• Candles & Bread
  • Cheer UP! Podcast
  • Kara R. Hunt
  • Photos
  • Salvation Prayer

Tag Archives: Christian

The Club – Behind The Story

18 Friday Mar 2016

Posted by Kara Hunt in Book Showcase, Faith & You, Fiction

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christian, Fiction, Karin Kaufman, mystery, neopaganism, new age, spiritual warfare, suspense, The Club, thriller, wicca

This month’s suspense post showcased the supernatural Christian thriller novel, The Club by multi-published Christian author, Karin Kaufman. And as promised, here’s the story behind the story. And it’s just as thrilling as her novel.

When I first planned the Anna Denning Mystery Series, I knew two things for certain: first, the series would be set in a Colorado mountain March 18 posttown, and second, the series’ protagonist would battle spiritual forces in the guise of “harmless” neopagan and new age practices. I live in Colorado and love the mountains—right now I’m blessed to live very close to the foothills—so the mountain setting was a no-brainer. (Besides, my favorite mysteries play out in isolated settings, and there’s nothing quite as isolated as a mountain town!)

The protagonist who confronts neopaganism, wicca, and various new age practices? That aspect of my books come from my past, as a Christian who briefly, a long time ago, dipped her toe into wicca because, well, it seemed so appealing. I know the pitfalls, I know the dangers, and I have empathy for those who get sucked into the neopagan lifestyle. In fact, one of my returning characters, Jazmin Morningstar, is a wiccan, and I love writing about her. When people say God can use anything from your past, believe them!

Still, I didn’t want my mysteries to be nothing more than anti-neopagan polemics. Anna Denning, my main character, isn’t shy about disliking practices that fall under the umbrella of neopaganism—in fact, some readers think she should be a little less outspoken, a little sweeter—but more than anything I want my books to be entertaining. I want them to be escapes—in all the best senses of the word. I want to take readers away to the Colorado mountains, give them a few hours of thrills and chills, and introduce them to characters I hope will become friends.

The Club is the fourth book in the series, and as it opens, Anna Denning has been a widow for three years. In The Witch Tree, the first book in the series, she meets a man (Gene Westfall) and finds—much to her surprise—that she’s drawn to him, and he makes an appearance in the other books in the series too, but I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into details! But it’s been fun writing about two characters who take love, marriage, and Christian vows seriously.

Because Anna is a genealogist, The Club (like my other mysteries) features past crimes and misdeeds come to life—or come, finally, to a come-uppance. Payback. The past never really dies, does it? One day there’s a reckoning. In the latest mystery, Anna takes her genealogy skills to a new level, this time working for the local police department. (If you’ve been reading the series, you just knew she had to make that leap, didn’t you?) As a consultant, she finds missing identities, missing relatives of murder victims, and, in The Club, a missing finger. Literally.

I hope readers enjoy this latest book in my series. I loved writing it. I always love returning to Elk Park, my fictional (or is it?) mountain town, and reacquainting myself with the characters who call it home.

KarinKaufman

Karin lives near the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains with Dakota Grace, her energetic and lovable rescued rez dog.

To find out more about Karin and her books, stop by and visit her Facebook author page, at http://www.facebook.com/#!/authorkarinkaufman, or on her website, at http://www.karinkaufman.com.

Ready to pick up your copy of The Club? Amazon. Kobo. iBooks.Barnes and Noble.

Kara writes supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category. BlogPhoto Resized

She’ll also keep you updated on upcoming writing contests and some of the best reads in Christian suspense.

To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by clicking the below link:

@KaraHunt2016 on Twitter

ACFW’s November 2013 New Releases!!!!

