I'm always excited to introduce readers to fun characters that seem to leap off the page like those in Lost Heart in King Manor. But it's even better because author Celeste Fenton is launching a series and her characters will stop by for welcome visits in subsequent books. Celeste has finally made that timeless question "What do I feel like reading?" unnecessary. Her debut novel gives us a pinch of everything: cozy mystery, suspense, romance, second chances, humor, beautiful settings. Join us as we celebrate the launch of this book with a giveaway of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card and an interview with the author.
But before we get to that, here's more about her book:
Lost Heart in King Manor Giveaway
Lost Heart in King Manor is a thrilling story of love, passion, and determination. The plot has twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing all through.
Because some secrets are worth killing for.
And some hearts don’t break quietly.
At 45, Gabby Heart isn’t looking for drama—just quiet days on Dost Island running her village gift shop, teaching art, and keeping her past tucked safely away. But when her mother suffers a sudden health crisis, Gabby is pulled into a storm of family secrets, betrayal, and a dark legacy buried within the walls of the once-grand King Manor.
What was supposed to be a safe place for her mother’s recovery becomes the backdrop for a chilling mystery. Strange incidents begin to unfold, and it becomes clear: someone inside King Manor has a deadly agenda. As a hurricane traps Gabby inside the sprawling estate, she’s forced to work alongside two very different men—her maddeningly attractive officemate and a charming new neighbor, both hiding dark secrets.
One man may want her heart. The other may want her dead. But can she trust her instincts before it's too late?
Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2025)
ISBN: 979-8280071773
AISN: B0F2ZML3M9
Print length: 347 pages
Purchase your copy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You'll also want to add it to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author, Celeste Fenton
Celeste Fenton holds an M.Ed. and Ph.D. in education and has over thirty years’ experience in higher education. Her writing is fueled by a lifelong love of mystery, a fascination with the complexities of the human heart, and just enough real-world experience to keep things interesting. A widow, mother of adult twin sons, proud grandmother, dog lover, and semi-retired professor living in Florida, she weaves imagination with insight to create stories that are both emotionally rich and laced with suspense.
When she’s not writing, reading, or plotting her next twist, she’s often off exploring small towns across America—setting out solo for month-long adventures, much to the awe (and occasional alarm) of friends and family. Her latest obsessions include escape rooms, mastering the perfect miter cut for a DIY bathroom remodel, and making the impossible decision of where to travel next.
Website: https://celestefenton.com
Twitter/X: https://x.com/CFentonWrites
--Interview by Jodi M. Webb
WOW: Congratulations on your debut mystery, Lost Heart in King Manor. As a big fan of the mystery genre, I’m always eager to know why you chose to write in the mystery genre?
Celeste: Thank you! Even as a kid, I loved a good mystery—especially the kind that kept me up way past bedtime with a flashlight under the covers. Growing up, I read everything in our small-town library, from Nancy Drew to Victoria Holt, and eventually moved on to Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and romantic suspense. I was a huge Murder, She Wrote fan—still am, really. I think I fell in love with the idea that even in a chaotic world, a clever woman with a sharp mind and a stubborn streak could find the truth. Writing Lost Heart in King Manor felt like coming full circle—mixing suspense, family secrets, and a little romance with characters I’d actually want to have coffee with… or interrogate.
WOW: Tell us a little about your writing journey. When did you begin writing and what led to the decision to write a book?
Celeste: I’d been putzing around with writing ideas for years—jotting things down in journals, daydreaming about stories—but like a lot of people, life and work always seemed to get in the way. That was my excuse, anyway. Then in 2021, everything shifted. My husband passed away, both of my beloved dogs died, and I lost a dear friend to cancer. It was a season of deep loss.
But in the middle of that grief, I realized something: life wasn’t going to wait for me to write a book. And when I really reflected on it, the truth was not that I had been too busy to write. It was deeper: I was afraid. Afraid of failure, of rejection. If I had a story to tell—and I did—it was time to get moving. I had to stop waiting for the “perfect time” and start now. I gave myself permission to let go of the fear and finally chase the dream. And once I did, the story poured out.
WOW: Finding that elusive "perfect time" to write. Was that the most challenging part of writing?
Celeste: The most challenging part? Hands down—marketing. I didn’t even have a social media account when I started. I thought TikTok was the sound my clock made. Now I’m learning hashtags, filming videos, and figuring out how to post reels and tag folks! I’m terrible at it, but getting there!
