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)
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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) |
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