04 Monday Nov 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in Fiction, News & Updates

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ACFW, Amish, Christian, Fiction, fiction books, inspirational, mystery, Romance, suspense

November 2013 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

A Marriage in Middlebury by Anita Higman — A Marriage in Middlebury is a love story, but it’s also a story about the complex, quirky, and sometimes prickly interworkings of the folks who frequent the local tearoom in Middlebury, Texas. (Contemporary Romance from Abingdon Press)

The Christmas Promise by Kimberly Rose Johnson — Dr. Pete Harding doesn’t date single moms, no matter how lovely Keira Noble’s smile, or how adorable her four-year-old son. He’s been down that road before and knows it can lead to a broken heart. But that doesn’t mean he can’t help the pretty widow find a puppy to put under the Christmas tree for her son…. Pete claims he only wants to help her find the perfect gift for Cody. Yet Keira can’t deny the tender feelings in his eyes whenever he looks at her. Could this handsome Scrooge have a change of heart, and create a new family for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Silver Bells by Deobrah Raney — As Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. (Contemporary Romance from Summerside Press [Guideposts])

Rodeo Queen by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — When her safe life is shattered by danger, can he protect her long enough to reclaim her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman — Anna’s grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson)

Contemporary:

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay — Samantha Moore must stop hiding behind literary characters, such as Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyre, in order to find her true self and true love. (Contemporary from Thomas Nelson)

Romance:

Aloha Rose by Lisa Carter — Can Laney overcome her fears of rejection and Kai move past the tragedies of the past to find in each other more than they ever dreamed? (Romance from Abingdon Press)

Historical:

By the Waters of Kadesh by Carole Towriss — Moses sends spies to explore the mysterious land of Canaan, but when ten of the twelve return with a bad report, all Israel, including a former Egyptian soldier and a young widow, must deal with the unexpected and terrifying fallout. (Historical from DeWard Publishing)

Middle Grade:

Hear No Evil by Mary L. Hamilton— Summer camp is no fun for Brady McCaul. The girl with the cute dimples thinks he’s immature and childish. The camp bully targets him with cruel taunts and teasing, and flips Brady’s canoe to keep him from winning the race. But worst of all, his mom won’t let him come home. She doesn’t want him living with her anymore. Brady wonders if even God cares about him. Can Brady figure out what he did to earn Mom’s rejection and change her mind by week’s end? Or will he have to live with his workaholic dad, the guy who left when Brady was seven? (Middle-Grade from HopeSprings Books)

Suspense/Thriller:

The Truth Revealed by Deborah Lynne — The Truth Revealed is a suspenseful page turner about two missing kids and Samantha Cain is trying to help find them before their time runs out. (Suspense/Thriller from OakTara)

Young Adult:

Outcasts (The Safe Lands) by Jill Williamson — The remnant from Glenrock is now living as rebels within the Safe Lands, looking for a way to find purpose in their lives. When a young rebel is murdered and his death points to a rebel leader, it’s hard to know who to trust. Levi tries to organize a plan to free the children and fights for respect as elder over those who’d rather go their own way. Omar tries to change his image of a traitor by donning a costume and going out into the night as a vigilante hero. And Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, but his investigation just might get them all liberated. (Young Adult from Zondervan)

Beautiful Peace

27 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in Faith & You

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Beautiful, Beautiful Peace, Bible, Christian, christianphotos, complete, Complete Jewish Bible, frightened, heart, jewish, John, John 14:27, Let, Peace, photos, shalom

Let not your heart be troubled.

Photo source: www.christianphotos.net

Photo source: http://www.christianphotos.net

What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened. ~ John 14:27 (Complete Jewish Bible)

Unknown Futures

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in Faith & You

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

books, Boom, Christian, Christian Fiction, Christian novel, Corie, Corrie, Corrie Ten Boom, God, inspirational fiction, Jesus, Never, Ten

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
– Corrie ten Boom

Whosoever

22 Thursday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in Faith & You

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Christian, defeat, Forgiveness, God, inspirational, Jesus, whosoever, Young Earth Creationism

“… whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”
~ Joel 2:32 KJV

Jesus walked on the water, calmed the raging sea, healed the sick and delivered those possessed with devils. That same Jesus will deliver you out of any circumstance you face today. Remember how far He has brought you from. You will not go down in defeat.

Pre-Conference Mix and Mingle

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in News & Updates

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2013, ACFW, ACFW Genesis, Arts, Author, books, Christian, Christian Fiction, Christianity, Fiction, Genesis contest, God, Historical, inspirational fiction, Jesus

Laurie Tomlinson, fellow ACFW member and 2013 Genesis Finalist, had the great idea of having a pre-conference mix and mingle for those going to the 2013 ACFW Conference. What a great idea to be able to meet people before actually meeting them in person!

