 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?  Willow Wood by Sheri Richey Nolan Ramsey thinks he wants to be alone. He leaves his life in the city, leaves his job as a news reporter, and buys a house in the middle of nowhere. He plans a life of complete isolation with just his dog, Scuba, for company. Calinda Willow returns home to help her aging father at the end of his life. She copes with the loss by throwing herself into her work, rejects social invitations from her friend, Jackie, and thinks she is content with her solitary life. They are both wrong.  In the Nick of Time by Susette Williams Faith Tillerson loves her job as a school teacher but it doesn’t leave much opportunity to meet eligible bachelors—unless you count divorced fathers and perhaps a stalker. Nick Claussen knows he’s a workaholic but what’s a guy to do when murder doesn’t take a holiday? Hopefully they’ll be able to get through the holidays alive.  To Collar the Cat by Joan Lightning The Guardians of Reyth face the greatest threat in history as their ancient enemy begins his campaign of conquest. Trerin, a young shapeshifter, is missing. Injured and trapped in the form of a cat, he is lost, trying to find his way home with a warning - the invasion has begun. Crystu, one of the most powerful of the Guardians, has had a vision showing her and her Ponfour, Tam, fastening a collar and leash onto a cat and forcing the animal to go where they order. Crystu must find Trerin and understand the vision. Why must she collar the cat? Where is Trerin? Is he the cat? If he is, what is the collar? The answers will lead her and Tam into conflict with their leaders, to an ancient book of forbidden spells, and to a stark choice between inevitable defeat or a dishonourable chance to escape a terrible fate. August 4th  Tales of Ever After: A Fellowship of Fantasy Anthology Rescue a princess, meet a mermaid, win your reward. The authors of the Fellowship of Fantasy tackle fairy tales from once upon a time to happily ever after. Explore twists on old tales and brand new magical stories. Meet feisty mermaids, friendly lampposts, and heroes who just might be monsters themselves. This fourth anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy will lead you on a quest for entertainment and storm the castle of your imagination. So make a wish and enter the deep dark woods to find stories that will make you laugh, shiver, and maybe even fall in love.  Happiness is a Collage by Gita V. Reddy This collection of fifteen stories leads the reader into a world that is at once Indian and universal. The stories explore love, life, loss, and relationships. A painter derives inspiration from a long lost love. Every night after going to bed, a woman scours a vast desert for her missing husband. A young woman strides through two worlds. A son experiences the miracle of his father’s immense love. An actor’s wife struggles to keep her husband from slipping into his reel life. And a busy professional tries to factor in pregnancy and motherhood into her hectic life. Among those traversing this space are a henpecked billionaire, a homeless boy, a middle-aged wife dealing with infidelity, and a seeker finding solace with a lion and a deer. August 6th  Freedom's Kiss by Sarah Monzon They were prisoners of the past. Could legacy be the key to set them free? Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping-stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie. A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart. Florida, 1816 Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the West shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?  Claron by Katharine E. Hamilton Tossing her belongings into a suitcase and escaping heartbreak seemed like the best idea for Rhea Conners. She’d simply travel across the ocean to visit her grandfather in Ireland and heal. Then she’d come back. Simple. But what she doesn’t expect is to find solace and healing in the form of the O’Rifcan family. One member in particular: Claron. Claron enjoyed his life farming the land his grandparents gifted him. He lived his life quietly and contentedly, until Rhea arrived. He’d steered clear of relationships and entanglements since his last heartbreak, but something about Roland’s granddaughter twists him up inside. Something about Rhea has him rethinking his life of solitude. Two hearts. One chance. Can Rhea and Claron overcome past hurts to make a new beginning? August 7th  Lawfully His by Natalie Middleton Melissa Campbell was losing everything. She risked everything when she packed up and moved to Longview, Texas to Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She was a newbie K-9 Officer with her German Shepard Jimmy, and her colleagues made sure she knew it. Melissa's confidence was battered, even though she was still recovering from leaving an abusive ex. Some wounds just did not heal. Erik Flynn