 Happy New Year! Whether you make new year resolutions or not, I hope reading more books is one of your goals. You can start now by checking out these great new releases! All should be Christian and/or clean, but please make sure you verify them! Meanwhile, I hope this is a great start to a new year. January 1st  The Ranger's Destiny by Bree Livingston A dog rescuer, the man assigned to protect her, and the ominous threats that force them together. When veterinarian and dog lover, Holly Blake, realizes a dogfighting ring is stealing dogs in her town, there’s no way she’s sitting idly by. Once she starts asking questions, she finds herself—and her little boy—in danger from the ruthless thugs that run it. Ex-Army Ranger, Mason Andrews’s new assignment has him undercover as a small-town physician on the hunt for a dogfighting ring and protecting the local vet, Holly Blake. She’s beautiful, kind and a mom. Just the type of woman he shouldn’t be interested in. Not with his past. Holly thinks her life is too complicated for love, and Mason believes he’ll never be good enough to fill the role of husband or father. Will their past keep them from moving forward or will love find a way to soothe their aches and bring them together?  Strike Three, You're Mine by Julie L. Spencer Amberlyn didn’t realize her boyfriend was spending more time with her best friend than with her. Betrayed and publicly humiliated, she needed a box of tissues and a shoulder to cry on. Aiden was happy to supply them. Having a crush on Amberlyn for years, he was secretly glad her boyfriend had dumped her. He may even have participated in the events that caused the breakup. But he couldn’t focus on that when he needed to train for the upcoming baseball season. With Amberlyn still crying over her ex-boyfriend, scouts vying for Aiden’s attention, and betrayals coming out of left field, they have so many strikes against them, they may never hit a home run.  Editing Bootcamp by Dola Basu Singh Looking to self-publish on a low budget but can’t compromise on quality? Want to polish your book before querying an agent? Are you a newbie fiction editor wanting to learn developmental editing? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Lots of books teach the craft of writing but not many focus on reworking, polishing, or self-editing. Learning editing skills shouldn’t be restricted to a privileged few. All writers should have access to strategies that can change a crude first draft into a polished work of art. Editing Bootcamp will demystify the editing process by showing you how to spot and avoid common pitfalls, and correct the mistakes. Inside you'll find: •Actionable steps for all stages of editing. •Seven fiction elements including structure, point of view, characters, dialogue and more. •Handy editing checklists. Take your writing to the next level with this concise how-to guide. Edit yourself into print.  The Spirit Witch by L.E. Gordon “Well, dear, you are an unusual one. So unusual we have only come across one other witch like you before. We believe you’re a Spirit Witch, watching over the fifth element of Aether. Aether is the spiritual element and has no form, but you hold all the other elements together, which is why you can channel power. You’re blessed indeed Kira, the Goddess has chosen you to work with the divine.” After years of being a solo witch, Kira has faced her past and become part of the coven she turned her back on so long ago. Her joy at finding her place in the magical world is shattered by a vision of ghosts taking over her town at their annual Halloween celebration. Instead of relaxing into her new position as the coven's Spirit Witch, Kira and the other Keepers of Kilbrae must find out the source of the ghosts and stop them before the Halloween party turns Kilbrae into a real-life ghost town.  The Christmas Ring by Shanna Hatfield She’s desperate to forget her past He’s determined to give her a future Victoria Carter flees from the gossip that dogs her every step. She hopes to embark on a new chapter of her life at her brother’s home in eastern Oregon. What she didn’t plan on was the stagecoach being robbed on the way there, or the immediate attraction she feels to one of the outlaws. Then she meets a telephone lineman she finds charming, witty, and kind. Despite her intentions to avoid all members of the male species, her affections are torn between the two men. A man of many secrets and talents, Trace Travers knows he has to stay focused on his work. Yet, the lovely sister of one of his friends threatens to capture not just his attention but also his heart. Resolved to ignoring Victoria and the emotions she stirs in him, he discovers she is a difficult woman to overlook, especially when she keeps popping up in the most unexpected places. Trace and Victoria are swept into the town’s festivities as they ring in the holiday season. But will Christmas bring the forgiveness they both need if they hope to have a future together? Enjoy this sweet holiday romance, rich with history, laughter, and heartwarming Christmas cheer. January 4th  Star Rising by Janet W. Ferguson Star Youngblood has always been a fighter–a necessity after her mother married a monster of a man. Now, she’s finally on the path to the stable life she’s always wanted. Her employer, Priscilla Kelly, is a sweet woman ravaged by rheumatoid arthritis, and Star will do anything to help her. Even if that means going toe to toe with Mrs. Kelly’s neglectful son. After being betrayed on the mission field and devastated by the tragic death of his father, Paul Kelly gave up on God. He lives life on his own terms, biding his time as a corporate pilot until he can save enough money to begin his own flight school closer to home. His mother is all he has left, and he wants to be near her. He just didn’t expect her health to decline so quickly. When he discovers his mother has taken in a stray—a woman he’s not at all sure can be trusted—his protective instincts kick into high gear. Paul’s handled a lot of turbulence, but he’s never gone up against a force like Star. As Paul and Star strive to protect his mother in their own ways, they soon find their own hearts are at the greatest risk. January 6th  Cinders & Blades by Amanda Kaye A great betrayal requires a great revenge. Sasha’s childhood was shattered when the Tsar murdered her father. She’s spent her life searching from the shadows for a way to make the Tsar pay for his crimes. But people who question the Tsar have a habit of disappearing, and Sasha can’t trust anyone. When the Tsar announces an extravagant ball for the prince, Sasha sees the perfect opportunity for revenge. But the interference of a mysterious stranger could be her undoing—or her salvation. Forced to keep this unlikely dance partner close while guarding against his betrayal, Sasha uncovers new revelations around every turn. As the chance to strike draws near Sasha must question everything she thought she knew. What price is she willing to pay to avenge her family? January 10th  The Ties That Bind By Amelia C. Adams Peter Thomas has never had much luck with romance. For as many times as he's put his heart on the line, he's been rejected, and he can't help but wonder if perhaps being a family man isn't in the stars for him. He tries to focus on building his career instead, but he knows he'll never be truly happy until he has someone to share his life with. Scarlett Carlson isn't interested in romance at all. She's a young widow with two small children, and every moment is spent taking care of them. When she isn't worrying about their needs, she's still grieving the loss of her husband, and she doesn't even want to think about welcoming someone new into her life. For some reason, though, Peter Thomas has decided she's the one. Sometimes things are meant to be, and sometimes they're not. But fate never stopped the seven meddling grandmas of the sewing circle from putting their two cents' worth into the pot ...  Paris with You By Ellen Joy She wants to go back and bake in Paris. He wants her out of his kitchen. But is she the missing ingredient from his life? Ally Williams flies back to Camden Cove from Paris as soon as she hears about her father's heart attack. But when she runs into Michael Mailloux and finds out he’s the replacement at her family’s bakery, she feels completely left out. How could her dad hire the high school bad boy instead of asking for her help? Paris feels very far away and she can’t wait to get back to her life she left behind. Michael can't wait for the homecoming queen to go back to Paris and leave him alone. Only, he needs her help, whether he wants to admit it or not. Sure, he had baked in the Marines, but tourist season in Camden Cove was worse than a battlefield. The tourists loved her family’s pastries, and his didn’t measure up. When Michael finally breaks down and asks Ally for her help, he soon realizes he's falling for her. But how can he ask her to stay if her life is in Paris? January 13th  Friends Like These by Carina Taylor NOAH Inheriting a debt-ridden golf course was not the opportunity I was looking for. While I desperately try to salvage the business, she bulldozed into my life–intent on fixing everything for me. I’ve never been rescued before—definitely not by such unconventional methods. But what will happen when there’s nothing left for her to fix? I want her to stay. Now I just have to convince her. PAGE Spending the day golfing was not my idea of fun. Ruining the golf course’s main attraction? Definitely not what I had in mind. When I meet the attractive golf course owner, I want to make everything better for him. He needs help with the golf course and—though he won’t admit it—he needs an adventure. He’s organized and a rule follower. I’m a free spirit. Even worse, he likes tea… I’ve got my work cut out for me. January 14th  Upon an April Night by Krista Noorman Love isn’t always picture perfect. Jamie Linde is on the verge of great things. Her photography business is booming, and everything’s going according to plan, until two little lines on a pregnancy test turn everything upside down. For years, she’s loved her best friend’s brother from afar, but after their one and only night together, he left town on a business trip and hasn’t spoken to her since. Duncan McGregor thought he had set his old ways aside. He’s been living a good Christian life, waiting on God to bring the right girl for him—except for one night of weakness with his sister’s best friend. His work in Denver couldn’t have come at a more perfect time to distance himself from temptation and get right with God. When Duncan returns from Denver with a girl on his arm, Jamie is devastated and confused. What she wants more than anything is to be a family, but it seems that dream isn’t going to come true. If she tells him about the baby, she’ll ruin his newfound happiness. If she decides not to keep it, she’ll let everyone down, including her best friend. Will she make the choice on her own or discover that God’s got a better plan?  Lunch Ladies by Ruth O'Neil These are not your typical lunch ladies. Seven women. Each dealing with her own personal struggle. Satan attacks where they are vulnerable, yet through the power of prayer and the strength that can only come from the band of friendship, they will overcome, even if the endings aren't all fairy tales. January 16th  How to Kiss a Guy in Ten Days By Liwen Y. Ho Spoiler alert: It was supposed to be a pretend relationship, so why are they getting all the feels? Hannah When my dad went to jail, my world flipped upside down. Even my boyfriend wanted to take a break. But I've got a brilliant plan to show him what he’s been missing since he broke my heart. Enter the cute new guy—Seth Spark. Seth When Hannah Mitchell, a girl completely out of my league, asks me to be her fake boyfriend on my first day at Edenvale, I almost lose it. A shy and awkward guy like me would never get any girl’s attention— especially a pretty one. Never say never. Now, I only have ten days to convince her to forget about her ex… and to give us a real chance. The Edenvale Arts High School series brings you the sweetness and innocence of young love amidst a backdrop of the performing arts. Combining creativity and romance, this clean and wholesome YA series is perfect for fans of High School Musical and Zombies. January 18th  The Cost of Humanity by Erin Winters Enouim struggles to live a carefully controlled, safe life, but one blunder leads to another and soon she is caught up in a quest for something that may not even exist. Tribesmen from the surrounding areas are uniting under one man and have begun cutting off trade routes. As a last resort, Gorgenbrild sends an elite body of warriors after a legendary weapon that could turn the tide, and the leader is less than enthused to have an unqualified addition to the team. As Enouim faces down dangers she never imagined, her life tailspins out of control and she’s forced to consider that everything she was ever taught about life and honor may be wrong. January 21st  Courting Will by Nerys Leigh How can the right man be so infuriatingly wrong? Daisy and Will have been not courting for a year. At first, that was a good thing. When Will began spending time with her and her young son, only four months had passed since the death of Daisy’s husband, and having her childhood friend around eased her loneliness and pain. But now, a year later, Will is still spending time with her, and they’re still not courting, and it’s beginning to feel like not such a good thing. But with his wild past, Will is convinced he shouldn’t be a husband or father, so Daisy decides to take matters into her own hands. If he won’t court her, she’ll court him. Until Will’s past catches up with him, and threatens to tear them apart forever.  A Match to Call Ours by Merrillee Whren Brittany Gorman needs a job, but nanny to six-year-old twin girls isn’t exactly what she’s looking for. Their single father, Parker Watson, isn’t sure hiring Brittany is the right move, but he’s desperate for help. Soon Brittany is charming the twins and their father as well. But Parker still clings to the bitterness of his past, a past that has made him a recluse on his isolated Montana ranch, distanced him from God, and kept him from finding love. Can Brittany’s prayers and two little matchmakers soften Parker’s heart and help him find love with his perfect Montana match? January 23rd  Dumplings and Dynamite by Shanna Hatfield That infuriating woman is about to blow his cover! Or does the danger rest in the fact she’s stolen his heart? Widow Hollin Hughes doesn’t care how long it takes or the depths of deception required to discover how her husband really died. She’s determined to unearth the truth and unravel the mystery surrounding his death. Then a new dynamite man arrives at the mine and throws all her plans off kilter. With a smile that makes females of any age swoon, Deputy Seth Harter can charm his way into or out of almost anything. When he’s sent undercover to Crescent Creek Mine, even the cranky cook seems entirely immune to his rugged appeal, making him wonder if he’s losing his touch. Eager to get to the bottom of a series of unexplained deaths, Seth counts on catching the criminals. He just didn’t anticipate a tempestuous woman claiming his heart in the process. Brimming with humor, tidbits from history, and a sweet, unexpected love, don’t miss out on a heartwarming romance packed with adventure. January 31st  The Cake List by Dianne J. Wilson Do Something Brave. Do Something Selfless. Do Something Kind. Break a Never. Stop an Always. Figure out God. “Some people write a bucket list, you know… things they want to do and tick off before they die. Honestly? Dying doesn’t seem half as scary as the big-O birthday that’s hunting me down. So I’ve made my own list. Things I want to do and tick off before I eat that birthday cake. So far, it’s not going too well.” ~*~ Fresh from a spectacular break-up and faced with a looming big-O birthday, Meg throws her cautious nature aside and signs up for dance classes. Little does she know that Ballroom will stretch more than just her muscles. Between the charming dance instructor and his secrets, her grumpy neighbour and a fish that can’t swim straight, Meg’s list seems doomed from the start. ~*~ Heart-felt and funny, Meg’s list-crossing quest takes her so far out of her comfort zone, she may never find her way back.  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount — After learning his ex-wife isn’t so ex after all, rebel turned rancher Dan Whitlock is determined to prove he’s a changed man…but Bailey Quinn is just as set on finally ending their marriage. When tragedy makes Dan the guardian of little orphaned twins, he and Bailey are drawn back together. But can she forgive the past and open her heart to the family she’s always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin)) Star Rising by Janet W. Ferguson — Star Youngblood tries to protect her employer, Mrs. Priscilla Kelly, from the woman’s neglectful son, an aspiring flight instructor who has issues with religion, but finds her own heart is at the greatest risk. (Contemporary Romanc, Independently Published) A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague — Savannah, a widowed research librarian, goes to her twenty year class reunion and gets reacquainted with Michael, a former troublemaker who is now a professional technical rescuer. Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero? (Contemporary Romance from Anaiah Press) General Contemporary: A Long Time Comin by Robin W. Pearson — To hear Beatrice Agnew tell it, she entered the world with her mouth tightly shut. Just because she finds out she’s dying doesn’t mean she can’t keep it that way. If any of her children have questions about their daddy and the choices she made after he abandoned them, they’d best take it up with Jesus. There’s no room in Granny B’s house for regrets or hand-holding. Or so she thinks. Her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester, shows up on Beatrice’s doorstep anyway, burdened with her own secret baggage. Determined to help her Granny B mend fences with her far-flung brood, Evelyn turns her grandmother’s heart and home inside out. Evelyn’s meddling uncovers a tucked-away box of old letters, forcing the two women to wrestle with their past and present pain as they confront the truth Beatrice has worked a lifetime to hide. (General Contemporary from Tyndale House) Historical Romance: Freedom in the Mountain Wind by Misty M. Beller — A young woman faces overwhelming odds to make her father’s dream come true before he dies of lung cancer, but paddling upriver through fierce rapids and fighting hungry grizzlies to follow the Lewis and Clark trail isn’t what terrifies her the most. Beaver Tail endured more than he can stand from the women in his Blackfoot camp, but the last disaster gave him the final shove he needed to join this band of brothers searching for one of their group who’s gone missing. The last thing he expected was to find a white woman and her sick father stranded at the base of a massive waterfall. His plan is to help them carry their oversize canoe and supplies, then leave them to their strange mission. Yet, the more he learns about the pair, the more he realizes his life is about to be derailed—again. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Uncharted Promises by Keely Brooke Keith — Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home. And if she could see Isaac Owens again. He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since. Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart. It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn. (Historical Romance from Edenbrooke Press) Forever Hidden by Kimberley Woodhouse, Tracie Peterson — Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home. And if she could see Isaac Owens again. He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since. Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart. It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker]) The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock — On Blackwell Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving. With her late father’s fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. Do any of Edyth’s friends care that she disappeared? At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Romantic Suspense: Secret Mountain Hideout by Terri Reed — Staying hidden has kept her alive… But now she’s been found. A remote Colorado mountain town and a fake identity have been Ashley Willis’s safe haven since fleeing after she witnessed a murder—but now the killer has found her trail. Desperate and terrified, she’s prepared to run again…but Deputy Sheriff Chase Fredrick won’t let her. With the lawman by her side, can she face danger head-on…and live long enough to bring a murderer to justice? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
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 It's the holiday season. Treat yourself - or a loved one - to some fabulous books to read! Check out the new releases below and have a blessed Christmas! December 1st  The Fake Girlfriend's Billionaire Match by Bree Livingston A cowboy afraid of risking his heart, a broke chef with a dream, and a business arrangement that changes everything. After the last four years, Bear West is tired of being the fifth wheel during his family’s yearly holiday get togethers—but he’s not ready to put his heart on the line. It’s safer to hire someone to be his girlfriend. Except when he meets Winnie Fordham, his heart’s beating a different tune. Winnie Fordham is on borrowed time. She made a deal with her dad that if her dream of opening a restaurant didn’t happen within two years, she’d hang up her apron to join his law firm. When her best friend and partner cleans out the bank account, she’s gotta think outside the box to make her dream come true—like pretending to be Bear West’s girlfriend. It’s a short-term business arrangement until they realize they might just have all the ingredients to make it forever.  Doctor Millionaire by Elle Rush Twelve friends. Ten-year reunion. One $50,000,000 lottery ticket. The only reason Dr. Doug Little returned to work in his dying hometown was to keep a promise. Two years and he’s gone. The only things getting him through his first couple months are his ten-year reunion and working with his old high-school crush. Although Jackie Dunn loves her quiet world, her small-town life gets even harder when her part-time hospital job is in peril. If not for her friends’ encouragement, she’d head to the city for better opportunities for herself. At the reunion, all the returning graduates chip in for a lottery ticket, but nobody expects to win the fifty-million-dollar jackpot. Doug’s share should be more than enough to buy his freedom, but the town doesn’t want to let their new doctor go. Jackie is the only thing that makes Hopewell bearable; the problem is the more time he spends with her, the more he forgets how much he wants to leave. When he finally finds a way to escape, Doug realizes he’ll be doing it alone. Jackie doesn’t have much time to show him the life he accidentally created for himself in Hopewell is far better than anything his millions could buy him anywhere else.  Rules are made to be Broken by Mylissa Demeyere I've loved Will Henderson from the first day I laid eyes on him. But I made a solemn promise that same day. I would never, ever date Will Henderson. For almost a decade,Charlotte Dubois has loved Will Henderson from afar, squelching her heart's silent yearnings. But no way could she date her best friend Kelsey's brother.Their whole friendship is based on one rule: No friend of Kelsey can ever date Will.Instead, Charlotte has watched him date and break more hearts than should be legal. Will Henderson never got over that stolen kiss he shared with Charlotte years ago--though he's tried valiantly to rid his system of his sister's best friend. When circumstances bring the two into each other's arms again, Will wants to convince Charlotte to break the rules and take a chance on him. But to do so, they will have to hide their relationship from the ones they love most. Can true love triumph, or will they both end up losing? December 2nd  The Blue Moon Caper By Phyllis Entis Another coast-to-coast challenge for the Dickens Detective Agency. When Bruno Caravaggio confesses to a murder he didn’t commit, Damien returns to Atlantic City to find the killer and clear his friend’s name. His task is complicated by Bruno’s desire to protect his mother, and her equally strong instinct to defend her son. While Damien is away, Millie agrees to look into the claim of an eccentric Carmel-by-the-Sea resident that her children are trying to poison her. Her investigation leads her to Rancho Luna Azul, which sells its meat at several farmers markets in the area. As she explores the connection between Rancho Luna Azul and the poisoning claim of her client, Millie becomes enmeshed in the FBI’s probe of a drug distribution ring operating out of the same premises. Risking capture - and possible death - at the hands of the drug ring, Millie bluffs her way inside and collects the evidence the FBI needs to complete its case. December 3rd  The Truth that Lies Between by W.D. McComb Three adventurous teenagers, yearning for manhood. Two mysterious disappearances. One Mississippi farm at the center of it all. When he’s not busy trying to win over the girl of his dreams, Case Reynolds fishes, camps, and races three-wheelers on a local farm with his best friends, the carefree Jack Masterson and brilliant Jet Townsend. But Case’s life changes forever when he finds the murdered remains of a local drifter in a barn, the beloved farm comes up for sale, and Jack’s abusive stepfather Stone disappears without a trace. The evidence points to all three events being connected. And when the boys discover that not only are they prime suspects in the drifter’s death, but the future of the farm depends on exposing the truth, they set out to find Stone and catch the killer on their own. Their secret quest takes them on a journey of danger and self-discovery that they never could have imagined. Because Stone had dark secrets, killers will kill again, and the truth isn’t always what it seems, even between best friends. Can Case and his friends execute their plan to bring justice to those who deserve it and find a bit of redemption for Stone—and themselves—in the process? Loyalties will be tested. Unyielding courage will be required And a little ingenuity never hurts...  Not in the Plans by Jessica Marie Holt Two neighbors, on a quiet street, in a cozy Southern town. Jackson is a once-jilted bachelor looking for a way to patch up his broken dreams. Emory is a struggling single mom determined to hold things together on her own. When Emory's little boy brings them together unexpectedly, they find a new source of hope in each other, just in time for Christmas. But then Emory's past threatens to derail her little family's future, and her new relationship with Jackson. Will hope be enough to save them?  Fatal Heir by L.C. Ireland Aldrin’s greatest hope carries a pitchfork. On the brink of destruction at the hands of the undead, the kingdom of Aldrin needs a hero… With the ability to see spirits, immunity from the mind-bending mists, and royal blood running through his veins, an illiterate farm boy from the outlands may just be the hero everybody needs. But there are others who foresee a different future for the young prince; one of chaos and death. And they will stop at nothing to keep him from claiming his birthright. The key to saving the future of his people is buried in the past. And the dead have started talking.  The Holiday Hunting Lodge by Jennifer Griffith Snow, a hunting lodge, and a flight—both to and from—love. Music composer Jesse Parrish has a dream contract! He’s been signed to write the soundtrack for a film with award potential. This one job could make his whole career. Twelve themes, all due to the producer at Christmas—but he’s completely blocked. He doesn’t have a single theme, let alone twelve. He needs to get out of Vancouver and somewhere he can think. Aspiring private pilot Mattie Daines has been crushing on Jesse since before he started dating Mattie’s older sister. His music makes her heart sing—but what kind of creep-o falls in love with her sister’s boyfriend? That’s half the reason she’s been working as an outdoors guide anywhere but Vancouver for the past couple of years. When Mattie hears that Jesse is desperate for a private plane to take him to a friend’s mountain lodge, she leaps at the chance, if only to prove that she can be around him without her knees going weak. Mattie whisks Jesse off to the mountains in her plane, but when bad weather threatens the flight, will this dangerous plane ride also threaten Mattie’s firm resolve not to let feelings for Jesse back into her life? December 4th  Hope is Born by Multiple Authors Nine stories. Nine pasts to overcome. Nine futures hang in the balance. Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but what happens when the past threatens to destroy the peace and joy of the season? When the men and women in these stories face overwhelming challenges in their lives, can hope be restored this Christmas? Mountaintop Christmas by Stacy Monson Wilderness camp leaders Mikayla Gordon and Dawson Dunne have planned their perfect mountaintop Christmas wedding, but nature seems to have other plans. Mikayla will have to face the one thing that has terrified her since childhood or her hopes of a magical mountain wedding to the man of her dreams will be buried deep under the fresh coating of snow. Like Wool by Eleanor Bertin Young David Fawcett is all duded up for a night of punk rock with his buddies when the past butts into his plans, thrusting him out into the cold of a snowy Christmas Eve to face his worst enemy. Ever Greening by Deb Elkink Thirty-year-old anti-Advent Holly, who’d abandoned Montana as a pregnant teen, faces another Christmas—and this time the meaning of the Incarnation—in the barren desert of Nevada far from the evergreen forest of home. A Beautiful Christ-mess by Brenda S. Anderson When prodigal son Zachary Belden returns home at Christmas to surprise his family with news, he’s surprised with other news that turns his surprise into a big mess and challenges his newfound faith. The Christmas Sweater by Janice L. Dick Jeanne, a retired librarian and one-year widow, is dreading her first Christmas without Sam. However, when her childhood friend moves in next door, Jeanne wonders if alone might be better. Spunky Debbie McCormick won’t allow Jeanne to wallow in her grief, and seems intent on pushing her into decisions she’s not ready to make. Taste of Heaven by Sara Davison When Shawn and Daphne Cook’s hopes for their future are crushed, it takes a chaotic Christmas Eve service to remind Daphne that she has been putting her hope in the wrong things. Her plan is to get to her husband and share that revelation with him, but whoever has been watching them from the shadows just may have a plan of his own. The Jukebox Cafe by Angela D. Meyer Retired Marine Mike Thompson is struggling as the new pastor at Hillside Community Church in Preston Hill. Can one special Christmas Eve help him move beyond a past that’s holding him back? The Caretaker’s Christmas by Johnnie Alexander Mac never means to eavesdrop, but when the reclusive cemetery caretaker learns that two mourners will be alone for the holidays, he plans a Christmas Eve party for the recent widow and the foster teen. In seeking to ease their loneliness, will Mac find peace for his own grieving heart? Reno-Vating Christmas by Regina Rudd Merrick Steve Reno lost his wife two years ago and has two grown children, while Roxy Emerson has been alone for over ten years and is a grandmother. They’re not looking for romance, but when the contractor and restaurant-owner are thrown together at Christmastime, they realize that God does indeed have a hope and a future for them. December 6th  Sweet Treats: Recipes by Deborah Garner Delicious recipes from the Moonglow Christmas Series, including: Glazed Cinnamon Nuts Cherry Pecan Holiday Cookies Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cranberry Drop Cookies White Christmas Fudge Molasses Sugar Cookies Lemon Crinkles Swedish Coconut Cookies Double Chocolate Walnut Brownies Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies Cocoa Kisses Angel Crisp Cookies Gingerbread Eggnog Trifle Spiced Apple Cookies Divinity Puffs Mint Chocolate Macarons Santa's Whiskers Cookies Pecan Pie Cobbler Almond Thumbprint Cookies Dutch Sour Cream Cookies Grandma's Opera Fudge Peanut Blossoms Mocha Candied Nuts Peppermint Candy Canes Ginger Crackle Cookies and more! December 10th  Christmas Coins by Kristy Tate It was the future...and she lost it. For more than a hundred years, Zoe Hart's family has been buying keepsake gold coins and banking them in a small wooden box for inheritance and posterity. When Zoe loses the box, she is heart-sick. It was hope...and she found it. When Ethan and his daughter Hannah face a crisis, Hannah prays for help. When she finds the coin box, she truly believes she has received an answer. But prayers aren't always fulfilled in expected ways. And sometimes, the miracles hoped for are so much less than what God has in store. Book four in the popular Canterbury Romance series. All books can easily be enjoyed in any order.  The Light Thief by David Webb THE SUN IS DEAD. Humanity has moved deep underground. The Lightbringers have reinvented electricity. Their presence offers reassurance. But some believe it's safer in the shadows. Aniya Lyons has never forgiven the Lightbringers for the abduction of her brother. She’s overjoyed when he escapes and returns three years later, but he comes bearing a dark secret. Before he can share it with her, the Lightbringers steal him away again and murder their parents. Aniya is devastated, and she knows that she’s next. So Aniya plunges into the dark tunnels of the Web, where savages and mutated beasts lie in wait. She despairs that there is no safe place to hide, that she will be running for the rest of her life. But there is a glimmer of hope. If she can make it to the Lightbringers’ Hub before they hunt her down, she may be able to sneak in and rescue her brother. But the closer Aniya gets to the Hub, the closer she gets to discovering the horrible truth that led to the destruction of her family. The dark secret the Lightbringers would do anything to protect. And if she chooses to use this secret against them, it may carry unimaginable consequences and a great cost that Aniya may never be ready to pay. December 12th  A Little Christmas Pretense by Rachel Andersen All she wants for Christmas is a little respect, but fate has a little something more in mind... Cindy Ash is looking for the right time to quit her job as a personal assistant to the acting head of Fortescue Publishing. That is, until Richard Prince walks into her life. Between their instant chemistry and the office upheaval created by announced leadership changes, Cindy's life is turned upside down. She’s just not sure she wants it to turn right side up again. Richard Prince has every intention to fly into Kansas City, help his boss pick the next president of Fortescue Publishing, and get back to his normal life. But that’s before he gets paired with the enchanting and opinionated Cindy Ash. Now, he's not sure he ever wants to go back to the way things were before... Will Cindy and Richard find a new love before the New Year? Or will the stress of finding Fortescue Publishing’s new leadership end their relationship before it even begins?  Lady in Red by Stacy Claflin She appears only at night, watching and waiting… When local children begin to vanish, Officer Alex Mercer is positive the cases are tied to recent threats against his family—especially since the first girl to go missing is his best friend’s daughter. It all ties back to Alex. He’s sure of it. The only solid link to the missing kids is a mysterious woman in a red dress. But that isn’t enough to go on, and Alex has orders to focus on another case. As if that will stop him. While working off the clock, he stumbles upon something so chilling it finally provides the proof that he was right all along: the kidnappings are part of an elaborate worldwide scheme. Alex will stop at nothing to take down the dangerous criminal empire… if they don’t end him first.  Gift of Grace by Shanna Hatfield Sometimes the best gifts Are those freely given from the heart . . . Ready to begin a new life far away from the sad memories of the Civil War, J.B. and Nora Nash head west on the Oregon Trail. They settle into the small community of Pendleton, Oregon, on a piece of land where they’re excited to build a future and their dreams together. A devastating tragedy leaves them both reeling as they draw further and further apart. Nora blames J.B. for her unhappiness while he struggles through his own challenges. Only a miracle can bring them through their trials and reunite them for Christmas. Together, will they discover the gift of grace in this sweet holiday romance brimming with hope, history, and abiding love? December 19th  A Home for Christmas by Julia Ridgmont They’re willing to risk everything for a new life together. But are they ready to take a chance on love? 1881 Oregon The only way of life that spinster Leah Ackerman has known for the past several years is one of poverty and servitude. When a chance encounter with a woman looking for a bride for her brother thrusts Leah into an entirely different world out west, she knows she’ll either have to either buck up or back down. If only she didn’t feel so inferior to everyone else around her, including her betrothed… As a fairly young pastor of the congregation in Hope Hollow, Oregon, Blake Jefferies has his hands full. And now that he’s a widower with a four-year-old daughter, he has more than he can handle. He’s tired of depending on the good graces of the women in town to take care of her, especially when it seems all the single females want is a chance to win his heart in return. What he needs is a good, hard-working woman who can be a mother to his daughter and provide a way for him to care for his parishioners. When he meets his mail-order bride, Leah, for the first time, he’s not only struck by her beauty, but by her charm. But she’s hiding something that may cause the tenuous relationship they’re forming to totally unravel. Will Leah and Blake learn to trust each other? Can they break the social barriers before them? Will they find a love worth fighting for, or will they turn from each other when things get hard? Enjoy this companion novella to Julia Ridgmont’s new series, Brides of Hope Hollow as well as each standalone story in the Spinster Mail-Order Brides multi-author series! Each of them is sweet historical romance at its finest!  Gift of Hope by Shanna Hatfield A tender gift given Can warm even the coldest heart . . . When his affections are spurned by the girl he plans to wed, Graydon Gaffney rides off in the swirling snow, determined to stay far away from fickle females. Then a voice in the storm draws him to a woman and her two sweet children. Despite his intentions to guard his emotions, all three members of the DeVille family threaten to capture his heart. Giavanna DeVille holds the last frayed edges of her composure in a tenuous grasp. In a moment of desperation, she leaves her sleeping children in her cabin and ventures out into a storm to release her pent-up frustrations where no one can hear her cries. Much to her surprise, a man appears through the blinding snow. He gives her a shoulder to cry on and something even more precious. . . hope. Can the two of them move beyond past heartaches to accept the gift of hope for their future? December 18th  The Sentimental Journey by Tammy Sinclair Kara Michaels could have gone on living her simple, solitary life if it wasn't for her insatiable curiosity. And of course, the old trunk in the attic. When an antique watch catches her eye, she is suddenly thrust back in time - and onto the homefront of WWII. Kara is terrified until the family residing in her home takes her under their wing. Soon, their enlisted son returns for a visit and she finds herself instantly drawn toward him. But their time together can't last. While she and Jerry face being parted by war, she has to decide where she belongs. Although she's learning to feel at home in this new world, she knows it's not truly hers. Is she willing to stay, even if Jerry can never return? As Kara wrestles with uncertainty, she longs for the same faith she sees in Jerry and his family, but with so many questions, it's hard to completely trust. Especially when she has to hold tight to her strange secret alone. December 23rd  Vestige of Hope by Sara Blackard Does his future lie in the past? Thrown out of his element into a time not his own, he must overcome his doubts to save the life he never knew he wanted. Soldier, Hunter Bennet, is always in control… …control of his missions. …control of his life. …control of his emotions. Until he hesitates on an important mission, leaving a child orphaned. Chased by the demons of failure, he finds himself thrown back in time. Why has God called him here? Viola Thomas’s idyllic life in the new state of Colorado is shattered when her father fails to return from his winter trapping trip in the Rocky Mountains and a man tumbles into her life from the future. Threats from an unwanted suitor who has pestered her for years jeopardize all she holds dear. Now she must trust a man from a world far from her own. Hunter must reach through the shadows of doubt to save his future but in doing so will he fail in the most important mission of all?  Midnight Shift by Linda Rawlins When two patients of respected surgeon, Dr. Elizabeth Brooks, die under odd circumstances, she is threatened with loss of medical privileges, a malpractice suit and financial ruin. Elizabeth is determined to discover why her patients are having unexpected complications but her anxiety only escalates when handsome Detective Jake Wagner shows up in her office looking for information as part of a criminal investigation. Distressed, she begins to dream about her dead patients. Elizabeth has dreamt of the dead before, something she experienced after being hit by a drunk driver when she was young. For years after the accident, Elizabeth resisted the dreams and kept the dead away. But now, the dead are reaching out again. Realizing she needs help to save herself and her career, Elizabeth has no choice but to welcome them back and hope that sometimes the dead can protect the living. December 25th  One Daughter at a Time by Deb Graham Weak-willed Julie finds herself alone with four daughters and one on the way. She panics and moves to Glyth House, an old mansion in MInnesota. She’d always relied on Dan, but he’s gone, leaving her to raise their daughters alone. With the help of their new community, can Julie grow a backbone and teach the girls all they need to know, one daughter at a time? By the author of the Jerria Danson series and the best-selling Cruise Tips books. December 26th  Gift of Faith by Shanna Hatfield When their faith is tested Will Christmas bring a miracle? Handsome and engaging, Marc Rawlings could have his choice of girls, but he only has eyes for gentle Amy Madsen. Ready to begin a future with her, he instead asks her to wait for him while he heads off to war. Bound by his duty to his country, Marc leaves his heart with her, counting on the day they’ll be reunited. Amy Madsen spends her days working in her family’s bakery and her nights gazing up at the sky, hoping her fiancé knows she’s thinking of him. When tragic news arrives, Amy refuses to believe it, clinging to her promises to Marc and her faith that he’ll return to her. It will take a miracle and a unique gift of faith to bring a happy holiday during a wartime Christmas in 1942. December 27th  Impassioned Grief
by Angelique Conger The passion of love … And the sorrow of grief … Comes to us all. For Lisyl and Firoz in the ancient land of Nod, life brings enough troubles to challenge any family. Each devastating trial is worse than the last. Each tugs at their love, attempting to unravel the bonds that hold them together. Can their love, and their trust in Jehovah, withstand the final test? Impassioned Grief, by Angelique Conger, is the 9th of the 12-book series, Lost Children of the Prophet. Read this installment of Lost Children of the Prophet and join with Lisyl and Firoz in their struggle to conquer grief and find joy.  These colder days are great for staying indoors and reading. Check out the new releases below and fill up your Kindle today! October 25th  The Wife Finder by Melissa McClone When it comes to love, all bets are off… Failure has never been an option for self-made billionaire Blaise Mortenson. So when his friends suggest a wager to see who will be the last bachelor among them, he takes the bet. He has no doubt he’ll win—especially after he hires Hadley Lowell to find perfect matches for his friends. Now all Blaise has to do is ignore his growing attraction to the gorgeous, demanding matchmaker. Hadley runs her business like a clandestine military op, precisely controlling every feasible outcome. But falling for a client? That was a possibility she never saw coming. Blaise’s drive, determination, and the softer side he tries to hide from the world appeals to her on a gut-deep level—but while her matchmaking success rate is unbeatable, finding love for herself has been nearly impossible. There’s no way her happily ever after could come in the form of a tech billionaire who isn’t even looking for love…is there? What should have been a simple business transaction quickly turns into something way more complicated, and Blaise starts to wonder if he’s in danger of losing more than just the bet when all is said and done…  Smolder by Tara Ellis and Mike Kraus World governments fall apart as their populations die off en masse, and the few survivors left work to find a way to survive in Flashpoint Book 2.... Half of the earth's population has been wiped out. Impossible to predict or stop, the Gamma Ray Burst tore through the Earth like a bullet, its radiation wave killing hundreds of millions and the aftereffects ensuring the deaths of billions more. Now, as the world crumbles around them, a ragtag group of survivors make for the only home they know - the small town of Mercy. Spared the worst of the GRB's effects, the town is isolated, safe and self-sufficient - for now. The flash hasn't just decimated the Earth's population, though. It's brought out the worst in many of those who are still alive. Survival in this new world doesn't just depend on preparedness - it depends on strength. October 29th  Winds of Change by Vicki Hunt Budge When Cora Gardner reads about a wealthy doctor who’s attempting to drive an automobile from San Francisco to New York City via southern Idaho, she makes a fifty-cent bet that he’ll succeed. But there are only 150 miles of paved roads in the country, and none in Idaho, so her chances of winning are slim. Her enthusiasm for the cross-country road race excites all the young people in town who are fascinated with the idea of horseless carriages. All the young people, that is, except for that stubborn Gideon Lewis. Gideon Lewis learned to build wagons and wheels from his father, a master craftsman in his trade. He’s positive the automobile is simply a passing fancy for the wealthy, and that the doctor who’s attempting to drive across the country will bog down in Nevada’s sand like his predecessor. Gideon accepts Cora’s bet, however, and humors her in the attempt to win her hand. Will the biggest event of 1903 in southern Idaho enable Cora and Gideon to stop arguing about the future of the automobile? Is the beginning of a new era in America also the beginning of a new era for Cora and Gideon? October 30th  The Hearts We Break by Kylie Key He’s rich He’s arrogant He’s broody He’s my new next door neighbor Cole Parsons has an attitude problem He has no respect for our quiet neighborhood Holds noisy pool parties Drives recklessly. But all is not what it seems, He’s hiding behind that bad boy image. When he sees the pain he’s caused He tries to make amends I want to help him, I don’t count on falling for him... Nothing good can ever come of it And the hearts we break might just be our own November 1st  Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini Holly Christmas left Geneseo Valley and her family’s holiday tourist attraction, The Christmas Mansion, as soon as she graduated. Now both her parents have passed, and Holly returns when her uncle needs her help running the mansion. On Holly’s first day back, a blunt middle-schooler proclaims Holly hates Christmas. His comment forces her to reconcile the past while planning for the mansion’s future. Kevin Holt is invested in offering hope to students with challenges. His best friend’s son is in Kevin’s class, and Noah needs guidance. Their community project placement at The Christmas Mansion is an opportunity to make a positive difference. When Noah blurts out his thoughts to the beautiful co-owner, Kevin wonders if he has what it takes to help restore the mansion to its former glory, mentor Noah, and convince Holly Christmas she’s exactly where she needs to be. November 2nd  Dinner at Rosings by Margaret Lynette Sharp The acceptance by Fitzwilliam Darcy and his young sister, Georgiana, of an invitation to dine at Rosings with his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and her daughter, Miss Anne de Bourgh, provides the matriarch with an unmissable opportunity to declare her pleasure at the prospect of a closer alliance with the Darcy family. Will Darcy's response bring delight to both Her Ladyship and Miss de Bourgh? November 3rd  The Christmas Bachelor Auction by Rachel John Bidding at a bachelor auction is just asking for trouble... Cara Marconi promised to bid at her town’s charity bachelor auction, but never with any intention to win. So, when she accidentally bids too high and wins her best friend’s brother, she’s a little freaked out. Mostly because of that one time they kissed and never spoke of it again. Justin Riggs was expecting to chaperone an old lady around town, not worry about hurting Cara when he leaves after Christmas. Of course, that’s not exactly how their conversation goes after the auction. He may have called her out on her crush on him … and added some other accusations that will live to haunt him forever. Now, Cara never wants to talk to him again, and he’s realizing too late that he’d like a lot more than her forgiveness. Cara’s stuck. By winning a date with Justin, she’s also won the marketing headache that goes with it. As much as she’d like to Photoshop their heads together and call it good, the town expects to see them out together having fun. So, Cara has a plan. She'll friendzone the heck out of him, hide her heart where he can’t reach it, and conquer this crush by the time he leaves town. November 5th  Heart Heist: Securing the Sapphire by Kari Shuey The charity gala is underway, and Kristine can’t believe she’s been chosen to model the star piece of jewelry on display – a gorgeous sapphire necklace. But the sharks are circling. More than one thief is after the multi-million dollar piece of jewelry, and they will stop at nothing to get it. A secretive stranger whisks Kristine into the night, a threatening shadow in pursuit-both with motives for the gems and the woman they adorn. In a heist, where nothing is as it appears, will Kristine hold onto the sapphires...and her heart?  Beautiful, Complicated Family: Volume 2 by Rosey Lee This is the second book in the Beautiful, Complicated Family series. This collection contains five additional flash fiction stories exploring the connections that can hold people together or tear them apart. Like most families, the relationships in this uplifting collection consist of intricate elements. Sometimes things get messy, but it’s always beautiful. Read each story in about 5 minutes. The stories are perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels as well as those who only have time for a quick read. This collection is filled with relatable characters and endings that pull at your heartstrings, so don’t be surprised if you laugh or cry along the way. November 7th  Keeping Christmas by Shanna Hatfield A promise made is a promise he’ll keep. Even if it costs him the woman he loves. . . Professional bareback rider Gage Taggart can almost taste the world championship title he’s spent all year pursuing. When an unexpected injury sidelines him, he heads to his best friend Trevor’s home to recuperate. Little by little, he finds himself completely smitten with Trevor’s beautiful sister. But he’s up against a formidable opponent: brotherly concern. Reluctantly, Gage vows to leave Tally alone to keep from breaking her heart when he heads back out on the road. Tally King thrives on her work as a nurse, until she ends up caring for her injured brother and his best friend on the family ranch. Between the two stubborn men determined to prove how tough they and the unpredictable antics of her loony aunt Marvella, Tally feels like her life is spiraling out of control. Or maybe it’s due to falling head over heels in love with Gage despite concerns he’ll leave her heart in broken pieces. An uplifting, sweet romance full of humor and hope, Keeping Christmas follows an unlikely couple as they discover the magic of Christmas and the wonder of true love.  Her Stand-in Cowboy by Crystal Walton When a wary farm girl takes on a big city chiropractor as her stand-in boyfriend, convincing her family they’re in love might be easier than convincing themselves they’re not. There are certain things a single country mom learns to accept. Like the fact that she now shares a sacred bond of empathy with her dairy cow, that spit-up can reach places it never should be able to, and that a pretend relationship is far less complicated than one her southern mama insists on setting her up in. At least, it is when you have anyone’s luck besides Ainsley Jamison’s. Only in Ainsley’s life would her imaginary decoy turn out to be a real-life city boy who is as hilariously wrong for her as he is persistent. With less than four weeks before her entire family shows up for Thanksgiving, they don’t have a cotton-picking prayer of turning Connor into a believable cowboy in time, let alone fix up her place while they’re at it. Heaven knows Ainsley’s already maxed out her faith hoping she made the right choice raising her son there. But while praying she didn’t make a mistake taking on her daddy’s farm is one thing, praying she didn’t make one taking on Connor Allen is another entirely. One that’s about to turn everything in her life upside down.  