Dear Reader,

In October of 2008, when St. Martin's Press bought Hester, a publication date of "early 2010" seemed like an eternity away. Now, with a release date of February 16, 2010, it seems like no time at all! In the months between, Hester has garnered some lovely praise from a number of New York Times bestselling authors:

"Have you ever closed The Scarlet Letter and yearned to see what the future holds for Hester Prynne and her headstrong daughter Pearl? Paula Reed's richly imagined novel transports us across the sea to Interregnum England, where these two unique American women will face political intrigue, discover passion, and seek their fortune in the shadow of Cromwell's England." --Katherine Howe, New York Times bestselling author of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.

"A haunting excursion into the 'lost years' of Hester Prynne, only hinted at in the The Scarlet Letter. Hester is suspenseful and beguiling storytelling."-Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Mary, Called Magdalene and Mary Queen of Scotland & the Isles.

"Paula Reed's Hester is a heart-rending journey through love and sin, guilt and loss. A thoroughly captivating tale, certain to earn its place on your shelf of favorites."-Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel On The Corner Of Bitter And Sweet.

"Intriguing and engaging, Hester gives us a vivid, passionate exploration of the lost years of one of fiction's most memorable characters: Hester Prynne. Hester takes us on a journey to a dangerous, tumultuous time where Hester learns her own power and gains insight into her own troubled heart."-India Edghill, author of Delilah.

Hester is available for preorder with your favorite online bookseller, often at significant discounts. Of course, there's nothing like strolling into your local independent bookstore, and they're usually happy to put a book on hold and call you as soon as it comes in, so let them know you're looking for it. The important thing is to set aside a little time in February for a pot of tea and a few hours of passion and intrigue!

Happy Reading,
Paula Reed