was a bestselling author. Not him, actually, his pen name, Pat Harrington was. After churning out dozens of mysteries that won acclaim, Erik stared at blank pages every day. To escape his frustration (and his publisher), he moved to a small town he randomly found on the map. He was belligerent, frustrated, and a recluse. But when he sees a brave police officer standing up to a drug addict, something changes for him. Her defeated eyes spoke to him, and even though he tried, he just couldn't let go. When Erik overhears some police officers giving Melissa trouble, all he wants to do is protect her. When a shaky friendship ensues, Erik finds peace he has not known before. Writing seems to flow faster, and Erik is in awe of the woman he is slowly falling in love with. Even Jimmy, the German Shepard seems to approve. Their "friendship" seems to steady Melissa as her performance at work improves. But when her abusive ex visits town, every strand of sanity that Melissa has threatens to collapse. Erik may have considered their relationship as being friends, but for Melissa, his support means so much more. She starts to fall for the man with a rough exterior, only to find a gentle and considerate man behind the mask. But when her past collides with her present, it takes all her strength to hold on. When possibly the biggest case of her career lands in her lap, she needs to find a strength she does not have to lead Jimmy. Can Melissa finally find her peace among her challenges? With Erik's help, can she truly set her past free? Can Erik let go of his hesitations and be with the woman he loves?  Beyond Broken Pencils by Julie C. Gilbert He has a goal and a plan. If he carries through with the plan, his sister will die first. His ex will die next, and he will die last. In between, he’ll take out as many people as he can. Students. Security guards. Teachers. First responders. They are all fair game. Who will live, and who will die? How will those who live go on when their world is shattered by unthinkable tragedy? *** Contains scenes of graphic violence. Reader discretion advised. *** August 12th  Promise Me Forever by Natalie Middleton Arianna Belmonte loved her life as a programmer. But an urgent SOS from her sister brings her back to her winery home in tranquil St. Helena. Things are not so calm when she learns her childhood home is going to be sold off and there are suspicious threats to her father. When she digs in, the mystery deepens, with no answers from her father. Alex Garner knows one thing when he returns to St. Helena : He is not a cheater and he has done nothing wrong. Suspended from his Seattle firm for a leak he didn't cause, he meets his old flame Arianna Belmonte who consults him to set aside her childhood home's sale. There is only one problem; he can't help falling in love with her. The last time he fell in love with her, he promised her togetherness, only to have life come in between. When both their problems collide, can Alex and Arianna keep their wits together? What are the mysteries behind Arianna's father? And what does that have to do with Alex? Will this problem bring them together or tear them apart? August 14th  When Love Is Lost by Kameo Monson Married to the same boring guy for twenty-seven years, Deb cleans her house, volunteers at the public library, and attends church. For decades, her only excitement has been her Saturday shopping trips with her friend, Betty. Then, one summer, Deb’s life changes. She meets new friends and questions her desires as a mysterious man, whom she calls Parks, finds his way into her heart. Now, she has to decide whether to forego her marriage or work to save it. While Deb’s life spins with excitement, Betty’s life spins out of control as her darkest secret becomes her reality again. The friends risk life-long wounds if they refuse to share their confidences and lean on each other. Filled with friendship, love, and hardship, WHEN LOVE IS LOST, is a women’s fiction novel that will tug at every woman’s heartstrings. A Clean Read. This book contains some 'PG-13' domestic abuse with some other related themes. It has no graphic sex scenes (implied between married couples), nudity, or swearing. Though appropriate for most teenagers, When Love Is Lost has been written with adults in mind. August 16th  Love's Embrace by Heidi Peltier Trouble comes to Love's Embrace, Texas in 1883, in the form of barbed wire...and a feisty girl named Hattie. Hattie Sommerville’s father sent her off to Boston nine years ago to learn how to be a lady. Now, she wants to go back home where she belongs, and maybe, after all this time, her old childhood playmate, Simon, might finally see her as more than a friend. She only hopes nobody discovers the secret that sent her running home. Simon Caldwell lost both parents at a young age and has poured every ounce of his heart and energy into making his Texas ranch a success. Now, an