A Bride for Wyatt by Barbara Goss A family Christmas that unites a couple, and gives an orphan an experience of his life. Jilted by the beautiful Lucy moves Wyatt to find a woman based on her heart rather than her appearance. After a lengthy correspondence, he decides Vera’s the one. Yet, he didn’t want her looks to influence his decision, so he arranged a proxy marriage. Vera, an upright, no-nonsense, lady, is the perfect wife, but could they fall in love? Christmas with Vera’s family in Missouri is a turning point in Vera and Wyatt’s relationship. No one suspected they’d return home to face a life and death situation. November 8th  Finding Hope by Shannon Symonds She's hiding in her present. With nothing but her guitar and a few belongings, Hope Flanagan escapes the abuse and negligence from her mother's boyfriend. Hope's lucky enough to find a warm exhaust vent in an alley of her coastal town and blessed with help from a coffee-shop employee who sees her desperate situation. But Hope is determined to stay under the radar from social services and the other homeless kids, who seem to go missing once they fall under the notice of the local homeless tough girl. She's hiding from her past. Grace James works with the police to help survivors of abuse while desperately fighting to keep her own family safe from her vindictive ex-husband. News of her husband's release from prison pushes her to accept help from the handsome and secretive Officer Joe Hart. But then her mother brings home a stray from her coffee shop, and Grace finds herself catapulting through her fears to do for Hope what she just might not be able to do for herself--find out who she really is to save her before it's too late. November 10th  Accidentally Yours by Jessica Marie Holt "Love, By Any Means Necessary. " That's the new motto of old friends Ellie and June. Fresh off the success of their first matchmaking endeavor, these two feisty grannies are ready to take their skills to the next level. They'll do whatever it takes to help Maddie--their next target--find true love, including hijinks, shenanigans, and good old-fashioned subterfuge. Unfortunately, Maddie's meddling mom makes their task more problematic than they imagined, and they soon find themselves in over their heads. Can they engineer the right outcome? Or, will their schemes all come to nothing this time around? November 11th  The Housekeeper's Billionaire Boss by Bree Livingston One holiday. Two hearts. And a love language only they understand. Molly Hines made a promise not to date after she adopted her brother’s baby. It’s been an easy rule to follow until her boss—Josiah West—invites her to spend the holidays with his family so she won’t be alone. She thought he was cute from the moment she met him six months ago. Now, she’s finding out that he’s not just cute, he speaks her language of movie lines and song lyrics. Six months ago, Josiah West hired Molly after witnessing the cute barista getting fired. When her babysitter shows up at his apartment with Molly’s new infant, he finds out she’ll be spending the holidays alone. On a whim, he invites her home—a baby needs to be surrounded by family, right? That old holiday magic is in the air, and these two square pegs find that it’s hard to fight it when they fit together so well.  Stealing His Heart by Jen Peters Event planner Raine DiMarco has royally screwed up her life. Now, trying to grow into the person she ought to be, she returns to McCormick’s Creek and finds people still judging her. She leaps into town life anyway—she can’t back away from a challenge, whether it’s proving herself to former BFFs or a mountain biking dare from a handsome newcomer. Adrenaline-junkie Brandt Walker gave up a cushy job in the family business to live his own life in the scenic Oregon mountains. A mountain bike rally is just the thing to help the town…and keep his new bike shop in business. Brandt thinks he’s got a much-needed tourism grant locked in until Raine challenges him for it. Can their budding relationship survive one of them winning while the other loses? November 13th  Designed for the Billionaire by Remi Carrington When the job is finished, will the relationship end too? Drake Davenport needs his large ranch house, furnished and decorated. What could go wrong by taking a chance on an unknown designer? Because she’s beautiful, he decides to shop with her… for everything. He wasn’t expecting his attraction to grow so rapidly, an expected danger when they’re spending every day together. Kaci Daniels has her best friend to thank for the most amazing job ever. Designing for a big-name client might be just what her business needs to launch to the next level. But what she feels for the charming, blue-eyed billionaire is more than just profession courtesy. She’s in danger of falling in love. When he asks her to pose as his girlfriend for a weekend—as a favor, she agrees, putting her heart and two friendships at risk. Everything seems perfect … until Kaci leaves in tears. November 14th  A Place to Find Love by Merrillee Whren Whitney Hamilton wants to put her past behind her and make the best of her current circumstances, a high demand job and caring for her mother, who has dementia. But Whitney’s newest coworker, Jeremy Cunningham, is a constant reminder of her foolish past. Jeremy wants to show the world he is his own man, but that may prove difficult as he steps into the job his brother, Jimmy, used to have. The biggest obstacle to his success is Whitney, his brother’s former girlfriend, a source of discord for his family. When Whitney and Jeremy find themselves attracted to each other, there are so many reasons, old and new, to keep them from revealing their feelings for each other. Will a long-kept secret finally bring them together? November 15th  Southern Hearts Series Books 1-4 by Janet W. Ferguson Get all four eBooks in this compelling Christian romance series! With over 600 reviews on Amazon, get four full-length novels at a substantial discount over their individual prices! Book 1 Leaving Oxford Escaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t. A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy. Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he falls for a woman who won’t leave town. As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But it's time to make a decision about leaving Oxford. November 17th  First Night Last Rites by April Anderton Sweet cannolis, fire eaters, and tickets to heaven. There’s something for everyone at Boston’s First Night festivities. Field reporter, Ali McGuire, chases end-of-the-world stories in the months leading up to Y2K, but nothing prepares her for the morning after, when a Catholic priest is found dead in an underground sanctuary, surrounded by weapons, cash, and stockpiles of food. Police investigate the death of the corrupt clergyman and land on a suspect, but Ali’s behind-the-scenes access to the nights’ street performers and vendors shines a different light on the dead priest. Sparks fly between the police and the press as Ali races to uncover the truth before an iconic local church is shut down and their beloved leader ends up wearing the wrong kind of collar.  Embracing the Outcast by Nadine C. Keels They can only experience beauty if they dare to behold it… Now that Princess Eunice of Diachona has come of age, she has much more to study, and a new weight sits on her compassionate shoulders. Her late mother was an admirable ruler, but Eunice can hardly see herself thriving in the political arena. In fact, she doesn’t think many people see her at all, especially not would-be suitors who often bypass quiet Eunice to pursue ladies they find more attractive. So when Eunice meets a serious, gifted artist who expresses his desire for her company, she isn’t sure if his interest in her is romantic or simply artistic. And why does this young man seem to be as saddened by Eunice as he is drawn to her? November 19th  A Groom for Christmas by Cheryl Wright When Ella Bryson quits her job after being relentlessly pursued by her sleazy boss, she is left homeless and penniless. With no other options available to her, she becomes a mail order bride. The last thing on Thomas Winston’s mind is finding a wife. He’s not getting any younger, and according to his sister, needs an heir. Imagine his surprise when a bride he didn’t order arrives in town. Will the marriage go ahead, or will Ella be rejected? And how will Tom react when he discovers Ella has been hiding something from him? November 20th  Always by Staci Stallings To the outside world, Taylor Grayson has everything. She’s smart, beautiful, and popular. In fact, her friends all think she flaunts her perfection a little too much. However, Taylor is harboring dark secrets that even her closest friends have never known about. Are those secrets about to catch up with her, and what happens if they do? Greg Everett’s whole life is about to change. Moving to a new town with his two closest buddies from high school, going to college, and getting a job--life seems to be rolling in a good direction. Unfortunately, his love life hasn’t gotten the memo that this is supposed to be a straight forward-march into perfection. Will his friends’ efforts to set him up with Ms. Right prove successful, or will Greg forever live in the shadow of the one that got away?  I Not David by Kameo Monson When three-year-old Joey is diagnosed with autism, Kat’s heart sinks. With a single phone number and a few suggested therapies, she and her husband Derek are left to wade through the unknown abyss of ASD. Derek assures Kat their son will grow out of it, but she has done enough research. That never happens. Still, Joey can improve, and Kat vows to make his life better any way she can. Jumping feet first into the depths of therapies and developmental preschool, Kat gives it her all. Everything should get easier. But Derek still can’t handle Joey’s meltdowns, and now he only wants to spend time with her. What happens if his attitude doesn't change? As Kat’s world continues to crumble around her, she finds something in herself that she didn’t know was missing. November 21st  The Dragon Who Saved Christmas by Katy Huth Jones Spark the dragon wants to sleep in his nice warm cave on Christmas Eve and wait for Santa to fill his stocking with coal. He does not want to get out in the dark, in a blizzard, but one little elf is VERY persuasive. November 27th  Pick Your Date for Christmas by Annie Houston Greg signed up for a reality television show in the off-chance hope that he might find true love. What he doesn't realize is that his best friend's little sister, Paige, is one of the contestants on Pick Your Date for Christmas. With all the courage it took to join the show, Paige is devastated when she realizes she doesn't have a chance with the bachelor on the popular television series. A pushy director keeps her on the show to increase tension, but will she finally get a chance with her secret crush after all? November 29th  Rescuing the Preacher by Cheryl Wright Without her consent, Rose Charleston’s life has been planned for her. Marrying a man almost double her age doesn’t sit well with her. Being told two weeks before the event makes things even worse. Instead of waiting around for the inevitable, she steals out in the middle of the night to answer an advertisement in another state. Little did she know what she was letting herself in for. After his wife’s death, Preacher Edward Thomas is left to care for their two small children. When Rose turns up unannounced, after answering an advertisement he knows nothing about, his life is turned upside down. The preacher will accept Rose into his life because he has no choice, but will he ever let her into his heart?  ROAR by Linda K. Rodante For a year now, New Life Church has reached out to the gangs of the north side neighborhood. Faithful member, Becca Stapleton, lives to magnify the Lord through dance, but when she becomes involved in a gangland murder, her life becomes anything but the dance she imagined. Wes Lloyd helped her pull the body from the waves. Classically tall, dark and handsome, Wes should have swept her off her feet, but is his innocent bystander persona real or an act? And how will she know? Luis Ramirez, the gang leader accused of murder, has hardened himself to the role he’s playing. Drugs, gang wars, and robbery are his life. But Becca and the man they call Reece have something he doesn’t have—peace. He’s not sure he wants it, but he can’t seem to get free of them or their caring. Not only are the police after him, but a larger gang is advocating for war, so he might have nothing to lose by investigating this Jesus. If, that is, he lives long enough. November 30th  Lovers and Leavers of Leadville
by Mary Lingerfelt Kat Cardanne is the queen of the mail order bride scam; but she may have met her match when Detective Boone Burton takes the case! Kat Cardanne is a wily young woman who goes to Colorado for her gambler father's funeral, only to find that he left no money to her and her little sister. Kat has to find some way to support them and joins up with her father's old pal, Soapy Smith, king of the con men. With Soapy's help, Kat devises a con game that soon has the money rolling in; but it also attracts the attention of Boone Burton, the most relentless detective in Denver. Kat soon finds herself playing a flirtatious game of cat and mouse with Boone. Will Boone capture her — or will she capture him?  We may have a while left when it comes to summer weather, but unfortunately, school is starting up again way too soon. I'm not ready to let go of my summer schedule yet! Thankfully, there are a bunch of new books coming out, so I can grab one and let myself forget about school supplies for a while! August 1st  Gorgeous and the Geek By Rachel John She thought he was a safe bet. She was wrong… Faking a relationship with a costar for ratings is ridiculous, and Willa won’t do it unless she gets to pick the guy. There’s only one man she trusts in Hollywood: Doug Keller, a little on the geeky side and totally reliable. It’s just a few months, and if the show takes off, she’ll be one step closer to the independence she’s always craved. Doug knows he’s in trouble. Willa Stanton is everything he’s ever wanted, and way too much for him to handle. Their on-camera chemistry is making it hard for him to keep his true feelings under wraps. And off-camera is even worse: she's making friends with his cat, kicking his butt in Gin Rummy, and making him wish he could be that soft place for her to land. The closer they get, the harder it is to stick with the plan. She’s afraid of love. He’s afraid of getting played. What happens when the beauty falls for the geek?  Mending the Billionaire Brother by Bree Livingston A woman terrified of being hurt, a man torn between love and duty to family, and the marriage clause that forces them to examine what they really want. After Sarah Freeman’s mom passes away unexpectedly, she leaves Scotland—and love—to take up the mantle of running her mom’s beloved horse sanctuary. Except what is supposed to be a seamless transfer of ownership becomes complicated when she learns that her mother’s will contains a marriage clause—she’s forced to either get married or loose the sanctuary. When Taran MacLachlan flies to Florida, he’s expecting a brief visit to check on Sarah. But when he learns that the only way to keep her sanctuary is marriage, he finds himself volunteering to be her husband. It’s only six months, that’ll be easy. Only, it’s not that simple. Sarah’s used the sanctuary as shield against being hurt. Will she lay down her armor long enough to find love? August 8th  The B-Boy by Natasja Eby Follow the rhythm of your heart. Now that high school's over and he's left his life as a bully behind, Red finally has time to focus on what he wants: boxing. For as long as he's able, that's what he'll do. Zara's passion for dancing is rivaled by none, but her dreams are shattered when her dance partner sprains his ankle weeks before their showcase. With no other options, Red's cousin and Zara's best friend suggests they team up. Now Red has a tough decision to make: stick to what he's always known or find the courage to love something new?  Flirtatious by Margaret Lynette Sharp The frightening potential repercussions of her sister, Lydia's, friendship with Maria Lucas weigh heavily on Miss Elizabeth Bennet's mind, moving her to seek an audience with her Papa and a discussion with her flirtatious sister. Will Mr Bennet heed Lizzy's heartfelt warnings? Or will the youngest Miss Bennet remain free to act as she wishes?  Who Wants to Marry a Billionaire Gamer? by Julie L. Spencer Twenty beautiful women and only one of them knew Brock’s real identity, so why were they both keeping it a secret? Rejected by the leading lady on the reality show Love Letters, Brock was ready to take his place at center stage. He knew he could pass himself off as a regular guy and loved seeing women’s reactions when he told them he played video games for a living. What he didn’t tell them was that he had a Master’s degree in video game design, was international reigning champion in several competitions, and a billionaire. But one woman knew the truth, and she wasn’t telling the others. Or was she? Cora recognized Brock right away, being a gamer herself. The guys at her work had dared her to come on the television show, Love Letters because she refused to date anyone from their small community, and because they knew she was obsessed with the show. She figured the likelihood of actually being chosen by the leading man was pretty slim. Nineteen to one, actually. When Cora realized Brock was hiding behind his screen name the way a famous author hides behind his pen name, she decided to play along. But how long would she play games with his heart? Long enough for another woman to prove to Brock that she cared more about him than his wealth and position?  Mermaid's Wish by Stacy Claflin This is the third part of the Dark Sea Academy trilogy, and if you haven’t read Mermaid’s Song, you’ll want to do that first. The following description contains spoilers for the first books... Every other princess prepares to rule her kingdom after her father’s death. Me? I have to get ready to rule all underwater kingdoms—after killing my father. I already fulfilled the prophecy once. Kind of. I have no interest in killing again. But no one asked what I want. It’s this stupid Queen Sirena prophecy. My father—my real, biological father—is obsessed. And he’s the king, so he gets what he wants. Namely me, embracing a destiny I fear. As I come to terms with my new reality, I find myself alone, cut off from my best friend and boyfriend and unable to convince my parents this is all a terrible idea. My father, the king, wants me to kill him. He’s set plans in motion to make it happen. I’m too weak to refuse. And hopefully too strong to succeed.  The Billionaire's Temporary Marriage by Tamie Dearen When a stranger with a lime-green mechanical hand drenches her in coffee, the last thing Brooke expects is a marriage proposal from a famous hot billionaire. A marriage of convenience… so tempting. Brooke Ponzio can’t argue against Cole’s flawless logic. The divorce settlement will solve all the money-troubles for Brooke and her unborn child. If only Cole wasn’t so mouth-wateringly delicious. Should she risk having her heart broken again? Cole Miller refuses to fall in love. Not ever! That’s why he chose Brooke to get him out of his ill-advised contract. All she wants is sole custody of her baby, so when the time comes, she'll give him a stress-free divorce. Sure, they'll have to make the marriage look real to their parents and the rest of the world. And they'll need to forget all about that sizzling kiss they shared. Should be simple. What could possibly go wrong? Soon, their magnetic draw has them both battling to maintain their willpower. But Brooke slowly falls in love with the man who treats her better than any man ever has, while Cole’s attraction is purely physical. Or at least that’s what he tells himself. How will Brooke handle her sleazy ex-husband when he tries to cash in on her fame? What happens when Cole can’t protect Brooke from his crazed fans? Will he admit his feelings before it’s too late? August 13th  A Tease and a Trail Run by Maddie Evans Welcome to Brighthead, Maine, a coastal town where the runners are fast and the summers are slow. Charlotte lands in Brighthead with the excuse that she’s house-sitting for her aunt, but in reality she’s escaping a broken engagement. Six weeks before her intended wedding, she discovered her ex was cheating. Alone in a coastal mansion with a border collie who’s equal parts smart and energetic, Charlotte turns to the only person she remembers from her childhood summers: Brandon, the gardener’s son. Brandon offers to take the dog for morning sprints. And Charlotte, too. She agrees because he’s sweet. He’s always been sweet. Brandon’s about to get fired from his desk job because they’re taking advantage of him. The gym wants him to design a free logo for their trail run to the lighthouse, and everyone’s telling him not to do it. His freelance work alone isn’t going to pay the bills, though—and it’s certainly not going to pay for romantic dinners with the rich gal from Philadelphia. The more time he spends with Charlotte, though, the more he realizes how much they have in common despite the economic differences: their art, their goals, their loyalty. Soon they’re inseparable, but Brandon knows Charlotte can’t stay. Her future lies in a city full of museums, and his is on the coast. When Charlotte’s ex tracks her to Brighthead, her past collides with her dreams. He’s sorry, and he wants her back. Meanwhile, Brandon’s getting weird and awkward about the money. Looming over them all is the lighthouse run and a world that seldom understands the heart of an artist. A Tease and a Trail Run takes a pair of friends through an obstacle course of grief and memories, fear of success and fear of failure, from their shared memories to the dream of a shared life together. The road to love isn’t always paved.  Love in Honor Given by Jeanette Lewis Treasure hunting is loaded with danger and charged with love. Lincoln's Lost Gold Series Six unlikely friends come together to search for Lincoln’s lost gold mine. Follow their adventures as they face off with other treasure hunters, secret brotherhoods, and unfamiliar dangers while navigated the trouble waters of falling in love. Love in Honor Given His brother may love the thrill of discovery, but Radley Obrien cares about Abraham Lincoln’s lost gold mine for one reason: the money. But as he searches for the treasure map in the sprawling Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Illinois, Radley realizes he’ll need an insider’s help. Skye Benson spends her days guiding tours in period costumes and has learned that hoop skirts are overrated. When Radley joins her tour, she’d drawn to the rugged stranger and agrees to help him look for the map. As their feelings for one another grow, Skye and Radley must decide if love is a fair trade for a secret gold mine. But they’re not the only ones looking for the gold. As the team edges closer to the treasure, they discover everyone has a secret and friends can become enemies in a blink. The clues to the map are there, but can they put the pieces together in time?  Midnight: A Cinderella Retelling by Melanie Gilbert If you were thrown into a war between a Fae clan and a witch coven, would you be able to uncover the truth before the stroke of Midnight? Nova Kramer blames herself for the death of her mother and sister—so does her father. When he moves them to Danville City to escape the reminders of what they lost, Nova is thrown right back into a world full of anxiety when their new neighbor, Stella, and her twin brothers make it their mission to bring Nova to her knees—after all, they know her secret—and blackmail is just the start. Kent Danville and his brothers have a secret, too—their clan is working to take down a coven of witches and find the other five clans of Fae, but when Nova walks into his life, the Fae can’t seem to stop thinking about her. He can’t risk falling for the new girl—he has a soulmate out there somewhere, and a mission to complete…if the coven doesn’t kill him first. A war is brewing between the coven and the clan—each side a little less human than the other—and Nova may get caught in the crossfire if she can’t discover the truth before the clock strikes Midnight. August 19th  Coconut Crush by April Anderton Dinner, drinks, and death on the high seas. A honeymoon cruise they won't forget. Boston reporter Ali Loukas hasn't had time to legally change her name, but a week in the middle of the ocean with her shiny new husband should mean time to kick back and relax--with no dead bodies. No such luck. Ali's reputation and penchant for coming across corpses have preceded her. Trapped on a floating city with a handful of eccentric fans, she finds herself swept up in the lifestyle of the Boston Elite. When a body turns up on the second day at sea, one fan turns to Ali, expecting her to help the ship's security team come up with a killer. But Security's not interested in Ali's help and they threaten to throw her in the brig if she interferes with their investigation. Mysterious elderly stalkers, a magic show gone bad, and a killer on board, make Ali wonder if her tropical vacation will bring her closer to her husband as intended or send her overboard. August 20th  All the Love You Write by D. G. Driver A story about young love, first love, true love, timeless love, and the power of love letters. Mark and Bethany are two mismatched high school seniors in a new relationship. It’s doomed to fail. Mark has adored Bethany since middle school, and she’s finally giving him a chance. Only, he’s clumsy at romance and knows he’ll lose her because of it. Bethany thinks Mark is sweet. Only, she’s afraid to commit her whole heart to him because he’s going into the army and she’s headed off to college. Fifty years earlier, a boy and a girl from the same high school shared an amazing love story. They have now returned as ghosts and are interfering in Mark and Bethany’s relationship. Who are they? Why do they care what happens to Mark and Bethany? August 27th  A Necessary Groom by Sylvia Damsell Alison is devastated to discover her husband was already married when he said "I do". Then things go from bad to worse when she finds out she's carrying his baby. Now pregnant and alone, she needs a husband, and fast. And the only man she can think of is Jason, who she met years before. She liked him well enough back then, surely she'll like him now. But convincing Jason to marry her turns out to be anything but easy. August 28th  Gracey and the Gambler by Kristy Tate Reeling with grief and self-doubts, Addison never suspects her life is about to change when a stranger gifts her a manuscript and asks her to rewrite the ending. In an earlier century... When Gracey refused to bend to the dictates of New York’s high society, her mortified parents shipped her off to the Wilds of Washington territory. But Gracey, itching for adventure has no intention to stay in the dreary soggy backwater known as Seattle. When the opportunity comes to join a traveling theater troupe, Gracey sets out to create the life she deserves. And finds much more adventure than even she desired or dreamed of. As Addison reads of Gracey's rebellion, she confronts the dark corners in her own life and faces her faulty perceptions about herself and those she loves. Addison realizes she must not only rewrite Gracey’s story, but also her own. August 30th  A Flair for Flip-Flops by Deborah Garner A vacation on the Southern California coast promises rest and relaxation for flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer and her mischievous Yorkie, Coco. But when the body of a heartthrob celebrity washes up on the beach outside her luxury hotel suite, Sadie's fun-in-the-sun soon turns into sleuthing-with-the-stars. The resort's wine and appetizer gatherings, suspicious guest behavior, and casual strolls along the beach boardwalk may provide clues, but will they be enough to discover who the killer is? Or will mystery and mayhem leave a Hollywood scandal unsolved?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp — Lila finds solace in her sheltered world by raising butterflies and surrounding herself with their gentle beauty. They’re all she needs—until a motorcycle-riding stranger roars up her driveway, invading her safe haven, throwing her life off-kilter, and forcing her to question everything. What exactly is he after, and what is he not telling her? In one intense night of desperation and revelation, Lila must confront her darkest fears—and hopefully discover that with faith and courage, shattered dreams can be restored, damaged hearts can love again, and broken wings can heal . . . maybe even fly. (Contemporary Romance from Ivory Tower Press) A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson — Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but things do not go as planned. Carter is fascinated with the wreck, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again: trust a man. (Contemporary Romance from Revell-A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Hometown Healing by Jennifer Slattery — She’s home again, but not for long… Unless this cowboy recaptures her heart Returning home with a baby in tow, Paige Cordell’s determined her stay is only temporary. But to earn enough money to leave, she needs a job—and her only option is working at her first love’s dinner theater. With attraction once again unfurling between her and Jed Gilbertson, can the man who once broke her heart convince her to stay for good? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction: Grace in Deep Waters by Christine Dillon — William Macdonald is at the pinnacle of his career. Pastor of a growing megachurch and host of a successful national radio programme. Clever and respected, he’s a man with everything, including a secret. His wife has left him and he can’t risk anyone finding out. Blanche Macdonald is struggling. Her once rock-solid marriage is showing cracks. She promised to love her husband for better or for worse, but does loving always mean staying? Blanche desires to put God first. Not William. Not her daughter. Not herself. When is a marriage over? When do you stand and fight? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published) When Mountains Sing by Stacy Monson — Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity. In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all. Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future. (Contemporary from His Image Publications) All In by L. K. Simonds — Cami Taylor: a blackjack dealer, a bestselling author, and a fraud. Cami’s boyfriend, Joel, loves her in spite of her flaws. He wants to marry her, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family–a life that’s a million miles from Cami’s idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami bolts like a deer. She breaks off the relationship and launches on a new quest for happiness, not knowing that a nasty surprise waits around the corner. What follows is a fight to the death. Who will be the one left standing? (Contemporary from Morgan James Fiction) Historical: Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano — A rag girl accepts an invitation to become the lady she’s always dreamed of being, but some dreams turn out to be nightmares. (Historical from Revel – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Historical Romance: Lady and the Lawman by Crystal L. Barnes, Vickie McDonough, Annette OHare, and Kathleen Y’Barbo — Four historic stories of lawmen and the ladies who love them. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) The Farmer’s Daughter by Mary Davis, Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracie J. Peterson, Jill Stengl, and Susan May Warren — Enjoy five historical novels by some of Christian fiction’s bestselling authors. Meet daughters of prairie farms from Montana south to Kansas who find love in the midst of turbulent life changes. Marty’s nieces are kidnapped. Rosalind’s town is overrun by a railroad company. Amy’s jealousy comes between her and her twin. Beulah’s answer is needed to a marriage proposal. Lilly’s choice puts her at odd with her neighbors. Into each of their lives rides a man who may only make their situations worse. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) The Cowboys by Sandra Merville Hart, Cindy Ervin Huff, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Linda W. Yezak — Taming the West–one heart at a time. Healing Heart: A physically scarred cowboy finds solace with a ranch girl who is hiding from her past. Becoming Brave: A cattle drover wants to get his boss’s heard safely through Indian Territory…as soon he figures out why a bloodstained woman is holding a gun on him. Trails End: Waiting for his boss’s cattle to sell, a cowboy takes a kitchen job at a restaurant where the beautiful and prickly owner adds spice to his workday. Loving a Harvey Girl: To improve the local preacher’s opinion of career women, a Harvey Girl makes it her mission to redeem a wayward cowboy, but finds herself longing for a husband, hearth, and home. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Lost in the Storm by Tamera Lynn Kraft — Lavena, a journalist during the Civil War, wants to become a war correspondent. She finally gets her chance, but there’s a catch. She has to get an interview from a war hero who has refused to tell his story to every other journalist, and she has to accomplish this impossible task in a month or she’ll lose her job. Captain Cage, the war hero, has a secret that will destroy his military career and reputation. Now, a new journalist wants him to reveal what he’s been hiding. He’d prefer to ignore her, but from the moment she came into camp, he can’t get her out of his mind. Leading up to the turbulent Battles for the city of Chattanooga, will Lavena and Cage find the courage to love and forgive, or will they be swept away by their past mistakes that don’t want to stay buried? (Historical Romance from Mt Zion Ridge Press) Love’s Allegiance by Linda Shenton Matchett — Inspired by the biblical love story of Rebekkah and Isaac, Love’s Allegiance explores the struggles and sacrifices of those whose beliefs were at odds with a world at war. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press) The Brightest Hope by Naomi Musch — Five years after the Great War, Holly Allen is a well-adjusted war widow with a knack for running the family press. She’s over the days of waiting for a white knight to ride in and sweep her away from her cares. Besides, if Hugh Phelps is a knight, he’s certainly a black one—with his prison record, personal demons, and the ghosts of war that haunt him. When Holly hires Hugh, despite her reservations, it isn’t long before she sees the man he could really be, and as Hugh finds his niche at Allen’s Printing, he finds his lady boss equally appealing. Despite the attraction, however, Holly won’t let herself fall for a faithless man, and Hugh isn’t on gracious terms with God. Then, just when new beginnings seem possible, old heartaches from the war come calling. Now it might only be in letting go of everything dear that they both discover what real love is. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Annabelle’s Joy by Betty Thomason Owens — She’s waited too long. When Tom proposed last year, Annabelle wasn’t ready to open her heart to another man. Pain still held a thin crust around it. Time has healed her heart, but with a new woman in town, one who clearly has her sights set on Tom, does it matter if Annabelle’s heart is ready to love again? Folks in town are keeping a close eye on their pharmacist, hoping to be the first to hear the good news. He’s been courting the widow Cross for nigh on two years now. Annabelle Cross better wake up and put her dancing shoes on. Mr. Tom is prime real estate. (Historical Romance from Write Integrity Press) Mystery/Cozy Mystery: Hidden Secrets by Janet Sketchley — When an online vendetta against the Green Dory Inn escalates to physical threats, a cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. (Mystery, Independently Published) Murder at Rendsburg Resort by C. L. Wells — Trapped in a remote resort with a killer on the loose, the body count piling up, and no one else to save them, mystery writer Jill Pemberton must help find the killer before they claim their next victim. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) Romantic Suspense: Two Steps Forward by Luana Ehrlich — When CIA operative Titus Ray has an unexpected encounter with a Jihadi terrorist while he and Nikki are on their honeymoon in Morocco, he assumes it’s a coincidence, but when they travel to Israel for the second half of their honeymoon and encounter him again, he takes action, which takes him to Baghdad to prevent the assassination of a high-profile government official. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson — The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected. A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them? Or will they die trying? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Speculative: Redemption by Jacques R. Pye — Sterling Newman and Armena Sandal face death as they struggle to help the Alesandrans and the Kirilleans combat a force seeking the destruction of both worlds. (Speculative, Independently Published) Young Adult: Shards of Light by Susan Miura — Sometimes the pieces of a shattered dream can transform into something extraordinary. (Young Adult from Vinspire Publishing)  Are you ready for that summer heat? When it's too hot to head outside, why not curl up on the couch in the air conditioning and read a good book? Check out the large selection of new releases below! If you missed June's releases, you can find them here! July 1st  Mending the Billionaire Scotsman by Bree Livingston Paige Cooper’s twin sister, Penelope, is getting married. In Scotland. To a celebrity she’s known all of twelve weeks. Who she met on a dating show. It was supposed to be something fun. Paige never expected Penelope to come home engaged to Angus MacLachlan. What’s a girl to do when she knows it’s the biggest mistake of her sister’s life? Fly to Scotland and talk some sense in her. Only, her sister isn’t budging…and Rory, Angus’s brother, is hitting every hot button Paige possesses. But her last boyfriend stole her heart and then drained her bank account, leaving her at the altar, broken and done with love. Rory, though, has a great smile and an accent that gives her goosebumps. Only, she’s in Scotland to stop a wedding, not get friendly with the enemy’s brother. Pick up Angus’s future sister-in-law. No big deal, Rory can do that. But when he see the honey-blonde, green-eyed lass at the airport, it’s instant trouble. He lost the love of his life—the woman he’d planned his future with—and love isn’t in the cards for him. Or is it? She’s cute, feisty, funny, and every moment spent with her makes him realize how lonely life’s been these last few years. Paige isn’t staying in Scotland. Rory’s not moving to the states. Twelve weeks. Two broken people. One wedding. Is there enough time for them to find what they’ve been missing?  Mermaid's Song by Stacy Claflin I live a double life—and it’s about to tangle me in its net. I'm Marra Ayers, a mermaid pretending to be human. Or at least, I was. It's over now that my uncle died, making my dad the new king of Valora. My parents are dragging me away from the life I love to our undersea kingdom. And to make matters worse, everybody hates us. My parents send me straight to the Dark Sea Academy, where the building is creepy and the students are worse. The dean pairs me with a student to show me the ropes. I get stuck with Bash, who’s one wrong move from being expelled, and showing me around is his latest punishment. He’s as gorgeous as he is arrogant. And an incredible guitarist, as it turns out. Not that it matters. We can’t stand each other, and when my orientation is over, we'll go our separate ways. Good riddance. Whispers and glares greet me at every turn, and the most popular girl has it out for me. My first night, she tries to kill me. Then, bloodied and bruised, I run into Bash. And this time, he actually seems to care... He keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me this crooked smirk. Kind of makes me forget how irritating he is. Almost makes me forget all my problems. But I can’t let myself get side-tracked by him. I won’t. If I’m to survive the academy, I need to focus on staying alive. Unfortunately, that means relying on Bash—and he’s a distraction that could very well cost me everything.  July Fireworks Sky by Carol Ann Kauffman In July Fireworks Sky, the seventh book in the Cat Collier Mystery Short Story series, private investigator Mary Catherine Collier, known as Cat, finds herself in a disturbing, life-altering situation related to her brother’s trial. The outcome will have far reaching effects for not only herself, but Carter, Spencer, and others. The location for this cozy mystery bounces back and forth from her quiet, sleepy hometown of Heaton Valley, Ohio to New York City, where Cat has another branch of her detective agency and a wonderful, new love. Will Cat finally find the honesty she’s looking for?  Fraudulent Flights by Cinda A. Christiansen Perfectionist Skye Ridgemont must fly home to Herriman, Utah, when her family's air courier business is sued by her old beau--Clay Hadley. She didn't expect to find her Aunt Daisy inundated with a house full of cats and dogs and strangers running the business. She can't handle all the disorder! Where is her brother, what happened to Clay's shipments, and why is this St. Bernard following her everywhere? Creative Clay Hadley has been shipping with Eagle One Air Courier since he started his successful Friesian horse ranch. Now that his valuable shipments have been damaged, his whole business is at risk. On top of that, he must face Skye and her crazy dog in order to resolve the whole mess. Will their relationship maintain a holding pattern, or will Skye make one final approach to land in Clay's arms?  King of Malorn by Annie Douglass Lima Life as the king’s younger sister should be exciting. Not for Princess Kalendria. She’s sick of the dissent and of constantly having her family undermined by those who think they could rule Malorn better than King Korram. Hoping to lighten the mood in the palace, Kalendria plans a ball to celebrate her seventeenth birthday. It doesn’t hurt that their handsome Alasian ally King Jaymin has promised to attend, and she’s been waiting for him to notice her for as long as she can remember. But unfriendly forces have their own party plans. When Kalendria, Korram, and Jaymin barely survive an assassination attempt, their only recourse is to flee into the wilderness. Tracked by unknown assassins, they must figure out whom they can trust and who is behind the plot. Can Kalendria help her brother reclaim his throne – oh, and catch Jaymin’s attention while she’s at it – before they are all killed and war destroys both kingdoms?  The Clown on the High Wire by Charles Veley and Anna Elliott Sherlock Holmes is brought in to investigate on a cold London morning, when the body of a clown is discovered within the vast emptiness of the Olympia Amphitheater, hanging from the center of the high wire tightrope, There are no footprints, and no indication as to how the clown met his fate. Lucy James and Dr. Watson hope this baffling mystery will bring Holmes out of his obsession with the killer who eluded capture in their previous case. But the cases are linked, and the danger to the Baker Street team is very real. The Sherlock and Lucy series has been recommended by the Library of Clean Reads. July 2nd  Shard & Shield by Laura VanArendonk Baugh He can save her life—if he sacrifices himself and those he swore to protect. King’s bastard Shianan Becknam buries himself in his military career to avoid the family that never wanted him and the dangers of drawing political attention. When the artifact intended to end an interdimensional war is damaged, the mage Ariana is trapped on the other side of the rift with her servant—only the cheery young boy is really one of the monstrous enemy, disguised as a human. Shianan is desperate to rescue Ariana, one of his few friends, but to do so requires committing treason and betraying his duty, leaving his people open to attack. State mage Ariana struggles to survive as a prisoner of war in a world of deadly magic and unfamiliar customs. Her only ally is her former servant, now a renowned warrior caught up in political machinations. To survive, he’ll have to once again take up the fight against Ariana’s world. As their people’s wasted armies prepare for fresh battle that will devastate both sides, bastard, mage, and monster must set aside prejudices and rivalries to find an end to centuries of conflict, before they die as traitors.  At First Spark by Liwen Y. Ho He’s a tender-hearted firefighter who’s been burned by love. She’s an optimistic bookstore owner determined to heal his heart. Little do they know how much sacrifice it will take for them to be together. Firefighter Darren Spark doesn’t think twice about risking it all when it comes to his job, but he’s not about to put his heart on the line for love. He's accepted the fact that no woman will want him when he can't promise them a future ...until he meets the one who challenges that belief. Abandoned as a baby, Danica Reed longs to fill in the missing pieces of her past with a family of her own. She’s more than ready to get married and have kids, but she wonders why the perfect man—who's just as into her and wants the same things—keeps taking one step forward in their relationship, then two steps back. Darren won’t let himself hope for more; Danica won’t settle for less. But there’s one obstacle they can’t seem to overcome. Will the spark that drew them to each other be enough to keep their love burning or will their short-lived romance go down in flames?  Desperate Forest by Cece Louise A daring escape. An ominous forest. An unexpected alliance. For nineteen years, Princess Roselynn’s life has been three things: Safe, comfortable, and predictable. But when her father is murdered and she uncovers a plot to end her life, she must leave her home and take her chances in a treacherous forest—all to stay alive and be reunited with the man she loves. Along the way, she encounters a group of outlaws, each with their own secrets and purpose. But who can she trust? Jay, the enigma whose tough exterior and conflicting actions both deter and intrigue her? Gavin, the former knight, trying to right the wrongs of her own broken kingdom, all while risking his safety? Laurel, the cold young woman with the shadowy past who sees her arrival as a threat? Roselynn soon finds the lines between ally and enemy blurred, as dangerous incidents and sinister warnings cause her to question what she knows and where her heart lies. Can she find the courage she needs to save her kingdom and herself, or will she lose everything to the dark forest? July 4th  Curse and Consequences by Savannah Jezowski When Love visits Ravenhead Hall, sparks fly…quite literally. Miss Rea Abernathy only wants to honor the family who has taken her under their wing, rescuing her from a life of poverty. But thanks to two determined suitors, she finds herself in a state far worse than the one from which her benefactress saved her. When Mr. Sedgwick Whitby sets his sights on his mother’s sweet-tempered pig keeper, his orderly life is thrown into chaos: Rea’s station is less–than-desirable, and another gentleman may be pursuing her. Hoping to get his annoyingly charming twin brother out of the way, Sedgwick purchases a simple curse from a disreputable faery which consequently plunges them all into a misfortune far more serious than troubles of the heart. With time running out to break the curse and tempers flying high, can Sedgwick and Rea set things right and find love after all? Regency meets dragons in this frolicking fantasy romance about a comely pig keeper, two wealthy gentlemen, and the curse binding them all together.  The Library War by Cecily Wolfe Best friends with SECRET CRUSHES - on each other! Connor and Maya have volunteered at the neighborhood library together since middle school, but when a grant makes a paid summer position available, their relationship crumbles as they compete to prove which of them is more worthy of the job. The third YA novel from award-winning, best-selling author Cecily Wolfe looks at friendship under pressure, with humor, drama, and misunderstandings that ultimately don't stand a chance against true love.  Universal Threat by Margaret Traynor and Killarney Traynor Three Teens. One Hiking Trip. One Huge Problem. All high school student Heather Miller wants is a chance to make a big impression on Jeff Levinson, the awkward/genius new kid in school. Taking him hiking in the White Mountains with her cool older brother, part-time park ranger Nick, seems like a great idea... until they discover a strange ship, crash-landed in the middle of nowhere. Aliens have landed. They are bigger, faster, stronger, and have nothing to lose and no one to fear. Stranded in the mountains, miles from civilization, Heather, Jeff, and Nick are the only ones that can save Earth from invasion - if they can survive long enough to get back home. 'Universal Threat' is a nostalgic sci-fi adventure set in the 1980s, written by and for Twilight Zone fans. Best read outdoors by campfire. July 5th  A Call to Charms by Leanne Leeds A human conspiracy. A paranormal secret. Can the most powerful witch on the planet find her missing friend without exposing her powers to the world? With Gunther back at the Makepeace Circus and her romantic relationship’s future in question, what Charlotte really needs is some peace, quiet and time to think. A cauldron call from her mother about the mysterious disappearance of Tabitha Stevens in Mickwac, however, brings the Magical Midway back to the human world and face to face with the secrets of her small Texas hometown. As Charlotte pieces together the confidential conspiracies and concealed ambitions of the Mickwac criminal elite, she comes face to face with hints that her own secrets may be far more known than they should be—and those secrets could be at the center of a conspiracy that threatens the Magical Midway and all those she cares about. Can Charlotte find Tabitha, protect the circus’s secrets, and stop the conspiracy—before it’s too late? July 8th  Sandover Beach Melodies by Emma St. Clair She broke her own rules… ...you can’t fall in love when you’re on the run. After rebuilding her life on Sandover Island, Mercer got comfortable. Too comfortable. She started to believe in fresh starts and second chances. And she made the biggest mistake of all: she fell in love. Beau wants more. The harder he pushes at Mercer's walls, the stronger they seem to be. She gives him an inch, then steps back a mile. He knows she's worth the fight, if only she will give him her trust. Mercer knows it's only a matter of time until her past catches her. She isn't safe, not even in Beau’s strong arms. She can’t escape what she left behind and he won't want her if he knows her secret shame. Can Beau and Mercer build a future or will the past tear it all down? July 9th  Beauty and the Beach by Kayla Tirrell A tale as old as time...with a twist! Rose had it all until melanoma left her scarred at the ripe age of eighteen. Now, she’s Sterling's most infamous recluse, and no one knows why except for her family. Adam spends his summers working at the local tourist trap to help his mom make ends meet. So when his neighbor offers to pay him enough to cover rent for a month if he breaks into Rose Beaumont's house, he jumps at the opportunity. This chance encounter between two teens from opposite sides of the beach soon transforms into something more. But just when things start heating up, secrets that can destroy everything threaten to surface. July 11th  A Bride for Christmas by Cheryl Wright Homeless and destitute after the sudden death of her father, and against her better judgement, Melody Harken agrees to become a mail order bride. Desperately lonely, widower Peter Williams applies for a mail order bride after losing his dear wife two years earlier. Guilt-ridden, he is having second thoughts. Before he can retract his request, his distressed new bride turns up in Dayton Falls without notice. Can the beautiful stranger change his mind? And will Melody even marry him after his initial rejection?  