It’s a few questions designed to help people put names with faces, get to know a little bit about their writing, and break the ice before Indianapolis.

Here’s what to do:

– Fill out your own answers (you don’t have to answer all of them!) in a post on your own website and paste the URL to that post (not your home page) using this handy link-up tool. If you don’t have a website, feel free to answer the questions in the comments below!

– Make sure to link back to this post  after you fill out your answers so any of your readers who are conference attendees can participate, too! The more, the merrier.

Okay, so here are her questions and my answers!

Name: Kara Hunt

Location: Missouri

What you write/tagline: Suspense / “Some wounds refuse to be healed.”

Place in the book world: 2013 ACFW Genesis Finalist in the Suspense/Mystery/Thriller category and 2012 Semi-Finalist in ACFW’s Genesis for my submission in the Women’s Fiction category.

On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: Hugger!!

The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: World events

People at home you’ll be missing: My hubby Curt, my two adult sons, Blake and Stone, and Zeke our outrageously spoiled beagle mix.

Conference goals we can pray for? That God’s will will be done at conference, not mine.

Up for any contests/awards? Yep!!!

Any disclosures, disclaimers, or crucial information we must know? Yes. I love Strawberry Twizzlers and Ginger ale. Please don’t be alarmed if you see gobs of them threatening to fall to the floor from my over-stuffed purse!

Find out more about this mix and mingle at http://www.laurietomlinson.com/a-pre-conference-mix-and-mingle/#comment-252

Fear, God & the Blank Page

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in Writing Christian Fiction

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christian, Christian Fiction, Christian novel, Christianity, Fiction, God, inspirational fiction

“And I will give you rest.”
~ Matthew 11:28 KJV

Does staring at the blank page of your new manuscript cause confusion, anxiety or fear? Don’t let the enemy torture you with it any longer. Turn to the Savior and ask Him to give you the words to share and a vision for the story He wants to be told through you. He has promised to give us rest – freedom from everything that wearies and disturbs us. And that includes the fear of the dreaded blank page. Give Him your story and your fears. You will never regret it.

New ACFW Book Releases for August 2013!

06 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in News & Updates

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2013, ACFW, Amish, books, Christ, Christian, Christian Fiction, contemporary women's fiction, faith, faithfulness, Fiction, fiction with faith, Forgiveness, God, help, Historical, Historical romance, historicals, hope, humor, inspirational, inspirational fiction, Jesus, love, mysteries, new releases, redemption, Romance, sins, suspense, thrillers

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Bride Wanted by Renee Andrews Troy Lee has been writing letters to his future bride since he was a boy. Still, she’s never been more than words on a page…until now. When he meets Destiny Porter, he thinks he may have finally found the woman he’s been waiting for. But Destiny came to Claremont with a single purpose-to get Troy’s permission to print his letters in her magazine. Yet once she lays eyes on the handsome Southern man, Destiny knows she’s in trouble. She can’t help dreaming about being Troy’s bride. But will he still want to be her groom when he finds out who she really is? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

Healing Hearts by Margaret Daley — After surviving a tragic accident, little Madison Winters is in desperate need of comfort. And social worker Abbey Harris has the perfect solution. With the help of her cherished therapy dogs, Gabe and Cottonball, Abbey soon coaxes a smile from Madi-and her workaholic guardian. Dominic Winters is heartbreakingly handsome and is hurting just as much as Madi. But it might take more than wagging tails to get the brooding businessman to open his heart. With the help of a matchmaking little girl and two sweet dogs, Abbey and Dominic may get a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction:

Bless Her Heart: Class Reunion Series by Debby Mayne — As Priscilla Slater’s 15-year class reunion approaches, she decides to attend out of curiosity… and to flaunt her latest achievement-taking her business to a national level with the possibility of a TV show. As if getting ready for the event and putting up with the pranks of her former classmates isn’t enough, Pricilla’s hometown visit is further complicated by her parents’ separation. Eager to escape the painful reality of her childhood home, Priscilla bolts as soon as a call from New York brings good news. But returning to New York means returning to Tim, Priscilla’s best friend and business pal who has been impatiently suggesting their relationship should be more than a friendship. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Abingdon Press)

General Contemporary:

This Dance by Jerusha Agen — When tango dancer Nye Sanders lost what she loved most, she thought she would never survive the agony. Two years later, Nye has learned to live with the pain. She has a new career and life that have nothing to do with the world and faith she left behind. Not about to repeat mistakes of the past, Nye thinks she can dictate a painless future by staying within the walls of her emotional defenses. She doesn’t plan to meet a handsome lawyer or an elderly landowner-two men who will make her face love and the God she can’t forgive. (Contemporary from Write Integrity Press)

General Historical:

Snow on the Tulips by Liz Tolsma — In the twilight of the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands, the Germans have taken everything Cornelia had to give, even what was most precious to her. Now Gerrit Laninga-a man who puts God and country above all else-arrives at her house, needing help. She is terrified for herself and terrified for her family, but most of all, terrified of the pain she might feel again if she allows herself to love Gerrit. Cornelia must decide if saving a stranger’s life is worth risking her own. (Historical from Thomas Nelson)

Historical Romance:

Shenandoah Crossings by Lisa Belcastro — Journey back in time with Tess Roberts as she seeks adventure on the high seas during the American Revolution hoping to escape the heartache of her present-day life. Her plans go awry when the one man she’d hoped to leave behind tracks her down with every intention of forcing her to his will. (Historical Romance from OakTara)

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden — After her father’s death, Mollie Knox takes over his watchmaking company and uses her head for business to solidify the good name of the 57th Illinois Watch Company. Her future looks bright until the night her beloved city is destroyed in the legendary Great Chicago Fire. With her world crumbling around her, Molly must do whatever it takes to save her company in the aftermath of the devastating fire. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

The Farmer’s Bride Collection by Debby Mayne, DiAnn Mills, Susan K. Downs, JoAnn A. Grote, and Ellen Edwards Kennedy — Love is in season as you journey into rural America’s history and witness the harvest of romance through six delightful stories. From Minnesota to Florida, New York to Kansas, and Ohio to Louisiana, heroic men and women make sacrifices in order to create a home, nurture the crops, and secure a future for the next generation, but sometime romance is almost an afterthought. Can love also grow down on the farm? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Fired Up by Mary Connealy — While someone’s trying to make Dr. Dare Riker go up in smoke, Glynna Greer, the diner cook who turns every meal into a burnt offering and the overworked doctor are firing up a romance that might end up burning them both. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Pattern for Romance by Carla Olson Gade — Honour Metcalf’s quilting needlework is admired by a wealthy customer of the Boston Mantua-maker for whom she works. In need of increasing her earnings, she agrees to create an elaborate white work bridal quilt for the dowager’s niece. A beautiful design emerges as she carefully stitches the intricate patterns and she begins to dream of fashioning a wedding quilt of her own. When Honour is falsely accused of thievery and finds herself in a perilous position, merchant tailor Joshua Sutton comes to her aid. (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin — Homesick WWII flight nurse Lt. Georgie Taylor arrives in Sicily and strikes up a friendship with Sgt. John Hutchinson, who longs to become one of the Army’s first pharmacy officers. When Georgie and Hutch’s lives back home fall apart, can they weather the hurt and betrayal? Or will the pressures of war destroy the fragile connection they’ve made? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Whispers from the Shadows by Roseanna M. White — The daughter of a British general, Gwyneth Fairchild barely saves her life by fleeing London aboard a ship to America. Her goal is to find refuge with the Lane family in Maryland, having been told by her father she could trust them. After meeting their son, Thad Lane, she wonders how safe she truly is when she discovers that they trade in a dangerous commodity–espionage. Not long after Gwyneth finds refuge in his city, Thad Lane experiences the tug of love, though he fears it may blur lines of loyalty. But at this moment, with the British advancing on Washington and Baltimore, they have only their shared faith in God as a shield about them. (Historical Romance from Harvest House)

Roping the Wrangler by Lacy Williams — Schoolmarm Sarah Hansen longs for a family of her own. But horse trainer Oscar White is the last man she’d consider. Still, she can’t help noticing the care he shows three motherless girls and the gentle way he helps Sarah overcome her fear of horses. Too bossy by half-that’s the Sarah that Oscar remembers from their teenage years. Yet as a former orphan, he finds the little Caldwell sisters-and their pretty teacher-getting under his skin. Could the tender heart Sarah’s always hidden tame a once-reckless wrangler? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired)