unexpected nemesis in the shape of barbed wire threatens his home and his livelihood. He can’t afford to be distracted if he wants any hope of hanging on to everything he’s worked so hard for, but his old friend Hattie is back in town, turning his head and addling his mind. If he thinks the barbed wire is bad, he has no idea just how much trouble she brought along with her from Boston. August 21st  Heart Healed by Alexa Verde Can a scarred man running from his past and a beautiful star running from her future survive a murderous attack and find healing in God's loving arms? Country music sensation, Miriam Lizzaraga, thinks her world's crushed when she loses her voice. But that's before her first love decides to marry someone else and the man who nearly killed her sets out to get her again. In desperation, she accepts help from a stranger, Philip Barlow. But with a target on her back and pain in her heart, can she love again? When Philip Barlow goes on a vacation, he doesn't expect to meet his celebrity crush. Realizing Miriam is in danger, he's ready to die to protect her. But scarred after an accident and struggling with anger issues, can he hope the gorgeous star will one day return his feelings? As the day nears when their lives will be in danger and their courage tested, can they find strength in God?  The Kithseeker by M. K. Wiseman France, 1680 A.D. Liara’s defense of the Wizard Nagarath has rendered Anisthe incantate—bereft of all magick—but even this has failed to guarantee Liara’s safety. The death of the war mage would seal Liara’s own fate, and so the wizard and his bookminder must keep him in their sites and yet as far away from themselves as possible. With nothing but a storybook and a hunch, Anisthe has set off on a journey across Europe, aided by his half-fey manservant, in search of a legendary mirror that contains the most powerful magick ever known. Although the stuff of fairytales, the merest possibility of its truth embarks Nagarath and Liara on a race to discover the mirror before it falls into the hands of Nagarath’s lifelong foe. Both know should he lay claim to that power, Liara would be at the mercy of her father-in-magick and his lust for power, and not even Nagarath could save her. Thus, the pair find themselves at the court of the Sun King, a world hostile to magick users, hopelessly surrounded by agents whose sole purpose is destroy them. Uncertain whom is friend or foe, with Anisthe nipping at their heels, they must unearth the mirror before its evil is released, or worse, lays claim to Liara’s magick as well and brings doom upon them all. August 28th  Spice Bringer by H.L. Burke A deadly disease. A vanishing remedy. A breathless journey. All her life, Niya's known she will die young from the fatal rasp. She survives only with the aid of vitrisar spice and a magical, curmudgeonly fire salamander named Alk. Then an ambitious princess burns down the vitrisar grove in an effort to steal Alk so she can claim her rightful throne. Joined by Jayesh, a disgraced monk, Niya and Alk must flee to the faraway Hidden Temple with the last vitrisar plant, or all who suffer from the rasp will perish. But even as Niya’s frustration and banter with Jayesh deepen to affection, the rasp is stealing away her breath and life. For a girl with limited time and a crippling quest, love may be more painful than death.  Contemporary Romance:
Out of Their Element by Angela Breidenbach, Robin Lee Hatcher, Vickie McDonough, and Deborah Raney — They are totally out of their element! Four mismatched couples find unexpected romance. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) The Redemption Road by Christa MacDonald — As Alex awaits retribution, he means to keep Annie safe at any cost, but she knows it’s redemption he needs and she’ll pay any price for him to find it. (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink) Scarlet Tears by Laura Hervey — Caught in a romantic triangle with her brother’s best friend and a charming pastor, former call girl Carly Lawrence struggles to start a new life. (Contemporary Romance from Alabaster Box Press) Historical Romance: Rebecca’s Legacy by Betty Thomason Owens — After a threat against her family, a spoiled heiress is sent to the country to work on her aunt’s produce farm and finds love. (Historical Romance from Write Integrity Press) The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse — Faith Jackson is a wealthy widow, friend of George Washington, and staunch supporter of the Patriot cause. Matthew Weber is friends with both Ben Franklin and his son William, who increasingly differ in their political views; and Matthew finds himself privy to information on both sides of the conflict. When a message needs to get to a spy among the Loyalists, Faith bravely steps up and in turn meets Matthew Weber. Suddenly she believes she could love again. But someone else has his eye on the Faith she portrays in elite social circles. What will Matthew and Faith have to sacrifice for the sake of their fledgling country? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) Cozy Mystery: Deadly Harvest by Marissa Shrock — Georgia’s biggest challenge in the farming town of Wildcat Springs, Indiana, is figuring out how to win Evan Beckworth’s heart. Until the day she discovers the body of a former student in the woods. When she starts to suspect this wasn’t an accident, memories stir of her father’s murder nine years earlier. A murder never solved. As Georgia works with the sheriff’s department’s newest detective, Cal Perkins, she finds her heart slipping into his hands. But her head is pummeled with conflicting evidence and anonymous threats of severe consequences if she digs any deeper. In the end, Georgia faces a paralyzing choice. Ignore the dark secrets inside the family and friends who surround her or be willing to risk her own life to uncover the truth. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) Unknown Enemy by Janet Sketchley — A young woman with a traumatic past must discover the truth about who’s playing mind games with the Green Dory Inn’s owner. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) Romantic Suspense: Hiding in Plain Sight by Mary Ellis — When a Charleston PI rents a room above an Italian restaurant owned by a handsome chef, she lands in the middle of a family feud with robbery, arson and murder for the daily specials. (Romantic Suspense from Severn House Publishers LTD) Wildfire by Gayla K. Hiss — A female wildfire scientist and a firefighter team up to solve the mystery behind the outbreak of wildfires in the Rockies and find themselves at the center of a firestorm. (Romantic Suspense from Mountain Brook Ink) Amish Country Ambush by Dana R. Lynn — A police officer and a dispatcher travel deep into Amish country to rescue her nephew and to escape a killer. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Imperfect Promises by Elizabeth Noyes — When a homegrown terrorist threatens the woman he loves, former Special Forces soldier Jonas Cameron calls on old friends to help him eliminate the danger. (Romantic Suspense from Write Integrity Press) Cold Fear by Susan Sleeman — When a sniper’s ex-girlfriend, a musician, is framed for murder during her summer tour, he jumps to defend her from an imminent arrest and a killer’s deadly rage. But the evidence against her stacks higher as three bodies are found with her name tattooed on their wrist. (Romantic Suspense from Edge of Your Seat Books, Inc.) Cold Case Cover-Up by Virginia Vaughan — The first thrilling Covert Operatives tale An infant is believed to have been murdered thirty years ago—but investigative journalist Dana Lang is convinced she’s that baby. Now someone’s willing to kill to stop her investigation. And only secretive deputy Quinn Dawson, whose grandfather may have faked Dana’s death to protect her, can keep her safe. But a killer’s dead set on burying the past—and them—for good. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Thriller/Suspense: Pretense by John Di Frances — A dark cloud hangs over Europe after the brutal murders of two heads of state just days apart. A diabolical plot appears to stretch westward to the United States, implicating the CIA. But do the facts reflect reality or is there a sinister force working behind the scenes to destabilize Europe and NATO? The team of investigators led by Interpol’s Marek Frakas, ‘The Wolf,’ moves quickly to track the perpetrators and uncover the identity of the unseen mastermind behind the conspiracy. This cadre includes the lovely Adrianna, a young forensic weapons expert who can hold her own on the male-dominated international team of investigators. Together they seek to understand reality versus the shattered mirror-like reflections meant to obfuscate the truth and shroud the mastermind’s identity and ultimate purpose. (Political Thriller from Reliance Books Publishing, LLC) Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig — Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies’ blood. Cole “Tox” Russell wants only to put the dangers of his past behind him and begin his new life with Haven Cortes. First, though, he’s called to complete a final mission: retrieve the sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order. The AFO, however, is determined to reunite the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things worsen when Mercy Maddox, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the artifact is tied to a string of unsolved serial murders. Tox and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to target the true enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must destroy the AFO . . . or join them in the flames. (Military Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
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