat among yourselves. So I hope you’ll join me. Again, the website is:
shindig.com/event/32-Libby-Fischer-Hellmann
The “Everybody Wins” contest starting Wednesday, April 18
Want the chance to win a Kindle Fire? Doesn’t everyone? The day after the video chat, I will be launching a contest in which the grand prize is a Fire.
To enter, all you need to do is like my Facebook Author Page, read A BITTER VEIL, post an honest review within 30 days on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or B&N, and send us a link to the review. On Friday, May 18, we’ll pick one grand prize winner at random. As an incentive, the ebook will be free at Amazon for one day during the contest month. Keep an eye on my Facebook Author page where I’ll announce which day it will be free. (Hint: It will be sooner rather than later).
But the best part is that even if you don’t win a Fire, you still win— everyone who enters will get a free copy of any one of my previously published short stories. Your choice. You can find a description of them here. Btw, all of the rules will be on my Facebook Author Page soon. Again the link to my FB page is
https://www.facebook.com/authorLibbyFischerHellmann
So there’s a lot going on over the next few weeks, and I hope you’ll join me.
Finally, please know how much I appreciate your support and friendship. I hope to see you in the flesh — or online soon.
Libby