Today is the day, my beautiful readers!

After months of writing, rewriting, editing, and keeping this gorgeous cover to myself, I’m finally revealing the cover of The Forgotten Bruja on Instagram!

And let me tell you, keeping this secret has been HARD. I’ve come close to hitting share.

If you’ve been following my writing journey, you know that The Forgotten Bruja, the second book in my Las Cerradoras series, has been taking up quite a bit of my time. And my thoughts. And probably a good portion of my sanity. But that’s what happens when you’re writing a story that refuses to be rushed.

However, along with today’s exciting cover reveal, I have an important publishing update to share. One that I want to communicate clearly so there’s no confusion about when you can expect this book in your hands.

First, Let’s Talk About That Cover!

One of my favorite parts of being an independent author is seeing a story I’ve spent so much time imagining finally take on a visual identity.

There’s something magical about watching characters, settings, and themes that have lived in your head become something tangible. Something readers can look at and begin imagining for themselves.

And The Forgotten Bruja is particularly special to me.

This story takes readers back to Willowshade, Ohio, in 1968, where the past refuses to stay buried, family secrets have consequences, and the women of the Espinal family must confront what it means to inherit a legacy they didn’t necessarily ask for.

If you read The Ordinary Bruja, you already know that Hallowthorn Hill has secrets. But there’s so much more to this place and the women whose lives have become entangled with it.

With The Forgotten Bruja, we’re digging deeper into that history.

So head over to my Instagram, @haveacupofjohanny, to see the official cover reveal! And while you’re there, tell me what you think. I love hearing your interpretations of the artwork, especially when you start picking up on details that connect to the story.

Why I’m Giving The Forgotten Bruja More Time

Now, for the publishing update.

The official publication date for The Forgotten Bruja is April 27, 2027.

As I’ve continued working through my manuscript, I’ve realized that giving this story the attention it deserves requires more time than I initially anticipated.

And here’s the thing about writing: finishing a manuscript and having a manuscript ready for publication are two very different things.

I’ve been working through structural and developmental edits, examining character motivations, tightening the plot, and ensuring the story unfolds in a way that feels both emotionally satisfying and true to the characters.

But that’s only part of the process.

There are still additional editing passes to complete, including line edits, proofreading, and sensitivity reads.

The sensitivity reads are especially important to me because this story explores cultural identity, racism, historical experiences, and characters whose lived experiences differ from my own. I want those portrayals handled with the care, research, and consideration they deserve.

And while I would love nothing more than to get this book into your hands sooner, I also know that rushing those steps would be doing a disservice to the story.

I’ve invested too much of myself into The Forgotten Bruja to cut corners now.

So rather than push forward with a timeline that doesn’t allow for those necessary passes, I’m giving the manuscript the time it needs.

I know publication dates matter, especially to readers who are excited about a book. That’s why I want to be transparent about this decision and make sure everyone has the correct date moving forward.

Mark your calendars for 4.27.27.

That’s when Isadora’s story is scheduled to make its way into the world.

A Little About the Reality of Independent Publishing

One thing this journey continues to teach me is that independent publishing requires wearing many hats.

I’m not just the author. I’m also the publisher, the marketer, the person coordinating edits, organizing book launches, managing the website, and figuring out how to get my books in front of readers.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, I still have to find time to write.

I love having creative control over my stories. I love deciding how they’re presented, who I work with, and how I connect with my readers. But that independence also means being responsible for recognizing when something needs more time.

I think there’s a tendency, especially in a world where we’re constantly encouraged to produce more content, to confuse speed with progress.

But sometimes progress looks like going back through a chapter for the fifth time because something isn’t quite right.

Sometimes it looks like listening to feedback that challenges your assumptions.

And sometimes it means acknowledging that the publication schedule you envisioned needs to change.

That’s where I am right now.

And I’m okay with that because I’d rather release a story I’m proud of than one I rushed simply to meet a date.

Why My Newsletter Is the Best Way to Stay Connected

Now, this brings me to something I’ve been thinking about quite a bit lately: how we stay connected.

Social media is wonderful. I’ve met so many incredible readers, authors, and book lovers through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Threads.

But here’s the reality: following someone on social media doesn’t guarantee you’ll see their posts.

I don’t control the algorithms.

I don’t decide which of my posts appear on your feed, which announcements get buried, or whether you’ll even see that I’ve released a new book.

And as an independent author, that can be frustrating because I genuinely want to keep you informed, especially when it comes to book releases, cover reveals, preorder announcements, and opportunities to become involved in the publishing process.

That’s why my newsletter is so important to me.

It’s my constant tether to you, the reader.

Unlike social media, where an algorithm decides whether my content reaches you, my newsletter allows me to send updates directly to your inbox. Of course, email has its own filters, but it gives us a much more reliable way to stay connected.

And I don’t want my newsletter to be just another place where I’m constantly trying to sell you something.

I want it to be a space where I can share the journey.

The exciting moments, like today’s cover reveal. The challenging moments, like realizing a manuscript needs more work. The behind-the-scenes decisions that go into bringing a story to life.

Because if you’re choosing to spend your time reading my stories, I want you to feel like you’re part of this journey, too.

What’s Next for The Forgotten Bruja?

Over the coming months, I’ll continue refining the manuscript, working through the remaining editing and sensitivity-reading process, and preparing for the April 27, 2027, release.

There will be more updates, more glimpses into Isadora’s world, and more opportunities for readers to join me along the way.

And if you’ve already preordered The Forgotten Bruja, thank you. Truly. Your support means so much, especially during this stage of the publishing process.

If you’re just discovering the Las Cerradoras series, there’s still plenty of time to start with The Ordinary Bruja before we return to Willowshade.

But most importantly, I want you to know that I’m taking my time because this story matters to me.

And so do you.

Don’t Miss the Next Chapter

If you want to stay informed about The Forgotten Bruja, future book releases, exclusive announcements, and all the behind-the-scenes chaos of my independent publishing journey, I would love for you to join my newsletter.

Subscribe to my newsletter at Have a Cup of Johanny

And don’t forget to visit @havecupofjohanny on Instagram today for the official cover reveal!

Thank you for being here, for reading my stories, and for giving this little Dominican book bruja the space to create the stories she wants to tell.

The hill is waiting.

And on April 27, 2027, we’ll return to Willowshade together.