HOUSTON - April 11, 2020 - Maria Elena Sandovici announces the release of her new novel, Storms of Malhado (https://www.amazon.com/Storms-Malhado-Maria-Elena-Sandovici-ebook/dp/B082D1JLXK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (https://www.amazon.com/Storms-Malhado-Maria-Elena-Sandovici-ebook/dp/B082D1JLXK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr)). In it three women with strikingly similar destinies face deadly hurricanes on Galveston Island through three different historical eras. The novel was set to release in September, on the anniversary of the Great Storm of 1900, but Sandovici decided to surprise her readers with an early release during quarantine.
"Too many fun things were cancelled or postponed," Sandovici said. "This was something much anticipated by my readers, which I could speed up for them."
Focusing on three moments in Galveston's history – 1900, 1961, and 2008 – Storms of Malhado pays homage to the Island's resilience in the face of adversity. Several local businesses that survived Hurricane Ike and continued to thrive are mentioned (Maceo Spice and Imports, The Witchery, and The Tremont House among others), and many locations are recognizable to those who love Galveston.
The book has been three years in the making, its inspiration going back to a story her friends Melissa and Caitlin Fortier, to whom the novel is dedicated, told Sandovici during Hurricane Harvey. In its early stages, the project received critical input from beta readers, including authors Donna Dechen Birdwell and Courtney Brandt, and feedback on historical accuracy from Margaret Doran, long associated with the Galveston Historical Foundation. The book was edited by Mandy Schoen, and formatted by Lisa Goodrich, whose contribution especially shines through in the old-world charm of the paperback version. The ebook cover was designed by Buburuza Productions using original art created by Sandovici.
Signings and release parties must wait, but loyal readers already received copies in the mail. Early reviews are glowing: "Ms. Sandovici has done an extraordinary job of writing three distinct stories yet subtly weaving them together to create a fascinating whole," writes long-time Sandovici reader Jill Macomber. "This has to be my favorite of all of Ms. Sandovici's works!" writes Charissa Paulson.
A full-time artist and writer, and a 2018 graduate of John Ross Palmer's Escapist Mentorship Program, Sandovici is the author of five previous novels: Dogs with Bagels, Stray Dogs and Lonely Beaches, Lost Path to Solitude, The Adventures of Miss Vulpe, and Lone Wolf, as well a volume of poetry in the voice of her dog. She blogs daily at HaveWatercolorsWillTravel.blog.
If you have questions about Maria Elena Sandovici or her new book, please contact her at 570-807-6411 or elena@elenasandovici.com
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