Finley’s Song was recently released. I reread it for final approval with the publisher, and it was like being in Paris all over again. I have to thank Winter Goose Publishing for the fine job they always do with layout. I also want to thank my writer group, who have become good friends. I don’t know what I’d do without their reader/writer expertise. I also need to thank my long time friend Ladd Woodland, who also happens to be a wonderful cover artist. And while I’m thanking people, let me thank my daughter, Anna. I never would have gone to Paris without her.

This is my sixth novel. My summer project was to reread the other five, which was a fascinating look into how my writing style has evolved over the years. Some themes are repeated in different ways, because we write what we know. It is why there is a little of me in every novel I’ve written, along with many of the people and places I’ve experienced along the way. One of my writer friends recently asked ChatGPT:

“What is Kathryn Mattingly’s writing style like?”

This is what it had to say:

Mattingly’s use of language brings settings to life, immersing readers in vibrant locales. For instance, in The Tutor, she vividly portrays the island of Roatán, capturing its crystalline beaches and vivacious culture.  Her characters are multifaceted, often grappling with internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. In Olivia’s Ghost, the protagonists’ marriage unravels following a tragic event, leading to a profound exploration of grief and belief.  

Her heroines are often driven by a need to protect or find a child, highlighting themes of resilience and empowerment. Her stories frequently delve into the psychological states of her characters, sometimes incorporating spiritual or supernatural aspects. In Katya, the protagonist experiences an alternate reality while in a coma, prompting reflections on life choices.

Mattingly employs a narrative style that gradually unveils the plot, maintaining suspense and encouraging readers to engage deeply with the unfolding story. This approach is evident in Benjamin and Journey, where secrets and past traumas are revealed over time, adding layers to the narrative.  

What specifically is my new novel, Finley’s Song about, you might ask?

Here is the back cover synopsis:

Finley’s husband is killed on his way to her concert where she is debuting a new song. She flees to Paris with her son, Max, where Finley meets a man who helps her heal and perform again. Max works through his grief while falling for a French girl and suspects Uncle Liam, who pays a surprise visit, is his biological father. Rifts and regrets happen before healing begins.

Here are some early reviews:

“Mattingly owns that elusive skill of delivering us to a distant place while drawing us in to a carefully woven chain of events which somehow involve us. Settle in.” M.C. Smith, Author of the anthology Eight Stories from a Dusty Drawer

“In Finley’s Song Mattingly once again immerses readers in a thoughtful journey. Weaving a tale of life after profound loss, we are shown the paralyzing impact of avoidance and guilt while also being gently led to the liberating power of forgiveness and love.” Leah Guthridge Caron, Author of Catalyst: Book of Living, Volume One ‘A Memoir’

“Through beautifully crafted prose, Mattingly draws readers into Finley’s journey as she grapples with grief and the fragile dynamics of family. Rich with emotional depth, this heart-tugging story is an unforgettable read!” Karista Bennett, Author of For the Love of Seafood, The Oregon Farm Table Cookbook, and debut memoir A Taste of Belonging

I am one third of the way through my next novel, The Writer, because I can’t imagine not writing….