The literary world is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Elissa Gabrielle, founder of Peace In The Storm Publishing, commemorates two decades of transformative storytelling with a trifecta of achievements that cement her status as a literary icon.
This August, readers will experience Gabrielle’s highly anticipated new romance novel, “Deja Vu,” a jazz-infused tale of second chances and rediscovered love. The story follows Deja Mitchell, Manhattan’s communications queen, whose world is upended when she reconnects with DeVante Michaels, the man who slipped through her fingers decades earlier. Their reunion ignites a powerful narrative of lingering regrets and undeniable passion.
The novel has already garnered significant praise from literary peers. Award-winning playwright Rory D. Sheriff describes it as “a narrative as lyrical as jazz and as intoxicating as first love,” while author Lacha J. Barnes calls it “vibrant, sensual, and utterly intoxicating—a love story that plays like your favorite song.”
In a significant industry development, Gabrielle has secured an audiobook deal with Carol Mackey of Recorded Books, ensuring “Deja Vu” will reach audiences across multiple formats when it releases in August 2025.
Adding to these accomplishments, Gabrielle will be honored at the 21st Annual African American Literary Awards Show on October 4th for her extraordinary contributions to Black literature over the past two decades.
“I am deeply humbled to be named an honoree,” Gabrielle shares. “This moment is more than a personal honor. It is a celebration of the legacy and divine purpose of Peace In The Storm Publishing. What began as a spark has become a sanctuary. A home for voices long overlooked. A movement rooted in faith, resilience, and the unshakable belief that our stories matter.”
Since founding her publishing company twenty years ago, Gabrielle has become a transformative force in the literary landscape. Her impact extends far beyond her own writing, as she has championed authentic narratives that uplift and inspire, particularly amplifying Black voices in literature.
Gabrielle’s influence in publishing is matched by her prolific output as an author. Her genre-blending, poetic storytelling has earned her multiple literary awards, including recognition from the African American Literary Awards as Independent Publisher of the Year. Her work has been featured in numerous anthologies and publications, and her novel “Eye of the Beholder” received a recommendation from USA TODAY.
Beyond publishing, Gabrielle has expanded her vision to include wellness initiatives through Elissa Gabrielle Naturals and served as President of Real Life Real Faith Media. As an ND, certified master life coach and college professor at an HBCU, she continues to blend healing and storytelling into what has become a literary legacy spanning two decades.
Reflecting on her journey and upcoming honor, Gabrielle states, “We’ve told the hard truths. We’ve poured beauty from brokenness. We’ve stood in storms—and still, we rise with peace in our pens and power in our purpose. To every author, reader, and believer who has walked this journey with me, with us, this honor belongs to you, too. Thank you for trusting the vision. Thank you for being part of the light.”
“Deja Vu” will be available in paperback, hardcover, and digital editions through Peace In The Storm Publishing in July 2025, with the audiobook to follow through Recorded Books.