Murder in the Blue By B.T. Lord After attending a law enforcement conference in Alaska, Sheriff Cammie Farnsworth and Dr. Samuel Westerfield decide to spend a few extra days enjoying the beauty of Denali National Park. Their vacation is shattered when a woman is poisoned to death at the lodge where they’re staying. Their situation grows worse when a sudden, unexpected blizzard hits that not only knocks out all communication, but snows them in with a murderer. With escape impossible, Cammie and Doc must do their best to uncover the killer before they strike again. Meanwhile back in Twin Ponds, Maine, Deputy Sheriff Rick Belleveau and Cammie’s fiancé Jace Northcott are confronted by Cammie’s past when her husband suddenly shows up. Believed to have died in a fiery car crash sixteen years before, Harlan Barrow is very much alive and demanding to once again be part of Cammie’s life. With trouble brewing between Harlan and Jace, Rick and police dispatcher/receptionist Emmy Madachuck must race to discover why Harlan is back, and uncover what exactly happened the night he died. July 15th  Hearts Unshackled by Amy Klaus A princess. An outcast. A fate worse than death. Will their love triumph, or will they be torn apart before it ever has a chance? Princess Katherine has never questioned her duty as the heir to the throne of Maledonia. Never, that is, until she meets a hunter named Naithan and her entire life is thrown into disarray - blissful, dangerous disarray. But in spite of her attraction to the young hunter and his simple lifestyle, as the Crown Princess, betrothed since childhood, bound by her duty, she will never be free to love. Duty takes on an entirely new meaning for Katherine and Naithan when a fledgling slave trade threatens to divide and destroy Maledonia … and their families. Will they have the courage to risk everything they love to save innocent lives from a fate worse than death? Or will they become the slavers’ next targets? July 16th  Call You Home by Jan Thompson She speaks fluent sign language… But she can’t interpret his mixed signals… To save a landmark restaurant in Savannah, two chefs must put aside their twenty-year-old feud and cook together. But is he one chef too many in her hot kitchen? From USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson comes the last book in her Savannah Sweethearts series of sweet, clean, wholesome, and inspirational contemporary Christian romances celebrating faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ. This series is set in the historic southern city of Savannah, Georgia, and on the beaches of small town Tybee Island by the Atlantic Ocean, two of the most romantic places in the world. In Call You Home, chef-owner Piper Peyton can handle one disaster at a time in her restaurant, but not two unexpected catastrophes on the same day that threaten to shut down Piper’s Place for good, and possibly end her career as a restaurateur. For cruise ship chef de cuisine Isaac Untermeyer, he can hold a grudge for twenty years and then some. However, when he sees his high school nemesis in trouble, he still wants to help her. He doesn’t know why. Or how.  Mission Hollywood by Michelle Keener A Hollywood bad boy. A pastor’s daughter. What could possibly go wrong? Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastor’s daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Ben’s agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lily’s church. Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastor’s daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesn’t have, faith. July 17th  Something Right by Rose Fresquez Jake Larson is good at everything…except relationships. When his marriage ends, it leaves the firefighter with doubts he’s never experienced before. Now he’s determined to protect his crushed heart the only way he knows how: avoid falling in love at all costs. And thanks to his friend Ezra, Jake is more than content to fill the hole in his life with a newfound faith in Christ and the hope for a brighter—if single—future. Renee Buchanan is one of the best interior designers Colorado has to offer, and she knows it. She’s young, skilled, and confident…except when she’s around Jake Larson. Every time Jake steps into a room, her carefully crafted professionalism crumbles, and she finds herself lost. And that’s a problem when Jake hires Renee to decorate his fixer-upper of a home. Not only is Jake her brother’s best friend, he’s also the gentleman of her dreams. And no matter how determined she is to make this the well-designed house of her career, and how thick the walls around Jake’s heart are, something new sizzles up between them, something they can’t help but be drawn toward. As they work together to chip away at the walls of both Jake’s house and his heart, Jake is faced with a life-changing decision: let himself fall for his best friend’s beautiful sister, or stay single but keep his friendship intact. Either way, Jake knows he must let go of his past before he can grab hold of the future…or else risk losing the second chance he desperately needs. Something Right is a sweet interracial romance between a damaged firefighter and the interior designer determined to make him whole again. July 18th  A New Leash on Love by Eliza Boyd He doesn’t want to lose his business. She doesn’t want to lose her sense of home. Can they keep those things if they fall in love? Hannah Lockhart is only in True Love to help her cousin out at her new animal sanctuary. It's thousands of miles from home, and she's ready to get back to her job. Then she and the owner of the juice bar start off on the wrong foot, which reinforces her desire to leave. Except a wrong number text turns into fun banter and shines a better light on this new town her cousin now calls home. Luke Steiner is so worried about his dog’s health that he’s short-tempered with a customer. When he apologizes in person, she fires back and he ends up agreeing to spending more time with her to get her back home as soon as possible. But then a number he doesn’t recognize texts him for help around town and he replies, hoping it’ll brighten his awful day. Luckily for him, it does. Unluckily for him, he has no idea it’s Hannah on the other end. And she doesn’t know it’s Luke. As their anonymous text messages become more frequent, their in-person relationship begins to soften. But Hannah’s still determined to get back home, and Luke’s track record with women tells him he needs to back off before he loses his business—again. When the truth comes out, will Hannah and Luke go their separate ways? Or will the pair have a new “leash” on love?  Starting Anew by Melanie D. Snitker He's afraid to trust. She has a secret that could change everything between them. Will they let go of their fear, or allow it to rob them of their chance at happiness? For most of his life, Nathan Kirkpatrick was lied to by everyone he cared about. Now, he's determined to leave the past behind him, and focus on a new future with his only real family--his young daughter, Mia, and his long-lost brother, Chess. When he finds himself attracted to Mia's pretty and kind caretaker, Lynn, he must do some heavy-duty soul searching. Can he trust her? Or will falling for her put his family at risk? Lynn Crosby's passion cost her everything. Her parents all but disowned her for pursuing her dream of a music career, and then the music industry she loved wanted her to compromise her values. All she wants is to hold on to her quiet life, with a new name, and an ordinary job as a day care worker. But the more time she spends with Nathan, the more she wants to share her true self with him. Can she trust him to understand and love both sides of her? Or will he walk away like everyone else? An inspirational Christian novel about learning to trust, finding acceptance, and the healing power of truth spoken in love.  Troubled Escape by Angelique Conger A wicked and forbidden city… When a giant kidnaps Rilda from her poor home in a small village, she is carried into a dangerous war. Taking a risky gamble, she escapes and flees into Nod, the city that forbids any mention of her God, Jehovah. But she is alone… In the middle of a battle… In the safety of a walled home, she meets Emer, a severely injured and angry guardsman. Drawn to him by his need, Rilda prays to the forbidden god to heal him. But he hears her prayers. Can she trust him with her secrets? July 19th  Final Allegiance by J.S. Ririe A Christian-based Mystery Novel “An extraordinary adventure unlike any other told that makes you wonder what choices you would make.” -Elizabeth B. “I, Reagan Sinclair, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely; without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.” One moment is all it takes to get caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal. A mesmerizing story about divided loyalties, harsh reality, unlikely friendship, fierce competition and deadly alliances that will keep you guessing and wanting more. July 20th  Sunlight and Shadows by Jessica Marie Holt Set in 1870s rural North Carolina, this heartrending and heartwarming sequel to Just Before Dawn tells the story of Betty Everleigh, a young woman who is coming of age just as her world is falling apart. Betty is a simple girl, and, at seventeen, the only thing she really wants for her future is what she's always had--a cozy home, a loving family, and a quiet life just outside of town. But just when her dream is in reach, a sudden tragic event shatters her simple existence. As she picks up the pieces, she learns that her idyllic life was just a façade, and the truth beyond it is more complex, heartbreaking, and challenging than she ever imagined. To pull herself and her family together, she must dig deep to find grace enough to forgive, faith enough to let go, and courage enough to move forward.  A Rival's Proposal by Lia London Love shouldn't be a competition... Viktor Giles drives a Tesla, works 60 hours a week on the way to executive status, and shoots well under par on the golf course. With good looks on top of that, he is the most eligible bachelor in town. So why is he afraid to bump into his old arch-rival, Angelika? Angelika Aldrich is accomplished, kind, and the truest kind of friend... so why is she always overshadowed by her siblings and overlooked by men? Maybe she'd be better off focusing on humanitarian work and her three-legged cat. When old friends goad Viktor and Angelika into a race to romance, neither one dares admit the truth. Despite their many achievements, they're losers in love. But as the competition ramps up, Viktor and Angelika discover their rivalry has developed a new kind of chemistry. July 22nd  The Cobra in the Monkey Cage by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley #2 in the new series of Sherlock and Lucy short stories! "A new way to enjoy Sherlockian mysteries." -- The Santa Barbara Independent A desperate appeal from Dr. Watson's medical school classmate leads to a night of perilous adventure for Sherlock Holmes and Lucy James at the London Zoo. The Baker Street team must defeat a remarkably clever murderer in this fast-paced narrative, told in turns by Lucy and Dr. Watson. The Sherlock and Lucy stories combine gripping intrigue with clean family values, and have been recommended by the Library of Clean Reads. July 23rd  A Family for Christmas by Cheryl Wright Twenty-eight year old Magdalena Roth had already agreed to become a mail order bride before tragedy struck and she found herself the mother of a small baby. Jacob Carruthers had arranged for a mail order bride, and Miss Roth sounded perfect. Never in his wildest dreams did he believe he would have not only a wife, but a family for Christmas. Can these two strangers make their marriage work, especially with an unexpected baby?  Summer Snoops Unleashed by Various Authors Summertime Murders are RUFF ALL BRAND NEW STORIES! Looking for cool cozies for hot summer days? Then you'll love this purr-fectly paw-some cozy mystery boxed set from fourteen USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon best-selling authors. We've pulled out all the stops with Summer Snoops Unleashed! Enjoy hours of fun sniffing out clues on sandy beaches, shimmering waterways, and at small-town celebrations in these brand-new stories full of wily sleuths, cagey plots, and un-fur-gettable tails! Fetch your copy now to get these furr-ocious new cozy mysteries and woof it up with us! They're howlingly good reads! All preorders support best lives for pets!  The Viscount Deception by Wendy May Andrews Sparks fly. Will they burn bridges or warm hearts? After almost becoming a pawn in a villain's schemes, Lady Anne is firming her backbone and grasping independence. But that doesn't change the fact that she needs to make an advantageous marriage to pull her family out of destitution. Confirmed bachelor, Wesley Dunbar, Viscount of Bracondale, is furious when he learns of her involvement in the plot against his best friend. But he's also mesmerized by Anne's transformation from a country duckling to a fierce and beautiful swan. Wesley and Anne's ambitions couldn't be more different, so why can't they stay away from each other? Will they both be able to find what they seek by mending their differences and standing side-by-side?  Katharina Fortitude by Margaret Skea ‘We are none of us perfect, and a streak of stubbornness is what is needed in dealing with a household such as yours, Kat… and with Martin.’ Wittenberg 1525. The unexpected marriage of Martin Luther to Katharina von Bora has no fairytale ending. A sign of apostasy to their enemies, and a source of consternation to their friends, it sends shock waves throughout Europe. Yet, as they face persecution, poverty, war, plague and family tragedy, Katharina’s resilience and strength of character shines through.  A 5K and a Kiss by Maddie Evans Welcome to Brighthead, Maine, a coastal town where the winters are cold and the hearts are warm. Only a month after the death of her sister, Aileen gets an offer from her sister’s running club. They’re holding a 5K race in Kelty’s honor, and they’d like Aileen to be a part of it. She’s a librarian who never wanted to run a race, at least not until they offer to train her. And by “they,” we mean Trey, a cute guy who’s a lot of fun and is always up for an adventure. He’s her opposite in so many ways, but maybe that’s just what she needs. Trey has never held much to schedules. Life’s too short not to have fun with it. He’d love to take away Aileen’s pain, and running together is the best way he knows. She has fun when she’s with him. If it leads to more, he’s all-in. The more miles they do together, the more they can’t deny the attraction. With her life upended, though, all Aileen wants is security. Whereas with Trey, there’s always something unexpected. A 5K and a Kiss brings together an unlikely pair racing to find love somewhere between the start and the finish line. Love isn’t a sprint—it’s a long run. July 24th  Sweet Deal by Juli Caldwell Mandy believes in love at first sight but guards her heart hard after being burned in the past. She's so busy running a successful candy shop and an online chocolate empire that her lack of a love life doesn't bother her much. But when a handsome stranger finds her runaway cat, she finds her broken heart beating for someone new. Dane Giamattei has everything to prove and everything to lose when he comes to Fairport Village. The moment he meets Mandy, he knows the simple deal he came to close isn't quite as simple as his boss told him. And he knows his heart is in trouble. Mandy is the one person in the way of Dane making the deal of a lifetime, and the one person worth giving it all up for. The more he learns about Mandy, the deal and his boss, the more confused he gets. When his career and his growing interest in Mandy collide, he has to make the hardest choice of his life. Will circumstances keep them apart? Or will Mandy and Dane close the deal of a lifetime? July 25th  The Changeling's Clan by T Bear Pelton Lucan has discovered he is not a purebred laird; his mother was a changeling, a substitute for a baby lost to illness, adopted in by her clan and married to his father years ago to solidify a peace treaty. Lucan discovers he and his siblings carry the gene for magik, and that his animal speech is only one of his gifts. While making ice cubes may seem like an odd way to fight a war against an encroaching enemy, and certainly no way to destroy radioactive rocks, it has its place in the total schema of protecting his clan land and his people. In the meantime, Lucan's family have gone a little out of specs for the normal clan family. Brother Francis falls in love with a tech savvy lady and so do his warrior bots. Brother Michael is smitten with a stranger from a country where there is no magik, who comes riding into clan lands on a white warhorse, accompanied by a princeling and a pack full of detonators. Lucan's sister Morgana wants to marry a weapons master with a good heart but a checkered past. David's child Ian Alistair talks dragons out of the sky to play with him; the family meets their grandmother, a dragon master who appears to be over three hundred years old; the constant whirl of events in Clan Falconer would collapse a lesser laird. Lucan and Amanda manage it all in stride. Yet when the King calls for help for all five Kingdoms, personal loves and weddings are laid aside as the family rallies to destroy those who would destroy the land. With constant action, budding love, ancient wisdom and a lot of luck from a little dragon called Melchior, will Clan Falconer make its way safely through another year? July 27th  Model: Rustic by Nix Whittaker Model humans are divided. Some are wary of the possibility of humans from earth arriving while others are on a war footing. When a scout from earth arrives Crescent is forced to choose a side. Putting her family at risk and everything she has ever cared for. Levi had been told the new planet he was scouting was empty of human life. Thrown into the middle of a political war he has to rely on a stranger. July 29th  The Privateer of San Madrid by Danielle Thorne There's a bounty on his head... Captain Julius Bertrand isn't a pirate anymore, but someone wants him out of the way. Distracted by an avaricious girl he could never love and the beautiful Kate O'Connell who doesn't need him, Bertrand tries to untangle the web of mysterious cargo someone in the New World wants to keep a secret. Kate O'Connell arrives in San Madrid determined to put her past behind her. Assisting her physician father shouldn't be too scandalous if she can mind her tongue and temper, but it seems all of the women on the island see her as less than suitable for their company. When tragedy strikes, she must forgive them all and put her best foot forward, even if that means rubbing shoulders with the one man who captivates her heart and imagination. Bertrand's pirating past returns with the explosive force of a sweeping broadside, and he finds he must sacrifice everything his respectable life has brought him in order to save what matters most.  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
Hometown Hope by Laurel Blount — In the three years since her mother’s death, widower Hoyt Bradley’s daughter, Jess, hasn’t spoken—until she suddenly begs him to save her favorite bookstore from closing. Hoyt is desperate to hear his daughter’s voice again, but he and the bookstore’s pretty owner, Anna Delaney, share a less-than-friendly past. Working together is complicated enough…but can they avoid falling in love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) A Heart Surrendered by Joy K. Massenburge — Since her teens, pastor’s daughter Sharonda Peterson devoted her life to church service and solitude after the one night she gave Carl Ray Everhart everything. Sobered by a near-death experience, prodigal Carl returns home from an acting and singing career to serve as the worship leader at Sheronda’s church, and she finds that it takes every ounce of her resolve to resist his pursuits … not to mention memories that threaten to overturn the delicate balance she’s created. Can she finally surrender the one thing she’s tried all these years to protect: her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Harambee Press [Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas]) Starting Anew by Melanie D. Snitker — He’s afraid to trust. She has a secret that could change everything between them. Will they let go of their fear, or allow it to rob them of their chance at happiness? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Historical: Underestimating Miss Cecilia by Carolyn Miller — Can shy, sweet Cecilia overcome her family’s prejudice to see a future with the recently returned prodigal son from next door? (Historical from Kregel Publications) Benaiah: Might Man of God by PH Thompson — A novel of Biblical, historical fiction about Benaiah, one of King David’s mighty men, examining the premise: What happens when the king’s most obedient soldier is issued a wicked command? (Historical/Biblical from Word Alive Press) Historical Romance: Waltz with Destiny by Catherine Ulrich Brakefield — When the men and women of World War II marched off to war, they didn’t know what lay ahead. All they knew was that upon their young and inexperienced shoulders rested the plight of the free world. (Historical Romance from CrossRiver Media Group) Thimbles and Threads by Mary Davis, Grace Hitchcock, Suzanne Norquist, and Liz Tolsma — Enjoy four historical romances that celebrate the arts of sewing and quilting. When Tilly, a schoolteacher; Alice, a bridal shop owner; Sarah, a seamstress; and Melissa, a rag doll designer, put needle and thread to fabric, will their talents lead to the surprising gift of love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Refiner’s Fire by J.M. Hochstetler -- Will the promise their hearts cling to finally find joyful fulfillment, or will war’s refining fire separate them forever? (Historical Romance from Sheaf House Publishers) Where Dandelions Bloom by Tara Johnson — To escape an arranged marriage, Cassie Kendrick enlists in the Union army as a man, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer. Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase past guilt, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships along the way, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding. Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, can Cassie and Gabriel forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker]) The Express Bride by Kimberly Woodhouse — Jacqueline Rivers manages a Pony Express station in 1860 Utah territory after her father’s death. There are daily stresses placed on her in this unconventional role—and now a government official is asking her to sniff out counterfeiters. When Elijah Johnson passes through on the stage while on an exhausting quest to find his boss’s heir, he doesn’t want to leave the beguiling station manager. In fact, he may never leave when caught in the crossfire of the territory’s criminal activities. Can she remain strong when secrets of the past and present are finally unearthed? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Romantic Suspense: Legacy Rejected by Robin Patchen — She’s not giving up her home, no matter what threats come against her. Realtor Ginny Lamont’s family has abandoned her, leaving her with nothing but a warning that she’s in danger. But Ginny’s built a home in New Hampshire. After a childhood of nomadic living, she’s not running again, certainly not because of some nameless, baseless threat. Real estate developer Kade Powers is thrilled to go out with Nutfield’s beautiful new real estate agent. But the prowler they surprise after their first date offers a glimpse into Ginny’s past and the legacy of lies her parents left her with. She brings a mystery, one he’s determined to help her solve. With Kade’s help, Ginny searches for the truth of her parents’ criminal activity while her enemies close in. When mobsters show up in her quaint New England town, will she find a way to bring them down, or will she lose the home—and the man—she’s come to love? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Suspense: Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig — Mentioned in the pages of the Old Testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold secrets–and dangers–never before seen on earth. Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative known as Viorica snatches the volume right out from under them. Iskra “Viorica” Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most–freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of their past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction. (Suspense from Bethany House [Baker]) Speculative: The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin — Deceiving an empire is a treacherous game. Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret–Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver’s curse. As Queen Braith struggles to assert her rule, a new arrival throws her tenuous claim to the Tirian throne into question. Braith’s heart is turned upside down, and she’s not sure she can trust anyone–least of all herself. The puppet master behind Gareth’s rise to power has designs on Tanwen and the story weavers, and will stop at nothing to reclaim the throne. A plot to incite the angry peasants of Tir takes shape, and those dearest to Tanwen will be caught in the crossfire. As the fight for Tir consumes the realm, no one can remain innocent. (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)  School has ended, and summer weather is just around the corner. Be prepared and stock your Kindle with some brand new books today! If you missed May's releases, you can find them here! June 1st  Pastries, Pies, & Poison by Katherine H. Brown Lipstick and lies, pastries and pies, plus a little poison thrown in the mix. Piper and Sam are excited to cater their first large event – breakfast and desserts for a corporation’s weekend wellness retreat being held in a nearby town. You know what that means? Road trip! Piper thought it sounded like the perfect opportunity to clear her head of men. With things left unresolved with Griff, plus her old friend Landon popping back into her life, her mind and heart are in worse shape than a batch of burnt cookies. Unfortunately, the weekend goes pear-shaped in a hurry. A man is dead and everyone at the retreat is a suspect. Can Piper get out of this new pickle and solve the mystery in time to salvage the retreat and the catering job? Will Sam heed the warning to stay out of the police investigation? And will the Ooey Gooey Bakery survive the weekend without them?  A Second Chance Proposal by Lia London Love always comes with risk. Willa Fillmore is expecting her boyfriend to pop the Big Question, not dump her! Now what? She takes a job as a caregiver for a sweet little old lady. Seems like the perfect way to avoid men while her heart heals, right? When Mac Norton's mother dies in a car accident, he promises to keep an eye on his aging grandmother. He never imagined the woman she hires to help around the house could be the perfect cure for both of their grieving hearts. Full of humor and tenderness, this novella celebrates second-chances for love, life, and all the things that matter most.  Mending the Billionaire Movie Star by Bree Livingston A woman hiding from her past, a celebrity desperate to fix his image, and the reality show that forces them together. Penelope Cooper loves her single life. It’s safe and predictable. When her meddling twin sister, Paige, assumes her identity and auditions for Celebrity Proposal—and wins—Penelope’s life is upended. It’s either go on the show with the hunky movie star with a less-than desirable reputation or her sister could be in serious trouble. Angus MacLachlan was Hollywood’s hottest leading man until a bitter, very public breakup with his agent—and subsequent bad behavior—ruined his image and tanked his career. Desperate to get back into his fans’ good graces, he agrees to be on the show, Celebrity Proposal. Neither of them is looking for love, but as the weeks pass, they find themselves growing closer. Can two cold hearts warm up to love, or will the past keep them frozen in time? June 3rd  Reviving the Commander by Nadine C. Keels She isn't a beautiful young maiden hoping to erase the Commander's memory. Opal Whilstead knows she has a reputation: a reputation as a bright, giving, upright woman—smiling and laughing her way through hopeless spinsterhood. It's been so long since she's had serious feelings for a man, but now she finds herself taken with the Commander Exemplar of Diachona's army. And she regrets it. Not only is the Exemplar a widower still longing for his wife, but he's the father of the reigning king. Even if a man of such prestige could find love again, he'd be unlikely to search for it among the kingdom's old maids. Besides, Opal dreads being found, due to a grievous secret she carries... June 4th  Homecoming Blessings by Merrillee Whren When Peter Dalton gets a request from his boss to work with his missionary daughter on a project to help the less fortunate, Peter fears this may mean the end of his rise to the top at Hiatt Construction. But Peter is all about pleasing his boss and will do whatever it takes to please the man. Not happy with her father’s demand, Ashley Hiatt sees little in common with Peter, whom she remembers as a man ten years her senior, consumed with money and beautiful women. Ashley doesn’t know how their contrasting styles can work in this partnership. Soon Peter is thinking about how to help those in need, instead of money. He's changed but not enough to let Ashley win his heart. Will this new mission teach him how to love again?  Tessa by Kayla Tirrell The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Tessa never dreamed of going to Shelfbrooke Academy, but the summer before her senior year, a lawyer visits her family saying she’s a long-lost descendant of the D’Villes—one of the founding families of the school. Encouraged by her parents, she leaves everything she knows behind to finish her studies at the prestigious boarding school. Once there, Tessa’s ties to the D’Villes give her access to all the perks Shelfbrooke has to offer—secret meetings, private rooms, hot guys. But when Tessa and Angelo, the artistic student she can’t seem to stop thinking about, are paired for a school project, Tessa discovers not everyone shares the same love for the D’Ville name. Many would delight to see their fall from grace, while others are willing to do anything to climb to the top. How far is Tessa willing to go to learn more about her past while trying to follow her heart? June 5th  Only Together by Staci Stallings When Nelson Samuels broke up with Paige Grayson and moved half-a-country away, Paige had no choice but to let him go and move on. It has taken a painful and difficult two years, but finally, she has with someone very special. So why, when things are finally going better has Nelson started calling again? Why can’t Paige forget about him and go on with her life? And if she can’t, what then? Nelson Samuels thought he knew what he wanted in life—college at Northwestern and an engineering degree, but life in Seattle hasn’t turned out the way he thought it would be. With the help of his Northwestern friends, LJ Stewart and Yolanda Salazar, not to mention some very challenging classes, Nelson is finally ready to admit he might have been wrong about all of that. But does going home to the friends he left behind still make sense or has it been too long? And if he does go home, have things changed too much for him to ever put them right again? June 8th  Journey to Bein by Joan Lightning Two paths, one choice. Honourable death which dooms the kingdoms, or dishonourable life which saves them? Grieving, confused, and angry after the death of his bonded Sorcerer, Trerin must stay alive long enough to fulfil a prophecy. If he fails to save Princess Rykatu Crystu, the powerful Sorceress will be magically converted to serve their enemies’ god and will lead his armies to victory against her own people. The fate of the Kingdoms now rests on the formerly carefree shapeshifter. Dishonoured while he remains alive, part of him longs for death, and there are many enemies ahead who are eager to oblige. How can he find the strength to choose life and duty, when honour – and his Second Oath – demands death? June 13th  Sweet Adventure by Tamie Dearen Will Katie jump into the shark-infested waters for a second chance at love? Katie Carson is afraid of everything. Spiders. Sharks. And especially love… thanks to her ex-fiancé. That's why her immediate attraction to the reckless Gary Lassiter scares her to death. Sure, he looks like Superman and he saved her from a giant arachnid, but he's an adrenaline junkie. Gary Lassiter owes his life to his best friend, Steven. But his loyalty is tested when he meets Steven's PA, Katie. Though Steven and Katie are probably a better-suited match, Gary wants Katie for himself. He sees a lot of spunk behind her overtly timid façade, and he’s determined to bring it out in the open. When the three spend a week at Indigo Bay, Katie starts to fall for Gary, even stepping outside her comfort zone. It’s all fun and games until her adventure brings her to a moment of life or death. Thrown into the nightmares of her past, she’s convinced they can’t have a future together. Will Gary get past her defenses?  Shaming the Billionaire's Son by Sharon Sue Thorn Second chances come at a cost and super-ambitious Renee Mason is learning it's not easy to work side-by-side with someone who hates her - especially when the feeling isn't mutual. My best friend warned me about taking the hot guy's photo for my shame post. But how could I resist? He was multi-tasking while driving. It was also kind of cute since it involved an apple but that was beside the point. It didn't take long for me to realize I'd made a grave error. The post went viral within minutes and threatened to ruin everything I'd worked so hard to achieve. It nearly cost me an internship and my blog would likely never be the same. How was I to know he was the son of the woman I dreamed of working for? June 14th  The Cowboy's Convenient Marriage by Valerie Comer Rivals form a marriage of convenience in this contemporary cowboy romance, but plan not to fall in love! When Spencer Haviland receives registered mail from his great-uncle’s attorney, he figures he’ll sell his upcoming inheritance after the old man dies. After all, he’s anything but a cowboy. But when Spencer’s life suddenly unravels, he retreats to the rundown Montana ranch only to discover his cousin’s widow and child firmly entrenched. The Rocking H is the most secure home Carmen Haviland has ever known until Spencer arrives, claiming to be Great-Uncle Howard’s heir. But with the attorney’s revelation that his client is considering bestowing the ranch to charity instead, Carmen reluctantly agrees to Spencer’s rash plan for the sake of her daughter. Will a marriage of convenience offer them both what they seek, or will their vows become anything but convenient? June 15th  After Shocks by Grace Bridges They saved a town with the help of the creatures that command the geysers. They saved a city from volcanic eruption. Surely they've earned a break? Tell that to the Titanosaur. Now the faultline network is active, threatening all of central New Zealand with aftershocks that might be bigger than the initial event. Amateur geologist Anira Fraser is in Picton, facing her final high school athletics competition. Along with her friend Tiger McRae, she realises their presence is disturbing the area's guardian spirits. Soon other Earthcore members arrive in town and discover an old enemy stirring up fresh trouble, while the locals hint at the legend of a mysterious taniwha war that could worsen the series of quakes. It's up to Anira and the Earthcore team to find the cause of the war and end it--otherwise they themselves could be responsible for a cataclysmic natural disaster. June 17th  Tutor, Nanny, Spit-Up, Spy by Perry Elizabeth Kirkpatrick He’s a tutor and she’s a nanny… but not really. When a highly-trained female spy breaks her leg just before beginning an undercover mission as a nanny, Emily Abbott, coffee barista, is asked to fill in. Chatter suggests a guerrilla group is plotting the assassination of a South American diplomat while he and his family are in the U.S., and that the assassin may actually be one of his protection detail. As nanny to the diplomat’s four young children, Emily will be perfectly positioned to keep an eye on things and report back to ICS, the spy organization Brent Peterson works for. Emily and Brent–who is undercover as the children’s tutor–navigate long-division, spit-up, arguments over toys, and suspicious guards to discover a plot that’s far more complicated and urgent than they realized. June 18th  Take On Me by Stacy Claflin A traumatized girl wakes in the hospital with no memory of how she got there. Or of anything else. Her only thought is to find the one person she remembers—her Uncle Alex. When the authorities contact Alex Mercer, he rushes to the hospital. He’s surprised to find it’s his cousin Ayla. Shocked to see the condition she’s in. Stunned to learn her parents are missing. Alex welcomes her into his home, and the family rallies around her as she tries to recover. But progress is slow, and for every step forward, she backslides. Compounding the problem is the mounting evidence that none of this was an accident. And the answers to the mystery are locked in her fragile mind. Ayla is scared she’ll never remember. Even more frightened she will—and she won’t like what she recalls. But when she comes face to face with the worst memory of all, she realizes so much more than her history is at stake. And it might be too late to do anything about it.  Differences in Rome by Meredith Deichler Lucy and Marcus have always been on the opposite sides--honestly, they competed against each others as debaters throughout high school and college. It's not exactly a pleasant surprise to find that they both signed up for the same European tour offered to alumni of their college. However, as the group journeyed from Paris to southern France, the two started to build an unexpected connection, a friendship that hinted at the possibility of more. As the tour heads into its Italy for its final portion, Lucy and Marcus discover that years of differences and mistaken perceptions are hard to overcome. June 19th  The Path We Take by Kylie Key He's alone He's tattooed He's badly burnt He's fighting for his life A knee injury turns my world upside down, putting my gymnastics scholarship in doubt. As I wait for surgery, I'm persuaded into volunteering to help with my college applications. The boy called Spider has no family nearby and faces many months in hospital. They think my visits will help with his recovery, give him something to look forward to, help him heal. But they're wrong. I don't help Spider. He helps me, The boy who has nothing to live for Ends up giving me everything to live for. June 20th  Challenge Accepted by R J Amos A magical cat. A contract signed in blood. A key to every door in the city. A challenge for the imagination. In January 2019, author R. J. Amos challenged herself to write a short story every day for thirty days. Using prompts found online, R. J. pushed her creative powers to the limit, writing a full story with a beginning, middle, and end, every day. Here, for you, is the collection of weird and wide-ranging, fun and fantastic stories. Also included are the story prompts that R. J. used so that you too can stretch your imagination. A challenge for you, should you choose to accept it. June 22nd  A Simple Proposal by Lia London Sometimes finding happily ever after isn't so simple... Libby Blake is sweet, smart, and super-model gorgeous, so why doesn't she stand up for herself? When an unwanted, high-pressure proposal catches her off guard, she feels trapped. Who says no to a millionaire, after all? Reg Rafferty's small catering business is just getting off the ground when he's asked to plan a wedding for millionaire Tobias O'Keefe III and his fiance, Libby. This assignment could rocket his company into the big league. There's just one problem. He can tell the bride doesn't want to go through with the wedding, and the more he gets to know her, the more he hopes she doesn't. Full of humor and tenderness, this novella celebrates letting go of past fears and seizing a brighter future.  Dr. Prepper by Margaret Lashley I want to believe—but I mean, really? All Bobbie Drex wanted was something normal—a new career as a private investigator. But after signing up with Nick Grayson to complete her internship, nothing normal has happened since. In fact, when Grayson gets a call about a possible alien invasion going down in Plant City, Florida, normal packs its bags and books a flight for another planet. Man pudding. Zombies. Wayne’s World wannabees. Not to mention the whole “living with a stranger in an RV” thing. The horrors! Bobbie needs her license. Grayson holds the key—to both that and the visions that have plagued her since a ricochet bullet struck her between the eyes. If Bobbie’s going to survive in Grayson’s bizarre new world, she’s going to have to learn fast. Good thing she’s packing a Glock—and enough snark to qualify as a lethal backup weapon. June 25th  Risking Love by Toni Shiloh Nikki lives with a perfect trifecta of noes. No guys. No dates. No way. After years of keeping men at bay, Nikki Gordon has it down to a science. No one, not even the sweet, hunky Shorty Smalls can change her mind. Period. So if she’s got it all figured out, why does her heart sink to her toes when she sees Shorty with another woman? Read Risking Love today and see what happens when you risk your heart to the care of a good man.  The Playboy Patriot by Evangeline Kelly She refused to date a playboy, but would she accept his job offer? Katie Kennedy admired football player, Tucker Jackson, from afar, but she never imagined she’d run into him at the popular restaurant she worked at. He was gorgeous, wild, and completely off limits. After dealing with unstable parents, she was determined to find a man who met her standard of “safe.” As a wide receiver for the Georgia Patriots, Tucker received plenty of attention, but he was tired of the media blasting him for being a player, thus earning him the reputation, “the playboy patriot.” He wanted to settle down one day but wouldn’t let anyone steamroll him into a commitment he wasn’t ready for. When a friendship developed that neither of them expected, along with more sparks than they knew what to do with, something changed between them. If they’d foreseen the explosion their relationship would cause in the media, they might have thought twice about their actions. Then again, Tucker was never one to back down from a challenge. June 26th  Kindred Spirits by Julie C. Gilbert Victory comes at a price. Exiled to Earth, Mina bears the weapon she stole from Satan, preventing him from destroying the angels of light. Despite this, Spirit’s Bane weakens her with pain when she uses her Gifts to protect those under her care. Meanwhile, the Council of Light confines Allister to the Heavens. They fear what Satan will do if he captures the Kindred Spirit Pair. Allister knows they are stronger together, but even if he defies the Council by going to Earth, there’s no guarantee he’ll reach Mina before Satan’s minions. If Allister and Mina cannot defeat Spirit’s Bane swiftly, precious souls will be lost in the coming conflict. June 27th  Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke The secret lies with the Heart. Born with a magical knack for manipulating emotions, Leodora's only dream is to ensure her talented little sister dances on the biggest, brightest stage in the Republic: The Curiosity, a grand old theater of tradition and innovation. After escaping a cruel carnival, Leo secures her sister a place in the Curiosity’s chorus line, and herself a job as a professional audience member, swaying the crowd's mood with her magic. The girls have a home for the first time in their lives. Then a tragic accident darkens the theater. A greedy businessman begins blackmailing Leo, and financial woes threaten to close the show forever. The Curiosity's sole hope lies in a mythical power source hidden beneath the maze-like passages and trapdoors of the theater—the Heart. And Leo’s only friend Paxton, nephew of the theater's stagemistress, is the key to finding it. While Leo and Paxton hunt for the Heart, the blackmailer’s threats loom larger. Mysterious figures, cryptic clues, and deadly traps hinder the search at every turn. If the friends cannot recover the Heart in time, Leo and her sister will be cast out of the only home they’ve ever known, and the final curtain will fall on The Curiosity. Enter a world reminiscent of The Greatest Showman, with a puzzle worthy of Sherlock Holmes and National Treasure, in this new Steampunk Fantasy from H. L. Burke.  The Huntsman and the Healer by Julie C. Gilbert The Guild wants justice. They’ll settle for her life. Marina didn’t cause the River’s Edge tragedy, but she knows who did. Knowing the truth could spark a war between the two magic races, she determines to carry the secret forever. The Arkonai High Council wants answers, and they want Daniel to get them. He knows she’s innocent, but if he doesn’t cooperate, they will send another huntsman. And Marina might not live through the encounter. June 30th  The Art of Rivers by Janet W. Ferguson Rivers Sullivan bears both visible and invisible scars—those on her shoulder from a bullet wound and those on her heart from the loss of her fiancé during the same brutal attack. Not even her background as an art therapist can help her regain her faith in humanity. Still, she scrapes together the courage to travel to St. Simons Island to see the beach cottage and art gallery she’s inherited from her fiancé. When she stumbles upon recovering addicts running her gallery, she’s forced to reckon with her own healing. After the tragic drowning of his cousin, James Cooper Knight spends his days trying to make up for his past mistakes. He not only dedicates his life to addiction counseling, but guilt drives him to the water, searching for others who’ve been caught unaware of the quickly rising tides of St. Simons. When he rescues a peculiar blond woman and her sketch pad from a sandbar, then delivers this same woman to his deceased grandmother’s properties, he knows things are about to get even more complicated. Tragic circumstances draw Cooper and Rivers closer, but they fight their growing feelings. Though Cooper’s been sober for years, Rivers can’t imagine trusting her heart to someone in recovery, and he knows a relationship with her will only rip his family further apart. Distrust and guilt are only the first roadblocks they must overcome if they take a chance on love.  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
The Art of Rivers by Janet Ferguson — Can a woman whose life has been damaged by addiction trust her heart to a man in recovery? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher — Horse rescue farmer Ashley helps Ben start an equine therapy barn on his great-great grandfather’s farm. When they consider a relationship together, her bitter experience with her opioid addict brother reins in any hope for a future with Ben, who is five years in recovery from alcoholism. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Risking Love by Toni Shiloh — Nikki lives with a perfect trifecta of noes. No guys. No dates. No way. After years of keeping men at bay, Nikki Gordon has it down to a science. No one, not even sweet, hunky Shorty Smalls can change her mind. Period. So if she’s got it all figured out, why does her heart sink to her toes when she sees Shorty with another woman? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit) General: Uncharted Destiny by Keely Brooke Keith — When Bailey sets out to rescue her lost friend in the Land’s dangerous mountain terrain, she discovers more about the Land—and herself—than she bargained for. (General from Edenbrooke Press) Six Houses Down by Kari Rimbey — Two days after Sharon Webster’s distant husband returns for a surprise visit, their autistic son slips out of the house and is lost in historic Washington D. C. As they search for their boy, Sharon is forced to rely on the husband she believes no longer loves her. An elderly black couple down the street seems to understand her unspoken hurts. Has God sent them to help her find trust again? (General Contemporary, Independently Published) Historical: In the Shadow of the King by Melissa Rosenberger — Beset by doubts and jealousy about prophecies spoken over her brother Yeshua, Hannah struggles to see the truth before her eyes until it is too late…or is it? (Historical from Carpenter’s Son Publishing) Historical Romance: This Healing Journey by Misty M. Beller — An adventure-seeking wilderness girl and an ex-cavalryman looking to settle down fall in love while caring for a wounded Indian child that shows up in his barn. Will their differences keep them apart or become their greatest strengths? (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Cameo Courtships by Susanne Dietze, Debra E. Marvin, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Kathleen Y’Barbo — In 1851, a special cameo is gifted by Queen Victoria to Letitia Newton, who though considered an old maid, meets the perfect gentleman minutes after donning. Told by the Queen the cameo is to be shared, Letitia gifts the “Victoria Cameo” to a woman in her family, hoping adventure and romance will follow each of its subsequent wearers. Adventure indeed follows two competing journalists, one of whom carries the cameo while looking to expose a smuggler, a trouser-wearing frontierswoman and a reverend who are on a mission to ransom the cameo from a manipulative brothel owner, two Pinkertons who are charged with the care of the cameo but must rely on one another when the cameo is once again stolen, and a young woman who doubts the cameo can help her when a handsome Scottish library administrator ruins her dream of overseeing the new Carnegie Library children’s department and keeps a social chasm between himself and her father. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Mail-Order Refuge by Cindy Regnier — Carly Blair from Baltimore buys a train ticket to Kansas where she will become the wife of a man she’s never met. She must leave Baltimore to escape the evil plans her ex-fiance has for using her artistic talents for a counterfeit operation. Rand Stafford, Kansas cattle rancher is looking after his two orphaned nieces, but knows they need a mother. He’s not interested in love since being left at the altar so he advertises for a mail-order bride, willing to do whatever it takes to give Mary Jo and Jenna a proper home and upbringing. Can Carly and Rand find love where they least expect it, or will the shadows of the past dash their hopes for the future? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky — Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to work as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans—but was that the truth? (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House]) Romantic Suspense: Darkwater Truth by Robin Caroll — Adelaide Fountaine, general manager, is enthusiastically renovating parts of the Darkwater Inn. Her intentions come to a screeching halt when a skeleton is found behind a makeshift wall—an axe beside it. As Adelaide works alongside owner Dimitri Pampalon and Detective Beau Savoie, the two men who have been pursuing her heart, she learns the eerie death has tentacles that reach deep into the seedy past of both the Darkwater Inn and the evil underground of New Orleans. The past and the present collide as the stakes are upped—not only for Adelaide’s heart, but for her very life and her father’s life as well. The threats are deadly, the coils of evil are tightening around everyone involved, and they are more powerful than anyone could have ever imagined. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Over the Line by Kelly Irvin — Gabriela’s brother is missing, he’s a suspect in a murder, and she’s in the cross hairs of a criminal organization. The only person who can help her is the one man she can’t trust. Will Gabby & Eli find her brother before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Long Walk Home by DiAnn Mills — As an Arab Christian pilot for a relief organization, Paul Farid feels called to bring supplies to his war-torn countrymen in southern Sudan. But with constant attacks from Khartoum’s Islamic government, the villagers have plenty of reasons to distrust Paul, and he wonders if the risks he’s taking are really worth his mission. American doctor Larson Kerr started working with the Sudanese people out of a sense of duty and has grown to love them all, especially Rachel Alier, her young assistant. But despite the years she’s spent caring for them, her life feels unfulfilled. It’s a void noticed both by Paul and by Rachel’s older brother, Colonel Ben Alier of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army. When Rachel is abducted, Paul, Ben, and Larson agree to set aside their differences to form an unlikely alliance and execute a daring rescue. Their faith and beliefs tested, each must find the strength to walk the path God has laid before them, to find their way home. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House) The Last Chaplain by Carl M. White — At the request of Pastor John Grant, the last chaplain of the United States Senate, Lisa Smithy embarks on the adventure of a lifetime: find a former Senate staff member and convince him to reveal to a DC reporter the plot that led to Dr. Grant’s removal and the discrediting of his best friend, a United States Senator. From the South, to the West, to the Midwest, evil men are desperate to stop her, and romance surprisingly finds her. Can she bring together the former Senate staffer who knows all and the Washington reporter who can tell all, while eluding the men who would end it all? (Romantic Suspense from Austin Brothers Publishers)  My daughter and I recently took a trip to visit my grandma in Arizona. While my daughter had met her in person once before, she was only two and a half years old and didn't really remember. Thankfully, my daughter's spoken to her great grandma over Skype a couple of times, and they write to each other here and there. Don't you just love technology and how it can keep us all connected?  The trip was also a wonderful opportunity for my daughter and I to have an adventure together and do some bonding - something we both enjoyed. We had fun walking with my grandma, admiring all of the pretty flowers and the orange trees (which smelled heavenly), and just spending time visiting.  It was a huge blessing to watch my daughter as she and her great grandma worked on a puzzle together, went through photo albums and treasures collected through the years, and spent time together. Most importantly, I loved to see the memories they were making. One day, we went to my auntie's house where I got the chance to visit with her and even reconnected with three of my cousins. My daughter met four of her second cousins. It was such a wonderful day! The trip went by way too quickly, but I know it's one my daughter (and I) will remember fondly for years and years to come. Is there a particular trip or vacation that you remember as a child that still brings a smile to your face? I'd love for you to share about it! Here are some of the pretty flowers we saw, along with an orange tree and a serene fountain. I enjoyed taking photos!
