This episode is a brief announcement from Josh, the creator of the Weeping Cedars universe, regarding the release of his debut novel Lightning Falls. He opens by reading the official marketing blurb, which follows protagonist Jenny Berger as she returns to the small village of Lightning Falls in Wallowa County, Oregon. Jenny is described as haunted by loss and tormented by betrayal, hoping to find quiet community in a town she barely remembers. When a boy goes missing, Jenny finds potential purpose but her new connections are threatened by her own unresolved past. Josh then steps out of the marketing voice to give a more candid description of the book. He notes it is 720 pages in nine sections and truly spans three centuries, three continents, and locations described as worlds uncharted. He acknowledges that readers will likely reach the end feeling confused and needing to reread it, describing this as intentional and part of the book's design. The book is described as deeply connected to the broader Weeping Cedars universe, including the podcasts and short stories. Josh explains the book is available in trade paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Spotify, Audible, and directly from the author at weepingcedars.com. Buying directly from Josh provides a signed copy at a lower price, though audiobook orders placed directly take up to a day to be emailed. The Shards of Amber book and audiobook are also available through the same website via Patreon and PayPal. Josh encourages listeners to leave reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Spotify, or Audible as a way to help the book gain visibility. He also encourages fans to tell their local bookstores about the book and notes that bookstore marketing packs will be available on the website within a few weeks. Josh closes by thanking audiobook backers and naming the performers Renee, Ashton, and Quinn. He teases that there are more unannounced projects and revelations coming to the Weeping Cedars universe.
