Two teens, separated by 44 years, are brought together by a tragedy in Christina’s Portrait. They must overcome their grief by facing the truth and telling stories they’ve been afraid to share.

Look for Christina’s Portrait in eBook and paperback from Wordhaven Press in November 2026.

What is Christina’s Portrait about?

In 2021, Benicia Veracruz makes videos to cope with the death of her mother during the pandemic. In 1977, Noreen Davis is the overburdened daughter of a single mother who must conceal her love of art and urges she doesn’t understand and struggles to control. What they have in common is Christina Andrews, one of Noreen’s friends who was brutally murdered at their high school and whose ghost is rumored to haunt the campus. Noreen was the last person to see Christina before she was killed.

When Benicia and her friend Maya Abedisi are caught on campus after hours trying to make a video about the ghost, their principal orders them to make a video about the slain teenager instead. They are joined by another video arts student, Agustín Zendejas, who is dealing with a painful loss of his own. As Benicia, Maya, and Agustín uncover the truth about Christina, they eventually meet Noreen and learn the painful secrets the now 60-year-old woman has kept hidden for decades. But the only way Noreen will allow Benicia to share those stories is if she reveals her own tragedy.

Can two generations bound by tragedy find healing and redemption by telling the truth?

Trigger warning

This book contains strong language and includes topics that may disturb some readers, including sexual assault, murder, racism, homophobia, mass shootings, and suicide.

If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, help is available. In the United States, call 9-8-8, which is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. To learn more, visit https://988lifeline.org. If you or someone you know is threatening to commit self-harm, call your emergency service number (9-1-1 in the United States) immediately.

When and where will Christina’s Portrait be available for purchase?

Christina’s Portrait will be published in late November 2026, in time for the holiday season. Look for it at your favorite bookseller. It will also be available through libraries using their eBook services.

I will plan a release party and book signing in the Los Angeles area. Details will be coming soon.

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Want to learn more about Christina’s Portrait?

On my website, you can read posts about the evolution of this novel from the tragedy that sparked it 50 years ago. These posts are in the Christina’s Portrait category.

Want to listen to a playlist?

A playlist of music that is featured or inspired Christina’s Portrait is available on Spotify and Apple Music. Learn the stories behind the songs in this post.

Want me to speak at your bookstore or author event?

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