Salt air and the rust on your door

What’s new with Rachel?

Hi friends!

Happy August! Happy “salt air” season to all those who celebrate (for those who have no idea what I’m talking about, please reference track 8 on Taylor Swift’s Album of the Year, folklore.)

I honestly cannot believe we’re in the eight month of 2025. Plenty of “unprecedented times” have filled the first seven months—enough to span decades, honestly—but at the same time, it feels like I’ve blinked and we’re barreling through the year.

These next months aren’t going to slow down any either. I have a book to finish, a book to put out, three more signing events to do - whew! I better stop writing here, and get going on all of that!

You might have noticed things look different on this week’s newsletter, and you’d be right! I got branding done by a professional, instead of throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks, and I’m thrilled with it. Thanks so much to my friend Kayla at Townhouse Communications for the gorgeous work that feels so much like me.

Writing Corner and Book News

I’ll have lots more to talk about with Make You Mine this Christmas (and a little surprise to celebrate 3(!?!) Years of Carry Me Through Christmas soon. In the meantime, stay tuned and get excited to head back to Holly Ridge.

In the shorter term, I’m so excited to be celebrating Romance Bookstore Day on August 9th with two events here in Northern Virginia! First up, I’ll be at Friends to Lovers Bookstore in Old Town Alexandria from 11 - 1 as part of their Romance Bookstore Day celebrations! Friends to Lovers has been so supportive of me since they opened, and I’m so excited to hang out and chat with lots of romance lovers (and other authors!).

Then, I’ll be jaunting on over to Ashburn for a book fair at Blend Coffee bar from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. This isn’t an official Romance Bookstore Day celebration—there will be authors of all genres present—but I’m excited to get to hang out and meet more local reader and authors! The event is totally free and what goes better with books than coffee?

Spotify Playlist

Let’s stick with a theme, shall we? Enjoy “salt air and the rust on your door” playlist to bring in those August vibes.

New Release Spotlight

My good friend Katie Duggan released her third book this week - this is one I’m SO excited to get my paws on and devour just as soon as I’m off deadline.

You can grab the ebook on Amazon or for Signed Copies with special goodies, check out the pre-order (still available) at Scribbles Bookstore!

Where to See Rachel

2025 Events! Pre-order links for all signings can be found on the Events page of my website.

I’m so excited to visit new places and see new faces next year! Tickets are available for Romantically Yours Con, Books Books Books, and Ink & Indie.

I will no longer be attending RomanceCon in September. I’m so sorry to miss seeing everyone in Milwaukee and hope our paths cross very soon.

Stay tuned for 2026 events!

Alright, I’m off to writes some sexy Christmas-themed stuff. You’re going to love it.

Stay hydrated, call your Reps, and escape with a good book.

Romantically Yours,

Rachel

P.S. We had a great time at Disney last week - we didn’t melt and learned we make awesome faces on rollercoasters.