Visit Sally's Instagram pageVisit Sally's Pinterest pageVisit Sally's Goodreads pageVisit Sally's Bookbub pageVisit Sally's Amazon Author page

Sally MacKenize, USA Today Bestselling Author

Sally MacKenize, USA Today Bestselling Author

Sally MacKenize, USA Today Bestselling Author

News

Change in plans

I wanted to let you know that I just found out Cheers to the Duke‘s release date has been moved back a week, from September 28 to October 5. Apparently, the pandemic and other shipping woes–remember the ship stuck in the Suez Canal?–have been wreaking havoc on production and delivery schedules. My sincere apologies.

While you are waiting to read Jo and Edward’s story, you still have time to enter the Scandal in September contest! Don’t delay, though–it ends September 26. And if you miss the deadline? Well, there’s always a silver lining, right? Now you have this nifty list of new books to add to your to-be-read pile!


Cheers to the Duke is out this month, so let’s celebrate with a contest!

Can you believe it’s September already? And you know what that means: Cheers to the Duke will be out soon! I’m happy to say the reviewers have been kind. Publishers Weekly called it “fast-paced,” and said Jo and Edward’s romance was “sensuous and enhanced by witty dialogue.” They think you will appreciate the “strong heroine and affable hero.” I hope they’re right! And Diana Tixier Herald at Booklist said: “Loving friendships and a strong sense of sisterhood among socially caring women make for a fun and spicy read that will appeal to readers of Eloisa James and Kate Bateman.”

Speaking of Kate Bateman, she—and Eloisa—have books out this month, too! To celebrate, Kate organized the Scandal in September giveaway. Look at this amazing haul one lucky reader could win—Cheers to the Duke plus 14 other signed books AND a Kindle Paperwhite!


To enter, click on the contest link
.
I confess to being rather clueless about all this, which is why I jumped on the offer when Kate emailed me. Apparently, you’ll get one entry for following an author on their chosen social media or by signing up for their newsletter. Multiple entries are allowed—you can follow all fifteen authors for more chances to win! The contest ends September 26th when one random winner will be chosen. And bonus—the contest is open worldwide!

And if you’re not into contests? No worries. Now you have a lovely list of new historical romances to look forward to!



Coming out of deep lurk

Yikes! It’s been well over a year since my last post, but then, it was quite a year, wasn’t it? In January 2020–and at the Hearts to You luncheon that February–I had no idea my world would shut down in March.

I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. I feel so fortunate and relieved to report that everyone in my family got through relatively unscathed. We even had a wedding–rescheduled and completely reimagined. Our son and his wife exchanged vows in a park with only the officiant present–parents and grandmother attended via phone video apps. Then a few weeks later, after waiting for Hurricane Isaias to pass though, the happy couple had another ceremony in their backyard. This time parents and siblings were on site, and everyone else “Zoomed” in. And as we were driving over, our West Coast son called to say he was at the hospital–his wife was in labor with our newest grandson.

Now that we are all vaccinated–except for the grandchildren, who are too young–Mr. M and I are beginning to venture out, cautiously feeling our way, trying to get comfortable in the world again. We were able to get our East Coast sons and daughters-in-laws–and the grand twins!–together for Memorial Day, mostly outside despite the noise and bumbling flights of Brood X, the 17-year cicadas. In the not-too-distant future, we’ll head out to see the West Coasters—and finally meet the “new” baby. Odds are he’ll be walking by the time we arrive.

And, guess what? Cheers to the Duke, the last book in the Widow’s Brew series, is finally ready to step out into the world as well, making its debut on September 28! I’ll be posting the first three chapters on my website soon. (Newsletter subscribers have already gotten a sneak peek!) If you’re a reviewer and would like to request a copy for review, please click here for the direct link to the book’s NetGalley page.

Thanks! Stay safe–and keep reading.


February Hearts To You Luncheon

Poking my head out of my writer’s cave to ask: Will you be in the Washington, DC, area on Sunday, February 16? If so, I’d love to see you at the Hearts to You Luncheon. What better way to celebrate February than with a friendly group of romance authors, readers, bloggers, and librarians! The event runs from 12pm to 3pm. Click HERE to learn more and buy tickets.


Christmas is coming . . .

Is it time to pick up a few presents for yourself? How about some Christmas romance? BookPage reviewed five “naughty and nice” holiday offerings, and, yes, The Merry Viscount was among them. I blush to say it might have fallen on the “naughty” side of the list–BookPage called it “bawdy and romantic fun.” Read the article here. Happy holidays!


Just one more week until The Merry Viscount is out in the world!

On September 24, The Merry Viscount steps out into the world in print, e-book, and audio. I’ll be sending out a newsletter that day as well–if you don’t yet subscribe, now would be an excellent time to do so, especially as I’ve got a super special giveaway for one lucky subscriber! Here’s the link. Don’t fear that I’ll inundate you with mail–I’m lucky to get a newsletter out every few months.

Early reviews are still coming in. I’m delighted to say that Steph at the Bookaholics Romance Book Club gave The Merry Viscount four stars, calling it a “perfect, heartwarming holiday read.” You can read that review and all her Setember reviews here. And she’s running a contest! Enter here. Contest ends Sept. 30.


A Kirkus Star for The Merry Viscount!

Advance reviews for The Merry Viscount are starting to come in, and I’m delighted to report that someone liked the book! I’m always figuratively biting my nails when a story steps out into the “literary ballroom” for the first time, worrying that it will be given the cut direct.

The first review that hit my inbox was from Amelia Richard at AlwaysReviewing.com. She gave the story four stars and said it was “constantly engaging.” You can read her full review here. The second review had me dancing around my office. The Merry Viscount earned a Kirkus Star, given to books of “exceptional merit”! The reviewer called it an “emotionally satisfying holiday romance full of love and redemption.” Hooray! You can read that review here.

And now it’s back to work I go on Widow’s Brew book #3. Catchy title, eh?


Mark your calendars!

Cathy Maxwell is hosting a reading salon in the Richmond VA area on Sept. 27, and I’ll be there with three other romance authors–Gaithersburg Book Festival co-panelist Charis Michaels as well as Alleyne Dickens and Andie J. Christopher. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! Here’s the link to tickets.


Attention, Reviewers!

Just wanted to take a break from writing book 3 of the Widow’s Brew series to pop in and let any of you who are reviewers know that the second book, a September 24 release, The Merry Viscount, is now up on NetGalley. Here’s the link that should get you to the page where you can request a copy. Hope you enjoy it!