Release party for Miko Johnston’s
A Petal in the Wind Book IV: Lala Smetana
Sunday Sep 11 2022 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Kingfisher Bookstore, 16 Front Street NW, Coupeville WA
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We are thrilled to announce the long-awaited continuation of Miko Johnston’s Petal in the Wind saga. A founding member of Whidbey Island’s Writers in Residence, Johnston’s historical novels beautifully capture the heartbreaks and triumphs of a young Jewish woman coming of age in early 20th century Europe.
Please join us for an exclusive free event as we celebrate the release of Johnston’s newest novel on Sunday, September 11th at 5 pm in the Kingfisher Bookstore’s lower level. Champagne and small bites will be provided by our neighbor, Front Street Grill.
While this is a free event, tickets are required. Please secure your place by calling the Kingfisher Bookstore at 360.678.8463 or by emailing hello@kingfisherbookstore.com.
Petal in the Wind Book IV: Lala Smetana
As the Great War rages, Lala dreams of someday having it all — marriage, motherhood, and a career. She reunites with Josef Smetana, the man she loves, and they marry. Amidst a world-wide pandemic and political discord rippling through Europe in the aftermath of war, Lala and Josef encounter undercurrents of mistrust and bigotry that sprout like noxious weeds. Lala notes a disquieting change of attitude in Josef as well; he no longer supports her desire to work.
The Smetanas move to Prague and start a family. When an opportunity arises for Lala’s final dream to come true, she plots to keep her secret from Josef, until she learns he’s kept a far more dangerous secret from her. With her family’s fate hinging on her success, together they must navigate a new resurgence of an old hate that threatens to shatter their lives.
The Writers in Residence 
Congratulations, Miko! How I wish I could attend. That same day happens to be my daughter’s birthday – as you can imagine her earlier ones were not so festive due to the historic date of 9/11. How great that this year your party will be celebrating a terrific achievement and will be a huge success.
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Thanks, Jill. I wondered about the date, but why not put a happier spin on it.
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Congratulations, Mike! Your story sounds suspenseful and certainly contemporary. I look forward to reading it. I wish you much success with your launch.
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Thank you, Maggie. Interesting that you note the contemporary sound of the story. Although it takes place a century ago, I expect readers will be shocked by some of the parallels with present day. I certainly was.
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BIG congratulations, Miko! Hope you get a huge turnout and sell lots of books. Your readers are in for a treat!!!
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Thanks, Bonnie. It’s been a long road, but hopefully readers will find it well worth it.
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Congratulations Miko! I’m so glad that you can have this launch IN PERSON. I hope you have a wonderful turn-out. You’ve put a lot of dedication into this wonderful family saga, and I know it will be well received. You deserve it!
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Thank you, Rosemary. Yes, an in-person event is both exciting and nerve-wracking, unaccustomed as I am to public speaking. I’ll look for friendly faces in the audience as well as think of all my WInR colleagues for moral support.
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Great news that another book in the marvelous saga of Lala is coming out. Her life is a journey of discovery, pain and strength because she has the will to carry on and become the person she was meant to be. Congratulations.
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Thanks, Gayle, for your generous comments, which are now on the back cover of the book. I know you’ll be there at the Release Party in spirit.
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Congratulations, Miko! Much success with your launch and subsequent sales. Great saga, told interestingly and well. You’ve done, and are doing great!
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Thanks, Mad. It’s been a fascinating journey watching my character grow into the strong, loving and capable woman she is. I hope readers will enjoy the journey as well.
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