 I'm excited to announce that my newest book, Charmed by the Daring Cowboy, is now available! This book was SO much fun to write. Dare originally appeared as Grey's younger brother in I Still Do. The moment I "met" Dare, I knew he had to have a book of his own. I hope you enjoy reading Dare and Alyssa's story as much as I did writing it. She's a landscaper on a deadline. He's a cowboy assigned to help. Will their growing attraction get in the way, or blossom into true love? Alyssa Reid has never shied away from a challenge, but she may be in over her head this time. The single mom is juggling two landscaping projects with strict deadlines. Having her young son and an ornery runaway goat underfoot certainly isn't helping. A handsome cowboy is assigned to help her, and she finds herself losing focus in a whole new way. Dare Jackson knows what it's like to be raised by a single mom. When the Sage Valley ranch hand meets Alyssa and her son Noah, he's immediately drawn to them. The more he gets to know them, the more he wants to be there for them both. But with every attempt he makes, he can feel Alyssa pulling farther away. He needs to change his game plan, and fast, because he's already having trouble imagining life without her. Alyssa is afraid to trust her heart--and her son's--to the kind cowboy. Dare doesn't know how to convince her he's worth the risk. Can they meet in the middle? Or, like Hopscotch the goat, will true love escape their grasp?  Romancing the Conflicted Cowboy by Crystal Walton
Falling for the Younger Cowboy by Liwen Y. Ho Wrangled by the Watchful Cowboy by Tamie Dearen Charmed by the Daring Cowboy by Melanie D. Snitker Inspired by the Creative Cowboy by Bree Livingston  Happy May! I love this month - the weather is beautiful, wildflowers are cropping up everywhere, and it just makes me feel cheerful. It also means school is starting to wind down for the summer. I don't know about you, but I find it's great to have some books waiting for me on my Kindle for those moments when I get some time to myself. Thankfully, there are a number of fabulous books coming out this month. I hope you'll take some time to browse around and pick a few for yourself! If you missed last month's new releases, you can find them here. April 30th  No Greater Love by Gina Holder One Book Changed Her Life…and Her Eternity He said he’d never risk leaving a widow. She said she’d never love a man in uniform. Paige McDonald collects antique literature and works at the largest bookstore in Portland, Oregon. When her grandfather, a firefighter, was killed, she vowed never to fall in love with a first responder. An old Bible leads to an unexpected discovery and disrupts everything she knows about herself, her family, and God. Her desire to know the truth sends her to the town of Whitman directly into the radar of Patrol Officer Hamilton Bryant. After the loss of his best friend and fellow officer, Hamilton vowed never to marry. He won’t risk leaving a widow. Instead, he reserves his passion for serving his family and the town he’s sworn to protect. When a series of robberies and threats against the mayor correspond with Paige’s sudden appearance in Whitman, their paths intersect. May 1st  Find You Again by Jan Thompson Firefighter Cheyenne Endecott is grateful to Savannah Senior Living Resort Director Roger Patel for providing a safe place for Aunt Gemma to live in her widowed years. When Roger needs a trustworthy confidant to help him deal with a skeleton in his family closet, Cheyenne is more than happy to pray for him and do what she can. She feels that she is returning a favor. One thing leads to another, and the favor starts to affect their friendship. Pretty soon, bachelor Roger is reconsidering his self-imposed moratorium on dating and relationships…  A Body in the Woods by Steve Demaree Cy has a new friend, he of the four-legged variety. On the morning of the winter's first snowstorm, Cy's new friend finds a body in the woods. When an autopsy reveals that the man was murdered, Cy and Lou, sometimes accompanied by Cy's new friend, go traipsing through the woods, driving through the most sparsely populated part of the county, and occasionally drive into town, to try to figure out who murdered the man. They soon learn that it is easier to deduce why he was murdered than to figure out who killed him. But eventually, Cy and Lou, with a little help from Cy's new friend, are able to bring the case to a conclusion and retreat to the warmth of their homes.  The Ranger's Forgiveness by Bree Livingston A conspiracy theorist, the high school sweetheart whose heart she broke, and the threats that bring them together. Taylor Mabrey runs a conspiracy theory satire website. It’s something she loves to do, and since it’s anonymous, she doesn’t think twice about it. But the fun stops when she starts getting ominous threats. Thinking she just needs a break, she goes home to spend time with family, where she comes face to face with Elijah Emerson—the only boy she’s ever loved . . . the one she dumped right after graduation. Elijah Emerson returns to his hometown to take care of his family’s estate after his mom passed away. But his plan for a quick trip goes awry when he sees his high school sweetheart, Taylor Mabrey. Nine years ago, they were supposed to run away and get married, instead she broke his heart, and he still doesn’t know why. When the threats follow Taylor and her home is burned down, Elijah feels compelled to protect her. Forced together, old feelings bubble to the surface as they confront their past, along with the reason Taylor ended things. May 2nd  Charmed by the Daring Cowboy by Melanie D. Snitker She's a landscaper on a deadline. He's a cowboy assigned to help. Will their growing attraction get in the way, or blossom into true love? Alyssa Reid has never shied away from a challenge, but she may be in over her head this time. The single mom is juggling two landscaping projects with strict deadlines. Having her young son and an ornery runaway goat underfoot certainly isn't helping. A handsome cowboy is assigned to help her, and she finds herself losing focus in a whole new way. Dare Jackson knows what it's like to be raised by a single mom. When the Sage Valley ranch hand meets Alyssa and her son Noah, he's immediately drawn to them. The more he gets to know them, the more he wants to be there for them both. But with every attempt he makes, he can feel Alyssa pulling farther away. He needs to change his game plan, and fast, because he's already having trouble imagining life without her. Alyssa is afraid to trust her heart--and her son's--to the kind cowboy. Dare doesn't know how to convince her he's worth the risk. Can they meet in the middle? Or, like Hopscotch the goat, will true love escape their grasp?  In the Market for Love by Megan Squires Sophie Potters’ life is in full bloom. Running both a thriving flower farm and successful Farmers’ Market, she’s living out her dreams in the idyllic Northern California town of Fairvale. While Sophie might be able to create stunning bouquets, she withers when it comes to romance. Content with her single status, she resolves to focus on her work, until a lost piece of luggage lands a handsome stranger on her porch. Landscape architect, Cole Blankenship, has always lived in his father’s shadow. When he’s selected as the designer for a popular backyard contest, a trip out west offers an opportunity to finally prove himself. He meets the charismatic florist who farms the same plot of land and tensions grow, along with unexpected feelings. But any sort of relationship is prohibited and could cost Cole the first place title and Sophie, her livelihood. Will Sophie and Cole let a contest dictate their love lives? Or will they discover that love grows best when you follow your heart and not the rules?  Monster of the Asylum by B.T. Lord and J.S. Stephens Sixteen year old Addison Monroe and her friends think they’ve hit the jackpot when they win a contest that will allow them to go on a televised ghost investigation with the nationally renowned TV paranormal investigative team, The Ghost Dudes. With cameras rolling, the two groups arrive at the infamous Meadowlark Asylum. Suddenly shut down nearly a half century before under mysterious circumstances, it’s become shrouded in stories and legends about the darkness, nicknamed Monster of the Asylum, that allegedly stalks its abandoned hallways. It isn’t long before Addison realizes something is terribly wrong. What was advertised as a Halloween night TV special takes on a sinister note when, as her team’s reluctant psychic, she begins to see visions that show what really happened all those years ago. Visions that warn her they are all in danger. Things escalate when one of her teammates suddenly disappears while the others, including members of The Ghost Dudes, slowly come to the horrifying realization that the legends about Meadowlark Asylum may actually be true. And the Monster won’t rest until it claims another victim. This is Book 1 in The Ghost Seekers Paranormal Mystery series. May 3rd  Not Until You by Valerie M. Bodden She clings to the past like a treasured antique. He’d rather toss it in the trash. But if they can learn to trust in the God of second chances, they might just discover a future together. The past is all she has… Since her husband’s death three years ago, Violet has struggled to keep their antique store afloat and her grief at bay. She knows it’s time to move on, but she’s not sure she wants to. So when Nate moves in next door, she tries to ignore the feelings he stirs in her—feelings that were supposed to have died with her husband. The past haunts him… Nate’s star was rising in the world of Christian music. But all that was erased with a single, life-shattering mistake. One he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven for. One that means he doesn’t deserve a future—and definitely not with his beautiful new neighbor. Can they have a future? As the two work together to save her store, neither can deny the feelings that are starting to develop. But when Nate’s secret is exposed, they have to decide if they should walk away—or trust that the God of second chances has a plan for their future. May 11th  An Unusual Adventure by Anne Perreault She needed more than her small town could give her. Judith Stone longs for an adventure, something to challenge her busy mind and her thirst for more. Austin Harding, her childhood friend, and the boy she has secretly loved all her life, returns after several years of absence and offers her exactly that. She jumps at the chance to spend her life with him and to see places of wonder. Along the way, they are met with unexpected danger. Austin Harding is about to take the trip of a lifetime, and he's decided to make Judith part of it. As they embark on their journey, he quickly finds out that trying to keep her safe is not as easy as he thought. Judith and Austin find themselves in the thrall of an unusual adventure, set in the barbaric middle east. Will they make it out alive?  Last Second Chance by Robert Goluba A convicted murderer. A caring family. Under one roof. Rick Powell’s relentless dedication to succeed serves him well. He expects the same results when he gets sucked into the family business. He’s wrong. Things implode, and the bank wants its money back. Generations of hard-work look to be lost forever. Out of options, Rick and his wife accept an inmate into their home to gain some quick cash….and provide a second chance. At first, it appears to be a stroke of genius, but incarcerated felons are unpredictable. Nothing goes as planned. Will granting an inmate a second chance be a deadly mistake? May 12th  Tortured Soul by Theresa Linden A single woman thrown out of her family home. A terrifying specter that only she sees. A dark connection between his past and hers… After her father’s tragic death and her mother’s more recent passing, loss leaves an emptiness she can’t fill. But now thirty-two-year-old Jeannie Lyons must leave her family home, the one place that lets her keep alive the memory of her parents. She moves into an old house on the edge of town, one too big for just her and her three-legged cat, but she soon gets the impression she’s not alone. Her brother thinks she has an overactive imagination. Her sister-in-law thinks she needs counseling. The man her brother’s been trying to set her up with is the only one who seems to believe her, but can she trust him? Having nowhere else to turn, she must face her inner demons and confront this soul from beyond the grave... May 14th  Game Plan by Kayla Tirrell I’ve got one shot to win his heart. I’ve had a crush on Preston Royce for as long as I can remember. Only, I’ve never told him, or anyone, because he doesn’t see me that way. (And because his sister, Charlie, happens to be my best friend!) But when Preston’s girlfriend breaks his heart, Charlie comes up with a plan to get them back together—a plan that involves Preston and me pretending to date. Yeah, it’s a bad idea cozying up with a guy who’s still in love with his ex, but it may be my only chance to get close to him before we graduate high school. He thinks we’re faking. Meanwhile, I’m falling more in love with him.... May 15th  Fourth of July at Barbecue Corral by Irene Onorato Rachel Valentino is anxious to get back to business when her bistro is finally repaired after being damaged by a tornado. But everything is turned upside down when her self-centered older sister unexpectedly sends Amy, her pre-teen daughter, to live with Rachel without permission or foreknowledge. Fate brings handsome and kindhearted Seth Garrison, an old high school crush, back into Rachel’s life. But with a bistro to run and the responsibility of surrogate motherhood suddenly resting on her shoulders, the chance for romance seems slim. When disaster strikes, Rachel must find a way to face seemingly insurmountable challenges. To start over in business, master instant parenthood…and accept unconditional love. May 16th  Inspired by the Creative Cowboy by Bree Livingston A woman who’s lost her trust, an artist who’s lost his inspiration, and the broken-down barn that brings them together. Summer Brown is back at Sage Valley Ranch nursing the loss of her job and desperate to prove herself. Her Nanna has given her the task of restoring the old barn used for events. When the contractor she’s hired skips town, she’s left high and dry—until Julian Wolf steps in. He sure is good-looking, but her trust is shot. Artist Julian Wolf has wandered aimlessly since the failure of his last gallery showing. When he hears the cute blonde lamenting the loss of her contractor, he offers to help. His plan was to fix the barn, maybe do a little soul-searching in hope of finding his inspiration, not lose his heart to a girl he’ll have to leave. May 27th  Bad Things, Small Packages by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick She's a barista... and an accidental spy. Someone is chasing ICS agent Brent Peterson for the contents of a microSD card. The problem is... he doesn't have it. Emily is just trying to adult: make ends meet, save for college, and keep from getting sick and missing work. But the microSD card Brent stashed on her car is making more trouble than either of them could have guessed. Getting it to the decryption genius before it self-destructs, and understanding its contents is going to take both of them. The spy agency needs saving, but Brent and Emily don't even know it. Are they up to the task? May 24th  Surprised by the Billionaire by Remi Carrington Canadian billionaire Antoine Bergeron has spent the last seven years alone and is content to stay that way. Loving and losing once is enough for a lifetime. But a surprise encounter with a beautiful American stranger has him changing travel plans and rearranging his life to surprise her again and again. His one rule: he doesn’t discuss his past. For Gemma Tyler, life is almost perfect—a cute apartment, good friends, and a successful personal shopping business—until she spills wine on a charming stranger with a delicious accent. Since they live in different countries, his interest surprises her, but she decides there’s no harm in spending time with him while he’s in town. But after only a couple of dates, she’s close to breaking her one dating rule: no long-distance relationships. All the money in the world can’t move Texas and Toronto closer together. Maybe some rules are made to be broken. And when Gemma gets an unexpected surprise that sends her running, Antoine will finally have to face his fears and open up about his past. May 29th  How to Date a Genie by Jessica L. Elliott All she wants is a normal life, but normal is hard to come by when you're a genie. Oriana Codona is enjoying a brief reprieve from the demands of an unreasonable wisher while staying with her brother. But her past isn't going to let her go that easily, and it's going to take more than wishes to become free. Perhaps with the help of a sweet, new friend, Oriana can be free not just from this wisher, but from all of them. Trent Moss finds himself caught between the world he's always known and one he never believed existed. But when Oriana is in danger, he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means losing his heart in the process. May 30th  Sweet Complications by Stacy Claflin He can have any woman he wants… except her. NFL quarterback Dylan Manley's life revolves around his career and the fame associated with it. He's only back in Indigo Bay to help with a fundraiser in memory of his best friend. But then finds he has to work with Brooke—the one person who has always made him trip over his own feet. Brooke Davenport is a far cry from the girl next door who left town years ago. Focused on her political aspirations and still recovering from the loss of her doting brother, she wants nothing more than to return to DC for good. But first she has to get through the fundraiser with Dylan, who she blames for her brother's death. When a family emergency pulls Brooke's parents out of town, the success of the fundraiser depends on Brooke and Dylan. He'll do whatever it takes to show her he's a new man, but every attempt only makes him look worse. If he can't make things right, he'll lose her forever.  Ninety Days to the God Habit by J. Traveler Pelton Has your spiritual life hit a ditch? Instead of peace and prayer in the morning, do you find yourself dashing out the door, apologizing to God for being in a rush, feeling regret as you charge off to the meet your day? Is there a glass ceiling over your prayers, worse, have you felt He isn't listening anymore, and you know it's probably your own fault? Do you feel as if you're drifting, like flotsam in the river, instead of riding the flood of God's strength; is your worship life down to what happens at church, fed to you by others, predigested and ground like baby food, better than nothing but not very filling, giving you no lasting joy? What's the excuse you give yourself to cover the guilt you feel over leaving Him waiting for you? When the chaos of life become all too encompassing, leaving you feeling battered, helpless and exhausted, there is hope. It's time to break the destructive routine and get a new one going that works. This book helps you understand how to climb out of the rut of mediocrity, how to start a habit of living in the Presence of God, and it gives you a path, clear, simple and scientifically proven, to a triumphant relationship with God. Recover your faith, renew your love, revive your soul. Isn't it time you fell in love all over again? May 31st  Drowned at the Rat by April Anderton The bass player's dead and no one's talking. When the lead singer of a local punk group turns up dead at the infamous night club known as The Rat, it looks like a clear-cut case of band envy. Boston reporter, Ali Loukas, isn’t so sure. Something smells off and with the help of her boyfriend and homicide detective, Ryan McGuire, Ali sets out to sniff out the real killer . . . or killers. It's 1997 and The Rat is slowly dying. Underground violence and cutthroat competition have become the norm, but Vinny G.'s death threatens to close the curtains. Can Ali help find the killer and save the club or will she end up six feet under?  Martha by Phillipa Nefri Clark 1972. It is four years since Martha Ryan’s world crashed around her. Fleeing to England to study teaching, she had left everything behind. Her beloved seaside town of River’s End, her big sister, Dorothy, and the one man she loves beyond reason. After the untimely death of her father, she finds a new home in Ireland. There, she buys a cottage, embarking on a career as a teacher in the small town, and travelling during every long school holiday. She finds friendships, relationships, and adventures. But dreams haunt her. Deep down, she longs for her home town in Australia, and to see Dorothy. Will a life well lived be enough, or is one letter the turning point to risk everything she’s come to love?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
When Love Won’t Wait by Roger E. Bruner — Laugh at Pastor Dan’s impulsive efforts to get out of the ministry and marry a woman of his own choosing by going against his domineering widowed mother’s wishes. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) A Perfect Amish Match by Vannetta Chapman — After three failed relationships, Amish bachelor Noah Graber would rather disappoint his parents than try again. But when matchmaker Olivia Mae Miller agrees to provide courting lessons, Noah’s perfect match becomes clear—it’s Olivia Mae herself! With ailing grandparents at home, she hadn’t planned on love or marriage. Might a future with Noah be everything she’s been missing? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Sing a New Song by Candee Fick — Songbird Gloria Houghton has always needed to be the center of attention, but the spotlight has shifted. Seeking fame and a fresh start, she finds a new stage in Branson, Missouri…only to risk being replaced by a manipulative rival. If Gloria can’t be the star, who is she? Jack-of-all-trades Nick Sherwood is just one leaf on a vast family tree that includes a restaurant chef, hotel owners, and even the headline act at a family-owned theater. He’s seen how fame can blind a person with jealousy and is more than content to stay in the background thank you very much. If only he wasn’t so fascinated–and irritated–by the newest addition to the staff. After a disaster of a first impression and financial difficulties land Gloria in the humblest of jobs—with Nick as her boss—it might be time for her to learn to sing a new song. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Pigtails and a Tool Belt by Janetta Fudge-Messmer — The Christian Romance where circumstances seem impossible. But with God – all things are possible. (Contemporary Romance from Winged Publications) Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner — After four years of dating Will, Cadie questions his love for her and sends him packing. Their breakup only makes Will more determined to become the man Cadie wants him to be. With the help of his work buddies and tactics drawn from Cadie’s favorite romantic comedies, he devises a “foolproof” plan. What could possibly go wrong? (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing) General Contemporary: Over the Waters by Deborah Raney — As “Dr. Botox” to the bored rich women of Chicago, plastic surgeon Max Jordan was shocked by the decision of his son, Joshua, to focus his medical talent on Haitian orphans. Embittered by Joshua’s death, Max searches for resolution in the very place his son called home. The selfless labor of Joshua’s coworkers stuns Max. He is particularly taken by American volunteer Valerie Austin, whose dream of a honeymoon on a tropical beach were crushed, replaced by a stint working in the impoverished orphanage. But Valerie’s view of Joshua’s sacrifice challenges everything Max has lived for. Now Max wonders if he can ever return to his “Max-a-Million” lifestyle, or if the doors to his gilded cage have finally opened. (General Contemporary from Raney Day Press) Historical: True Freedom by Carol Ashby — When a Roman slave rescues his master’s daughter from the kidnapping arranged by her own brother, will his sacrificial service earn the freedom and love he never dreamed possible, or will it only end in death? (Historical from Cerrillo Press) Historical Romance: The Daughter’s Predicament by Mary Eileen Davis — Can a patient love win her heart? As Isabelle Atwood’s romance prospects are turning in her favor, a family scandal derails her dreams. While making a quilt for her own hope chest, Isabelle’s half-sister becomes pregnant out of wedlock and Isabelle–always the unfavored daughter–becomes the family sacrifice to save face. Isabelle loves her sister, but with three suitors interested, will she really allow herself to be manipulated into a marriage without love? Or will the man leaving her secret love poems sweep her off her feet? (Historical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink) Mail-Order Mishaps by Susan Page Davis, Linda Ford, Vickie McDonough, and Erica Vetsch — In The Bride’s Dilemma by Susan Page Davis, Eve Martin arrives in Cheyenne to learn that man she came to marry is in jail, accused of a violent murder. But has God brought her here to help save Caleb Blair’s life? In Romancing the Rancher by Linda Ford, Amelia expects a safe home for herself and her niece in Montana as mail-order bride to Zach Taggerty. Only Zach has never heard of her. In The Marriage Sham by Vickie McDonough, Texas mail-order bride Zola Bryant is a widowed newlywed. Worse, they were never truly wed because the officiant was an outlaw not a preacher. What will she do now that her life and reputation are in tatters? In The Galway Girl by Erica Vetsch, a mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Lord of Her Heart by Sherrinda Ketchersid — Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth. Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for. Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways. Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Love’s Belief by Linda Shenton Matchett — When the Third Reich implements mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution, is midewife Pia Hertz’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man? Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army, despite the reason–a battle that cost his arm. After he returns to Berlin, only to discover the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press) Shelter Bay by Pamela S. Meyers — Adventurous bicyclist Maureen Quinn and her best friend, Preston Stevens, a member of the U.S. Life Saving Service, find love and face life-altering events on the shores of Lake Michigan. (Historical Romance from Mantle Rock Publishing) Mystery: Fallen Leaf by Julie B. Cosgrove — When a DNA kit reveals blond, blue-eyed Jessica Warren is half Cherokee, she confronts her adoptive parents and learns her birth father is in prison…for murder! Now he wants her help in exonerating him. Can Jessica trust the handsome, young Tulsa district attorney to help, or does he have an agenda of his own? (Cozy Mystery from Write Integrity Press) Bitter Pill by Richard L. Mabry, MD — Things were going along just fine until the miracle fouled them up. (Medical Mystery, Independently Published) Latter-day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott — Kirsten Young, a well-known and rebellious Utah heiress, is found murdered in Provo Canyon. The strange markings carved into her flesh and the note written in 19th century code seem to cast a shadow on ancient Mormon laws. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned to cover the story– and it quickly grows out of control. (Historical Mystery from Moody) Romantic Suspense: Running Target by Elizabeth Goddard — A routine patrol turns deadly when marine deputy Bree Carrington’s boat is sunk by men carrying illegal weapons. Fleeing a barrage of bullets, she’s suddenly rescued by DEA agent Quinn Strand—her ex-boyfriend. Quinn’s return threatens more than Bree’s heart…because he’s the one the men are really after. As criminals hunt her to get to him, can Quinn and Bree take down a drug ring? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Speculative: The Pages of Her Life by James L. Rubart — Allison Moore’s dad was living a secret life and left her mom in massive debt. As she scrambles to help her mom find a way out, she’s given a journal, anonymously, during a visit to her favorite coffee shop. The pressure to rescue her mom mounts, and Allison pours her fears and heartache into the journal. But then the unexplainable happens. The words in the journal, her words, begin to disappear. And new ones fill the empty spaces—words that force her to look at everything she knows about herself in a new light. Ignoring those words could cost her everything…but so could embracing them. (Speculative from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)  I've been crocheting a little again. My son absolutely loves the Veggie Tales right now, and he asked if I'd crochet him a Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. It was fun creating these guys without a pattern. I was happy with how they turned out. My son was thrilled with them!  My son's teacher is expecting a baby this month. I wanted to make her something and had been dying to try this super soft yarn I'd seen. The teddy bear lovey was a joy to make and ended up so cuddly!