Millie’s Treasure by Kathleen Y’Barbo — From their first meeting atop the Memphis Cotton exchange, where Pinkerton/inventor Kyle Russell is testing his flying machine, to their pursuit of pirate treasure and the escaped criminal Will Tucker, the Pinkerton and his Memphis belle find solving puzzles to be the least of their challenges in this historical romance with a dash of Southern Steampunk. (Historical Romance from Harvest House)

Historical Suspense and Mystery:

Rules of Murder by Julianna Deering — Drew Farthering, mystery lover and heir to the family manner, has to track down a killer and win the heart of American debutante, Madeline Parker. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])

Dark Road Home by Elizabeth Ludwig — Ana Kavanagh’s only memories of home are of fire and pain. As a girl she was the only survivor of a terrible blaze, and years later she still struggles with her anger at God for letting it happen. At a nearby parish she meets and finds a kindred spirit in Eoghan Hamilton, who is struggling with his own anger–his sister, Cara, betrayed him by falling in love with one of his enemies. Cast aside by everyone, Eoghan longs to rejoin the Fenians, a shadowy organization pushing for change back in Ireland. But gaining their trust requires doing some favors–all of which seem to lead back to Ana. Who is she and who is searching for her? (Historical Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Romantic Suspense:

Carolina Reckoning by Lisa Carter — When 30-something housewife, Alison Monaghan discovers proof of her husband’s infidelity in a photograph with a mysterious woman, she must decide how to confront Frank when he returns home from work. But Alison may not get that chance. Frank never makes it home. And now she is the chief suspect in his murder. (Romantic Suspense from Abingdon Press)

Fatal Inheritance by Sandra Orchard — In the face of mounting threats, a grieving granddaughter fights to hold fast to the family farmhouse she’s inherited, but can her childhood-crush-turned-cop help her find her way home? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Dangerous Waters by Sandra Robbins A young woman seeks the help of her former fiancé to solve the nineteen-year-old cold case of her parents’ murder. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Contemporary Suspense:

Memory’s Door by James L. Rubart — The prophecy brought them together. But the Wolf has risen, and now their greatest battle begins. The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people’s souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them. But they are all struggling. Now the second part of the prophecy has come true. The Wolf is hunting them and has set his trap. He circles, feeding on his supernatural hate of all they stand for. And he won’t stop until he brings utter destruction to their bodies . . . and their souls. (Contemporary Suspense from Thomas Nelson)

Young Adult:

Dark Halo by Shannon Dittemore — One halo brought sight to Brielle; another offers sweet relief from what she sees. (Young Adult from Thomas Nelson)

July 2013 New Releases!

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in News & Updates

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ACFW, ACFW Genesis, Christian, Christian Fiction, Christian novel, Christianity, Fiction, God, inspirational fiction, new releases, writing

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Children’s Books:
The Blessings Jar: A Story About Being Thankful by Colleen Coble Alexa Grace is having a bad day, but then Grandma arrives with something special for “Grandma’s Little Punky Grace”-an Ebenezer jar that she thinks is very peculiar. Grandma explains that an Ebenezer is a “stone of help” and represents God’s blessings. Alexa Grace wonders if she can fill the jar with some of God’s blessings. She goes on the hunt with her furry Newfoundland puppy and Grandma, and Alexa Grace’s new blessing jar soon overflows with God’s wonders. (Children’s Book from Thomas Nelson)

Romance Releases:

Charisse by Fay Lamb — He wants a family. She wants retribution. Charisse Wellman’s husband has been gone a year, and she’s about to lose the only home her son, V.J., has ever known. She’s quit law school but the money just isn’t there. Her only option is to work as a law clerk for her ex-friend, Gideon Tabor. The only problem: Gideon is the judge who let her husband’s killer go free, and Gideon doesn’t know the connection. (Contemporary Romance from Write Integrity Press)