WOW: And then, just when you feel like you've got a handle on marketing, something new pops up! That's how I feel, at least. So what's been the most rewarding part of writing?
Celeste: The most rewarding part is watching the story come to life. Seeing the characters evolve into people I care deeply about. And hearing from readers who love them too—or who yell at me because of something a character did. That connection is magic. Knowing something I wrote made someone laugh, or cry, or stay up too late reading? That’s magic to me.
WOW: Do you belong to a writing group or have a group of beta-readers that helped when you were writing your book?
Celeste: When I started writing… I really just dove in. Quite naively, to be honest. I wasn’t even aware of writing groups or beta reader networks—I just had a story I needed to tell and hoped for the best.
I didn’t belong to a formal writing group, but I had what I like to call my “squad”—four trusted friends who read early drafts and gave me feedback, kindly but honestly. And one especially dear friend who re-read and edited so many times, I’m fairly certain she could recite the book by heart at this point. They helped me see what worked, what didn’t, and most importantly, they kept me going when I wanted to toss the whole thing in a drawer.
Now that Lost Heart in King Manor is published—and the sequel, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle, releases September 22—I’m exploring beta reader teams, ARCs, and maybe even a writing group. I’ve learned that writing might be solitary, but publishing thrives on community.
WOW: We hope you find a welcoming group here with the WOW community. Why did self-publishing appeal to you for your mystery series?
Celeste: At first, I thought I’d try the traditional route—but once I started researching, I realized self-publishing gave me something I really valued: creative control. I wanted to shape the series the way I envisioned it—everything from the cover design to the pacing of the release schedule to how I connected with readers.
And let’s be honest, I’m not twenty-five. I didn’t want to spend years waiting on gatekeepers to tell me yes or no. I’d already waited long enough to start writing. Self-publishing let me take ownership of the process, and while it’s definitely a learning curve, it’s also incredibly empowering. Plus, I’ve discovered a whole world of supportive indie authors and readers, indie bookstores, and resources out there.
WOW: After reading Lost Heart in King Manor, I want to visit Dost Island! Is it based on a real place? How do you think a great setting adds to a book?
Celeste: I love this question because one of my passions is traveling across America, especially through small towns. There’s something so charming about those little towns and villages—where the Main Street still has a neighborhood hardware store, and everyone waves at you even if they don’t know you. I’ve spent a lot of time in New England and absolutely fell in love with those seaside communities and postcard perfect charm. Dost Island was inspired by that—but with a touch of my own imagination and mystery stirred in.
For me, setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the story. Small towns create this illusion of safety, of community, of knowing everyone’s business. There’s a sense of tradition, fellowship, and comfort. But what I love about writing mystery is pulling back that curtain—asking, what’s really going on behind those white picket fences? That cute little shop? That contrast—the cozy surface and the darker undercurrent—is perfect for suspense.
A setting like Dost Island lets me play with that tension. It can feel warm and familiar one minute, and eerie the next. And in a mystery, that’s gold.
WOW: I definitely felt the contrast of the charming down and the secretive undercurrent in your book. Tell us more about your main character Gabby. Is she your literary counterpart?
Celeste: Well… I think my curiosity, impatience, and a little spunk definitely found their way into Gabby. She’s not me—but she thinks fast, feels deeply, and sometimes blurts things she probably shouldn’t, and… well, let’s just say that felt familiar!
But honestly, there’s a little bit of me scattered across many of the characters—not just Gabby. Some of them carry my snark, some my passions or old wounds. Others reflect people I love. I’ve borrowed some of the best traits from my friends and family—kindness, wit, loyalty, that fierce protectiveness—and tucked them into the people on the page. I do think most writers weave themselves into their characters, whether they mean to or not. It’s like we crack open parts of ourselves and rearrange the pieces into someone new. That’s where the truth—and the fun—lives.
WOW: What would we find if we took a peek at your bookshelf?
Celeste: I think I’m kind of moody when it comes to reading. Depending on my mood, I’ll binge mysteries, or suspense, or romance (could be contemporary or historical), thrillers…when Game of Thrones was dominating HBO/Max, I binged George R.R. Martin. My bookcases are stocked with M.C. Beaton, Janet Evanovich, Charlain Harris, Linda Howard, J. D. Rob, C.J. Box, for romance Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, Eloisa James, Emily Henry, Elizabeth Berg, Elizabeth Strout…I could go on and on.