After creating it, our son wanted one just like it for himself (he collects all kinds of stuffed animals). So I made him one, and I'm in the process of making another in a different color for my daughter. They have been fun projects!  Start off your spring with a selection of new books! You'll find a nice variety of new releases here. All are clean, sweet, inspirational, or a combination of the above. As always, be sure to read the descriptions before purchasing! March 30th  The Princess Who Forgot She Was Beautiful by William David Ellis Harry Ferguson has a problem. Dragons have blown into his sleepy East Texas town. And it’s all his fault. Now here’s what happened… A medieval peasant boy Harry Ferguson, along with the love of his life, Princess Sarah, is thrown through time and spat out a thousand years into the future. He lands in a small town in rural Texas. But that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Not only are Harry and Sarah far from when they were, Harry is now an old man. Perhaps even worse, Sarah has become a six-year-old girl with no memory of their past, and the dragon that has vowed to kill him has followed them down through time and wants Sarah as his bride. One thing is for certain, Moab, Texas, will never be the same again. The Princess Who Forgot She Was Beautiful is a spellbinding tale full of twists and turns, tears and laughter. From time-travel to a hidden princess and a demonized dragon, each page pulls the reader ever further into this heroic tale. This is the first book of Ellis’s Harry Ferguson Chronicles. If you like love stories, shape-shifting dragons, men with integrity, and women who will fight beside and for their men, you are going to love this series. April 1st  Second Chance with the Billionaire by Remi Carrington Amy still regrets her failed engagement, especially because she’s to blame for it falling apart. Focusing on her teaching career, she hopes to one day meet someone who will make her forget her ex. After adopting his orphaned nieces, Milo has spent the last three years trying to be the best dad possible. When he walks his five-year-old into her first day of kindergarten and discovers his ex is the teacher, he feels the sting of rejection all over again. Amy wants a second-chance. Milo never wants to see her again, but his little girl loves her teacher—and just maybe, he does, too.  The Ranger's Hope by Bree Livingston When a stubborn therapist meets an Army Ranger who has given up, it’s a battle of wills—and a growing attraction. Counselor Kennedy Crenshaw loves her new job as director of Rescues for Vets. Not only does she get to help returning veterans, but she also finds homes for shelter dogs. It's the best of both worlds and it’s one she's not willing to give up when her gambling-addicted ex-husband returns with trouble in tow. Ryder Whitlock's been hiding his problems since he returned to the States, but lately, his ability to smile on the outside is faltering. When he's forced to confront his past and the crushing guilt he's held onto, he finds himself face to face with an infuriating—and intriguing—counselor who won't take no for an answer. As he spends time with Kennedy, he finds a sliver of hope--but when her ex-husband returns, it's Ryder’s turn to rescue her.  The Little Pink Elephant by Shannon L. Mokry The little pInk elephant loved to sing and dance. She is jubilant and boisterous. "Hush, be still" she was often told. She would try, but the joy would burst forth. She would sing and dance once more. "Join me!" she invited instead. Would they? Could They? The Little Pink Elephant is a little different from the other elephants. This story encourages children to shine their brightest and not let other's steal their joy. The little pink elephant knows that its not about outshining anyone else, its about spreading joy to others. April 3rd  Immediately Wanted: Fiancee by Jo Noelle He’s locked out of important business opportunities. She’s determined to land the internship in his corporation. A workplace romance isn’t on either of their bucket lists. Easton Winslow has been checking off her goals. Undergrad from Brown University. Check. MBA from Yale. Check. Her next goal is an internship at a Fortune 500 Company. She’s hardly given five minutes at the interview with Systems Aware, and she learns that Mr. Preston is more interested in hiring a mini-me than taking her interview seriously. However, she has connections he wants—and she’s willing to make a trade. CEO, Royce Preston has recently opened a new office for his successful internet security firm. As “new money,” his opportunity to associate with the influential business owners in the region has been nonexistent. So when Easton offers him the introductions he needs, he has to take the deal, but he doesn't have to like it—or her. What neither of them wanted out of the deal was falling in love. April 4th  Falling for the Younger Cowboy by Liwen Y. Ho Two best friends. One secret chili recipe. The truth comes out when their fake relationship cooks up more feelings than they expected. On the cusp of turning forty, Lexi Turner is finally single and happy. She has the perfect job working at Sage Valley Ranch and spends her free time hanging out with her best friend, James. Life is peaceful and carefree until her ex pays an unexpected visit to the ranch … with his new, much younger girlfriend in tow. Head cook James Scott is ready to settle down now that he’s thirty. He’s been smitten with the gift shop manager since she started working at the ranch a year ago, but he’s been biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to tell her how he feels. When Lexi asks him to be her pretend boyfriend to prove to her ex that she’s moved on, he jumps at the chance to show her love still exists. The lines of friendship blur as Lexi and James play out their real emotions in their fake relationship.  Discord in Provence by Meredith Deichler Aubrye thought traveling through France and Italy as part of a guided tour would be a stress-free way to see the important sights and make some new friends. However, as they depart Paris and begin the second part of the tour, Aubrye is anything but calm. Her boyfriend Greg and she are having their biggest disagreements ever, differences in their personalities amplified by the traveling conditions. Her trip roommate and cousin Quinn may be having her own relationship troubles. And back home, Aubrye's family is facing a life-altering decision. As the tour group heads down to a simpler pace of life in southern France, Aubrye fights to find peace among the worries tearing at her but fears this trip will be a breaking point. April 5th  The Ranger's Purpose by Heidi Peltier Texas Ranger Erick Carlton is tough, intimidating, unyielding, but two gunshots to the shoulder can render a man useless. He’s got outlaws to track down and can’t afford time to heal, but these injuries have knocked him flat. It doesn’t hurt that the nurse tending him is a beautiful young woman, and taking time to recover might not be so bad, if only the damage from the gunshots wasn’t so life-altering. Mahala Peters doesn’t want to be anywhere near this stranger, or any man for that matter. Since a terrifying attack three years ago, she’s been in hiding and would like nothing more than for Erick Carlton to pack up and head out. But as his wounds heal, so does her heart. She knows she shouldn’t get attached. The man is on a mission, after all, bound to leave as soon as he’s healed. Only now, does she really want him to go? With lingering complications from his wound and the draw of a woman he can’t provide for, can this Ranger find his true purpose? April 6th  No Longer Flighty Fanny by Jessica Spencer Violated at fifteen, seduced at sixteen. A runaway marriage and a swift annulment. Fanny’s life is over even before it could begin. As a young girl, Fanny finds escape from her unstable home by roaming in the woods and riding her mare. Free and innocent of guile, she is easy prey for a blackguard. Three years later, she attends the Season where she meets Andrew, Earl of Nethercote. It is love at first sight for both of them. Fanny’s nemesis, the man who had ruined her, is also in London. Furious at her refusal to yield to him, he uses his power to vilify her. Fanny loses her reputation - and Andrew’s love. She returns home and her father forces her into a repugnant marriage. Andrew leaves England and throws himself into the shipping business. Unable to forget Fanny, he comes back when she is widowed and tries his utmost to win her back. Can Fanny forgive him for leaving her? And what of the anonymous letters that threaten to destroy her if she accepts Andrew? April 9th  Lawfully Cherished by Liwen Y. Ho She’s a piano teacher who will stop at nothing to help her students. He’s a retired cop who will give his all to pay back a debt. A marriage of convenience offers them a chance to redeem the past and heal their future. The last thing Natasha Livingston expects to find on her doorstep is a threatening letter. As a precaution, her billionaire uncle insists on hiring a bodyguard for her—a hunk of a man who happens to be her ex-boyfriend. Now, not only is her life at risk, but her heart as well, especially when their business arrangement takes a personal turn. Guilt drove Victor Price to leave the police force and his old girlfriend behind years ago. With a stalker on the loose, he has no choice but to step in and protect her. It’s a small price to pay when her brother, his old partner, gave up his life to save his. What he didn’t plan on was marrying the woman who still has a hold on his heart. It’s only a matter of time before danger catches up with them or they end up falling in love again. April 10th  Just Before Dawn by Jessica Marie Holt When Jesse married his beloved wife Grace, he vowed to do anything in his power to give her a happy life. When tragedy strikes, that promise is severely tested. Will Jesse's love and determination be enough to save them? Or will their marriage crumble under forces beyond their control? Set in 1870 in rural North Carolina, this is a timeless story about the joys and heartaches that come with facing life's trials together, and the hope, perseverance, and selfless love that sustains every happily ever after. April 16th  Encircled - An Ever Afters Anthology by Laurie Lucking and Various Experience six of the world's most beloved stories in a whole new light! From historical to futuristic, these retellings will take you to an enchanted forest, a cursed castle, and far beyond. Uncover secrets of a forbidden basement, a hypnotic gift, and a mysterious doll. Fall in love with a lifelong friend or brand-new crush. Venture to unknown lands on a quest to save a prince, a kingdom, or maybe even a planet. With moments of humor, suspense, romance, and adventure, Encircled has something to offer every fan of fairy tales, both classic and reimagined. This anthology features stories from S.E. Clancy, Jebraun Clifford, J.M. Hackman, E.J. Kitchens, Laurie Lucking, and Tori V. Rainn. April 18th  Wrangled by the Watchful Cowboy by Tamie Dearen His best friend’s little sister may be off limits, but she's the only thing on his mind! Cord can’t believe his eyes. The gorgeous woman he just met doesn’t look anything like the gawky thirteen-year-old he remembers hanging around at his best friend’s house. Hoping to impress her, Cord finds himself volunteering to ride a bull in the rodeo. Has Jessica stolen his good sense along with his sanity? When his best friend asks him to keep all the cowboys away from Jessica, Cord agrees to be her secret guard. But who will protect her from him? Who does Jessica Powell run into at Sage Valley Ranch, but Cord Dennison, her secret crush since she was in seventh grade. But after her last bad relationship, she’s sworn off dating until she finishes her degree. She refuses to think about Cord and his piercing blue eyes. That is, until he rescues her from an awkward situation with an impromptu kiss that curls her toes and sends tingles down her spine. Jessica tries not to fall for Cord, knowing he’ll soon return to New York City, while her mind is set on coming home to teach in Sage Valley. And when Cord finds Jessica in the arms of her ex-fiancé, he realizes he was too late to admit his growing feelings for her. If only they’d both known about the terrible bull riding accident to come…  What Makes a Home by Jaycee Weaver An artist who’s never truly known home. A bored computer guy with a fixer-upper. While opposites attract, too much stands in the way. Will they ever figure out what truly makes a home? Jobie Everett is building a life around teaching art to senior citizens, a boutique job to fund her passion, living green(ish), social media, and wild pursuits that inspire her Muse. When her roommate introduces her to a God who personifies Love like she’s never known, she begins to see the shallowness of her life and searches for greater meaning. Surely there's more for Caleb March's lackluster life than work and his computer hobbies. Desperate for change, he buys a run-down house near an old friend and her pretty roommate. Ready for more than "just friends," Caleb will first have to reconnect with a God he's been ignoring for too long. As Caleb and Jobie bond over renovations, a new development forever changes her and pulls the rug out from under him. Jobie needs a godly man who will support and pursue her. Caleb must break himself free of the friend zone and become the man she needs in order to finally give her heart a home. April 26th  Rock of Ages by Faith Blum All he wanted was his father’s approval Chileab was born to privilege as the second-born of King David, but he still feels like an outcast. His crooked foot make it hard for him to do anything and although he enjoys being an advisor for his abba, he never feels like King David approves of him. Born with unnaturally light hair, Rina loves helping her mother heal people around their small village. One day, her life is turned upside down when she is kidnapped by two Amalekites bent on using her for her healing powers and unusual hair to make them rich. When Chileab hears of the little girl who had been kidnapped, he goes off to find her, even though five years have passed. He makes his way into the desert by himself. Can he find Rina? Will he learn that Adonai’s approval is all he needs? Will he learn to rely on more than just himself? April 30th  The Cowboy's Romantic Dreamer by Valerie Comer Opposites attract in this romance with a grumpy cowboy burned by love and a bubbly romance editor with (almost) all the answers! Burned by love, Trevor Delgado has pushed aside all his personal dreams in favor of expanding his family’s ranching empire in western Montana. That’s what any hardworking, dependable firstborn son should do, right? He’s not lonely, just solitary. All he needs is a saddle beneath him, the mountain breeze on his face... and no time to think. Editing hundreds of romance novels has made Denae Archibald an expert on love. She knows how it's supposed to go... and tall, dark and mysterious Trevor Delgado is exactly her kind of hero. If only her issues weren’t enough to send any worthy cowboy galloping for the range. How can the romantic dreamer and the guarded cowboy kindle their hopes for a future together?  Snow Globe Travelers by K.A. Cummins Transported into another world, an Austrian girl must face a genetically-engineered warrior with an army of vicious hybrids. Twelve-year-old Sarah Ann Reisende’s father left before her third birthday. She longs to find him, but she never expected the path would lead her across the galaxy and force her to confront her deepest fears. In a darkened alleyway in the heart of Vienna, Sarah wanders into a mysterious shop where each snow globe opens a portal to another world. By mistake, she breaks the globe tethered to Earth. As she searches the shop for answers, she discovers a cryptic note on the back of an old photograph that indicates a link between her father and one of the other worlds. Unable to return to home, Sarah follows the lead into the world of Elohi. But an invading military force of vicious hybrids led by a genetically-engineered warrior named Malvine now rules the once peaceful planet. Malvine is also one of the figures in the old photograph linked to her father. Sarah’s presence does not go unnoticed, and she becomes a target. Malvine wants to use the shop’s connections to wage war. Can Sarah uncover the truth and find a way home before Malvine gains control of the shop?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Children’s:
The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio — Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is preparing her for a greater mission — far beyond what she could imagine. (Children’s from Ambassador International) Contemporary Romance: Faith and Hope by Amy R. Anguish — Younger sister Hope has lost her job, her car, and her boyfriend all in one day. Her well-laid plans for life have gone sideways, as has her hope in God. Older sister Faith is finally getting her dream-come-true after years of struggles and prayers. But when her mom talks her into letting Hope move in for the summer, will the stress turn her dream into a nightmare? Is her faith in God strong enough to handle everything? For two sisters who haven’t gotten along in years, this summer together could be a disaster…or it could lead them to a closer relationship with each other and God. Can they overcome all life is throwing at them? Or is this going to destroy their relationship for good? (Contemporary Romance from Mantle Rock Publishing) Match Made in Heaven by Julie Arduini — Beth Prescott wants to make a difference with the senior citizens she serves as a volunteer coordinator, but their matchmaking efforts leave her guarded. She’s experienced too much pain to make that leap again. Dean Kellerman returns to the Finger Lakes area to help his grandfather and heal his own broken heart. He’s recommitted his life to Christ, and doesn’t want any distractions. When his grandfather needs assistance with a senior program, it places Dean right in Beth’s path. Can these two surrender their pasts to Christ and have faith in each other and their future? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media) An Amish Reunion by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kathleen Irvin, and Beth Wiseman — Their True Home by Amy Clipston: Marlene Bawell’s new friendship with an old crush is threatened when change once again disrupts the home she’s tried to make in Bird-in-Hand. A Reunion of Hearts by Beth Wiseman: Separated after tragic grief, husband and wife Ruth and Gideon Beiler are reunited when they accept an invitation to a family reunion they each believe the other has declined. A Chance to Remember by Kathleen Fuller: Cevilla Schlabach, Birch Creek’s resident octogenarian matchmaker, is surprised when Richard, a man from her Englisch past, arrives in Birch Creek for a visit. While he and Cevilla take several walks down memory lane, they wonder what the future holds for them at this stage of life—friendship, or the possibility of something else? Mended Hearts by Kelly Irvin: Abandoned by her father, penitent single mother Hannah Kauffman finds support in her old friend Phillip, who has loved her for years, but fears risking another mistake by opening herself up to love. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan]) Her New Amish Family by Carrie Lighte — Widower Seth Helmuth needs a mother for his sons, but for now, hiring the Englischer next door as their nanny will have to do. Trina Smith plans to stay in Amish country only long enough to claim her inheritance and sell her grandfather’s house. But as she falls for Seth, his twin boys and Amish life, will she inherit a home and a family? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Beauty for Ashes by Kathleen Neely — Well-known novelist Nathan Drummond revisits painful memories when family responsibilities force him to return to his home town. Although he’d intended the living situation to be temporary, Nathan didn’t count on falling in love. As guilty memories threaten a return of panic attacks, Nathan begins to write a novel paralleling the tragic event from his youthful folly. Will the novel be seen as a work of fiction, or will it expose his secret? (Contemporary Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican]) Restoring Her Faith by Jennifer Slattery — An artist fighting to save her career must find a way to work with the handsome yet stubborn cowboy overseeing a church restoration project–without falling for his southern charm. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Sweet On You by Becky Wade — Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long. As they work together to investigate Zander’s uncle’s mysterious death, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker]) General Contemporary: The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli — A dying request from an elderly neighbor forces a woman in a troubled marriage to find the 300-year-old story of a young colonial woman—one forced into an unwanted betrothal but drawn to a man forbidden to her by society. (General Contemporary from Hope Creek Publishers) All My Tears by Kathy McKinsey — Meet five women who struggle with life’s deep sorrows. Beth fights to recover from alcoholism and to mend her relationships with her family. Ann doesn’t believe God will forgive her. Kathleen wrestles with a years-old fear and with saving her marriage. Cassie needs to learn to deal with chronic depression. Martie finds herself the single parent of the eight-year-old niece she barely knows when the child’s parents die in a car wreck. See how God gives them the gifts of hope, healing, and love. (General Contemporary from Mantle Rock Publishers) Historical: The Refuge by Ann H Gabhart — Can Darcie Goodwin find love and a way to keep her baby in a community that doesn’t believe in marriage or individual family units? (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Historical Romance: The Artful Match by Jennifer Delamere — At loose ends in London after a near-tragedy, Cara Bernay finds herself at odds with the Earl of Morestowe after she befriends his brother, a talented but troubled young artist. Soon she finds herself drawn to the earl as she becomes more involved with his family. Like Cara, they are suffering from unresolved mistakes in their past. Can they form an unlikely alliance and find a way to a new beginning? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker]) The Golden Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse — Olivia Brighton finds herself widowed and working her brother’s restaurant in San Francisco during the height of the 1849 Gold Rush. Even though she receives at least twenty marriage proposals a day, she will never marry a gold miner. Her brother’s friend Joseph Sawyer has gotten caught up in local politics and the plight of Chinese in forced labor. The more Joseph gets pulled into investigating crime in the city, the less Olivia sees of the compassionate man. And just when she thinks she could love again, a fire threatens to steal all hope. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Romantic Suspense: Justice Delivered by Patricia Bradley — An escaped victim of sex trafficking must find the courage to report her captors to the authorities—some of whom could be corrupt—when her niece is kidnapped by the ringleader. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) You Shouldn’t Have by Susan Page Davis — “I SAW MY NEIGHBOR MURDER HIS WIFE!” But the police don’t believe Petra Wilson. There’s no body, no evidence, no murder. But Petra knows what she saw. And now her dangerous neighbor knows it, too. Her sisters introduce her to private investigator Joe Tarleton. Petra tells Joe her story, expecting him to decide there is no case. But the dedicated P.I. accepts her word, and he vows to uncover the truth. Still, he can’t guard Petra twenty-four hours a day. In spite of her precautions, her neighbor makes inroads in her vulnerability. Petra is left open to a killer intent on silencing the only living witness. (Romantic Suspense from Tea Tin Press) Beauty in Battle by Robin Patchen — Harper doesn’t want to return to Maryland to face the police. The mess she left behind makes her look guilty of the worst, but it’s too late to run again. Red is safe and the authorities are waiting. At least Jack is by her side. Now that Jack knows the truth, his feelings for Harper are deeper than ever. He’s not about to leave her side, especially knowing a killer is after her. But Derrick is on their trail, and he’s come unhinged. And he may not be the biggest threat lurking. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) Speculative: Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse — Selene Ravenwood, once the heir to House Ravenwood, is now an exile. On the run and free of her family’s destiny, Selene hopes to find the real reason her family was given the gift of dreamwalking. But first she must adapt to her new role as wife to Lord Damien Maris, the man she was originally assigned to kill. While adjusting to her marriage and her home in the north, her power over dreams begins to grow. As the strongest dreamwalker to exist in ages, her expanding power attracts not only nightmares but the attention of the Dark Lady herself. With a war looming on the horizon and a wicked being after her gift, Selene is faced with a choice: accept the Dark Lady’s offer or search out the one who gave her the gift of dreamwalking. One path offers power, the other freedom. But time is running out, and if she doesn’t choose soon, her decision will be made for her. (Speculative Fantasy from Bethany House [Baker]) Snow Globe Travelers: Samuel’s Legacy by K.A. Cummins — Transported into another world, an Austrian girl must face a genetically-engineered warrior with an army of vicious hybrids. (Hard Science Fiction (for Children), Independently Published) The Baggage Handler by David Rawlings — A hothead businessman coming to the city for a showdown meeting to save his job. A mother of three hoping to survive the days at her sister’s house before her niece’s wedding. And a young artist pursuing his father’s dream so he can keep his own alive. When David, Gillian, and Michael each take the wrong suitcases from baggage claim, the airline directs them to retrieve their bags at a mysterious facility in a deserted part of the city. There they meet the enigmatic Baggage Handler, who shows them there is more in their baggage than what they have packed, and carrying it with them is slowing them down in ways they can’t imagine. And they must deal with it before they can leave. (Speculative Allegory from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])
Please join me in welcoming USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield as she shares her sweet and funny romance, Love at the 20-Yard Line. I read this book a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you'll pick up your copy for only 99-cents!
He's about to fumble his chance at love...
Brody Jackson lives and breathes football. As a wide receiver for a popular arena team, he's determined to make it back to the NFL. Cocky and confident, he doesn't have the time or energy to be bothered with a serious relationship. When a sweet, naive girl breaks through his defenses, he has to decide if he'll let go of his dreams or fumble his chance to win Haven's heart.
Haven Haggarty is woefully inept when it comes to men and matters of the heart. Successful in her job as an image consultant with an up-and-coming company, she wishes she could enjoy as much triumph in her dating efforts. When she falls hard for a handsome wide receiver, Haven realizes she needs to tackle her fears or miss the opportunity to experience once-in-a-lifetime love. 
USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”
Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, Romance Writers of America, Sweet Romance Reads, Cowboy Kisses, and Pioneer Hearts.
Keep in touch with Shanna:
Brody took the band from her hand and dropped it on the table next to her glasses. Slowly, he threaded his fingers into her hair. It felt even better than he’d imagined and he drew closer, taking a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of it. When she leaned into his hand, he swallowed back a groan.
On the verge of devouring her with his growing longing, Brody gave himself a mental lecture to calm down and take things slow. He didn’t want to scare Haven half to death the first time he really kissed her. “Any more questions?” Haven smiled at Brody as he worked his hands through to the ends of her hair then wrapped a curl around one long finger. The appearance of her dimples was his undoing. Gently spanning her waist with his hands, he slid her closer then pressed his lips to each indentation in her cheeks before turning his passionate gaze to hers. “No more questions. I think we should seal this deal with a kiss.” He watched Haven’s eyes drift shut. Brody knew kissing her would be amazing. What he hadn’t anticipated was the explosion of fiery heat in every nerve ending in his body. Her lips moving beneath his set him aflame with no hope of extinguishing the blaze. In the next few seconds, Brody realized two important details. The first was that Haven touched places in his heart and soul he never even knew existed. The second was that he’d never, in his lifetime, get enough of her kisses. 
 Can you believe it's February already? I know a lot of you are dealing with some freezing weather right now. That sounds like a perfect time to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and a good book. Check out the new releases below and fill up your Kindle! January 29th  Mother of Rebellion by B.K. Boes The breaking was only the beginning... Rebellion brews as nations struggle for power. Survival is pitted against compassion, duty against faith, and loyalties against love. The Schism, a war that raged a thousand years ago, left the continent of Leyumin broken. Near constant war and destruction define the millennium afterward, but the heavens have promised reunifcation and with it peace. Now, two nations vie for dominance and the title of Unitor. One does so through politics and manipulation, the other through brute force and self-proclaimed pure blood. Five unlikely people will shape the things to come: a slave-wife, a warrior, a guardian of history, a disciple, and a young nobleman. As they embark upon their journeys, their decisions sow the beginnings of change, and the consequences they reap prove to be more than they're prepared to handle. Meanwhile, all wait in anticipation for the Unitor to emerge as the future looms uncertain. January 31st  Staying Inn for Valentine's Day by Eliza Boyd In a small town called True Love, anything is possible. Penelope Galbraith is set to take over her parents' business, Inn True Love. She has huge plans to expand the property. The town's tourist business is booming, and they often have to turn people away at the inn - like Devon. But when he disses the town she loves, she offers him a place to stay for the night with one condition: He has to stick around for one day and let her show him around to prove how great True Love is. Devon Nichol leaves his small hometown the first chance he gets. Nothing's keeping him there anymore, and he's sure he's inherited his mother's wandering spirit. So he makes a plan to land wherever he runs out of gas. Before that happens, he stops for the night in True Love, a town tinier than the one he grew up in. All he wants to do is get back on the road, but something about Penelope's charm intrigues him and he honors the deal. When one day turns into a second, will Devon see how special True Love is - especially with Penelope at his side? February 1st  More Than My Playboy Co-Worker by Danae Little Love deserves a second chance, but Mia wonders if her renown playboy co-worker can be trusted. Mia Thompson threw herself into work after she caught her fiance cheating with his secretary. Her dad chose the liar to lead his multi-million dollar company rather than her. Making a name for herself became a must. She had no time for games which is why she hardly even noticed her playboy co-worker, Isaac. That is until she was forced to go on assignment with him-to her father's Valentine's bash of all places. Isaac quickly uncovers her situation and declares himself as her biggest supporter. In the process she realizes that he is more than the playboy he portrays himself as, and she forgets to act like the prim, focused woman he knows her as at work. Mia wonders if she can trust her playboy co-worker in order to give love a second chance.  Not Until Forever by Valerie M. Bodden She chose her career over him. He put his family before her. When they get a second chance, will they choose to put each other first? As she climbs the corporate ladder, Sophie doesn’t let herself think about what she gave up when she declined Spencer’s proposal four years ago. She’s never wanted a husband or family, and she tells herself she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be. So when she’s called home to say goodbye to her dying grandmother, she goes out of her way to avoid seeing him. Of course, that means he’s the first person she runs into. Much as she fights against it, being near him stirs up old feelings and makes her question old decisions. Leaving college to help on the family farm cost Spencer the woman he loved. But he couldn’t turn his back on his family. Now that Sophie’s back in town, Spencer’s determined to protect his heart. Only he senses something new in Sophie—something that makes him think maybe they could have a second chance. But when his family needs him again, he feels like he’s repeating the past. Only this time, he’s not sure what choice he should make. Because the more time they spend together, the more they both realize their old feelings have never disappeared. Maybe a future together is the one God had planned for them all along. But soon Sophie is called back to her job in Chicago, and Spencer has to decide what direction his future will take. Can they find the courage to make different choices this time? Or will the heartaches of the past keep them from the second chance they desire? February 8th  Not Until Valentine's by Valerie M. Bodden She’s looking for “the one.” He knows it can never be him. Unless God has other plans for them . . . Peyton has been looking for “the one” forever. She thought she’d finally met him when she started dating Jared. But when Jared told her last Valentine’s Day that he never planned to get married, she had to face the facts: maybe he wasn’t the one God intended for her after all. Now, she’s just trying to survive the annual ski trip with all her bones—and her heart—in one piece. Jared wishes he could give Peyton everything she desires. But marriage is the one thing he can never offer her. So he plans use this year’s ski trip to get over her. But that’s almost impossible when wherever he turns, he sees her spending time with another man at the ski lodge—a man Jared doesn’t trust. He promised himself long ago that he’d never again stand by and watch a woman get hurt. And he’s not about to let anything happen to the woman he still loves. When a crisis rocks the trip, both have to reexamine what they want—and who’s in control. But are their hopes for the future still too different, or can they trust that God has a plan for them? February 12th  Kiss You Now by Jan Thompson A novelist who can't write... A doctor who won't practice... A world moving on with or without them... KISS YOU NOW is Book 7 in USA Today bestselling author Jan Thompson’s Savannah Sweethearts series of sweet, clean, wholesome, and inspirational Christian romances celebrating faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ.  Welcome to Spicetown by Sheri Richey When a crime stopper senior citizen starts to act oddly, a new business sells fake products and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display disappears, Mayor Cora Mae Bingham and the Spicetown Police Chief Conrad Harris have to get involved. Cora keeps an eye on her quaint small town nestled in the southern hills of Ohio. Although Spicetown is sprinkled with culinary street names, stores full of spices, and quaint life-long citizens, out-of-towners can bring in a dicey element. February 14th  A Hope for Samuel by Sylvia Damsell Lisa thought she loved Ray. He told her he loved her. But then he started courting another woman and Lisa married Samuel on the rebound. When Ray said he had made a mistake she asked Samuel for an annulment of their marriage which he gave her. When she subsequently discovered Ray was not what he appeared to be she finds herself alone and is determined to take control of her life. Samuel has been accepted as a detective and she applies to become one as well which takes them to New York then on to San Francisco where they are told to take a group of orphans who are to be auctioned off to families who want them. What follows involves danger, intrigue and, most of all, romance as Samuel and Lisa are once again thrown together and as they migrate towards Lone Pine.  The Miracle of Us by Elizabeth Trent Chase and Naia were high school sweethearts who planned to live happily ever after. But sometimes plans change. Chase Collins has regrets in his life. Merely existing, he walks through each day, not living the life he once planned. Fortunately for him, a second chance slams into him after seven long years. A second chance he’s unable to resist. Naia Donovan’s world was rocked with tragedy two years ago. Since that time, she’s tried to get her life back on track. In her attempts to move forward, she hadn’t planned on constant nightmares haunting her dreams. When she sees an opportunity at her high school reunion to move past the pain, she takes it, not realizing she’s still healing. As Chase and Naia work to rekindle their lost friendship, secrets are revealed threatening to end what they’ve revived, before they can find their way back to one another. Will the ghosts haunting their pasts be too much for them to overcome?  Valentine Gold by Danielle Thorne Her chances of finding a Valentine are about as good as striking gold, but an old cabin, a new neighbor, and the mountain of Good Hope just might shift the odds. When Natalie Boyd inherits an old cabin in the north Georgia mountains, she thinks it could be the answer to all of her problems. She’s ready to start over after a heart-breaking divorce, and the cabin on the banks of a river once mined for gold is the perfect hideaway for her new, reclusive life. No sooner does she settle in, and Natalie realizes that living in the shadow of Good Hope Mountain isn’t what she expected. Her new neighbor, Jonathan Wilby, has plans for his property as soon as winter’s over, and that means noise, traffic, and people. To make things worse, he’s drop-dead gorgeous and could charm the skin off a snake. Natalie braces herself to do battle over the land and to resist Wilby’s charms, but her healing heart, an incredible discovery, and unexpected friendships along the way bring a gold mine of change she never expected – and just in time for Valentine’s Day.  A Bride for Sam by Linda Ellen Rugged lumberjack and sawmill owner, Sam Maynard, enjoys a happy-go-lucky life in the 1870’s small town of Brownville, Nebraska. Seeking out a wife of his own is the farthest thing from his mind until he sees his brother, Finn, so blissfully happy with his new proxy bride, and it sparks a desire within his own soul to find a mate. The girl he might have been able to love, sadly, is already promised to someone else, so he turns down the same avenue his brother had taken—the matrimonial advertisements. After multiple replies fail to generate any interest, however, he is about to chuck the whole idea... Tired of living in an apartment all alone, Beth Ann Gilmore looks forward to having her own hearth, home, husband, and children, but when she finds herself unexpectedly jilted by Stanley, her longtime beau, all her dreams go up in smoke. Refusing to rest on her laurels, she ponders the fact that her best friend, Charise, found happiness through mail-order-bride notices—so why couldn’t she? For good measure, she visits a local marriage broker as well. Soon, however, circumstances take a drastic turn and in fear for her life, she wires her friends in Nebraska for help. The return telegram contains a shocking idea. Can she go through with it? Should she? Could a man she only met once be her salvation...in more ways than one? February 15th  Raindrops on Radishes by Valerie Comer She pictures a relaxing oasis. He sees food for the less fortunate. They both claim the same backyard. Family lawyer Sadie Guthrie snaps up a heritage house with a backyard perfect for her dreams of a relaxing oasis. Now some guy is digging in her garden and thinks he has a claim to it. Too bad he doesn’t realize he’s taken on an attorney in her den. Urban farmer Peter Santoro counts on the yard next door for his veggie-growing business. When the old woman dies and the property is sold, the new owner refuses to honor the previous agreement. Peter is soon torn between his need for income and an attraction to the hard-hitting, curvy lawyer, but is his interest for all the wrong reasons? What’s a guy to do when his arch enemy invites him to be her plus-one at a fundraiser for his favorite charity? February 19th  Phoenix Element Collection Books 1-3 by Jennifer Kibble Anya has discovered that she could use magic and she wasn't alone. In more ways than one. Attached to her soul was a Rayasha, a being from another plane of existence. A new comer, Kyle, knew more than he was letting on, especially a way to stop Ashima. Would he risk an innocent life just to keep the galaxy safe? Phoenix Element Collection is compiled of the first three books in the Phoenix Element series: Normality Twisted, Mages of Vane, and Reality Break. Normality Twisted: Could an entity from another plane of existence be inhabiting a teenage girl? The lines between good and evil are blurred when one wants to be freed. JB must discover who she once was and learn how to control her new founded magical abilities. Mages of Vane: Mages of Vane takes place at a magic school where our hero, Anya, is taking classes more or less against her will. In order to protect her friends and family, Anya sought out the mages of Vane to free her body from a powerful, and corrupt entity. The entity known as Ashima isn’t the only being corrupt at Vane. Soon Anya must battle Blood Mages, and her own conflictive thoughts in order to keep the school from crumbling down. The mages of Vane must protect their home and school from The Order of Blood and their hidden leader. If Vane falls, other worlds will follow suit. Reality Break: Anya and Kasiff will be pushed to their limits in book three of the Phoenix Element book series. In Reality Break, morals will be tested as the team search out a means to stop a powerful alien from another plain of existence. Ashima thinks herself as a God. She is willing to prove her might by trying to rip reality into pieces. Anya must locate an ancient relic that will hopefully put a stop to Ashima. With her sight set on Earth, time is running out. February 20th  The Judge's Daughter by Nerys Leigh They’re a world apart. Is love enough to keep them together? After being a widower for almost half his life, fifty-one-year-old George Parsons didn’t count on ever falling for a woman again, until Millicent came along. After meeting her in his tiny home town of Green Hill Creek, he’s smitten. So when Millie asks him to visit her in New York, he doesn’t hesitate to make the week-long journey from California to see her again. But what was easy in Green Hill Creek seems next to impossible in the city, and in the midst of the ostentatious wealth and desperate poverty of 1870 New York, George will have to overcome snobbery, prejudice and danger to win Millie’s heart. Not to mention the greatest obstacle to their romance – Millie’s hostile father. February 21st  A Little Bit Engaged by Melissa McClone One little public scandal—and now they’re engaged…sort of. When Cara O’Neal finds herself dragged into a PR nightmare with A-list actor—and former crush—Brody Simmons, a pretend engagement seems to be the only way to stop the madness. But she’s not an actress, and faking anything with Brody has epic failure written all over it. It’ll take nothing short of an Oscar-worthy performance to survive with her heart intact. Brody enjoys playing the role of Cara’s adoring fiancé way more than he should. Acting like he’s in love with the pretty bookworm isn’t exactly a chore. She’s always been a good friend, but he can imagine her as more, which complicates their charade. When the lines between make-believe and reality blur, can Cara and Brody turn their fake relationship into a true happily ever after? February 26th  A Heart Redirected by Elizabeth Maddrey She had her life mapped out. Then everything crashed and burned. Larissa Carey’s fiancé left her waiting at the altar. So she dubbed the wedding reception a “near-miss” party, and tried not to dwell on the one thing being jilted made clear: she was unlovable. Determined to move on, Larissa redirected her focus to the dreams she’d had when she was single. Sean Fitzgerald had never even been tempted to break Wedding Planner Rule #1: Don’t fall in love with the bride…until Larissa. When her jerk of an ex-fiancé steps out of her life, Sean craves a chance to be her forever love, not just her rebound guy, but is it too soon? Before he can make his move, she leaves the country to pursue her dreams. How can he convince her she’s totally worthy of love when she’s so far away? February 28th  Winter of Second Chances