A Wedding for Julia by Vannetta Chapman — Julia Beechy is so stunned, she can hardly breathe. Her mother’s announcement that she must either marry or move from the family home upon her mother’s imminent death catches Julia by surprise. How can she leave the only home she has ever known? What about her dream of opening her own Plain café? When Caleb Zook offers support, comfort, and a solution, Julia is afraid to accept it. Can she marry someone she barely knows? Is it the right thing to do? Is this God’s plan for her future? Caleb thought his time for marrying was long past, but he feels a stirring in his heart he cannot shake for this beautiful, forlorn woman. Amid the circumstances of this life-altering decision, the people of Pebble Creek weather the worst storm to hit Wisconsin in the last hundred years. Where will Julia and Caleb be on the other side of it? (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House)

Rodeo Regrets by Shannon Taylor Vannatter — A spoiled rich girl spends years lassoing one cowboy after another with no strings attached until she runs into the man who broke her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Cooking Up Love by Cynthia Hickey — Tabitha McClelland knows accepting a job as a Harvey House waitress can be risky. Traveling alone to the rough-and-tumble West just isn’t done by young ladies of good breeding. But far more dangerous is her powerful attraction to Adam Foster. Family means everything to the widowed chef, but the self-sufficient Tabitha cherishes her freedom above all else. Adam is captivated by the fiercely independent Tabitha. Fraternizing with the female employees is strictly forbidden, but the Harvey Girl awakens feelings too compelling to ignore. Can Adam convince Tabby to share his dream of a future in California-together? (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents)

Courted by a Cowboy by Lacy Williams — Sam Castlerock’s return to Bear Creek, Wyoming, may be the answer to Emily Sands’s prayers. Though she’s not the kind of girl to rely on anyone else, the handsome cowboy-turned-banker may be able to get her family a much-needed extension on their loan. But Sam also reminds Emily of her dreams of a husband and family of her own. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired)

Mistaken by Karen Barnett — Since booze and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life. Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. Daniel has mixed feelings about returning to the dirty mill town of his youth, but grudgingly agrees to manage his grandfather’s drug store until a replacement can be found. The moment he meets Laurie on the windswept bluff overlooking the beach, he knows that if he can earn her love, he might have a reason to stay. (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

Whispers on the Prairie by Vickie McDonough — Sarah Marshall just wants to go home. It wasn’t her idea to leave Chicago and head west in search of gold, but her uncle’s ambition left her no choice. Neither was her intention to settle in Kansas City with her ailing aunt, but being penniless and without possessions brings little bargaining power. Ethan Harper, the youngest of three brothers, enjoys a peaceful existence helping run his family’s stage shop along the Santa Fe Trail. Only one cloud continues to darken his horizon-guilt over the tragic death of his oldest brother’s wife. The only acceptable penance Ethan can think of is finding another woman to marry his brother and help raise his motherless children. A match so incompatible, it just might work. (Historical Romance from Whitaker House)

Small Town Girl: A Novel by Ann H. Gabhart — Kate Merritt worries love’s passing her by until Jay Tanner shows up to charm her hesitant heart. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])

Romantic Suspense Releases:

Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink — The deadliest animal in the jungle is the two legged kind as missionary nurse Truman is about to find out. (Romantic Suspense from River North [Moody])

Rosemary Cottage (The Hope Beach Series) by Colleen Coble — Amy came to Rosemary Cottage to grieve, to heal, maybe even find love. But there’s a deadly undertow of secrets around Hope Island . . . The charming Rosemary Cottage on the beach offers Amy Lange respite she needs to mourn her brother, Ben. She’s even thinking of moving her midwife practice to the Outer Banks community. It’s always been a refuge for her and her family. She also wants to investigate Ben’s disappearance at sea. Everyone blames a surfing accident, but Amy has reason to wonder. (Romantic Suspense from Thomas Nelson)

Fiery Secrets by Stephanie McCall Dr. Grace Taylor, a driven pediatrician and single mom, needs divine intervention if she’s going to heal from the actions of her cheating, abusive ex-husband. But she never thought God would work through Chris Anderson, a tutor at the local learning center whose secrets keep him from opening up to her. Both Grace and Chris have been asked to walk through their trial by fire; they’ve come out alive, but they still smell like smoke. (Romantic Suspense from HopeSprings Books)

Historical Biblical Fiction Release:

Harvest of Gold by Tessa Afshar — An arranged marriage. A man whose heart is closed to love. A king whose life hangs in the balance. A nation on the brink of annihilation. Sarah and Darius’s story continues in this long-awaited sequel to Harvest of Rubies. Fighting impossible odds, Sarah and Darius have to overcome the enemy against the king, against Jerusalem, against their marriage, and against their souls. Will they finally learn to love and trust one another? The prophet Nehemiah tries to help the struggling couple while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The only problem is that he comes under constant attack. Will he overcome? (Biblical Fiction from River North [Moody])

June 2013 ACFW New Releases!