I’ve always been inspired by authors who mix strong characters with a compelling sense of place. I love a story that’s a little mysterious, a little emotional, and makes you want to step right into the world they’ve created. Lord, I cried buckets over The Tale of Edgar Sawtelle.
Right now, I’m reading The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard—a wonderful novel inspired by true events during World War II. I’m a sucker for historical fiction with heart and grit. Waiting in the wings on my nightstand are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Rodham, and People We Meet on Vacation—so you can see I’m all over the map, genre-wise!
WOW: But that's half the fun! Now you've gicven me a few books to add to my TBR list. What’s up next with your writing career?
Celeste: Well, the adventure continues! My second book in the Mysteries of a Heart series—Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle—releases September 22. Gabby and a few familiar faces journey to Scotland, where a remote castle, buried secrets, and an incoming snowstorm create the perfect storm for a twisty, emotional mystery. Meanwhile, back on Dost Island, loved ones are grappling with an unsettling crisis of their own—unraveling the truth behind a string of missing boys.
Following that, Broken Heart at Avalon Chateau is scheduled for winter 2026. Jay offers a much-needed escape to his newly inherited chateau in northern Canada… but let’s just say peace and quiet aren’t on the itinerary. As Gabby and the gang uncover danger and deception up north, their friends back on Dost Island are trying to solve the murder of the island’s beloved librarian.
And there’s more! Book Four—Wild Heart at Crest Edge Villa—takes Gabby and friends to Tasmania after Anna’s half-brother dies under mysterious circumstances. A cryptic letter leads them deep into the wilderness in a motorhome (what could go wrong?), where a wrong turn becomes a survival story with eerie twists, ancestral secrets, and a stalker in the shadows. Book Five—Rescued Heart at Water’s Edge—is also outlined. After barely escaping Tasmania, the group ends up shipwrecked on an uncharted island.
It’s been a wild ride, and I’m loving every moment. I never imagined I’d be here, doing this, at this stage of my life—but I’m proof it’s never too late to chase a dream… or write yourself into a mystery.
WOW: I love that your characters are going to be popping all over the world chasing adventure - and danger. Thanks for giving us a sneak peek and sharing your inspiring writing journey with us.
--Blog Tour Calendar
September 15th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Celeste Fenton's debut novel filled with romance and suspense: Lost Heart in King Manor. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
September 16th @ All Things Writing
Don't miss author Celeste Fenton's advice on Setting the Stage for Suspense.
September 17th @ Chapter Break
Today's guest is Celeste Fenton, telling the story of Publishing at 69! It’s Never Too Late for a Story.
September 19th @ What Is That Book About
The spotlight's on romance and suspense with Celeste Fenton's debut novel Lost Heart in King Manor.
September 22nd @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews
Meet Celeste Fenton, the author behind Lost Heart in King Manor and the Mysteries of a Heart series.
September 25th @ Words by Webb
Jodi reviews a novel for reader that like a good dose of adventure with their romance: Lost Heart in King Manor.
October 1st @ Avonna Loves Genres
Start the month off right with a review of Lost Heart in King Manor & a book giveaway.
October 2nd @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity
Stop by for a review of the first book in Celeste Fenton's mystery series: Lost Heart in King Manor.
October 3rd @ Books R Us
Author Celeste Fenton is visiting today with the guest post From Barbie to Breakdown: Writing About Complex Women
October 4th @ Three Things on a Saturday Night
Searching for some Saturday fun? Lost Heart in king Manor made the list of Three Things on a Saturday Night! Check out the review.
October 7th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Enter to win a copy of Lost Heart in King Manor. Author Celeste Fenton also share a guest post: Cozy Mystery Doesn’t Have to be Cute: Grit and Grace in Your Cozy.
October 9th @ Knotty Needle
Stop by for a review of Lost Heart of King Manor by Celeste Fenton.
October 10th @ Some Thoughts. Everything Creativity
Novelist Celeste Fenton is posting about Using Weather as A Metaphor.
October 19th @ Just Katherine
Everyone loves a romance! Find out how Celeste Fenton writes it with the guest post Second Chances, Slow Burn: Crafting the Romance in Lost Heart.
***** MYSTERY NOVEL & GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY *****
The giveaway is open to US residents for a print copy. Enter to win a print copy of Lost Heart in King Manor by Celeste Fenton and a $25 Amazon gift card! Fill out the Gleam form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends September 28th at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day via Gleam and follow up via email. Good luck!
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