by Eliza Boyd Chastity and Chase were high school sweethearts. But their marriage crumbled under pressure and Chase left town. Now that he's engaged again, he returns to True Love with one mission: To finally get a divorce. But True Love will make sure they get a second chance.  Happy New Year! Can you believe today is the first day of 2019? If you're looking for some new books to read, you've come to the right place! December 28th  The Christmas Melody by Shanna Hatfield He needs a holiday miracle. . .She’s prepared to deliver oneClaire Baker does nothing halfway. She makes it a point to follow her heart, even when it leads her to a small Eastern Oregon town to stay with relatives. In truth, she loves Hardman and the people there. Which is why she wants a recluse she met in the woods and his adorable daughter to join in the community holiday celebrations. The more time they spend together, the more she realizes she’s fallen hopelessly in love with both of them. All Grayson Carter wants is to be left alone. That’s why he built his cabin in the middle of more than a thousand acres of woods, seeking to disappear from the world and keep his daughter, Maddie, safe. Then a beautiful interloper appears and becomes quite determined in her efforts of drawing him back into the land of the living. As she brings him and Maddie Christmas cheer, he realizes falling in love with her could be the best and worst thing he’s ever done. With Christmas fast approaching, a mystery to be solved, and old-fashioned holiday fun, this sweet historical romance will fill your heart with the joys of the season.  Taryn's Hunt: A Gryphon's Story by Chrys Cymri Can a human really be any good as a police officer? Inspector Taryn is proud of her record in the city's police service. She might be small for a gryphon, but even the most hardened criminals have learned to fear her abilities. Now her Superintendent has given her a human male as a partner. Can Peter prove himself worthy as they investigate a series of suspicious deaths? Taryn and Peter are characters in the urban fantasy 'Penny White' series. This is how they first met. December 29th  A Very Austen Valentine by Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, Barbara Cornthwaite, Mandy H. Cook, and Susan Kaye Six beloved authors deliver romantic Valentine novellas set in Jane Austen's Regency world. Robin Helm, Laura Hile, Wendi Sotis, and Barbara Cornthwaite, together with Susan Kaye and Mandy Cook, share variations of Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, and Sense and Sensibility, featuring your favorite characters in sequels, adaptations, and spinoffs of Austen's adored novels. Experience uplifting romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant regret as these authors deftly tug on your heartstrings this Valentine's Day. I Dream of You by Robin Helm Newly-married Elizabeth Darcy has a plan: to charm her too-busy husband into desiring her company as much as he did when he was courting her. A series of romantic dreams give her just the push she needs to put that plan into action. Sir Walter Takes a Wife by Laura Hile Faced with a lonely future and finding himself strapped for cash, Persuasion's Sir Walter Elliot manfully decides to marry again. But his careful plans go sadly awry! A lighthearted Valentine mash-up featuring two of Jane Austen's worst snobs. My Forever Valentine by Wendi Sotis Jane and Charles Bingley have married, even though Miss Elizabeth Bennet remains certain Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy gave his best effort to keep them apart. After Mr. Darcy refused to stand up with Bingley and did not attend the wedding, she despises the gentleman more than ever and finds his company intolerable. How will she endure her visit to Kent if Mr. Darcy turns up everywhere she goes? Pretence and Prejudice by Barbara Cornthwaite A chance encounter with a handsome stranger forces Elizabeth to resort to subterfuge in order to discover his true intentions. My Valentine by Mandy H. Cook Little Charlotte was always determined and independent, traits which served her well as she battled a serious childhood illness and later as she took on Polite Society. Will those traits now deprive her of true love? Or would her lifelong Valentine win her heart? The Lovers' Ruse by Susan Kaye In this Persuasion alteration, Anne is so altered by Wentworth's love in the summer of 1806, she refuses to give him up when both her godmother and father try to persuade her. "The Lovers' Ruse" follows Frederick and Anne through their whirlwind courtship and their secret engagement. When Wentworth returns for his Annie girl, the cat comes out of the bag. December 30th  Lethal Incision by Dobi Cross When patients start disappearing on her watch, spunky surgical resident Zora seeks to discover why. But she soon realizes there are dark secrets a hidden enemy wants covered at all costs. This book is a heavily revised second edition of the original volume which was part of a previously published anthology. The story has been expanded by about 60%, adding significant background to the characters and the story. If you've already read the first edition, you won't need to read this version to catch up - but fans of the series are sure to enjoy this expanded and improved "Author's Preferred Edition"! January 1st  Novelly Upon a Time by Sarah Monzon Author Harper Jones prides herself on the impeccable research she does for her novels, so when early reviews come pouring in claimer her romance reeks of inauthenticity, her editor suggests pulling her nose out of her books and getting some real-life smooching experience. But her plans to do just that are thwarted by her archnemesis from high school who has recently returned to town. Now she’s left with an impossible decision—kiss her worst enemy or kiss her three-book contract goodbye.  The Ranger's Chance by Bree Livingston A computer geek, an Army Ranger assigned to get close to her, and the lies that could end everything before it begins. Mia Milan jumps at the chance to work as a computer security specialist in Miami. Installing software for a shipping company on the east coast sounds more like a paid vacation. She doesn’t realize her new boss, Harrison is a known transporter for human traffickers. Ex-Army Ranger, Noah Wolf and his team with the Guardian Group think Mia knows exactly what Harrison does, and that she’s helping him secure his computer network. They think this might be their chance to finally bring the man down—all they need is for Mia to turn on Harrison. But things aren’t what they appear and Noah’s feelings for Mia soon put the mission in jeopardy.  No Time for Love by Raine English When six friends make a pact not to let love get in the way of their careers, the No Brides Club is born. But could meeting the right man at the wrong time cause them to break their vows to each other? Kinsley King loves her lavish lifestyle as one of Manhattan’s most in-demand real estate brokers. She’s worked hard to get to the top, and she’s not backing down now… But when her favorite aunt bequests her a wildlife sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, she has a tough decision to make: honor her aunt’s last wish or put the property on the market and maintain the life she adores. Dylan Reese, on the other hand, thinks life off the grid is just about perfect. That is, until the owner of the wildlife sanctuary he manages dies suddenly and leaves the place to her spoiled city-slicker niece. Now he, too, has a choice: leave it all behind or swallow his pride and take orders from a woman who wants no part of this particular commitment. Sparks fly in this opposites attract sweet romance as Kinsley finds herself falling for the swoon-worthy sanctuary manager, causing her to rethink the no marriage vow she made with her girlfriends, while Dylan wonders how he’s going to keep from losing his heart to the one woman who’s sure to break it. January 2nd  The Sweetest Spark by Liwen Y. Ho He’s a fun-loving ice cream shop owner looking for more than a fling. She’s a straight-laced food critic too scared for love. Little did they know how much a foolish kiss would trigger an avalanche of emotions too great to contain. Colin Spark may not have the best track record when it comes to his career choices, but he’s loved the same woman since he was thirteen. His only obstacle to winning her heart is proving he’s ready to settle down—an impossible task now that his store is going out of business. Since her sister’s passing, Candy Connelly has survived by being in control and protecting her heart. There’s only one man she’s let her guard down with, but his unreliable past shakes her confidence in his future. Colin won’t give up pursuing his passion; Candy won’t give in to her attraction. That is until an accident brings all their unspoken issues to the surface and forces them to listen to their hearts. Will this incident be the spark that drives them apart for good or gives them their sweetest taste of romance yet?  Die Again, Mr. Holmes by Anna Elliott and Charles Veley A young woman begs Sherlock Holmes to help find her missing fiancé, but the great detective makes an uncharacteristic mistake. Then Sherlock's daughter, Lucy James, takes on a missing person case of her own. But Lucy must also keep a vicious criminal away from Becky, Lucy's ten-year-old sister-in-law, and little Becky soon becomes dangerously involved in both cases. No one foresees the devastating news that Sherlock Holmes has been murdered. The newest adventure in this popular mystery series takes us from the Old Bailey courthouse and the seacoast lairs of smugglers to a grand British country estate and the posh financial headquarters of Lloyd's of London. For Watson, Sherlock and Lucy, survival will require valor, sacrifice, and acts that go far, far outside the law. January 3rd  Investigating the Billionaire by Eliza Boyd She's a reporter who needs to uncover a story. He's a billionaire who mistakes her for his new chef. Is it a recipe for a disaster … or a recipe for love? Tessa Berkley has one last shot to keep her job. Her assignment: find out what illegal activity local billionaire Beckett Stone is doing. He’s consorting with ex-cons, and in her experience, people with money don’t do good things with it. But when she’s mistaken for his new chef, she sees him in a new light—and her growing attraction to him makes her hope he's not guilty. Beck Stone is married to his work. He can manipulate business to his liking, but the same can’t be said for love. That’s why he’s caught off guard when he wants to get to know his new chef. But he has to stay focused on the job. His family is counting on him to finish his latest project and keep it secret, and nothing will stand in the way—not even his growing attraction to Tessa. When Tessa discovers the truth, will she choose to save her job or her new relationship while she’s investigating the billionaire?  Lions, Beasts, and Lambs by Cecilia Marie Pulliam Two Killers. An old enemy. A child with extraordinary gifts. A mother desperate to protect her daughter at any cost. Only a miracle can save them. In this fourth installment of the Lions and Lamb Series, Susannah, and her daughter, Rachael, face not one but two killers. One has taken the Hippocratic Oath to heal and not harm. The other is a cold hitman who isn’t particular who he’s paid to kill. Both work under the influence of a dark creature Susannah once encountered in an underground chamber in Africa. Will Rachael’s faith be strong enough to win the spiritual battle, or will Susannah’s misguided attempts to protect her daughter allow their enemy to destroy them? They must trust a Power far greater than themselves. January 5th  Her Secret Billionaire Roommate by Bree Livingston A bestselling author, a billionaire, and a snowstorm that leaves them stranded in a Montana cabin. Bestselling author Olivia Weber is a year overdue delivering her next book, and her publisher is being bought out by another publishing company—one that doesn’t like to keep authors who don’t deliver. To spur Olivia’s creativity, her friend and agent sends her on a two-week getaway at a cabin in Snowshoe, Montana. When Gabriel Saxon, billionaire and CEO of Saxon Publishing, shows up at his family’s cabin in Montana, he’s shocked to find a woman claiming she’s rented the place for the next two weeks. He wants her gone and pronto, but a looming snowstorm puts a kink in his plan. It’s only after they’re stuck together that he finds out she’s the jewel of the publishing company he’s buying and she has no idea who he is—and he wants to keep it that way. Will being forced together in a tiny cabin bring them closer, or will the looming buyout control the future? January 8th  Far and Away by Christina Freeburn Priscilla Thorn’s heart broke when her son killed his wife, and now shatters when her son takes his own life. Priscilla’s grief-stricken soul finds little comfort knowing before he died, Samuel turned his life over to God. Believing her son would want his father at his funeral, she informs her ex-husband--the man she ran from decades ago. Stephen Thorn drops a bombshell on his ex-wife, he's life is ebbing away and he has no one to care for him. Priscilla believes for Samuel to receive forgiveness from the Heavenly Father, she must give it to Samuel’s earthly father…her abusive ex-husband. Edgar Fritz is stunned when the woman he loves takes her dying ex-husband into her home. While Priscilla sees caring for her ex-husband as showing God’s love, Edgar believes Stephen has an ulterior motive and will use the opportunity for revenge. Edgar finds he is risking losing Priscilla’s friendship by insisting the man hasn’t changed his ways and has come back to hurt her one last time. Is Priscilla risking her life by insisting her ex-husband changed, so the world -- and God -- will know her son had changed? January 12th  Austen Unscripted by Britney M. Mills A shy accountant, a pro hockey player and a past they can't forget. Ruby Hunter gets nervous talking to people. And with a camera around? Forget it. When she's offered the chance to be on The Suitor, the only reason she accepts is that it's an opportunity to conquer her fears, all at once. Little does she know the leading guy is her ex-fiance, who she broke up with eight years earlier, the one regret she's had in her adult life. Carson Carver is painted as the bad boy for the media and doing this show is his chance to prove them all wrong. He hopes seeing his good side will change his image and keep him playing for the Boston Breeze hockey team for more than just a year. When one of the contestants turns out to be his high school sweetheart, he's not sure if he can stand reliving the past. As dates force them to confront the past, can they forgive one another and move forward? Or will their history keep them apart? January 13th  Carter's Cowgirl by Melissa McClone Carter Quinn has one goal—to make his organic farm a success. Working the land leaves no time for romance, but that’s okay with him. He’ll do whatever is necessary to take Quinn Organics to the next level, including hiring a consultant. Avery Scott loves helping her consulting clients succeed while proving she’s more than a pretty face. Being disappointed and hurt one too many times keeps her from getting close to others, but Carter’s work ethic and kindness tempt her to lower her guard. As the two work together, Avery’s commitment to helping make Carter’s dreams come true touches his heart. She fits perfectly on his farm, and he can picture them as a couple, even though her job will take Avery away from him. He wants to show her what they could have together, but is she willing to take a chance on him…and love? January 14th  Super Humans by T.M. Franklin A mysterious chest. A terrifying vision. Are their newfound powers enough to take down an unspeakable evil? Chloe Blake’s campus rental has it all: a retro Victorian vibe, a beautiful picture window, and a perfect view of Ethan Reynolds—the guy who broke her heart and lives across the street. But when she sees disturbing visions of death slide across the panes, she’s convinced she’s glimpsed into Ethan’s future. She’ll stop at nothing to change fate and save him… even if it means everyone will think she’s crazy. Wren Galloway has lost track of all the crummy cities she’s lived in. Plagued by nightmares, Wren wakes in a cold sweat with the vision of a nearby Victorian house still in her mind… and a strong urge to seek out the powerful talisman calling to her from its attic. Drawn together by an ancient force, Chloe and Wren must work together to discover the house’s secrets and unlock their hidden powers to take down the shadowy specter that haunts their premonitions and leaves death in its wake. January 15th  The Benched Billionaire by Jennifer Griffith He’s been benched and needs redemption. She’s the single mom of their child. He’s back in town to make amends. Charlotte Nilsen never thought she’d see McCoy again after he hit the big time in the NFL. After all, she’s the one who insisted on an annulment after his scandal with the cheerleader. She’s rebuilt her life now. Her one regret is she never told McCoy their brief marriage resulted in a son. McCoy Armstrong has been benched. A shoulder injury will do that to an NFL quarterback. Enough time has passed that he dares to hope that his ex-wife Charlotte will forgive the follies of his youth. When he arrives home in Getaway Bay, he finds Charlotte living next door and his house destroyed by a storm. No amount of money, even a billionaire’s entire bank account, can buy a spouse’s trust. He must find another way. Is this injured quarterback strong enough to rebuild everything he has broken and reclaim everything he has lost?  Loving Josie by Tayla Alexandra She doesn’t think she can be loved. He has enough love for them both. Life has not been good to Josie Lowry. Through the hardships of her cruel past, she ends up living on the streets of Trust, Arizona. In the dead of winter, she takes refuge in a man’s home while he is supposed to be away. She means no harm, and she’s only looking for a bit of warmth and a nice hot shower. Patrick Knowles is living in the moment. He’s excited to propose to his girlfriend, but when she breaks up with him as he’s waiting for his flight out to see her, Patrick is distraught and confused. But it’s nothing compared to finding a woman fast asleep on his couch. Grateful that he doesn’t call the police, Josie returns to the bitter, cold streets. Something about the woman ignites a spark in Patrick and he seeks her out to present her with an offer she can’t refuse. January 20th  Her Billionaire Internist by Dobi Daniels Driven medical resident Alicia is determined to take care of her sick niece and guard her heart — until she encounters Blake, her fellow resident and billionaire! Would the secrets keep them apart from a chance at redemption and a happily ever after? This is a sweet/clean redemption medical billionaire romance with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA. January 24th  Her Billionaire Valentine by Jewel Allen A sweet secret-identity billionaire romance Dani is certain her unlucky streak in love is over, when her year-long online pen-pal from Ireland tells her he loves her. As the feeling is mutual, she decides to surprise him with a visit over Valentine's Day. The only problem is, the man she fell in love with doesn't exist. Patrick Willoughby hid behind his secret identity to make sure a woman like Dani would love him for who he is, not his noble title nor his billionaire wealth. Is she too good to be true? Luckily, when she visits from America, she is everything he's dreamed of and they fall in love even deeper. When his cover is blown publicly, will she find it in her heart to forgive him? January 25th  The Princess and the Peacock by C. S. Johnson The first time I fell in love with Princess Mele was when I saw her smile, and I fell in love with her the second time the moment I heard her sing. Two memories burn within Kaipo's heart -- the death of his mother, which left him alone to die, and the arrival of Princess Mele, which gave him a new reason to live. Together with his adopted brother, Kaipo seeks out Jaya, the Fae Queen who lives on the Forbidden Mountain, in order to gain the beauty he requires to win Mele's heart. But Jaya has other plans for the scarred outcast who climbs up her mountain ...  Lady Golden Hands by Nix Whittaker Was the dragon the murderer? A mutilated body leads Lady Rayne Ancaster to investigate the dragon, Victor for murder. If that is true then the treaty between dragons and humans is at risk. Rayne as the only female policewoman in Londinium has a lot to prove and a lot to lose if she follows the thread to the conclusion no one wants to admit.  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Amish Romance:
Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston — Enjoy a year of beautiful seasons in this new story collection, as young Amish couples manage a community garden and harvest friendships and love along the way. (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Courting Her Prodigal Heart by Mary Davis — Pregnant and alone, Dori Bontrager is sure her Amish kin won’t welcome her—or the child she’s carrying—into the community. And she’s determined that her return won’t be permanent. As soon as she finds work, she’ll leave again. But with her childhood friend Eli Hochstetler insisting she and her baby belong here, will Dori’s path lead back to the Englisher world…or into Eli’s arms? (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Contemporary Romance: Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron — Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, Missouri, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery. Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course? Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink) Cozy Mystery: Murderous Heart by Lynne Waite Chapman — Freelance writer, Lauren Halloren pens popular magazine articles extoling the comfort and security of small town America. And Evelynton, Indiana treasures its wholesome small town values. Ask anyone. Streets are safe to walk. People look out for one another. Marriage vows are treasured. Murders are solved. In this third volume of the Evelynton Murder series, Lauren, along with friends, Clair and Anita stumble over another body. The partially mummified remains turn out to be an Evelynton resident. But how, in this close knit community, could a woman be deceased for over six months without being missed? (Cozy Mystery from Winged Publications) Historical Romance: My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge: Laurel’s Dream by Pepper Basham — Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) The Homeward Journey by Misty M. Beller — Finally free from her dead husband’s addicted lifestyle, Rachel Gray and her young son set out for a new life in the wilderness of the Canadian territories. She is reluctant to accept help from another man, but after a bear threatens her son’s life, she agrees to accompany two God-fearing brothers who are traveling to the same area. Slowly, she begins to trust the one named Seth. Despite Rachel’s best efforts, she can’t seem to fight her attraction to Seth—until a secret from his past proves he had more in common with her husband than she thought. When a new peril threatens her son’s life, she must choose between trusting in what she can control, or the man who her heart says is trustworthy, no matter his previous sins. The path she chooses just may determine whether she can step into the new life God has in store for them all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Stepping into the Light by Candee Fick — With war looming and a madwoman in their midst, the only hope for a peaceful future may lie in a marriage alliance between a disfigured recluse of the Gunn clan and the overlooked second son of Clan Sinclair. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Under the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse— Tayler Hale is ahead of her time as one of the first women naturalists. She has always loved adventure and the great outdoors, and her remote job location also helps keep her away from the clutches of the man to whom she once made a foolish promise. It seems she must keep running, however, and in secret, her boss from Yellowstone arranges for a new job . . . in Alaska. The popular Curry Hotel continues to thrive in 1929 as more visitors come to Alaska and venture into the massive national park surrounding Denali. Recent graduate Thomas Smith has returned to the hotel and the people he considers family. But when a woman naturalist comes to fill the open position and he must work with her, everything becomes complicated. The summer brings unexpected guests and trouble to Curry. With his reputation at stake, will Thomas be able to protect Tayler from the danger that follows? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker]) Devotion by Olivia Rae — Injured and unable to make his living by the sword, Sir Theo de Born needs to secure his keep by becoming an educated man. As he finds himself falling for his reluctant teacher, he learns of her plan to leave England before the winter sets in. How can he convince her to stay and fulfill her promise while protecting his heart? Denied her true love and sent away to a convent, Lady Rose de Payne has no choice but to accept to become Sir Theo’s teacher. However, she has a plan to escape the confines of her new prison and start fresh in a different country. As the chilly winds blow, her resolve begins to waver. Will she abandon Sir Theo to a miserable fate or will she give up her dreams to make his come true? (Historical Romance from HopeKnight Press)  Happy December! There are a number of wonderful new books out this month. I hope you'll load up your Kindle with some of these and enjoy! December 1st  The Cowboy's Mixed-Up Matchmaker by Valerie Comer Friends don’t let friends turn thirty… single. It’s been almost fourteen long years since two teens made a pact to marry each other if both remained single at thirty. But the nearer the time comes, the more Lauren Yanovich steps up her matchmaking game to let James off the hook. Not that he likely remembers. James Carmichael has been waiting forever, praying Lauren will be waiting for him. But, just when the end is in sight, she begins dating someone else, and his hopes crumble. What’s a cowboy to do when the love of his life insists they’re all wrong for each other?  The Beast's Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston A Beauty and the Beast retelling…A woman with a secret, a recluse, and a marriage of convenience. For over a year Isabeau Daniels lived in fear of a stalker. Now, with him in jail, she’s ready to start fresh in Dallas as a housekeeper for Rowan Masters—a well known lawyer and recluse. A car accident left Rowan Masters burned—both physically and emotionally. He’s spent the last twelve years hiding in his family home—and now, to keep his home he’s forced to marry. Isabeau loves the feeling of safety that Rowan’s mansion offers, and he needs a wife. When a marriage of convenience turns into something more, can they leave behind the nightmare of the past and find the beauty in loving each other?  Contracted Cowboy by Liz Isaacson A fake ad brings a cowboy to Georgia's door just in time for all the Quinn family holiday parties, so she hires Logan to be her boyfriend. Nothing can go wrong with this plan...except she might lose her heart to her newly contracted cowboy. Georgia Quinn doesn't particularly love being one of the dozens of Quinns in Quinn Valley. Her family is just so loud, you know? And she's certainly not looking forward to a holiday season full of family get-togethers when she has to do everything alone after her painful break-up months ago. When her granny mentions the holidays would be more fun with a boyfriend, Georgia seizes onto the idea and puts out an ad for someone to come fix the barn at the ranch. But what they really need to fix is her heart, and there's no one more suited for her than carpenter and cowboy Logan Locke. Logan's the quiet type, and he hasn't had a serious relationship in a long time. But he desperately needs the money, and if Georgia needs her barn finished or a date to a party, he doesn't care as long as he gets paid. Georgia and Logan pose as the perfect couple, showing her ex that she's moved on when she hasn't and his family that he can be serious about something when he never has been before. But how badly will they both crash and burn if they let their feelings become real in a relationship that is anything but? December 4th  Love in Focus by Franky A. Brown Is it possible to have a picture perfect vacation…with your ex? Struggling photographer Laura Whaley is thrilled to shoot a week-long family reunion on the beach. But getting to stay in a beach house for free isn't as exciting when she learns it's her ex-boyfriend's family. Focusing on her work is nearly impossible when it comes to taking snapshots of the man who once captured her heart. Scott Hodgkins is shocked to see Laura again, but his mother is livid. Things didn’t exactly go well the last time they were all together. Trying to convince his mother that Laura is only the photographer and nothing more, only goes so far, because he’s not sure that’s how he feels. His mother is holding the keys to his dream of starting his own business, but what if Laura still holds the key to his heart? One week on the beach can change everything, but only if they let it.  The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end. Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. Always together. Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.  Romancing the Cat Burglar by Pamela Gossiaux To do a great right, do a little wrong. A honeymoon in Paris! Except…there’s more at stake in the City of Lights than romance. Abigail’s specialty as an ancient maps librarian has brought her to a prestigious symposium at the Louvre, where she has one final chance to prove herself and save her job. Tony, a recently reformed cat burglar, is there to search for his family’s roots and learn more about his great-grandfather. Then Abigail’s wedding ring is stolen, and she and Tony put sightseeing on hold to track down the thief. The emerald ring is highly desired by thieves and collectors for its connection to a famous Italian artist, but it’s worth more to Tony and Abigail as a family heirloom and symbol of their love. As the newlyweds seek answers, the line between right and wrong blurs. With Abigail’s future in jeopardy, and Tony’s reputation following him, how far will they go to find the truth? December 6th  Of Stars and Evergreen by Jessica L. Elliott Crispin and Lumi return to Christmas Pine, this time to help Steven Morgan fall in love, and it's going to take all their magic to succeed. Steven is a shy photographer with a secret crush on Gemima Saunders, an actress at Christmas Pine's community theater. Just when Steven feels ready to make a move, his flirty older brother, Brent steps into the picture. Gemima tells herself she's too busy for romance. But her heart tells a different story as she gets to know the Morgan brothers. The question is, which one will win her over? December 7th  Wings of an Angel by Shanna Hatfield The last thing she needs is a romance . . . The first thing he intends to do is make her fall in love Veterinarian Angela Carol escaped her past and started a brand new life in the friendly community of Faraday. Her charming little boy, Nick, a thriving practice, and a comfortable home are all she needs to be happy. At least that’s what she continually tells herself. But her traitorous heart longs for Nick’s teacher, a man who’s become her best friend. With no intention of falling in love again, she struggles to keep her thoughts and heart in line where Drake is concerned. Drake Miller had plans to be the next NBA star, but when an injury left him sidelined in college, he decided to teach and return to his hometown of Faraday. There’s nothing he enjoys quite as much as shaping the minds of the first grade students in his classroom, unless it’s making Angela Carol smile. The first time he saw her, he knew he was a goner, but the widow has made it clear she has no interest in getting involved in a relationship. How can he prove to her that it’s worth taking a chance on love? The unlikely team of Nick, along with his pet sheep, Shep, and a dove named Jasper, work to spread a little romance along with holiday cheer. Will their efforts be enough to unite Drake and Angela in time for a Christmas miracle?  With Two Eyes Into Gehenna by Jane Lebak A rosary in one hand. A dagger in the other. Sister Magdalena never heard of the Catherinite nuns until the day she faced her own death sentence. Rome, 1562. It’s the era of the Index of Banned Books and the Roman Inquisition. Kings still burn heretics. The worst threats come from within the Church itself Only seventeen, Magdalena killed a priest who tried to rape her within the walls of her convent. His powerful family will see her executed, and then they’ll destroy her mother and young sister. Instead, the pope makes an offer. To save her life and protect her family, Magdalena can disappear into a secret religious order, one with a demanding physical regimen to go along with the prayers. She’ll pray the psalms and learn to climb walls. She’ll sharpen her mind and fine-tune her body. Perfected, she’ll infiltrate the Council of Trent. Magdalena’s order slips through cathedrals and palaces at the council, the Pope’s silent operatives. They act as bodyguards for the cardinals They gather intelligence. If they find heresy, the penalty is death. But when one of the pope’s own men is named a heretic, Magdalena must decide how far she’ll go to protect her church. December 10th  Crushing on the Billionaire by Liwen Y. Ho He’s a billionaire entrepreneur. She’s his high school crush. A secret she’s hiding threatens to destroy their chances of a future together. Devon Brooks has everything he could buy, except for love. When he bumps into his ex-girlfriend while on vacation, he realizes she holds the key to filling the void in his heart. He only needs to convince her it’s hers for the taking. Kylie Martin is low on cash and hope. Seeing her old boyfriend gives her a glimmer of the life she could have had, if only she had treated him better in the past. She doesn’t deserve his kindness, but she can’t help but be drawn to his charm. Second chances and stolen glances are all it takes for two former lovers to find love again. December 17th  Not Another Billionaire! by Gigi Marlowe Another billionaire? No thank you! After her last billionaire beau, Kylie Mitchell has vowed to avoid rich men from now on. But she didn’t count on falling on Scott Ryan while overseas on a business trip. When the embarrassment wears off, the attraction doesn’t, and Kylie can’t get him off her mind even after she’s back home in New York working for her ex-boyfriend boss, Alex. When Scott shows up at her office and asks her out, she can’t resist. He may be a big name in new space technology, but he is also down-to-earth, kind, and unassuming—not your typical billionaire. Kylie falls a little more every day, and just when she is certain she has made the right decision this time, she discovers that Scott has been hiding a huge, life-altering secret. Retreating with her emotions in a tangle, Kylie finds an all too familiar shoulder to cry on—Alex’s. But is he the solution? Kylie must decide. Is her love for Scott strong enough to bridge the break in trust? Or will she decide to write off billionaires forever? December 18th  Hunter's Truce by Elle Beaumont The Big Bad Wolf never killed for fun—he was on a mission. Little pig, little pig, let me come in. I'll huff, and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in. We're tired of death, of prejudice and more, if you don't make some changes I'll kick down your door. When Niklaus von Brandt's mother is murdered by a poacher it moves him to make a change in the kingdom of Abendrot. Once a kingdom founded by werewolves, it is now ruled by humans who have one goal: eradicate the werewolves. In order to protect what is left of his family, he must make an important decision, one that leads him to become an assassin, and the shadow the kingdom murmurs about. Too bad the royal family has a secret—a secret that Niklaus plans on using to his advantage, and in the meantime he has given King Ansgar three chances before he comes huffing and puffing. December 20th  Christmas in Port Scuttlebutt by Barbara Ellen Brink At the grand opening of The Port Playhouse, Shelby Gunner directs her first Christmas play to a packed house. Spirits are high after the show and amid the hubbub and excitement someone leaves a baby outside her dressing room door. Later that night, a young woman and her newborn are discovered missing. As snow piles up and the temperature drops, time is of the essence to bring them home safely. A suicidal man found unconscious near Lake Superior may be the last person to have seen them, and he can’t help because he made a wish… that he had never been born. December 21st  The Spare and the Heir by Carol Moncado Crown Princess Esmerelda of Islas del Sargasso wants nothing to do with Prince Gabriel of Auverignon and his well-deserved reputation as a playboy prince. Unfortunately, she's been secretly engaged to him since she was three. Her mother, Queen Carlotta, has decided it's time for the two of them to get married - and Gabriel is all too keen to make it happen. But she saw what this kind of arrangement did to her own mother, and Esme wants nothing to do with it. For his part, Gabriel has been in love with Esme since he was a teenager and deeply regrets his years of wild oat sowing - even if some of them did serve a greater purpose. One he can't tell Esme about, not yet. He knows, far better than she does, that their fledgling relationship is going to be tested to the hilt as life's body blows rain down. All he can do is be steadfast in his commitment to her, to their marriage, and to helping her become the queen he knows she can be. He's always been the spare. She was born the heir. Together, they can form a new dynasty where even arranged marriages can turn into something beautiful.  One Flew Through the Dragon Heart by C. S. Johnson Brixton Flew works as a professor of wielder instruction at Rembrandt Academy, hoping to erase the regrets of his youth along with the resulting debt. But when he comes face to face with his biggest regret—the woman who broke his heart, Adelaide Favan—Brixton soon realizes his troubles have only begun. Unable to control her magic, Adelaide knew leaving Brixton was the only way to protect him when they were younger. Now she discovers he is the key to recovering the Dragon Eyes, a legendary treasure connected to her magic and her family's disgraced legacy—and she knows the risk is great, to both his life and her heart. With others seeking the power of the Dragon Eyes, Brixton and Adelaide must outwit their foes and face down their families to save London from an ancient legend that sleeps beneath the magic portal in their city. But the renewed passion growing between them may prove to be the greater peril ... December 26th  Love from A to Z by Lia London Falling in love is a family affair... For seven years, Antonio Seneca has had to be a father to his two younger brothers. He might struggle in the kitchen, but he makes sure the boys get their homework done and stay out of trouble. Only now that they've discovered girls, he has to decide if a love life would be a welcome distraction or a complete disaster. Smart and sassy Zaira Vasquez got herself through a nursing degree and landed her first job at a hospital, but being a single, working mom is exhausting, no matter how cute her toddler daughter is. With only two relatives nearby to lend a hand, she needs adult companionship. Could it be that the handsome young man across the street is a remedy for her loneliness? Growing from neighbors to co-workers to friends, Antonio and Zaira try dating while parenting, and parenting while dating, and find that the two occupations aren't always compatible. How can they navigate the chaos of the present and the heartaches of the past to form something beautiful for their future?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Amish Romance:
The Amish Sweet Shop by Laura Bradford, Mary Ellis, and Emma Miller — It’s almost Valentine’s Day at Beechy’s Sweets, where the Amish gifts of love and faith are even sweeter than the home-made candy. In The Sweetest Courtship by Emma Miller, bachelor Jacob Beechy is a master candy maker whose mother longs for grandchildren, so she sets out to find him an assistant confectioner during the Valentine’s holiday—and a wife. In The Sweetest Truth by Laura Bradford, Sadie Fischer can’t see beyond her scars from a barn fire, but there’s a young man who sees only sweetness when he looks at her, and he’s sending her Beechy’s chocolate and mysterious gifts leading up to Valentine’s Day. In Nothing Tastes So Sweet by Mary Ellis, Pregnant widow Hannah wants to buy her English employer’s hardware store, but ends up following a clue from Beechy’s to clear a man’s name—and finds a partnership in work, faith, and love. (Amish Romance from Kensington) Amish Christmas Memories by Vannetta Chapman — When a young Amish woman collapses in the snow shortly before Christmas, Caleb Wittmer rushes to her aid. Only, “Rachel” remembers nothing of who she is. Now his family has taken in the pretty stranger, disrupting Caleb’s ordered world. He’s determined to find out where she belongs…even if Rachel’s departure means saying goodbye to his old-fashioned heart forever. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) A Quilt for Jenna (Apple Creek Dreams #1) by Patrick E. Craig — On her way to win a quilting competition—and a ticket out of Amish life, Jerusha finds her God, her missing husband, and a lost little girl in the heart of the Storm of The Century. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing) The Road Home (Apple Creek Dreams #2) by Patrick E. Craig — Adopted into an Amish family as a child, local historian Jenny Springer is looking for the parents she never knew. When Jenny meets Jonathan Hershberger, a drifter from San Francisco who lands in Apple Creek fleeing a drug deal gone wrong, she is intrigued by this Englischer with an Amish name, and offers to help him discover his Amish roots. While Jonathan discovers his need for home, family, and a relationship with God, Jenny finds more than she hoped for—truth and love and the knowledge that you can go home again. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing) Jenny’s Choice (Apple Creek Dreams #3) by Patrick E. Craig — When Jenny’s husband disappears in a terrible boating accident, she returns home to Apple Creek, Ohio and her adoptive parents. Working through her grief, she pursues newfound writing dreams and is presented with a possible romance with a handsome young publisher, until the elders of her church confront her consideration of going outside her faith to pursue her dreams. At the same a faint hope that her husband might someday be found alive holds her heart in the past. (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing) Minding the Amish Baby by Carrie Lighte — Amish store clerk Tessa Fisher isn’t ready for marriage or a family—until a baby girl is abandoned on her doorstep. Now Tessa and her gruffly handsome landlord, Turner King, must mind the baby together. And soon Turner and the sweet-cheeked kind are burrowing into Tessa’s heart. But with secrets between them, can the temporary family find a way to stay together forever? (Amish Romance from P & J Publishing) Contemporary Romance: Who I Am with You by Robin Lee Hatcher — Jessica was pregnant and facing divorce when her husband and daughter were killed in a car accident. Withdrawing from friends and family, she feels far away from God. Then months later she receives her great-grandfather’s Bible at her grandmother’s funeral. Ridley has suffered his own loss. Bitter over disgrace at his job, an ended career, and subsequent breakup with is girlfriend, he retreats to a vacation property owned by his parents to lick his wounds and hide from the press. Thumbing through the Bible later, Jessica journeys through the aged margin notes, back to faith and wholeness. And the broken roads they have followed bring Jessica and Ridley to each other as well. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Historical: Three Christmas Novellas by Mary Connealy — Three Christmas Novellas in one volume: Long Horn Christmas, The Sweetest Gift and The Christmas Candle. (Historical, Independently Published) The Making of Mrs. Hale by Carolyn Miller — Can a runaway marriage ever be redeemed? Julia Hale ran off to be married in Gretna Green, following romance instead of common sense. But her tale isn’t turning into a happily ever after. Her new husband is gone and she doesn’t know where—or if he’s ever coming back. Julia has no option but to head home to the family she betrayed by eloping and to hope they’ll forgive her.Along the way she will learn how relationship with God can bring restoration and hope, and find the answers she needs both for her husband and her future. (Historical, Kregel Publications) Child of Light by Annette O’Hare — While praying for her own Christmas miracle after five years in a childless marriage, Margaret offers aide to a destitute and expectant young woman during the holidays. She is condemned for her decision to help a woman of ill repute and must face the consequences of doing what is right. Will Margaret’s prayers for a child of her own be answered this Christmas or does God have something else in store? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican]) The Plum Blooms in Winter by Linda Thompson — Inspired by a Gripping True Story from World War II’s Daring Doolittle Raid–Japan, 1948: A prostitute seeks her revenge; a war hero finds his true mission. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink) Historical Romance: The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Mary Davis, Cynthia Hickey, Kathleen E. Kovach, Debby Lee, Donna Schlachter, Marjorie Vawter, and Kimberley Woodhouse — Seven daring damsels refuse to let the cultural norms of their eras hold them back! Follow along as they trek the wilderness as a fur trapper; teach in the backwoods; campaign for women’s rights; breed llamas; drive cross-country; become a hotel tour guide; and pursue art. Will they meet men who admire their bravery and determination? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Kiss Me Once Again by Gail Kittleson — When Glenora Carson’s first love perishes along with the crew of the U.S.S. Arizona on December 7, 1941, she locks away her heart and her dreams of attending college on scholarship, instead choosing to hold down the home front by helping out the family business – Carson’s Garage. The grease-stained overalls don’t do much to compliment her female figure, but they cover her female heart well enough. That is, until Hank Anderson, a wounded warrior back from battle, walks into the garage and into Glenora’s life. Is an old maid’s future Glenora’s fate, or will Cupid throw a wrench in her plans? (Historical Romance from WordCrafts Press) Stagecoach to Liberty by Janalyn Voigt — Can a desperate young woman trust the handsome Irish stranger who wants to free her from her captors? (Historical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)  The weather is starting to cool down a little and the holidays are fast approaching. Stock up on some great new books to read while sitting by the fire, drinking your favorite tea or coffee in the morning, or to gain those little snatches of sanity in the middle of your busy afternoon! November 1st  Sleigh Bells Ring in Romance by Shanna Hatfield You're never too old to fall in love . . . Will over-the-hill neighbors embrace a holiday romance? Rancher Jess Milne lost his wife years ago, but he’s finally ready to give love a second chance. It’s a shame the one woman in Romance who captures his interest is a prickly, wasp-tongued she-devil. She used to be one of his closest friends until he asked her out. Her vocal, vehement refusal made her thoughts on dating him crystal clear. Despite her animosity, Jess can’t help but be attracted to her fire and spirit. Widowed more than ten years, Doris Grundy tries to convince herself she’s content with her life. Her recently married grandson and his wife bring her joy. The ranch she’s lived on since she was a young bride gives her purpose. She’s an active member of their close-knit community. But the old coot who lives down the road continually invades her thoughts, keeping her from having any peace. Doris will be the last to admit she longs for the love and affection of her handsome neighbor. When the two of them are unexpectedly thrown together, will they find a little holiday spirit and allow the love of the season to ring in their hearts? Find out in this sweet novella from USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield.  The Twins' Family Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain A mommy’s all his twins want for Christmas… in this Redemption Ranch novel Pastor Carson Blair plans a quiet Christmas vacation for his twin girls—until veteran Lily Watkins gets snowed in with them. Lily is drawn to the warmth of this family, but she’s hiding a secret about Carson’s late wife that threatens more than their holiday. And the twins have their own plan—one that includes a gift-wrapped mommy to complete their family.  His Christmas Wish by Melissa McClone Carly Bishop loved Christmas…until tragedy struck. Distraught and grief-stricken over the deaths of her fiancé and brother, she left Hood Hamlet and her Christmas spirit behind, to start over somewhere new. But now, six years later, her family needs her. Carly returns home to face her past and give her niece and nephew the best Christmas ever. Burdened with guilt, Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends on that fateful day and kept Carly from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. When she arrives in town, Jake wants to make amends so they can both finally move forward with their lives. As Jake helps Carly experience the magic of Christmas so she'll embrace the holiday again, will he also be able to open her heart to something else she’d given up on…love?  The Matchmaker's Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston Two best friends, one romantic tropical vacation, and a week pretending to be married. Jobless and heartbroken, Peyton Burrows jumps at the chance to spend Christmas in Hawaii with her best friend since childhood. Chances are good that a tropical getaway will take her mind off all her troubles. But the lanky boy who kissed her in high school is now a gorgeous hunk with a sweet streak big enough to give her cavities. Matchmaker Gus Grant wants nothing more than to mend his best friend's heart. He plans a relaxing time for her at his new resort, not expecting a nosy reporter to question his bachelor status. When Peyton blurts out that they're married, he goes along with the ruse to protect his reputation and save his newest business venture. Will their fake marriage cement their determination to remain friends or will it blur into something they’ve both been looking for?  Lone Star Christmas by Jolene Navarro Determined to restore the historic buildings in Clear Water, Texas, Jackie Bergmann needs permission from the property’s new owner—her ex-boyfriend. And though Max Delgado agrees to give her access, he has one request: that she help him care for his orphaned brothers. But when she starts to fall for Max again, can she convince him not to sell his family’s ranch…and stay home for Christmas and forever?  I Know the Plans by Melissa Wardwell All the plans Tiffany and Brad made for their lives as individuals were thrown to the wind the moment they met. Now, after almost a decade of marriage, they spend more time apart than together. Though plans remain unfulfilled, their hearts seek to remain steadfast and connected. After Brad returns from his latest tour in Afghanistan, it is evident that the man Tiffany married is no longer the same. As Brad struggles with reacquainting himself with his life, Tiffany questions how it could be part of God's plan. Have the sins of their past finally come back to haunt them? No matter how much support they have in their family and friends, the choice is still theirs. Will they continue to trust God with their lives or will they choose their own course?  Awakening by Julie C. Gilbert Being the Chosen One could kill her … Victoria Saveron knows two things for certain. Dark forces want to kill her, and her friends have cooler powers than she does. Katrina can shapeshift and Tellen can tap into destructive magic currents. Everything else is uncertain and rumors abound. Victoria might be the Chosen One, whatever that means. Her father might be able to help them, but only if they can find him. Coldhaven’s villagers might be able to offer them food and shelter. Some fool might be running around unlocking Darkland portals to raise an undead army. The further Victoria and her companions get on their journey, the more dangers and betrayals they face. They must awaken Vic’s true powers or forfeit the world.  The Billionaire's Beagle by Kristy Tate Above all else, Letty detests liars. A good girl through and through, she’s always tried to walk a straight line, which hasn’t been easy given her father walked a crooked path that led him to prison. Wes is attracted to Letty the moment he meets her. One of the things he loves about her is she thinks he’s just a beach bum working at the local hotel and she’s okay with him just as (she thinks) he is. But when Betty the beagle gets kidnapped, the budding romance goes off the rails and Wes and Letty are forced fess up to their lies and exaggerations before their problems (and beagles) get completely out of hand and off leash.  Rise of the Seer by Brandon Barr A god-gifted young woman is chosen for a grim task– one that will take her beyond the boundaries of her own world. Winter’s chilling visions of the future make clear that her choices will not only affect the success of her mission… but whether those she loves will live or die. On the distant world of Hearth, Meluscia is the daughter of a dying king. As he wages a bitter war in the north, a growing evil devours the villages of the east. She would turn her kingdom’s forces to face the emerging threat– but first, she must gain the throne… and confront the secret desire that torments her soul. Though worlds apart, Meluscia and Winter’s destinies are bound together by portals and an ancient prophecy that promises to pull friend and foe together in a devastating collision.  Terrorists, Traitors and Spies by J. Traveler Pelton The middle generations of the Oberllyn's carry on the legacy of their father Noah by setting up a network of scientists, spies and informants all over the globe. This book spans the generations from 1910 to 2010; a time of change and growth. The family tries to stay out of the feud between Edison and Tesla while beginning to investigate an elusive enemy network that grows into an worldwide web that will plague them for generations. They survive Two World Wars, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam War and the Gulf Wars in spite of attacks on them personally from the enemy and from their own government. Will the legacy of the Lenape negotiators carry the family through discrimination, hatred and treason? Will there be another seven generations of the people to carry on or will they follow their ancestors into oblivion? November 2nd  A Merry Miracle in Romance by Melanie D. Snitker It’ll take a Christmas miracle to turn a grudging friendship into true love. Baxter Reid returns to his hometown of Romance, eager to see his childhood crush. Unfortunately, Savannah hasn’t forgotten all the ways he used to tease her back then. He’s got his work cut out for him if he’s going to get a second chance. When Savannah Miller learns her former arch enemy is back in town, she dreads running into him. Baxter is at the center of some of her most embarrassing childhood memories. She’s more than happy to avoid Baxter until he apologizes and suggests a truce. Now what is she supposed to do? Only time will tell whether the spirit of Christmas in Romance is enough to transform a grudging relationship into true love.  When Hope Went South by Patricia Snelling It was the last straw for Hope Peterson. Her parent’s betrayal was more than she could bear. How could she survive the deprivation of everything and everyone she had ever loved? One loss was enough but unbeknown to her, there was more heartbreak to come. During her perilous road trip along the Southern Alps, she experiences the joy of witnessing the most breath-taking scenery she had ever seen. But when she arrives at Dart River Ranch, the revelation of a deeply buried secret kills her joy. Can the truth provide her with a new life of love and a mended heart or will it be a cruel messenger of unrelenting pain? Who can rescue her from her past? November 3rd  Holding Onto Love in Romance by Liwen Y. Ho She’s a small town inn owner learning how to trust. He’s a big time singer struggling to protect the woman he loves. Together, they must fight to keep their romance alive. Being engaged to America's hottest pop star brings Izzy Sutton’s insecurities to the surface, making her question if she can handle life in the public eye. Complications multiply when her ex shows up on her doorstep two weeks before the wedding, with nowhere to live. Through hard work and determination, Chase Lockhart climbed the Top 40 charts and won the hand of the only woman he’s ever loved. Helping Izzy overcome her cold feet, however, proves to be more challenging than expected, especially when he’s away on tour days before their wedding. With their Christmas Eve wedding fast approaching, Izzy and Chase face the biggest decision of their relationship. Will they allow their circumstances to divide them or will they find enough reasons to keep holding onto love? November 4th  A Reel Christmas in Romance by J.J. DiBenedetto Owner of the lone movie theater in Romance, Marianne Carter loves the old movies she shows on the big screen. She’s just struck up an email friendship with a newcomer to town. Unaware of his identity but feeling loyal to him, she fights her attraction to a handsome man she keeps bumping into around town. Under a false identity, Jack Nelson comes to Romance to investigate the historic movie theater and decide if it should receive the status of a historical landmark. Little does he know the woman sending him charming emails is the same one who owns the theater. While Marianne’s theater plays the old classic film The Shop Around the Corner, Marianne and Jack unknowingly play out the same story in real life. Will they figure it out in time to write their own happy ending? November 5th  A Christmas Carol in Romance by Franky A. Brown Christmas is coming to Romance, Oregon...but for Andy McKay, it's only a reminder of the day the love of his life walked away. Guilted into playing Scrooge as a young man in the town's production of A Christmas Carol, Andy unexpectedly finds himself acting alongside his girlfriend of romance past. Cassie Winston has spent the past year traveling, writing, and regretting that she left the man she loved behind her. She’s afraid the old adage about how you can never go home again might be true. It’s hard enough to convince Andy to consider giving them a second chance, and acting with him in Scrooge and Belle's breakup scene certainly doesn't help. As ghosts from the past resurface, can they find a way to create a new future together?  