In 2022, the Lexington Ladies Lit selected an unpublished book for their book list: They Won’t Apologize for the Mess by Xine Rose. They loved it and couldn’t believe there were such talented writers in our backyard. Ever since then, They’ve been waiting for Xine to publish her book. It is risky business putting an unpublished book on our book list. How could anyone else read it?

Early in 2024, they decided, they don’t have to wait for anybody. They could publish this book, and more books like it. What is a small step for a local author, could be a big step for women authors and readers.

So without further ado, we are thrilled to announce the release date for the Debut Novel from Xine Rose, They Won’t Apologize for the Mess: February 12th, 2025.

You may remember the original cover. To commemorate the occasion, we are revealing the new official front cover of Xine’s novel, published under BirkenStacks, an imprint of Castle of Air books.