06 Thursday Jun 2013

Posted by Kara Hunt in News & Updates

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

ACFW, Christian, Fiction, inspirational, inspirational fiction, June releases, new releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Romance Releases:

A Bride for All Seasons by Robin Lee Hatcher, Margaret Brownley, Debra Clopton, and Mary Connealy — 1800s mail-order bride catalogs facilitated many happy marriages. Here are the stories of four couples who owe their wedded bliss to creative editing by The Hitching Post publisher. (Historical Romance Novella from Thomas Nelson).

Pieces of the Heart: Quilts of Love Series by Bonnie S. Calhoun — Cordelia Grace watched Bernard Howard, the love of her young life, go off to fight for our country in WWII. And she has spent the last three years creating the Pine Cone quilt that will grace their marriage bed when he comes home. Her image of their “happy-ever-after” grows proportionally as the quilt expands. But is the man that returns from the war, the same man that she remembered? Are the dark shades of color that she had to use for the outside edges of the beloved quilt prophetic of her life to come? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press).

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer — Abducted from a train by a gang of aging outlaws, Crockett Archer must choose between either escaping to follow his own dreams or staying to help the daughter of his captor fulfill hers. (Historical Romance from Bethany House).

Blowing on Dandelions by Miralee Ferrell — In 1880, three years after Katherine Galloway’s husband’s death, she struggles to run an Oregon boardinghouse and raise two girls alone. Things don’t get easier when her critical, domineering mother moves in. And with a daughter entering the teenage years, the pressure on Katherine becomes close to overwhelming. Then she crosses paths with Micah Jacobs, a widower who could reignite her heart. (Historical Romance from David C. Cook).

Trouble in Store by Carol Cox — Fired from her most recent governess position, Melanie Ross must embrace her last resort: the Arizona mercantile she inherited from her cousin. But Caleb Nelson is positive he inherited the mercantile, and he’s not about to let an obstinate woman with newfangled ideas ruin all he’s worked for.
But someone else doesn’t want the mercantile to succeed, and threatening words have escalated into destruction and danger. (Historical Romance from Bethany House)

Grace’s Pictures by Cindy Thomson — Grace McCaffery hopes that the bustling streets of New York hold all the promise that the lush hills of Ireland did not. As her efforts to earn enough money to bring her mother to America fail, she wonders if her new Brownie camera could be the answer. But a casual stroll through a beautiful New York City park turns into a hostile run-in with local gangsters, who are convinced her camera holds the first and only photos of their elusive leader. Spread thin between her quest to rescue her mother, do well in a new nanny job, and avoid the gang intent on intimidating her, Grace must put her faith in unlikely sources to learn the true meaning of courage and forgiveness. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Restoring His Heart by Lorraine Beatty — A Love to Build On. After he crashed his sportscar into a gazebo, Adam Holbrook is sentenced to 30 days rebuilding it – definitely not Adam’s usual glamorous lifestyle. But when Laura Durrant, the contractor scheduled to help him, shows up, everything changes. Suddenly, Adam woudn’t mind an extended sentence. And no one’s more surprised in this change in attitude than Adam. As they work amid the dust and sweat, Laura teaches him about more than carpentry. she teaches him everything he’s missed out on – a family, a relationship with God… and maybe even love. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired)

Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter — In the years since her twin brother’s tragic drowning, Madison has struggled with her ability to trust God-or anyone else, for that matter. It was her brother’s dream to win the annual River Sail Regatta in their small harbor town of Chapel Springs, Indiana. And Madison’s determined to honor his legacy by making his dream her own. But learning to sail means learning to swim. And her instructor is Beckett O’Reilly. As much as she’d like to deny it, the chemistry between them is electrifying. As her feelings for him grow, a fledging faith begins to take root in her soul, as well. But Beckett harbors a secret that will test the limits of their love and the depth of Madison’s faith. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson)