Panther's Bride by Kimberly A. Rogers She wasn’t the bride he expected but she might be the only one who can free him. When her older sister elopes on the day of her arranged marriage, Keturah Kerrick finds she must now preserve their family honor. She is the one who will marry the Duke of Glenrowan. Rumor paints the man as a monster. Yet the more she comes to know the masked duke, the more she hopes for love. After aiding the new queen to take her throne, the Duke of Glenrowan made a bargain with her. Marry to protect his people from outside interference. Finding an appropriate match proves challenging even without revealing that he and his people are panther shifters. However, he fears his young bride will become an unwitting pawn in his enemies’ schemes. As rebellion brews within his own lands, the duke must place his trust in his bride. When a plot against the duke unfolds, will Keturah risk losing his love to save his life?  Threats by Numbers by Kimberly A. Rogers Everyone has a number but only a few can see them. I’m one of those few. And now it might get me killed. I’ve been in hiding all my life. Working as a secretary for a paranormal relocation and PR firm is quiet, simple, and above all filled with low numbers. But then I see a man who’s registering as a Ten — They aren’t supposed to exist. To make matters worse, he’s the firm’s new security specialist. One incident changes everything. In protecting the firm, I’ve been exposed and now far bigger threats are closing in on me. Hunters who won’t stop until they’ve brought me down. I don’t know who to trust. The most dangerous man I’ve ever met is offering protection. But trusting him might be the last thing I ever do. November 6th  Santa's Visit in Romance by Jessica L. Elliott Santa's got his work cut out for him to help a reluctant couple find love during the holidays. Marshall Duncan swore off women when his wife ran away, leaving him with an infant to raise alone. But a newcomer to Romance might just change his mind, with some help from a mysterious friend and his precocious daughter, Savannah. Latiesha Harris lost everything when her fiance left her in Denver. Hoping to escape her mother's judgment, Latiesha goes to Romance to stay with an old sorority sister. But when she meets Katie's childhood friend, there's no denying the sparks between them. When Nick Klauss gets a Santa letter by mistake, he can't help but try to make the little girl's wish come true. But how can a retired cowboy give Savannah a mommy by Christmas?  Pathway to Peace by Elizabeth Maddrey All she wants is to leave her past behind. Lindsey Bowers has spent five years hiding from her mistakes. She’s created a life, such as it is, where few people know about her past. If that means she has to keep people at arm’s length, so be it. Gavin Harder is ready to tackle the future. Newly relocated to the D.C. area, he plans to spend Christmas with his grandmother and get settled before attending the Police Academy in January. He’s can’t wait to protect and serve with his new brothers in blue. When Gavin’s grandmother invites Lindsey to share Thanksgiving dinner with them, Gavin makes it clear he’s not looking for a relationship. But the instant attraction he feels has him rethinking that decision. Before long, attraction turns to friendship with the hope of something more. If they can move beyond the secrets they’re both keeping.  Tropical Tiding by Johanna Evelyn After going back on plans Rylie made with her high school sweetheart, she runs off to California right after graduation, leaving Brennen alone and heartbroken. Rylie has learned some hard life lessons in the four years she’s stayed away from Crystal Falls, but when it’s time to come home, she chickens out and decides to spend Christmas in Hawaii. Little does she know, their mothers don’t plan on letting the two sweethearts avoid a reunion forever. They trick Brennen into going to Hawaii for Christmas, too—without him knowing Rylie will be there waiting. Though he vows to keep Rylie in the past, Brennen soon realizes the Island of Lanai is too small to avoid her. As a series of mishaps force them together, Brennen takes it as his chance to finally find out Rylie’s reasons for leaving him. But Rylie is adept at running from the truth. Can this vacation help Rylie see Brennen’s worth fighting for? November 7th  Simply Smitten by Kimberly Rose Johnson Business brought them together but will betrayal pull them apart? Hailey O’Brien, a recent economics graduate is practically handed her dream job, but there’s a catch. Her new boss allowed her to believe he was someone he was not—they bonded on the train ride to Seattle, and now she is smitten. On top of that, her hometown is where her estranged mother lives. Can she mend the riff with her mom and follow her heart back to Seattle? Or will their past be too large of a hurdle? Michael Pierce co-owns a start-up software development company. They are well on their way to success when Michael discovers something that changes everything. Can the beautiful economist he hired fix the mess, or are they doomed to bankruptcy? Hailey is under a lot of pressure at work. Not the least of which comes directly from her new boss. She’s dreamed of being a successful businesswoman, but now her heart wants more. Can she have love and a career, or will she have to choose? November 8th  Racing Christmas by Shanna Hatfield She’s racing to save the ranchHe’s struggling to win her heart . . . againBrylee Barton has just one goal in mind: win the barrel racing world championship. Not for the glory, but for the attached cash prize that could save her family’s ranch. When an injury leaves her at the mercy of the very same copper-headed, silver-tongued cowboy she once vowed to loathe forever, she has no choice but to swallow her pride and accept his help. Fun-loving, easy-going Shaun Price has a million dollar smile, more charm than he can channel, and a string of ex-girlfriends rumored to have started their own support group. When the one woman he’s never quite managed to get out of his head or heart needs his assistance, he jumps at the chance to help. Little does he realize how challenging it will be to keep from falling for her all over again. With the holiday season fast approaching, will Shaun and Brylee discover the gift of forgiveness, and experience their own happily-ever-after? November 10th  Bright Christmas by Alicia Best When Hannah Wyatt is sent to Shady Piers to cover their Christmas Extravaganza, her future career on a West Coast feature magazine will be decided by what she creates. But Christmas in Shady Piers depends on the continuing generosity of Jackson Vokes, who provides the center-piece Christmas tree every year (as well as trees for the all the locals too). Beset with personal problems surrounding his estranged wife and young son, Jackson is not feeling full of Christmas cheer this year and refuses to provide trees to anyone. So, to make Christmas happen in Shady Piers, Hannah must help resolve Jackson’s troubles, by acting as go-between for all the parties concerned and when she does, she finds there are more attractions to Jackson than she first realized. November 13th  I Still Do by Melanie D. Snitker What's worse than running into your ex-husband? Becoming snowbound with him and an avalanche of memories you can't escape. When Cora Wells married her high school sweetheart at nineteen, she thought it was the beginning of a perfect life together. Their divorce two years later shattered her heart. She thought she'd never see him again, until she agrees to go on a crazy trip to honor a loved one and comes face to face with none other than her ex-husband, Grey. Grey Jackson never could decide which was his biggest mistake--marrying Cora or divorcing her. He thought he'd moved past it all, but unexpectedly seeing Cora brings every emotion back to the surface. He can tell she's keeping something from him, yet how can he expect her to open up to him after he shut himself off from her years ago? When a crazy winter storm leaves them all snowbound, everything seems to go wrong, and Cora and Grey have no choice but to work together. As tempers flare and old wounds are re-opened, they must face the truth of what happened between them. Will it give them a second chance to rediscover their first love?  Her Christmas Secret by Melissa McClone Sean Hughes likes being single—much to his family’s dismay. They want him to settle down…now. When he gives fun-loving snowboarder Zoe Flynn a ride to the slopes, Sean hatches a plan to throw off his matchmaking relatives. He asks Zoe to pose as his girlfriend at Thanksgiving dinner, which will take the pressure off him and make the evening more enjoyable all around. Zoe agrees to be Sean’s fake girlfriend. Who wouldn’t want a free meal or a chance to hang out with the handsome mountain rescuer and his adorable husky? When an injury occurs, the two are forced to continue their one-night ruse. As Christmas approaches, make-believe turns into reality. But Zoe has a secret…a big one. Is their new relationship strong enough to withstand the truth, or will she find herself with no one to kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve?  Recovering Hope by Marion Ueckermann In a single moment, a dream dies, and hope is lost. Lovers of the ocean, Hope and Tyler Peterson long for the day they can dip their little one’s feet into the wild blue yonder and pass on their passion for the sea. Despite dedicating her life to the rescue and rehabilitation of God’s sea creatures, when their dream dies, Hope can’t muster the strength to do the same for herself. Give her a dark hole to hide away from the world and she’d be happy…if happiness were ever again within her reach. While Tyler is able to design technology that probes the mysteries of the deep, he’s at a loss finding a way to help Hope surface from the darkness that has dragged her into its abyss. He struggles to plan for their future when his wife can barely cope with the here and now. If they can’t recover hope, their marriage won’t survive.  The Only Things You Can Take by Stacy Claflin When your world falls apart, where do you turn? Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog. Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his lifelong friend Kade. He has his sights set on adventure. Until one night when the unthinkable happens. Kade dies in Sutton’s arms. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then Sutton reveals a secret that changes everything. He’s jolted, conflicted. Maybe falling for her was a mistake. Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made. *One dollar from every pre-order will be donated to fight childhood cancer. November 15th  Her Christmas Kiss by Melissa McClone Paramedic Leanne Thomas works hard to be “one of the boys” at the fire station and on the mountain. What the guys don’t know is she keeps her inner girly-girl hidden from them. When gorgeous, rookie firefighter Christian Welton turns on the charm, Leanne shuts him down fast. She won’t risk her heart or her reputation by dating a younger man who is also a coworker. Leanne intrigues Christian. After she rescues him off the mountain, he glimpses a softer, more vulnerable side to her tough-as-nails personality. Christian’s not looking for a relationship, yet he can’t deny his attraction. A surprise kiss under the mistletoe sparks a three-alarm fire, but something is holding her back. Will Christian’s kisses break through Leanne’s tough exterior and melt her heart? Or will a dash of Christmas magic be required?  A Bride for Finn by Linda Ellen Handsome barber, Finn Maynard, enjoys a comfortable life in the 1870’s small town of Brownville, Nebraska. He has everything he needs...except someone to come home to and with whom to share his prosperity. With few choices among the local girls, he decides to take out an advertisement for a mail-order-bride; however, the first try doesn’t go so well...she takes his money and runs. Luckily, with a bit of encouragement, he tries again... Orphaned at sixteen and years later jilted at the altar, Charise Willoughby just wants to get out of her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, and find somewhere to start fresh and leave her painful memories behind. But, how can a single, young woman do that unaccompanied, with no money saved and few prospects? Would she even have the courage to travel alone, not knowing what awaits her at the other end? Her best friend has an idea—become a mail-order-bride! Finn and Charise begin a friendly correspondence and find they have much in common. Having learned from his previous attempt, Finn intends to come to Louisville to meet her—but catastrophe strikes! What will Charise do if she’s left at the altar again? To move forward involves trust—on both sides, but is that something either one is willing to do?  More Than Gold by Nerys Leigh Does “second time lucky” apply to mail order brides? Let’s just say that Gabriel’s first attempt at marriage didn’t go well. But his new bride, Grace, she has curves he can’t keep his eyes from, and he’s determined this time will be different. Until he ends up sleeping in the barn. Why are women so difficult to figure out? All he wants is someone to cook, clean, and warm his bed. But Grace wants more. She wants respect and someone to care about her. She wants love. So now Gabriel has to learn how to court his wife just so he can sleep in his own bed again. But as for falling in love, he just isn’t the type. And he has no idea why he seems willing to do anything to make her happy.  Her Billionaire Chauffeur by Tayla Alexandra After her heart is broken, Lara wants nothing to do with love. She’s had enough of men. She’s determined to live her life in complete isolation and she just might get her wish. Tony AKA Boss is the faithful chauffeur to banking billionaire Chandler Jones. He doesn’t speak about the past that has haunted him for over ten years. The wounds too deep to mend, so he pretends to be someone he’s not. But when Lara and Boss end up on the same flight out of town, their worlds turn upside down. They end up in the worse predicament imaginable when their plane crashes on a deserted island. With dangers around every corner, surviving long enough to be rescued is their main concern. And love is the least of their worries. They soon find out that love has no boundaries. Not even a deserted island can hold it at bay. November 16th  Ranger Protection by Lynn Shannon When Dr. Tara Sims is robbed, she fights back to protect her daughter and nearly pays with her life. She’s rescued by Texas Ranger Grady West. Her childhood friend is now a handsome lawman, but Tara refuses to acknowledge the chemistry sparking between them. With a little girl to raise and a growing medical practice, she has no room in her life for romance. Grady suspects the vicious assault wasn’t a random act. What he can’t figure out is why anyone would attack the single mother. He vows to protect Tara and her little girl while keeping his growing feelings for them out of the equation. Getting romantically involved with his sister’s best friend is more hazardous than hunting criminals. As the threats escalate and evidence links the robbery to a homicide, Tara and Grady realize nothing is quite as it seems. Untangling a web of secrets makes them the target of a madman, and it’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again… November 17th  Well Said, O Toothless One by Nix Whittaker and 9 More Authors A collection of short stories that follow the antics of creatures on paws and out of this world. November 20th  Repair My Heart by Kate Palmer A vivacious flirt hammers out a tenuous agreement with her ex-fiancé while they remodel a home and their hearts. When Grace’s big TV break involves competing in a reality home flipping show with her ex-fiancé as her partner, she must find a way to convince Judson they can still work together. Professionally, of course. Even if his eyes still have that mischievous twinkle. Judson’s fledgling construction company gives teens a second chance to graduate high school while providing on the job training but is in desperate need of cash. Winning the house flipping competition would give his school much-needed funding. However, working alongside the woman who crushed his heart…he won’t let that happen again. Or so he thought. When the cameras begin rolling, they capture a house and two hearts in desperate need of repair. November 22nd  His Second Chance by Melissa McClone Nothing interests Sarah Purcell more than the volcanoes she studies until she meets Dr. Cullen Gray. Maybe that’s why she marries him two days later. Illogical, yes, but nothing has ever felt so right. As the honeymoon period ends and real life sets in, everything falls apart. A year after their separation, when Sarah is injured, she’s shocked when Cullen shows up to help. Even though Cullen’s still hurting from their breakup, Sarah has no one else. He brings her to his home in Hood Hamlet to heal. Once she recovers, she can return to her beloved work and he can move on with his life—without her. But soon, sparks fly anew, long-buried emotions resurface, and much needed conversations happen. Is Sarah and Cullen’s marriage truly over? Or will they get a second chance at romance and a happily ever after? November 23rd  Hidden Heir by Amy Patrick A new generation. A new kind of love. A new Hidden threat... The Hidden Saga comes full circle back to Altum as its citizens— and its king and queen— prepare for a very special arrival. It should be the most joyous of occasions, especially as the new heir is expected to make an appearance during the holiday season. But things are never simple in the Fae world, and not everyone is who they seem to be. In this final installment of the Hidden Saga, Lad and Ryann will face the biggest challenge of their lives together, and it will take all their special gifts— and all their friends— if their love and their growing family is to survive this newest Hidden danger. November 24th  Her Billionaire Santa by Jewel Allen A sweet opposites-attract Christmas billionaire romance Do-gooder Katy Stevens is on a mission: to convince billionaire Marcus James that her cause deserves to win his million dollar prize in a Christmas contest. The people of Conchilla, Guatemala, desperately need to rebuild after a devastating earthquake. Problem is, Marcus James only sponsored the contest to create goodwill for his jewelry empire. He no longer believes in the holiday, not after his wife and baby were killed by a drunk driver on Christmas Day five years ago. But after he reluctantly agrees to travel to Conchilla with Katy, Marcus starts to thaw. Could sweet Katy and her simple faith heal his broken heart? November 26th  O Come, All Ye Faithful by Faith Blum O Come All Ye Faithful Edwin wanted to be home, but instead he crouched in a trench. The English on one side of No Man’s Land and Germans on the other. What a way to spend Christmas. Could anything make it better? Peace on Earth Emmie and Elana are estranged sisters, torn apart by an old boyfriend five years earlier. Will they survive a night in the same hotel room after a blizzard forces them together or will peace on earth go out the window? Silent Night Christmas decorating had never gone this wrong. Jenna had just started when a crazy, gun-waving woman, walks right in the front door and ties her up in her own Christmas lights. Will Jenna even see her family this Christmas? The Gift Goes On Four friends and a year to reflect on. The year had been good for Carlotta, but Priscilla, Remus, and Newton all had at least one trial through the year. A mysterious giver the previous year had helped them all out, though. What would this year’s gifts bring? O Christmas Tree Gareth loves Christmas. But more than that, he loves Christmas tree hunting. As the family prepares for their annual trip, Gareth can barely contain his excitement. But what are all the spray bottles for?  Mr. Smith and the Roach by J.J. DiBenedetto John Smith has a problem. He’s a retired cop whose pension just got wiped out, and he doesn’t know why or how. Now he needs to find a roommate to help pay the bills. Sam has a problem. He’s a six-foot-tall talking cockroach and he doesn’t know who created him, or why, or how. Now he needs a place to live. Thrown together as roommates and amateur detectives, Mr. Smith and the Roach realize their problems might be related. But those problems are far more complicated than they imagined, and before all is said and done, they’ll run afoul of a Russian gangster, an imprisoned Mafia don, a crooked Wall Street banker, a mad scientist and, maybe worst of all, Mr. Smith’s baby sister. Can they get to the bottom of an unbelievable plot before someone exterminates the Roach – and Mr. Smith – for good?  A Hope for Eva by Sylvia Damsell Silas has plans concerning the residents of the home where he works, plans which involve the release of all of them from the cruelties and deprivation they are receiving at the hands of an unscrupulous owner and staff who do not care. When Eva comes on the night staff and discovers what he is planning she wants to be a part of it. What lies ahead involves danger and patience. It also involves two people getting to know each other and liking what they find. Maybe it could involve love.. This is the story of a group of people who risk a lot to find happiness and a reason for living in a society which shows little sympathy for those they regard as the undeserving poor or mentally ill. November 29th  His Christmas Family by Melissa McClone Two and a half years after Grace Wilcox’s husband died a war hero, the hole in her heart and life remains. She wants to start over with their young son, but a snowstorm thwarts her plans, stranding them in Hood Hamlet. When Grace knocks on a stranger’s door in search of help, a handsome firefighter comes to the rescue. Bill Paulson invites the two wayward travelers into his home. A relationship and family aren’t on his radar, but something about the widow and her son touches Bill’s heart. While Grace’s truck is being repaired, she wants to give her son a special Christmas. An overgrown kid who loves the holidays, Bill decides to do the same for Grace. Attraction soon flares between Grace and Bill, but she won’t gamble her heart on another hero and he doesn’t consider himself husband material. Can a little Christmas magic show them love and a family are worth the risks?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
Christmas in Jingle Junction by Tabitha Bouldin — In the small town of Jingle Junction, Holly Winters owns the local coffee shop, Jolly Java. It’s here that she meets Patrick Cooper and promptly throws coffee everywhere. Not only does Patrick not like coffee, he also despises Christmas! It’s up to Holly to show Patrick that Christmas is worth giving a second chance, just as Patrick himself deserves a second chance when he is accused of robbing a local convenience store. In a town full of Christmas spirit, lively debates over the best superhero and riding in a sleigh pulled by actual reindeer is just a normal day. Will Holly be able to prove to Patrick that Christmas is more than a holiday that has to be endured? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) A Picture Perfect Christmas by Candee Fick — Freelance photographers Liz Foster and Ryan Callahan are finally making plans for their future. And what better time to get married than during the festive holiday season that brought them together? If only Liz’s parents weren’t standing in the way of a picture-perfect wedding. Spurred on by the ghosts of Christmases past, Dan Foster has already written Liz out of his will, so even attending the wedding—let alone walking his daughter down the aisle—is out of the question. However, this is the season for miracles and Ryan will do anything to make his bride smile. What will it take to bring this family back together in time for the wedding? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter — When his secret crush joins a dating website, Jack takes a leap of faith and soon becomes Daisy’s online suitor. But when they begin growing closer in real life also, Jack finds himself with an unexpected dilemma. Is Daisy falling for the real Jack or for the online version of himself? And how is she going to respond when she finds out they’re one and the same? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) A Merry Miracle in Romance by Melanie D. Snitker — Baxter Reid returns to his hometown of Romance, eager to see his childhood crush. Unfortunately, Savannah hasn’t forgotten all the ways he used to tease her back then. He’s got his work cut out for him if he’s going to get a second chance. Savannah Miller avoids Baxter and the embarrassing childhood memories he evokes…until he apologizes and suggests a truce. Now what is she supposed to do? Only time will tell whether the spirit of Christmas in Romance is enough to transform a grudging relationship into true love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) I Still Do by Melanie D. Snitker — What’s worse than running into your ex-husband? Becoming snowbound with him and an avalanche of memories you can’t escape. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Contemporary/Women’s Fiction: A Southern Season by Eva Marie Everson, Claire Fullerton, Ane Mulligan, and Linda Yezak — Four seasons. Four stories. Each one set in the enchanting world of the South. These are the kinds of stories your grandmother told you from a front porch swing. (Women’s Fiction from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Historical: Second Chances by Carol Ashby — A widowed father, still grieving the loss of his wife and child, and a devoted mother, who leaves behind everything she’s ever known to rescue her daughter from the ex-husband who would hurt her, are first drawn together by their love for her little girl, but God has much more for them than either could have imagined. (Historical, Cerrillo Press) Historical Mystery: Murder of Convenience by Linda Shenton Matchett — May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit. (Historical Mystery, Independently Published) Historical Romance: The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection by Lena Nelson Dooley, Rebecca Jepson, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Candice Sue Patterson, Kathleen Rouser, Pegg Thomas, and Marilyn Turk — Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of our nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 at Great Lakes Lighthouses bring hope to the lonely lighthouse keepers and love to weary hearts. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) A Musket in My Hands by Sandra Merville Hart — Two sisters have no choice but to disguise themselves as men to muster into the Confederate army in the fall of 1864–just in time for things to go very badly for the Southerners at the Battle of Franklin. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Uncharted Journey by Keely Brooke Keith — Young widow Eva Vestal assumes loneliness is God’s permanent plan for her life. She keeps busy by raising her son and co-managing the Inn at Falls Creek with her elderly father, but her heart yearns for more. Solomon “Solo” Cotter has spent his life working with horses, but he secretly wants to write a book of the children’s stories his grandfather told him as a boy. He barters with Eva’s father for a 40-night stay at the inn, a needed respite from work to get his stories on paper. Once Eva discovers the barter, she believes Solo is taking advantage of her father’s failing memory. But when tragedy strikes and Solo works hard to save the inn, Eva sees his true nature. As her heart stirs with feelings for Solo, she wrestles with the guilt of loving someone new. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Snow Angel by Davalynn Spencer — Lena Carver works as her physician brother’s medical assistant, housekeeper, and cook. Maimed in a childhood accident at Christmas, she believes she is beyond love’s reach—until a dark-eyed cowboy arrives broken, bruised, and bent on changing her mind. Wil Bergman wakes in a stranger’s home with a busted leg and a bullet-creased scalp. Trail-weary, robbed, and penniless, he is at the mercy of a country doctor whose sister’s healing touch has power to stitch up his heart and open his eyes to the impossible. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing) Romantic Suspense: Tell Her No Lies by Kelly Irvin — After Nina Fischer is accused of murdering her uncle and adopted father, she must unlock deadly family secrets in order to clear her name and learn to trust love again. (Romantic Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) North by Starlight by Diane and David Munson — Attorney Madison Stone hurries to help her client Jordan Star defeat a mysterious relative who claims a share in his inheritance, and during the Christmas season Maddie learns to leave past regrets behind her, embrace the warmhearted people of Starlight, and dig deep to find her true heart. (Romantic Suspense from Micah House Media) Her Deadly Reunion by Beth Ann Ziarnik — What will it cost an estranged daughter when she meets her birth father at his home and discovers it’s a dangerous place to mix past and present? (Romantic Suspense from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Speculative: Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse — When the new Lady of Ravenwood inherits her family’s secret gift of dreamwalking, she discovers a dark history. Women in her family have been wielding the gift to preserve her family’s legacy—through assassinations. She’s determined to find the true reason behind the gift, convinced there must be a more noble purpose. But she’s torn about upholding her family’s legacy–a legacy that supports her people. What will she do when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations–but who is also prophesied to bring about the downfall of her own house? One path holds glory and power and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and likely death. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen? (High Fantasy from Bethany House [Baker]) Thriller/Suspense: Stratagem by Robin Caroll — Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux creates mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s for their executive retreat, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder. (Suspense from Barbour Publishing)  It's a new month, and there are some great new releases for you to chose from. Fill up your Kindle today! October 1st  Chasing Someday by Crystal Walton A country boy looking to win his best friend’s heart. A waitress afraid of giving hers away. And one crazy, impromptu dating plan that’s about to change everything. Ex-model Livy Hensley has exactly three talents: making coffee, landing herself in the most awkward moments known to man, and failing miserably at relationships. But when the sweetest southern boy on the planet offers to be your dating coach, who could say no? Between struggling to open a café and trying to atone for a consequence of her past, Livy can use all the help she can get. Besides, what could possibly go wrong on a few practice dates with your best friend? Chase Thompson’s no stranger to hard work. If that’s what it takes to prove to Livy they should be together, then he’s all in. He can handle pretending he’s not hopelessly in love with her. Sort of. Almost. Okay, nowhere close. But with a conflicting solution to his family’s greatest trial on the line, the stakes of keeping his dating coach plan from backfiring have never been higher. Up against the countdown of choices, Chase and Livy must find the courage to risk what they fear most for the someday they’ve always hoped for.  The Bodyguard's Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston A woman whose life is in danger, the bodyguard sworn to protect her, and a race against time to get her to safety… Medical student Lexi Maheras has one goal—get matched to a top hospital so she can complete her residency. When her father calls, telling her he’s arranged for her to marry a man she barely knows, Lexi is positive something is wrong. In an effort to give herself some time to figure out what’s going on, she decides the only way to slow things down is to arrange her own marriage. Ex-Army Ranger Jake Maverick promised Basil Maheras that he’d keep Lexi safe at all costs—he just never thought the cost would include his bachelor status. but when Lexi tells him her father is forcing her to marry the man he was hired to protect her from in the first place, he feels the only way to keep her safe is to marry her in an attempt to get her father from Greece to the states so he can figure out what’s going on. When their secret is leaked, and Lexi’s life is put in danger, they have no choice but to run. Now, they’re stuck together, and the more they learn about each other, the less pretend their marriage feels.  Cat's Got Your Arsenic by Tara Meyers Water and ravines run deep in Sanctuary -- so do the secrets. When a traveling salesman dies under suspicious circumstances, the implications span decades of hidden truths. Veterinarian Ember Burns is no stranger to the long shadows of the small mountain town. But as winter settles into the rugged terrain, and a veil of snow descends, ghosts from the past begin to surface. As old friends, foes, and lovers collide in a bid to discover who's been keeping the biggest secret of all, will Ember solve the mystery of disappearing animals? Or will she find herself in the path of a killer with a personal agenda?  Cat's Gambit by Kimberly A. Rogers Trusting a talking cat was perhaps the most ridiculous thing she’d ever heard of . . . Helena Sheppard always prided herself on keeping a level head. But when she gives up the flock of sheep meant to be her dowry to preserve her younger sister’s happiness, she accepts a cat to appease her family despite the impracticality. When the cat starts talking and insisting on an adventure, Helena finds her path taking rather unexpected turns. Cursed by a dragoness nearly a century ago, Reed hasn’t spoken to a human in nearly as long. When Helena proves herself worthy, he grows determined to see the former shepherdess properly rewarded even if it means leading her to Carabas and encouraging her to accept the attentions of a nice knight. But when they discover a dragon in Carabas, what will it cost to save the people and the kingdom?  The Case of the Very Bad Cat by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick "I'm Mia. I know how to write. Why's that a big deal? Because... I'm a cat." After nearly being discovered by the scientists from Caput Laboratories and having to fake her own death, Mia has been lying low. As Christmas approaches, she gets herself temporarily adopted by College-Guy, also known as Tommy. Something is afoot in the neighborhood, though, and when Mia is accused of leaving dead mice and birds on the neighbors' doorstep, she's determined to get to the bottom of it. But even the mystery isn't what it seems. Will Mia be able to solve the case of the Very Bad Cat? Will she be able to return home so Keith doesn't spend Christmas all alone?  Finding a Plain Christmas by Amos Wyse and Laura J. Marshall Kirsten Bergman, writer for Harrisburg Magazine, is busy checking off the boxes on her Christmas lists. Her boss and secret crush, Richard Collins, unexpectedly assigns her to a story in Amish country, which seems like he's setting her up for failure. But is he actually giving her the greatest gift of all? Barnville Stories are standalone tales with common characters and common values. We hope you enjoy them all, but you don't have to start with any particular one. October 2nd  A Christmas to Remember by Various Authors Laugh, cry, and fall in love as you savor these brand-new Christmas romances from some of your favorite authors. Pair with a peppermint chai, hot chocolate, or your favorite wintry flavors, then snuggle down in front of the fireplace with a quilt over your lap... and maybe a purring cat! Eight authors have joined together in this Christian romance collection that will leave you celebrating the gift of Christmas. Until I Met You by award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson After a difficult breakup, Brandi Prescott is taking a hiatus from men and focusing on her career, the Lord, and getting to know herself. Everything is going according to plan until one fateful, rainy morning in Seattle when a passing car drenches her and everything changes. The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion by USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer The Cowboy Santa program is supposed to be a chance to help his neighbors. When Kade Delgado’s ex-fiancée, now a single mom, shows up on his list, neither of them are thrilled. Is there any hope for a second chance at love? Hope for Christmas by Elizabeth Maddrey When he arrived at the ranch, he wasn’t sure what he was looking for. She wasn’t looking for anything beyond stability for her son. Christmas might be a season of hope, but do they dare risk everything for love? Can’t Live without You by Ginger Solomon Clarissa Harding’s fiancé’s betrayal doesn’t hurt as much as learning her best friend, Sawyer Chasin, knew his brother’s secret and didn’t tell her. The marriage would have been fake, but her feelings for Sawyer aren’t. Beautiful Heart of His by Lindi Peterson Two wrongs don’t make a right has never been more true. Will Mason’s past wrongs push Scarlett away or help her fall in love with him? Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini Filled with grief and regret, Holly Christmas returns to Geneseo Valley and the family business, The Christmas Mansion. Can Kevin Holt restore her love for the season and the memories she left behind? The Cowgirl’s Christmas Gift by Publishers Weekly bestselling author Deb Kastner Cowgirl Maisey Gray knows horses, not six-year-olds. But when her socially-awkward, VR glasses-wearing neighbor needs help creating the perfect Christmas for his nephews, it’s up to Maisey to make sure Cam and the boys have a Christmas they’ll never forget. Falling for Grace by Janet W. Ferguson Grace Logan needs a place to pick herself up now that her ex is marrying her former best friend. Grief drives Seth Gibbs to his family’s vacation home, and three years later, he has no plans to leave. Until Grace falls into his life. October 4th  Serendipity, Indiana Bundle 2 by Magdalena Scott THE BLANK BOOK ~ Alice’s life was hijacked by a story she wrote in an antique blank book. In movie star Robert’s recurring dream, Alice has the lead role. Does she dare write a new future for them both? ~ A year ago her husband died suddenly, and Alice Williams’s calm, predictable world changed in an instant. Most everybody in the small town of Serendipity, Indiana has rallied around her, and Alice’s new life is beginning to take shape. But something is very wrong. A girls’ night out results in an unusual writing project, for which Alice chooses an antique leather-bound blank book. The story she’s begun to pen starts to alter her reality, and that of the man she has met only in her dreams. Movie star Robert Diamond doesn’t want anything to do with Alice, or with her little hometown. His only reason for coming to Serendipity is to put an end to the life-altering dreams he’s having. Dreams that feature a woman who looks just like Alice… Only by working together can they uncover the secret behind the Blank Book, and create the future each of them wants. Writer’s block can be maddening when you’re literally writing the story of your life. THE RING ~ Carla makes wishes come true for everyone but herself. Widower Jared and his kids have won her heart. But is the future possible without forgiving the past? ~ Carla Standish is the go-to person for whatever her friends and family need, and is world-renowned for creating one-of-a-kind, swoon worthy dresses. She’s even surprising herself and the folks in town by dating a decent guy these days. If one missing piece would fall into the jigsaw puzzle of her life, everything would be perfect. But she ruined that possibility long ago, didn’t she? It’s been a couple of years since widower Jared Barnett and his kids moved to Serendipity for a much-needed new start. They were settling in, but now he’s getting some confusing signals from the vivacious shop owner he’s dating, and the small town “good old boy” network seems determined to treat the Barnetts as outsiders. An offer he shouldn’t refuse would mean pulling up stakes again, but Jared will do whatever is required to take care of his family, and to protect his own heart. THE ROAD NOT TAKEN Francie and husband Brad are spending Christmas in her hometown. There are marital problems, career decisions, and a major change on the horizon for the Standish family Christmas tree farm. Can Francie find a way through all this, to a happy ending for anyone? October 5th  Mountain of Sorrow Valley of Peace by Jay Tepe ometimes simple tasks can open up opportunities to see things we never even knew were there. Alistaire Pickelwit, still the most peculiar mouse in all of Crystal Falls Hollow, discovers this on another unexpected journey. His old friends, a raccoon named Wallace Wallington, a woodchuck called Darby Don, and other friends including his new wife—Nataline—decide to help him on a trip to replace the stone jar he uses to collect his drinking water. New friends are made and hearts are betrayed as the Lord of all Creation—Taleh—shows them another layer of his Kingdom. Alistaire learns more about his family’s history and the reasons why the Pickelwit Clan has been charged with the task of keeping a record of Taleh’s Creation’s groanings. Passing through the Prophecy Pool they find themselves in strange lands with even stranger creatures, while their evil adversary—Treikhan—continues in his attempts to exert his will over the Kingdom of Taleh. In the end they discover what it truly means to lay one’s life down for one’s friends. If we have pain . . . if we know hurt and have sorrow as big as a mountain . . . Taleh’s quick to ease our way and carry us to his eternal valley of peace to drink from love’s fountain. October 8th  Spindle by Kimberly A. Rogers What happens when the sleeper wakes to a changed world? In the aftermath of the dragon wars, Celena Geraint expects peace to return to the Kingdom of Aneirin. Instead, she is cursed by a dragoness to an enchanted sleep. When she wakes, a century has passed and everything she knew has vanished in a war of succession whose only hope for an end now lies in her hands. He went on a quest to find the Sleeping Duchess, never expecting legend to come to life. Now Brand finds his plans of escaping the war-torn kingdom on hold for the sake of a woman with silver eyes. Staying by her side as she works to save their kingdom, he knows he can never reveal he feels more than protection toward the duchess. Will she need to sacrifice her own chance at love to win the throne?  Love from Left Field by Jenny Rabe After losing her husband to PTSD, Cambria Henshaw desperately needs to start over, so she packs up her paints and moves to Harker Heights, Texas. Inspired by welcoming surroundings and friendly people, Cambria begins to paint one portrait after another, with one small problem: haunted by survivor's guilt that keeps everyone at a distance—and her heart safely guarded—she can't bring herself to finish any of them. Brian Davidson thinks he's finally put his past behind him. As an anonymous CEO billionaire, he's sure this small Texas town will be his refuge from the spiteful ex who smeared his name through the mud in the national papers. But when someone starts stalking his baseball practices, threatening to expose his identity, he worries his ex is back for more revenge. When Cambria and Brian are thrown together during a service opportunity through their grief group, the attraction is undeniable, but so is their hesitation. As the two of them battle their inner demons and their real-life enemies, they must both decide what they're willing to risk for a 9th-inning chance at "home-run" love. October 9th  Bittersweet by Krista Noorman He owns a food truck. She owns a bakery. He walked out on her four years ago without a word. Will his return bring them a second chance or is it a recipe for disaster? Harper Hensley’s greatest joy is baking. She’s co-owner of a cute little bake shop, creating delicious treats to her heart’s content, and happily dating a successful lawyer. Life seems perfect. Until Logan Riggs, the man who walked out on her without a word four years ago, rolls into town in his new coffee food truck, living the dream they were supposed to share together. The last thing Logan ever wanted was to leave Harper, but unforeseen circumstances forced him to make that choice. He never meant to hurt her or ruin their plans of starting a food truck. Now he’s back to make things right, hoping to convince her to work with him, and longing for a second chance with the woman he loved from the start. Coffee and cupcakes belong together. But is the truth about Logan’s disappearing act too much to forgive? Can Harper move past the bitter to get to the sweet? October 16th  Love Renewed by Lorana Hoopes Do soul mates really exist? Kaitlyn Bell thought she was going to marry Dillon Fields until he decided he needed to see the world. She waited for him to return, but when the communication stopped, she married another. Unfortunately, that marriage wasn't a good fit. When she is asked to redecorate the Fields' winter lodge, she is hesitant at first, but after being assured Dillon won't be there, she takes the job. Dillon Fields thought he wanted to see the world, but ten years after leaving his hometown, he finds himself unable to commit to his relationship. After a bit of soul searching, he realizes it's because he's never gotten over his high school sweetheart, Kaitlyn. Unfortunately, he has no idea where she is now. He decides to spend the Christmas holiday with his mother at their lodge, but he gets more than he bargained for. Will Kaitlyn and Dillon get their second chance or will the past keep them apart? Find out by clicking above. October 18th  The Christmas Window by Melissa McClone A matchmaking aunt wants her nephew to find love under the mistletoe... All doggy daycare owner Callie Andrews wants for Christmas is to win first prize this year. The annual window display competition is a huge event in Silver Falls, and she’s determined to showcase her success when her family visits her small town. It's time for her parents and three older brothers to realize the "baby" of the family is thriving on her own. The last thing Brandt Winslow wants to do is rehash the past, but returning home to Silver Falls means confronting the reason he left. His vacation, however, takes an unexpected turn when his well-meaning aunt meddles in his love life, and he finds himself caught up in her misguided efforts at matchmaking. Despite their reluctance at being paired up, Callie and Brandt discover the holidays are full of surprises...and romance. But is the magic of Christmas strong enough to keep the couple together through the new year? October 23rd  Not in the Plan by Rachel John You can plan anything, except how you feel. Rebecca Scott can’t wait to start her new job as an assistant wedding planner, until she comes face to face with her new boss, and former best friend, Jay. Ten years ago, she dropped him because her fiancé asked her to. Now, he’s looking at her like she’s the worst person in the world, and maybe she is. Because Jay was right all along. She picked the wrong guy. Jay Kendrick had no idea his new assistant would be his former best friend, Rebecca. He’d give anything to get over his feelings for her, especially since they have to work so closely. Friendship is not an option anymore. Not for him, anyway. Jay’s determined to keep things professional and be just her boss, but the more he’s around her, the more he remembers why he fell so hard for her in the first place.  The Enemy Next Door and Other Misunderstandings by Crissy Sharp Jocelyn Kross always imagined her life differently—more loft in Upper Eastside Manhattan, less burned down house in small town Montana. Her temporary digs aren’t much better, a tiny apartment off the side of someone’s house. When the owner turns out to be her sworn enemy, Cade Warner, it’s just the rotten cherry on her terrible day. Strange things are happening in Strawberry Lake Estates. Cade cannot afford to be distracted by his new neighbor, someone he’s known his whole life, and yet doesn’t really know at all. When Cade’s employee turns up dead, solving the sudden crime wave in their town turns a lot more personal. As Jocelyn and Cade work together to solve the murder and help their town, they look pasts old grudges and see each other in a new light. When the investigation puts their lives in jeopardy, they find love sometimes comes in the most inconvenient ways. October 25th  Starr Witness by Susette Williams Because of circumstances beyond her control, Beth Starr’s life has become one big lie. She hates keeping secrets, especially from the handsome officer who attends her church, but telling the truth could put her in danger. Mason Montgomery feels drawn to Beth, even though she isn’t the easiest person to get to know. He feels she may have some interest in him, but her standoffishness has his police instincts on overdrive and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding. October 26th  Resonance by Dianne J. Wilson Kai was born with the ability to see brokenness and to fix it. This ability has a name: Affinity. Saved from death and freed from the spiritual realm, all Kai wants is a chance to go back for the friend he left behind. But his simple rescue mission is sabotaged and all the broken, homeless kids from the OS are sent back into the spiritual realm with him to be recruited, marked and re-purposed by the enemy. Cut off from the source of his ability, Kai is plunged into a desperate struggle against time to rescue them all before their blood is on his hands. October 30th  Returned to You by Emma St. Clair Can you get a second chance on a first date? Nate Billings spent a semester winning over Colby Martin. But when he didn't show up for their first date, it impacts both of them in ways they wouldn't expect. Four years later, Nate is on the cusp of launching a blind-dating app that he hopes will make him millions. To keep things funded in the meantime, he's making tough choices, like taking an part-time job as a mail carrier. He never expected that this would bring him right to Colby's front door. Colby should have moved on, but instead stayed in Houston after graduating college. Flitting from job to job and relationship to relationship, she's stuck in a holding pattern. When she gets the chance to try out a blind-dating app, she finally hits it off with someone--at least digitally. Will Nate coming back into her life help her find closure? Or will it disrupt the peace she's worked so hard to find?  Soldier On by Vanessa Rasanen He's fighting for his country. She’s praying for his safety. When tragedy strikes, can their marriage and faith survive? Charlie and Meg Winters are no strangers to the military life and the challenges it brings. But when an IED rips through his convoy killing his friends, the loss proves almost too much to bear. Meg finds her trust in Christ wavering, and secrets she's been keeping for years drive a wedge between her and her husband. What if everything Meg believes is a lie? What if Charlie finds out what she's done? Can Meg and Charlie save their marriage or will the horrors of war and the ghosts of their past tear them apart and forever shipwreck her faith?  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
