Brenda Haas

07/17/2026

If someone had told me my debut novel about a fractured family impacted by Alzheimer's would be a Finalist for a 2026 KIRKUS Indie Award, I wouldn't have believed it, less than two years ago. I didn't even have a publisher at that time. Crazy how much has changed. Thank you, readers and reviewers, for connecting with my book featuring family secrets, failing mental health, a suprise sibling, and second chances.

KIRKUS received more than 1,000 entries for eight categories. Finding Sutton's Choice is one of six finalists in the Literary Fiction category.

Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FJNM4JSL/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20

KIRKUS Finalists: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-awards/2026/literary-fiction/finalists/

07/07/2026

Gratitude.

KIRKUS sets the gold standard for book reviews among booksellers & librarians. I am so excited to announce that Finding Sutton's Choice has been named a 2026 Indie Award Finalist in KIRKUS' Literary Fiction category (Lit Fic!... whoa).

Thank you, TEN16 Press / Orange Hat Publishing for having confidence in my Lake Erie story about failing mental health and second chances. Thanks, also, to the booksellers, readers, and Lakeside Chautauqua neighbors who have supported my debut journey these past 13 months. You are soooo appreciated:) I wouldn't be here without you!

The KIRKUS link with book reviews for each finalist:
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie-awards/2026/literary-fiction/finalists/

My book: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Suttons-Choice-Brenda-Haas/dp/1645382389/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CEWCFQC5WZOD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oyfdi8kNrSxZ38K36TS7Q6Y4nVL7H_wzCtr2CMCO0YQ.WdPQLq3pWVfQ7YimJbAi3Tfvw3O_qN3WCVqEzzKvdUU&dib_tag=se&keywords=finding+sutton%27s+choice&qid=1783456474&sprefix=finding+sutton%27s+choice%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1

My website: https://brendahaas.com

06/09/2026

Thank you, Books a Go Go, in Ravenna, Ohio, for inviting me to join you Saturday, June 13, 1 - 3pm. An Alzheimer's Association representative will also be available to answer questions and provide materials for those caregivers or family members impacted by the disease.

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, and I support all efforts to end Alz. Please stop by... Lakeside Chautauqua Orange Hat Publishing TEN16 Press Shores & Islands Ohio

06/05/2026

The Novel Ladies are excited to be attending in Medina, Ohio, this weekend. My goodness. The headlining authors (bestselling, NY Times, etc.) are incredible.

Check out the full details at https://www.bigohiobookcon.com.

Susan Poole and I will be selling our award-winning debut novels, and we'll also be offering some cool Novel Lady merch... bookish gifts for the reader in your life. Stop by table 1 & 2 in aisle purple! Visit www.thenovelladies.com for more info! Feel free to share this post! Support more than 100 indie authors attending. TEN16 Press Orange Hat Publishing

06/04/2026

COSHOCTON friends, RIDGEWOOD grads, friends and family...

I'll be at Coshocton County District Library, Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, to present about how my writing journey began through telling my own personal stories in essay format for magazines and newspapers. Have a story of your own to tell? We'll discuss the essay process of putting memories on the page. I'll also be reading sample essays inspired by growing up in the cornfields of Fresno. Some of my personal stories filtered into my award-winning work of fiction, Finding Sutton's Choice (available at Kiefer's Florist in Roscoe Village or via most online retailers).

If you haven't signed up yet, please contact the library ASAP. You must pre-register by Monday. Limited seating, and I would love to see some familiar faces in the audience!

Event: https://coshocton-main-oh.whofi.com/calendar/event/276527/s?method=embed

About my book: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Suttons-Choice-Brenda-Haas/dp/1645382389/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3JYTZPSXSTL3X&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._UIThWGfIShLfMZdYa5wBj-rqwoGghsXfIybbYKgFS7GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.MoIaW4eH5AWQSHVx2IFsir2cv1Z4W5_eEIothTZQCJQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=finding+sutton%27s+choice&qid=1780603327&sprefix=finding+sutton%27s+choice%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1

Brenda Haas, local graduate and author, will share her experiences and expertise in writing.  Everyone has a story to tell. This interactive presentation explores writing slice-of-life moments in personal essay format. Discussion will cover essay structure, themes, and preparation for possible publ...

06/04/2026

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month.

Did you know? According to the Alzheimer's Association website, 55 million people are living with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, worldwide.

For caregiver resources: www.alz.org

For information about my award-winning novel about complicated family relationships, failing mental health, and finding hope in second chances: www.brendahaas.com

Alzheimer's Association Lakeside Chautauqua Orange Hat Publishing TEN16 Press

06/02/2026

Whoa. June is a wee bit busy. I needed two pages for the calendar. Come say "hi," if you're in the neighborhood. The Big Ohio Book Con (Medina) is going to be fantastic. If you are a reader, it's worth the trip this weekend. Two-day event and something for everyone.

Orange Hat Publishing TEN16 Press Alzheimer's Association Lakeside Chautauqua

06/01/2026

Excited! The Novel Ladies are "official," thanks to the linked article released today https://booksbywomen.org/two-writers-two-debut-novels-one-game-changing-partnership/

Two writers. Two journeys. Two debut novels.

We've progressed from Women's Fiction Writers Association strangers to critique partners to friends to published authors (via two different traditional presses). Our bookish story is worth telling. I can't fully explain the awesomeness that is Susan Poole, author of Out of the Crash. My novel, Finding Sutton's Choice, might never have made it to a shelf without her. We have grown, as writers, since our first "blind date" at a conference. Grateful.

Visit www.thenovelladies.com, for direct links to our individual websites and more info about our award-winning novels.

Women Writers, Women Books Women's Fiction Writers Association Orange Hat Publishing TEN16 Press Susan Poole

THE NOVEL LADIES At similar stages of editing and submission, clocking approximately 100 agent rejections each, authors Brenda Haas and Susan Poole credit their critique partnership as a major reason they eventually published their award-winning debut novels (2025). The pair first met after a bit of...

05/30/2026

Last chance to get in on this FREE giveaway! N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Stress Busting Book Festival offers 22 books, 15 authors, a huge giveaway plus assured ways to bust through your stress!

ENTER HERE: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/stress-busting-book-festival

05/26/2026

Whoohoo! Finding Sutton's Choice received a "sparkling" 5-star review, so there's that;) I've always wanted to have a sparkling personality, but, alas, sparkling is hard. I'm not sad my book beat me to it. I'll keep trying.

Per the review - "This is a story full of emotions. It is a tale of love, life, truth, sorrow, and family. If you’ve ever had to live with someone who had dementia or Alzheimer’s, this may be a difficult story to read. It is not a story that you rush through, but one to read and feel deeply. The world building is beautifully done. Even though I’ve never been to Lakeside, OH (and yes, it’s a real place), I felt like I was there... t is very well written and draws the emotions and doesn’t let you go.... a HEA ending satisfies and leaves you with hope."

Grateful for the positive review and 5-star recommendation. FYI - for those curious, this was not a paid review.

Orange Hat Publishing Lakeside Chautauqua Shores & Islands Ohio TEN16 Press

FINDING SUTTON’S CHOICE by Brenda HaasFiction, Women’s Fiction5***** BLURB: It’s been ten, long years since her abrupt departure, and, with a cryptic voicemail, 28-year-old writer…