As you may have heard, I am currently in the process of writing a new installment in the Dusk Gate Chronicles.

Leaves of Revolution is expected to arrive sometime in early 2014.

In the meantime, let me know what you think of the cover, designed by the amazing Mallory Rock!  And enjoy a special excerpt from the first draft below!

As the procession began moving forward, the small, warm bundle in Quinn’s arms wiggled, and the baby inside opened his eyes.

“Well, hello,” she said, lifting him close so she could kiss his forehead. He scrunched his little eyebrows and sneezed.

William chuckled beside her. “I thought maybe you’d sleep through your whole Naming Ceremony little one.” He leaned in close as she settled the baby back into her lap, laying his hand over the gold-embroidered symbol on their son’s long green velvet gown.

In response, the infant yawned so fiercely that his whole little body shuddered, making both of them laugh. When he finished he blinked up at them, his gray eyes wide, and the sides of his tiny mouth edging almost into a… “Is he smiling?” she whispered.

William nodded. “You are, aren’t you, mister? You know what today is.” He slipped one arm behind her back, reaching for the baby’s fingers with his other hand. “Today’s the day we celebrate you.”

She shifted so she was even closer to William, relishing the warmth of both his body and his words, although she was mindful of the fact that as soon as their carriage drove through the castle gate and into the city, hundreds of eyes would be on her.

As they grew closer to the crowd, he kept his hand right at the small of her back, gentle and reassuring in a way that made her feel strength flowing through his fingers and into her.

She heard them before she saw them, the throngs of people – her people – lining the streets of the city, cheering as the carriages came through, rising to a roar as Quinn and William appeared.

Despite her worst fears, the baby didn’t cry at the noise, or even when a flower came through the open window, landing on her lap right near him.

Instead, when she held him up near her cheek where the crowd could see him, he flashed the grin he’d just been practicing.

“Little Show-Off,” she cooed. “Six weeks old and already you’re better at winning over your kingdom than I am.”