A Christmas to Remember by Julie Arduini, Valerie Comer, Janet W. Ferguson, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Deb Kastner, Elizabeth Maddrey, Lindi Peterson, and Ginger Solomon — Eight authors from the popular blog Inspy Romance each share a Christmas-themed novella to put you in the mood for the season. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Their Family Legacy by Lorraine Beatty — Annie’s inheritance will provide a home for her twins and all she had to do is keep a man paying for his mistake forever. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) The Return by Marianne Evans — A prodigal who never wanted to return home must repair his family farm and rush back to the big city before an old love convinces him to stay. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican]) A Harvest of Blessings by June Foster — When Nadia accidentally sits on a stranger’s lap in the graveyard where her late husband is buried, she’s horrified to learn the good-looking guy with salt and pepper hair is her new boss. Jared is intrigued by this beautiful woman who puts God first in her life, but his daughter isn’t ready for him to move on after his wife’s death. As Nadia and Jared try to cultivate a relationship, will they reap a Harvest of Blessings, or a season of drought? (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication]) A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson — Ninety years ago, Millie Sullivan’s great-grandmother was a guest at banker Howard Dawkins’ palatial estate on the shore of St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now, Millie plays a 1920s-era guest during tours of the same manor. But when her grandmother suggests that there is a lost diary containing the location of a hidden treasure on the estate, along with the true identity of Millie’s great-grandfather, Millie sets out to find the truth of her heritage–and the fortune that might be hers. When security guard Ben Thornton discovers her snooping in the estate’s private library, he threatens to have her fired. But her story seems almost too ludicrous to be fiction, and her offer to split the treasure is too tempting to pass up . . . (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Reason to Breathe by Deborah Raney — At twenty-nine, Phylicia Chandler put her life on hold to care for her dying mother with her sisters, Joanna and Britt. Now Mom is gone and their father has run off with a woman young enough to be their sister. Phylicia feels stuck–until her father’s protégé, Quinn Mitchell, presents her and her two sisters with an intriguing business opportunity to purchase a trio of cottages just outside of Langhorne, Missouri. But Phylicia is skeptical. Quinn soon finds himself falling hard for Phylicia. But how can he pursue this beautiful, talented woman twelve years his junior when she’s still reeling over her father’s hasty engagement to a younger woman? Quinn is determined to give Phylicia her happily-ever-after. But first, he must help her come to terms with her discovery of long-held family secrets and persuade her that true love can transcend their differences. (Contemporary Romance from Gilead Publishing) General/Women’s Fiction An Amish Homecoming by Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller , Shelley Shepard Gray, and Beth Wiseman — A collection of four new Amish stories of coming home. (General from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Miles from Where We Started by Cynthia Ruchti — These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip–and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off-ramp. (General Contemporary from Gilead Publishing) Historical: When the Heart Sings by Liz Tolsma — In 1943 Poland, the Nazis have forced Natia and Teodor from their peaceful farm to the harsh confines of a labor camp. When the couple is separated, Natia risks everything to send him messages through song as she passes Teodor’s dormitory. The stakes get higher when Natia finds a Jewish orphan on the doorstep where she works. She is determined to protect the boy and raise him as the child she and her husband were unable to bear—but if her German captors discover how much she’s hiding, both she and Teodor may pay the ultimate price. (Historical from Gilead Publishing) Historical Romance: This Courageous Journey by Misty M. Beller — When Noelle Grant sets off to visit her brother in the Canadian Rockies, the prospect of making a name for herself as a news correspondent finally seems within reach. But when the dangers become more than she bargained for, she finds herself—and the mountain man she’s come to love—in a situation more hazardous than any story her imagination could conjure. (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy — Union army officer Cameron Scott is used to being obeyed, but nothing about this journey to Lake Tahoe has gone as expected. He’s come to Lake Tahoe to fetch his daughter and nephew, and seek revenge on the people who killed his brother. Instead he finds himself trapped by a blizzard with two children who are terrified of him and stubborn but beautiful Gwen Harkness, who he worries may be trying to keep the children. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing) Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall — As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette Everstone meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay? (Historical Romance from Whitaker House) The Christmas Heirloom by Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade, and Karen Witemeyer — A family heirloom brings true love to its bearers through the generations as it is handed down from mother to daughter. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing) A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst — Life was better than she dreamed, now the conflict between the British and the colonists threatened the loss of everything dear, even her husband. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears — Marrying a stranger to save a ranch is one thing; losing the land on their wedding day is another. Desperate to keep the ranch where three of her children and a husband lie buried, Annie Gephart must marry or sell. Which of the few bachelors in town would consider a surprise proposal to wed a plain widow with a rebellious daughter, a spirited boy, and unpaid taxes—without laughing in her face? (Historical Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear — Thomas Bledsoe and Kate Gruener are traveling the Wilderness Road when conflicts between natives and settlers reach a peak that will require each of them to tap into a well of courage. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Mist O’er the Voyageur by Naomi Musch — Desperate to flee a cruel suitor, Metis woman Brigitte Marchal flees into the wilderness to find her long-lost, fur-trader father, but who will save her from the dangers of being a woman among a voyageurs’ brigade? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas) Romantic Suspense: Five Years In Yemen by Luana Ehrlich — When the President issues a memorandum to bring home a military scientist who went missing in Iraq, CIA operative Titus Ray has been given the assignment. However, when the mission takes an unexpected turn after his contact is murdered in Riyadh, Titus is forced to make changes in the mission’s protocols, changes that endanger his operational team and have lasting consequences for his future. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon — A woman who owns a fair trade shop and a police detective find themselves plunged into international intrigue—and danger—when people connected with her shop begin dying. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Burden of Proof by DiAnn Mills — A hostage negotiator is thrust into danger and betrayal when a frazzled young woman shoves a crying baby into her arms, then disappears. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House) Supernatural Thriller: Surrounded by Darkness by Rachel Dylan — When attorney Olivia Murray opens a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence in Windy Ridge, she knows she will face legal and spiritual opposition. The New Age presence has grown stronger as alliances form between groups hoping to spread their destructive way of life and gain a stronghold in the community. While the forces of evil target Olivia’s new clinic, her legal partner Grant Baxter, and her relationships, she refuses to let them stop her quest for justice. Will Olivia’s and Grant’s faith be strong enough—in God and each other—to prevail in the battle that threatens to bring darkness to the entire town? (Supernatural Thriller, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) Speculative: A Dance of Shadows by Erica Marie Hogan — Ten days have passed since Sundragon blood was shed for a sacrifice by Raphaela Kael. Ten days since Lathan and Maxx Jandry fled the city in search of Princess Damari Kael and their niece, Noelle. Brecken Jandry, Brae’s loyal husband, remains a tortured prisoner in the Kael dungeons and no one in Sunkai is safe from Roderick and Raphaela’s wrath. Damari Kael flees Sunkai with little Noelle Jandry, determined to deliver the child to the safety of the Shadow Lands, even as her own power emerges within her. The Eventide Sisters embark on a mission to join the Winter Queen. Across the land, Clea Jandry arrives in her birthplace of Molderëin where she is met with a savagery she thought long dead. Afra Malaki seeks the Creator’s will and the Queen of the Woodlands prepares for battle. In the peaceful city of Quintaria, the Winter Queen grieves. But the shadows are coming for her. They carry a message for Adlae Sundragon, and they will not rest until all is revealed. (Fantasy from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.) Body By Blood by Dr. Patrick Johnston — In the not-too-distant future, where cloned bodies are marketable commodities among the super-rich, leaving graveyards of trampled dehumanized classes in science’s wake, the richest man in the world who pioneered the breakthrough technologies learns the meaning of true love from a disabled granddaughter. (Speculative Action Adventure from Ambassador International) Mercury Rising by Tim and Gail Sattler — Four ordinary people are thrown into an extraordinary situation when they are thrown into a diabolical plot hidden under the guise of global warming. (Contemporary Fantasy from Mantle Rock Publishing) The Awakened by Richard Spillman — If Lazarus didn’t die a second time what would he be up to today? (Speculative from Mountain Brook Ink)  Join us for Christmas in Romance! Between odd animals, lost loves, second chances, hidden identities, a secret Santa, and bickering senior citizens, it might just take a miracle to bring everyone a happily-ever-after for the holidays. Settle in a chair by the fire, sip a cup of hot cocoa, and immerse yourself in the friendly town of Romance with this series of six sweet Christmas novellas from bestselling and award-winning authors.  Sleigh Bells Ring in Romance by Shanna Hatfield Releasing: November 1st You’re never too old to fall in love . . . Will two over-the-hill neighbors embrace a holiday romance? Rancher Jess Milne lost his wife years ago, but he’s finally ready to give love a second chance. It’s a shame the one woman in Romance who captures his interest is a prickly, wasp-tongued she-devil. She used to be one of his closest friends until he asked her out. Her vocal, vehement refusal made her thoughts on dating him crystal clear. Despite her animosity, Jess can’t help but be attracted to her fire and spirit. Widowed more than ten years, Doris Grundy tries to convince herself she’s content with her life. Her recently married grandson and his wife bring her joy. The ranch she’s lived on since she was a young bride gives her purpose. She’s an active member of their close-knit community. But the old coot who lives down the road continually invades her thoughts, keeping her from having any peace. Doris will be the last to admit she longs for the love and affection of her handsome neighbor. When the two of them are unexpectedly thrown together, will they find a little holiday spirit and allow the love of the season to ring in their hearts?  A Merry Miracle in Romance by Melanie D. Snitker Releasing: November 2nd It’ll take a Christmas miracle to turn a grudging friendship into true love. Baxter Reid returns to his hometown of Romance, eager to see his childhood crush. Unfortunately, Savannah hasn’t forgotten all the ways he used to tease her back then. He’s got his work cut out for him if he’s going to get a second chance. When Savannah Miller learns her former arch enemy is back in town, she dreads running into him. Baxter is at the center of some of her most embarrassing childhood memories. She’s more than happy to avoid Baxter until he apologizes and suggests a truce. Now what is she supposed to do? Only time will tell whether the spirit of Christmas in Romance is enough to transform a grudging relationship into true love.  Holding Onto Love in Romance by Liwen Y. Ho Releasing: November 3rd She’s a small town inn owner learning how to trust. He’s a big time singer struggling to protect the woman he loves. Together, they must fight to keep their romance alive. Being engaged to America’s hottest pop star brings Izzy Sutton’s insecurities to the surface, making her question if she can handle life in the public eye. Complications multiply when her ex shows up on her doorstep two weeks before the wedding, with nowhere to live. Through hard work and determination, Chase Lockhart climbed the Top 40 charts and won the hand of the only woman he’s ever loved. Helping Izzy overcome her cold feet, however, proves to be more challenging than expected, especially when he’s away on tour days before their wedding. With their Christmas Eve wedding fast approaching, Izzy and Chase face the biggest decision of their relationship. Will they allow their circumstances to divide them or will they find enough reasons to keep holding onto love?  A Reel Christmas in Romance by J.J. DiBenedetto Releasing: November 4th Owner of the lone movie theater in Romance, Marianne Carter loves the old movies she shows on the big screen. She’s just struck up an email friendship with a newcomer to town. Unaware of his identity but feeling loyal to him, she fights her attraction to a handsome man she keeps bumping into around town. Under a false identity, Jack Nelson comes to Romance to investigate the historic movie theater and decide if it should receive the status of a historical landmark. Little does he know the woman sending him charming emails is the same one who owns the theater. While Marianne’s theater plays the old classic film The Shop Around the Corner, Marianne and Jack unknowingly play out the same story in real life. Will they figure it out in time to write their own happy ending?  A Christmas Carol in Romance by Franky A. Brown Releasing: November 5th Christmas is coming to Romance, Oregon…but for Andy McKay, it’s only a reminder of the day the love of his life walked away. Guilted into playing Scrooge as a young man in the town’s production of A Christmas Carol, Andy unexpectedly finds himself acting alongside his girlfriend of romance past. Cassie Winston has spent the past year traveling, writing, and regretting that she left the man she loved behind her. She’s afraid the old adage about how you can never go home again might be true. It’s hard enough to convince Andy to consider giving them a second chance, and acting with him in Scrooge and Belle’s breakup scene certainly doesn’t help. As ghosts from the past resurface, can they find a way to create a new future together?  Santa's Visit in Romance by Jessica L. Elliott Releasing: November 6th Santa’s got his work cut out for him to help a reluctant couple find love during the holidays. Marshall Duncan swore off women when his wife ran away, leaving him with an infant to raise alone. But a newcomer to Romance might just change his mind, with some help from a mysterious friend and his precocious daughter, Savannah. Latiesha Harris lost everything when her fiance left her in Denver. Hoping to escape her mother’s judgment, Latiesha goes to Romance to stay with an old sorority sister. But when she meets Katie’s childhood friend, there’s no denying the sparks between them. When Nick Klauss gets a Santa letter by mistake, he can’t help but try to make the little girl’s wish come true. But how can a retired cowboy give Savannah a mommy by Christmas?  Join the authors of the Christmas in Romance series for a celebration on Facebook! There will be giveaways and holiday fun! Trust me, you won't want to miss it!
 Check out these great new releases this month. September 1st  Anonymously Yours by Rachel John Unrequited love is playing havoc with their friendship… Ashley Parker’s in an office full of eligible men but there’s no way she’s dating again, not after her worst breakup yet. Except one day, a secret admirer starts leaving gifts on her desk: small, thoughtful tokens that make her take a closer look at everyone around her. Chase Reynolds knows he’s firmly in the friendzone with his coworker, Ashley. He’s been her listening ear after every breakup, including the last one, a guy security had to be warned not to let in the building. And after walking her out to her car every night for more than a year, it’s time to accept that things will never change. But after hearing their department’s about to be eliminated, Chase comes up with a bold plan to win Ashley over before they’re all fired and he never sees her again.  The Star's Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston A reporter desperate to prove herself, a country music singer with a chip on his shoulder, and a second chance at love. Callie Chapman is tired of hiding behind a pen name and lying to her family. Out of the blue, her editor gives her the ultimate opportunity—marry country superstar Tucker Hawk and get the inside scoop for her magazine. There’s only one problem. They dated before he made it big, and she’s never gotten over him. Tucker Hawk’s been America’s favorite country music star until the past year when a nasty breakup sent him spiraling. The CEO of his label has the perfect plan to get him back in the good graces of the public—a fake wife for the self-professed eternal bachelor. When he finds out the woman they’ve chosen is a love that got away, good memories resurface. But he’s been used too many times since then and trust isn’t something he gives away for free anymore. When fate brings them together again, they wonder if they should take a chance on love or just play their parts.  Abandoned Hope by Angelique Conger A string of beads. A forbidden book. An unexpected love. Young, innocent, trader Daphne, from the family of Adam, travels to the forbidden city of Nod searching for the Lost Children. After her father is abducted, she struggles to free him. The son of one of the Lost Children assists her in every way he can, falling in love with her. When it comes to a choice of her copy of the Book of Commandments, or her father, she chooses the sacred book. If her father isn’t freed she will be stranded in a wicked city. September 3rd  Hide it In Your Heart in 2019 by Annie Douglass Lima This 2019 calendar features a Bible verse for each week in creative fonts that can be colored in. A wide variety of holidays are listed, both traditional and unusual. (Do you know when Appreciate a Dragon Day is? How about Lost Sock Memorial Day?) You’ll have plenty of room to record your activities and appointments in the section for each day and week. After every month, you’ll find word puzzles featuring key words from that month's scriptures and holidays. Prepare for a year full of coloring and fun that will help you hide God's Word in your heart in 2019 without even trying! September 8th  Trail to Clear Creek by Kit Morgan Honoria Sayer and her husband Benedict had a dream. Go to America with their three sons, travel west, and start a cattle ranch. Unfortunately, Benedict only made it as far as Independence, Missouri. Her husband gone, Honoria must choose. Go West and fulfill his dream, or go back to England? She chooses the dream. And, as luck would have it, to make it a reality, she must do the unthinkable. Get married. Jefferson Cooke wasn't looking for a wife. Heck, he and his two sons were heading West to make a fresh start. Then along came Honoria Sayer. Beautiful, refined, a real lady. Not to mention a disaster on the Oregon Trail. So why was he considering the unthinkable? Enjoy this sweet, clean, western romance set against the backdrop of the Oregon Trail! And check out the rest of the books in the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection One Series.  Winter in the Mitten: A Collection of Writings Winter in the Mitten is filled with writings of humor, reflection, and perhaps some that might stir your memory and emotions. Each story is unique, just as the wonderful individuals who wrote them. The winter themed diverse anthology features fiction, memoirs, and poetry highlighting the best aspects of this season. You don’t want to miss some of the personal miracles shared or the vivid imagination of our fiction and poetry writers. For many of Shiawassee Area Writers, these are their first publications. They’ve worked diligently with rewrites, edits, deadlines, and revisions. They’ve gained knowledge about guidelines, formatting, and grammar. Each member dedicated to master the skills of writing for publication, seeking to make their stories the best they can be. For SAW’s seasoned authors, this is a special way to give back. We would like to share this blessing with you, our readers. This winter season and always; may your hearts be filled with forgiveness, joy, gratitude, hope, and the greatest of these, love. Because…everyone has a story, but few have the courage to share them. September 9th  That Song in Patagonia by Kristy Tate When Adrienne discovers her husband, Seb, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered and she flees. Nick, a shop owner who suddenly finds himself the center of media attention, follows. They both escape to Latin America for different reasons. Adrienne is tired turning a blind eye to her husband’s affairs. Nick trails after her, not only because he’s become an overnight YouTube sensation and he doesn’t know how to handle it, but also because he’s secretly been in love with Adrienne, his cousin’s wife, for years. Two people with hurting hearts and unrealized dreams explore the streets of Buenos Aires and the South American countryside, and it changes them both forever. And what they find in each other is something that might just heal them both.  Autumn's Embrace by Laura D. Bastian The last thing Abby wants to do is clean out her great-aunt’s house that she just inherited, but she needs to get it ready to sell. It doesn’t help that the arrogant man she met in town happens to be her new neighbor. Luke can’t believe the little girl who’d followed him around when she’d stayed with his mother’s old neighbor has grown up to be such a beautiful and feisty woman. As Luke helps Abby remodel the old home to get it ready to sell, he comes to realize she might just be what he was missing from his life. Can the two of them give up their dreams to build something better together? September 10th  Selkie's Song by Kimberly A. Rogers A selkie’s song can enchant a man and tame the sea . . . Naia’s unusual love for human things led her to become the sole artisan in her clan. But when this passion leads to her abduction, she loses more than contact with the sea when her pelt is taken. Unable to shift forms or return to the sea without it, she knows she will die if she cannot recover the pelt soon. Cut off from her family, Naia must appease the human king while persuading his lovesick son to honor past arrangements. Malik has loved and lost before, an experience leading him to shy away from love. When Naia is stranded, however, he risks everything to find her. Together they uncover a plot that would sweep up humans and selkies alike in a war that would destroy the Five Kingdoms and possibly all of Sonera. When the enemy acts, can they save sea and land . . . and each other?  Common Ground by Alicia Best When Maddie Lee is forced to deal with a businessman she despises from the get-go, she is determined to stand her ground. Adrian Knight has always had a high opinion of himself, for the simple reason that in the mirror, he only sees perfection, unaware of how unattractive this makes him to all but the most superficial of women. But he starts to wonder if he's met his match when he comes up against Maddie, as they are thrown into a collaboration against a new threat in Shady Piers. Are there the beginnings of a grudging appreciating of each other, and even more surprising, the rumblings of a much deeper relationship? September 11th  Place Called Home by Brenda S. Anderson All she wants is a settled place to call home. He can't wait to make home a life-long road trip. All Tessa Chanson ever wanted was a stable place to call home. She thought she'd found that when she moved in with Jared--until his home became her prison. When his control escalates, the only answer is to escape--an escape that's hampered when she falls and fractures her ankle. While building his graphic design company, Nate Brooks is focused on the future he's dreamed of: traveling around the country from the comfort of his renovated school bus. But when he picks up a wounded, mysterious hitchhiker, those well-laid plans take a backseat to protecting her. Hobbled by her injury, Tessa fears she'll never find freedom. Or has she found it with the family who graciously opens their home to her? And will Nate's protection put his family--and his heart--at risk? September 12th  The Billionaire's Reckless Marriage by Tamie Dearen The one man Laurie Fields would most like to avoid just became her boss. A thousand women would love to be in her shoes, working up-close-and-personal with billionaire philanthropist, Finn Anderson. Though alluring at first glance, he’s less than charming around Laurie. She’s not about to cut him any slack, even if her job depends on it. Cystic fibrosis is an ever-present enemy for Finn Anderson. He may look healthy, but chances are he won’t live to collect Social Security. That’s why he has to be careful never to fall in love. So far, he’s been pretty safe, since he drives away every woman who gets close. When unforeseen circumstances force Laurie and Finn to work together, Finn finds his walls crumbling, and Laurie begins to care more than she will admit for this secretly thoughtful man. But his rejection has her on the run. Can he catch her in time?  Eubeltic Descent by Nadine C. Keels Your soul will remember... As a woman who wasn't born to wealth or privilege, Abigaia has mastered the art of thievery. And she's come to hate it. Not only is she plagued by guilt, but her shadowed upbringing and silent ways cause most of her town to question her sanity. Yet, Abigaia's eccentric father always taught her to be proud of her heritage. Her ancestry lies across the sea, in a prominent realm she's read about but has never seen. The man who desires Abigaia's hand in marriage doesn't share her hope of seeing the Eubeltic Realm. But disaster erupts in their path, and Abigaia's dream may have a greater purpose—if that famed domain of her ancestors is now in crucial need of her.  Shelter from the Storm by Kristen Ethridge ONLY THE FORCE OF A HURRICANE COULD BRING THESE TWO RIVALS TOGETHER... As the director of the Port Provident Animal Shelter, Becca Collins had devoted her life to helping the furriest residents of Port Provident. When a special Labrador retriever needs her help on the eve of Hurricane Hope, Becca can't say no--even if it means she'll have to ride out the hurricane on Provident Island. She doesn't have the supplies to properly take care of a geriatric dog with specific medical needs, but she knows who does--her greatest opposition for a new town animal shelter, local veterinarian Dr. Ross Reeder. With the storm looming only hours away, Becca has no other choice but to show up on his doorstep, throwing a wrench into Ross' plans to evacuate himself and his combat-weary former Army dog. Ross and Becca are used to disagreeing with one another, but they soon realize the only way they're going to survive the wrath of Hurricane Hope is to put their differences aside and work for the good of the animals who depend totally on them. As they discover they have more in common than they thought, they work to rebuild the Texas beach town where they've both put down roots. But then Becca learns secrets about her past that threaten to change the whole direction of her life. As she struggles with love, faith, and lies, will she still need the shelter she's found in Ross' arms or will the aftermath of the storm take away everything they've worked to build?  The Billionaire Land Baron by Emma St. Clair Jake is the big-city billionaire. Shelby is the small-town sweetheart. Opposites attract, but there's one little problem: her home is the final land he needs for his new development. When Jake travels to Lucky, Texas to finalize the details of his billion-dollar development, falling in love was not a part of the plan. But the feisty and beautiful Shelby has him questioning everything--especially when he realizes that her land is an integral to the success of his project. Shelby feels trapped in Lucky. After her mother has run off, she's left caring for her disabled veteran father. Jake gives her a glimpse of all that she's missing and makes her wonder if love might be possible for her after all. When she finds out that Jake is the reason she's losing her land, can she find it in her heart to forgive? Or is this the proof that a happy-ever-after is just out of reach? With plenty of sass, a few shakes of humor, and an alligator named T-Ball, you'll laugh and cry along with these one-of-a-kind characters in this clean romance. September 13th  Flavors of Forever by Valerie Comer God’s love is the gold mending broken hearts and dreams As her friends pair off, Kassidy North thinks happily-ever-after has passed her by, but she’s too busy running a busy bistro and once-a-month cooking club to be bothered by it. Much. Until a single dad moves into the neighborhood and threatens to invade her dreams and well-ordered life. Metal sculptor Wesley Ferguson is a cynic when it comes to romance, but something in Kass makes him want to believe again. He’s not so sure he agrees when she insists forever love begins with God. What has God ever done for him? Unable to avoid one another in the close-knit community of Bridgeview, Kass and Wesley develop the beginnings of a friendship. But when relationships break around them, can they see God as the glue capable of holding broken pieces together… forever? September 14th  The Mourning Rose by Morgan Smith Manners meet magic in this tale, where curses mix with curtseys, and Charm takes on a whole new dimension Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen fans will love this romantic fantasy, set in a Regency that never was. Eglantine Mayland is this Season’s Reigning Toast, and seems destined to make a good marriage. When the wealthy Lord Valremer, a confirmed bachelor, begins to court her seriously, Eglantine’s cousin Polyantha senses that not all is well. Too many of his actions seem to be part of a web of evil that twines itself around the Mayland family. And why is a well-known rogue and smuggler so interested in their plight? September 15th  The Hourglass by Hannah Ross Times are changing inside and outside the Boundary. Many citizens are becoming restless, moving out to resettle the wilderness. Those already outside, especially the once-abandoned children who are now young adults, find having more neighbors brings both blessings and problems. Within the Boundary, President Dahl has renewed his quest for the life-extension formula as he faces reelection. Confident of victory, he is unaware his youngest daughter, Priscilla, is determined to sabotage his campaign and end his evil reign. When she runs away and slips across the Boundary, she discovers people and lives that are nothing like what she imagined and was taught, and soon finds herself in the company of the Wild Children. Aided by illegally born Benjamin Grey and others, she eludes the government agents searching for her and bides her time, knowing every day of her absence worsens the scandal she hopes will destroy her father's popularity. And as Ben shows her more and more of his wild, untamed world, she finds herself facing a choice between freedom and forbidden love, and a return to a cloistered life of luxury, privilege, and power. Will Dahl sacrifice his daughter to his ambitions? Will Priscilla be able to elude capture and turn the course of the election? And how will the Wild Children deal with the unexpected return of an old enemy? Discover the answers and more in The Hourglass, Book Two of the Wild Children series. September 18th  Relic of His Heart by Jane Lebak A midwife has a chance to right a seventy-year-old wrong. Tessa delivers babies at night and raises five sons by day. When an angel appears after a birth and asks for help on a quest, her first response is, “Angels don’t even exist,” followed by a swift, “No.” Even after he proves he exists (and lets her call him Martin) she wants nothing to do with his quest: Martin wants to find a relic stolen at the end of World War II, when the town of Barlassina was torched and its church destroyed. The relic went into the pocket of a long-dead soldier and hasn’t been seen since. Without the relic, the church won’t be rebuilt; without the church, Barlassina will die. It's been gone for eight decades, but Martin senses the relic is about to be “birthed back into time.” He wants Tessa there when it happens. There's only one chance to make it right, and he’s desperate. Tessa’s family comes from that town, but really? Still no. When a bill threatens to end midwifery in Massachusetts, Tessa offers Martin a deal: she’ll hunt for the relic if he’ll help kill that legislation. An unlikely team, they start sifting through the past and the present, the lives of soldiers and the deaths of innocents, guilty consciences and a few consciences that aren’t nearly guilty enough. The further they delve into the mystery, though, the more obvious it becomes that there’s more to Martin’s story. And the key to uncovering the relic may lie in whatever it is he's trying to keep hidden. September 20th  Heart Captivated by Lindsay Bergman Two sisters. One prince. A complicated love triangle that could ruin everything. Twenty-one-year-old Brielle Parker no longer believes in fairytales—not when her life in the country has led to nothing but heartache. When she first meets the second-born prince of Coradova, she refuses to be dazzled by his teasing smile and inviting blue eyes. After all, she’s not looking for her happily-ever-after. But the charming Prince Ashton is impossible to resist. During their summer together in Coradova, the sparks continue to fly until Brielle can no longer deny her growing feelings for him. When her twin sister gives her heart to Ashton as well, Brielle must choose between her twin, or the prince who made her believe that love is worth the risk. September 26th  He Leadeth Me by Faith Blum Love can be complicated Thirteen years ago, Gage Wilhelm, his brother, and sisters lost their parents and moved away to his uncle’s ranch in Leavenworth, leaving the farm in Topeka. On his twenty-first birthday, Gage receives the deed to his father’s farm with his uncle’s blessing to go make it his own. Once at the farm, Gage reconnects with his childhood friend, Danny and his family, including their newly adopted daughter, Laura. As he settles into life on the farm, he visits Danny and his family often, considering them a family away from his family. A few months later, a mysterious man shows up, claiming Gage’s father owed a large sum of money that has accrued thirteen years of interest. Gage is confused and unsure of what to do and Danny convinces him to go to the ranch to talk to his uncle. What will Gage do when he learns of his father’s past? Will he let God lead him no matter what happens? September 27th  Dream of Her Heart by Shanna Hatfield Is there room for love in a time of war? Days before he must ship out to prepare for a dangerous mission in the Pacific, Lieutenant Zane West crosses Oregon to see a good friend who has been wounded in action. He arrives at the veteran’s hospital, only to discover the army captain has disappeared without a trace. As Zane searches for answers, he finds himself captivated by a beautiful and spunky nurse who offers her help. Is she the key to his future, or an unwelcome distraction from his important wartime mission? Nurse Billie Brighton puts her heart and boundless energy into caring for wounded soldiers, but she vowed long ago never to let one of the dashing rogues turn her head. That is, until a handsome lieutenant arrives seeking his missing friend. Thoroughly enchanted, she can’t help but break her own rules. Has she finally found the love she secretly longs for, or is she headed for heartbreak? Step back in time to 1942 with a sweet, charming World War II romance full of history, heart, and a happily ever after.  The Green Princess Trilogy: Fallow by H.L. Burke Joined by magic. Separated by kings. United in love. Two years ago, Kit's blossoming plant magic put a target on her back and forced her to flee for her life, leaving her beloved Prince Bryce behind. Now established as the leader of the rebel flora magi, she clings to hope that they can be reunited. However, the arrival of the charming and persistent Regyn, heir to the supposedly extinct quickened magi, challenges her fidelity. The events surrounding Kit's flight broke Bryce's heart and damaged his faith in his family. Now he buries himself in his work as a Keeper, hunting bandits in the wilds. He longs to find Kit again, though his uncle's magic prevents him from seeking her. Then his manipulative cousin, Crown Prince Langstyn, offers him a chance at a truce, but only if Bryce agrees to a political marriage. Angering Langstyn could cost Bryce everything, but how can he betray the vows he made to Kit? As powers within the kingdom fight for dominance, Kit and Bryce are caught in the currents of schemes not of their making. Schemes that could bring them together, or tear them apart forever.  Check out these new releases from authors involved with American Christian Fiction Writers. You're sure to find a new favorite! Contemporary Romance:
A Baby for the Minister by Laurel Blount — Jilted at the altar, Natalie Davis has no one she can turn to—until Jacob Stone steps in. The single minister’s drawn to the beautiful mommy-to-be and wants to help…even if it goes against his congregation’s wishes and could cost him his job. But when she refuses to accept charity, can he convince her she’s more than a ministry project? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Courting Her Secret Heart by Mary Davis — Deborah Miller lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! All photography is forbidden in her Plain community, so she must keep her job a secret. But when Amos Burkholder starts helping at her family’s farm, hiding the truth from him is impossible. And soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 12 Gifts of Christmas by Lena Nelson Dooley — Can Malcolm MacGregor, a contemporary descendant of Scottish lairds, capture the heart of Brazilian-Italian beauty, Alanza Cantalamessa, in 12 days? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House) All Made Up by Kara Isaac — Katriona McLeod has never gotten over Caleb Murphy, the one guy she’s ever loved. When she accepts a job as a make up artist on the latest looking-for-love reality TV show, Falling for the Farmer, she discovers to her horror that Caleb is the leading man and she’s cast as one of his harem. But she hides a secret that means that even if she wanted a second chance with the guy who broke her heart she could never have it. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) An Amish Holiday Wedding by Carrie Lighte — On the brink of losing her bakery, the last thing Faith Yoder’s interested in is courting—until Hunter Schwartz returns to Willow Creek. After hiring him to deliver her treats to a Christmas festival, Faith’s determined their relationship will stay strictly professional. But despite a secret that’s kept her single, Faith can’t help but wish she and Hunter could become husband and wife. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Cozy Mystery: Deadly Holiday by Marissa Shrock — The Christmas season greets Georgia Winston with a new boyfriend (maybe), a Christmas program to run, and a man dying at her feet. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction From the Lake to the River by JPC Allen, Bettie Boswell, Carole Brown, Sandra Merville Hart, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Sharyn Kopf, Michelle Levigne, Cindy Thomson, and Rebecca Waters — Set in Ohio, in the past and present, these nine short stories and novellas by Ohio authors cover a wide range of genres, topics and locations. From Troy in the west to the North Coast and south-central Ohio. From Lake Erie to the Ohio River. From romance to YA adventure, with touches of mystery and humor. Dealing with historical events and situations, such as floods and the lasting effects of the Civil War. With characters involved in square dancing, theater, and music. Dealing with loss and danger, a second chance at love and taking a chance on love for the first time. Chances are good, no matter what you have a taste for reading, you’ll find something to like. Welcome to a taste of the Buckeye State! (General Contemporary from Mt Zion Ridge Press) Place Called Home by Brenda S. Anderson — While building his graphic design company, Nate Brooks is focused on the future he’s dreamed of: traveling around the country from the comfort of his renovated school bus. But when he picks up a wounded, mysterious hitchhiker, those well-laid plans take a backseat to protecting her. Hobbled by her injury, and unable to keep running from her controlling ex, Tessa fears she’ll never find freedom. Or has she found it with the family who graciously opens their home to her? And will Nate’s protection put his family–and his heart–at risk? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published) Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson — Jillian Connors has big expectations for her teenage daughter, Gabby, an Olympic hopeful—until Gabby becomes pregnant with her boyfriend Travis’s child. Meanwhile, Margaret Owens is furious that Gabby’s condition jeopardizes her son’s baseball scholarship. In the midst of the family drama lies the fate of the unborn baby. What does the future hold for him? (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications) Historical: Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson — A gripping time-slip novel about hidden treasure, a castle, and ordinary people who resisted the evils of the Hitler regime in their own extraordinary way. (Historical from Tyndale House) Everything She Didn’t Say by Jane Kirkpatrick — A Victorian woman who traveled 15,000 miles by stage between 1870-98 decides to tell the story behind her memoir believing her husband will never see it. (Historical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Enya’s Son by Cindy Thomson — This retelling of the early life of St. Columcille and his mother will usher readers on a fateful journey through ancient Ireland’s monastic centers, her wild coastline islands, and the land Columcille believed was filled with holy angels, a place where he felt safe … yet was destined to abandon. (Historical, Independently Published) Historical Romance: Victorian Christmas Brides by C.J. Chase, Susanne Dietze, Rita Gerlach, Kathleen L. Maher, Gabrielle Meyer, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Vanessa Riley, Lorna Seilstads, and Erica Vetsch — Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Esther’s Temptation by Lena Nelson Dooley — Saddle weary, former deputy US Marshal Jac Andrews rides into Denton, Texas hunting a swindler-and-daughter criminal team and finally feels he’s caught up to them. Unfortunately, he becomes distracted by the lovely redhead, Esther Brians. Esther, feeling like an old maid surrounded by all her close friends who are happy married couples, is drawn to the intense gaze, blue as the Texas sky, of an unknown cowboy. But several things cause her to become wary of his intentions—and his spiritual well-being. Has this unsaved lawman captured Esther’s heart or will the Lord deliver her from the temptation of Jac’s presence? What will it take for Jac to win this lovely lady and become Esther’s husband? (Historical Romance, Independently Published) The Sound of Distant Thunder by Jan Drexler — Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents’ insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother’s name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother’s place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Romantic Suspense: Loving the Texas Negotiator by Mary Connealy — Beth Garrison is the top hostage negotiator in Rocky Ridge Texas. She’s called in to a task force to investigate a killing that is a copy cat of her first bust as a rookie cop. The Valentine Killer. Tate McCade, with the best arrest record on the force and a reputation for steamrolling anyone who gets in his way, heads the task force. He’s had a run-in with Beth and her oversized ego. He’s got a bruise on his face to prove it. Rather than have the pleasure of busting her back to walking a beat, he has to work with her. And the clock is ticking because there’s a woman and child missing and nothing about the crime adds up. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Speculative: Guardian of Ajalon by Joan Campbell — The poison tree path is Shara’s road home. . .if she and her companions can survive the journey. In the danger and darkness of the forest, her only respite is in the story unlocked in the Old Tongue book. In this vivid world, Shara finally discovers what she has longed for all her life: the key to the secrets of her past. Yet time is running out for Shara—and all of Tirragyl—as Lord Lucian, King Alexor, and the royal army attack the Guardian Grotto to claim the powerful Guardian Rock. Unwilling to sit idly by as her kingdom is destroyed, Queen Nyla leaves her hiding place to recruit a most unlikely army—the Charab. But how can she win over the infamous assassins who have been oppressed by her family for generations? (Speculative Allegory from Enclave Publishing)  August is a big month for new releases. Check them out below and find your next read! August 1st  Another June with You by Krista Noorman Shannon McGregor never expected to run into her high school sweetheart, especially not as the best man of the wedding she’s photographing. But Micah’s back, as handsome and charming as she remembered, and pressing her for the truth about why she ended their relationship—a truth she’d rather keep to herself. Life is good. Micah Shaw has a job he loves, great friends, and a wonderful girl by his side. But seeing his first love again opens his eyes to the charade he’s been living without her. He never really got over Shannon or the dreams they had for their future—dreams she seemed to casually brush aside when she broke things off a decade ago without much explanation. As wedding events unfold, avoiding Micah is impossible, and with their connection as strong as ever, Shannon finds herself battling the desire to tell him everything. How long will they circle the truth before Shannon admits defeat? And what does it matter when he’ll be gone by Sunday? A sweet, clean second chance romance. The first book in the McGregor Family series.  The Cowboy's Fake Marriage by Bree Livingston A designer who’s lost her job, a cowboy with a crumbling home, and a business arrangement that’s mutually beneficial. When Grace Maddox breaks down in Willow Valley, Texas, she finds herself suddenly jobless and staying at a rundown bed and breakfast. The only benefit, besides the handsome and rugged cowboy who owns it, is the gorgeous old house that's begging to be restored. But when she overhears his ex threatening to force him to sell the place, she can’t help but rush in to save the place by claiming to be his fiancée. Jackson Bellamy’s ex-wife leaves nothing but trouble in her wake. When she shows up at his family’s 1800’s bed and breakfast and demands that he take her back or her father will foreclose on his property, he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. But when his mysterious and pretty guest jumps to his rescue, his ex gives him the bad news that he has three months to sell the place or pay it off. Now, Jackson and Grace must keep the illusion going as they work together to save the family home and maybe, in the process, save each other.  Joe: A Novella by Jessica Marie Holt A poignant story of heartache, friendship, and second chances, this novella brings the Homecoming short story series to its compelling and emotional end. Outwardly, Joe Piper has a charmed existence. He lives in a small, picturesque coastal town, and spends his days tending his garden, hanging out on his boat, and running his restaurant. Inwardly, he is falling apart. A long-ago tragedy still casts a shadow over his life, and recent turn of events has brought him from despondency to the brink of despair. That is, until two wayward strangers show up unexpectedly, bringing chaos, hope, and meaning into his static, lonely existence. Will he finally put the pieces of his life back together? Or will things fall apart on him yet again?  The Earl and His Lady by Sally Britton Lady Virginia Macon, the recently widowed Baroness of Heatherton, has an impossible decision to make. Her late husband’s unscrupulous brother demands guardianship of her sons. The courts are on his side, unless she marries someone willing to stand in her late husband’s place. Locking her heart away and devoting herself to her children is the only way Virginia can countenance such a decision. Wearied by the world, Lucas Calvert, Earl of Annesbury, is tired of being alone. His wife’s passing six years previous left his life gray and empty. His only recourse has been to make life better for those around him, using his considerable wealth and influence. When he learns of Virginia’s plight, he knows he can save her and her sons. During one of the rainiest summers in England’s history, Virginia and her children bring light and color back into Lucas’s life. But will Virginia’s determination to protect her heart destroy their possibility of finding happiness together? |
