Cover Reveal: The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu and The Choir

Oct 6

We’re thrilled to unveil the stunning covers for two upcoming novels from History Through Fiction: The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu by Karla Cruise and The Choir by Carol M. Cram. Both books are now available for pre-order through our exclusive Early Access program, with pre-orders shipping on December 1, 2025—months before their official release dates!

The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu

By Karla Cruise
Cover design by Mel Nigro

The cover of The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu beautifully captures the mystical essence of the story, featuring Mishipeshu, the river goddess, swimming among water lilies. Designed by Mel Nigro, a genderqueer artist and writer, the artwork reflects their passion for mythology, reimagined fairy tales, and creating beauty that brings joy.

This novel is a thrilling journey through history, myth, and the enduring power of nature. A hidden botanical manuscript sparks a centuries-long battle between profit and preservation, leaving a trail of murder, madness, and supernatural encounters. From 18th-century forts to modern-day discoveries, The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu is a tale of resilience, restoration, and the secrets of an ancient medicine society.

Release Date: January 27, 2026

The Choir

By Carol M. Cram
Cover design by The Book Cover Whisperer

The cover of The Choir transports readers to 1890s Briarstown, a fictional Yorkshire mill town, with its depiction of protagonists Eliza and Ruth standing against a backdrop of industrial England. Designed by The Book Cover Whisperer, who has created over a dozen covers for History Through Fiction, the artwork perfectly reflects the novel’s themes of resilience and sisterhood.

In this stirring story, Eliza Kingwell gathers a group of working-class women to form a choir and compete for a life-changing cash prize. Meanwhile, Ruth Henton, a disgraced London stage star, finds herself judging the very competition Eliza needs to win. The Choir is a moving celebration of music, friendship, and the strength of women who dare to rise—and sing.

Release Date: February 24, 2026

Early Access Author Event

We’re also excited to invite you to a special virtual gathering with authors Carol M. Cram and Karla Cruise. This is your first chance to meet these talented writers and hear about the inspiration, research, and creative process behind their unforgettable novels.

Event Details:

Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 7pm US Central Time
Location: Virtual via Eventbrite

Exclusive Pre-Order Bonus

All registrants will receive a free eBook of both novels, delivered one week before the event. Plus, optional paperback and hardcover pre-orders will ship December 1, 2025, months ahead of the official release dates.

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

Hear directly from the authors about their novels
Participate in a live Q&A session
Pre-order early and enjoy exclusive bonuses

Pre-order your copies of The Water Lilies of Mishipeshu and The Choir today, and join us in celebrating these extraordinary stories!

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Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.