Yesterday’s Stardust by Becky Melby — Journalist Dani Gallagher finds a tattered diary written in the Roaring Twenties-and clues to a lost treasure. Chef Nicky Fiorini helps unravel the clues, and attraction ignites, but Dani is hiding her own secret. Just as she and Nicky are on the verge of solving the mystery, internal fighting breaks out in the gang. Dani is caught the middle, and Nicky is furious. Then the diary leads to a hidden room and a shocking discovery, but have they missed the real treasure? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense Releases:

Guarding the Witness by Margaret Daley — Arianna Jackson was used to guarding people, but because she saw something she shouldn’t, she ends up being protected by a U.S. Marshal. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired)

Stolen Identity by Lisa Harris — Danielle Corbit doesn’t understand why someone would want to steal her identity. But after discovering a dead body on the Oregon coastline she’s attacked by a dangerous hacker who will stop at nothing to frame her. Only her former fiance, Jason Ryan, is willing to help. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Plain Pursuit by Alison Stone When her brother is killed in a small Amish town, Anna Quinn discovers she’s an unwelcome outsider. But the FBI agent investigating the case is right at home–because Eli Miller was born and raised in Apple Creek’s Plain community. Eli left his Amish faith behind long ago, but his heart is rooted in a local cold case he can’t forget–a mystery with strange connections to Anna’s loss. Desperate to uncover the truth, Anna and Eli are faced with stony silences and secrets…secrets that someone wants to keep buried in the past. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired).

Suspense/Mystery Releases:

The Good Girl by Christy Barritt — The only time Tara Lancaster missed church was at seventeen because she had pneumonia and her mom made her stay home. But when her life shatters around her and her reputation is left in ruins, Tara decides escape is the only option. She flees halfway across the country to dog-sit, but the quiet anonymity she needs isn’t waiting in her sister’s house. Instead she finds a knife with a threatening message, a fame-hungry friend, a too-hunky neighbor, and evidence of…a ghost? Following all the rules has gotten her nowhere. And nothing she learned in Sunday School can tell her where to go from there. (Thriller/Suspense from Whitefire Publishing).

Dog Tags by Heidi Glick — A former Marine determines to protect the woman he loves at all costs, and yet his own secrets might turn her against him forever. (Thriller/Suspense from Harbourlight Books).

Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes — Journalist Jack Crittendon fights to protect his family from a stalker’s terrifying schemes, investigates a pastor’s mysterious disappearance, and struggles to keep his faith amidst unthinkable fear. (Contemporary Thriller/Suspense from David C. Cook).

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard — Research scientist Kate Adams and her colleague Daisy are on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy suddenly dies. Kate knows that if it hadn’t been for Daisy’s mentorship, she wouldn’t have the job she loves or the faith she clings to. So when police rule Daisy’s death a suicide, Kate is determined to unearth the truth.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker finds it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Tom’s just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation of her friend’s death, he knows his job is at stake. In fact, despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate looks a bit suspicious herself. (Mystery from Revell [Baker]).

Historical Releases (not romance):

A Heart Deceived by Michelle Griep — In this Regency historical romance, an opium addict bent on his next fix finds God through John Newton, and to avoid prison for a murder he didn’t commit, runs to the sister of his best friend for help-only her brother is the one he is accused of killing. (General Historical from David C. Cook).

The Well: A Novel by Stephanie Landsem — Mara is a desperate Samaritan girl searching for a miracle to save her dying mother, a journey that brings her unexpected joy and a heartbreaking decision. (General Historical from Howard [Simon and Schuster]).

General Contemporary Releases:

In Plain View (Valley of Choice) by Olivia Newport — Annie Friesen has walked away from a successful career to live among the Amish-which turns out to be harder than she thought. (General Contemporary from Barbour Publishing).

Pretty is as Pretty Does: Class Reunion by Debby Mayne — Priscilla Slater goes to her ten-year high school reunion with equal parts dread and eager anticipation. Even though she’s a successful owner of a chain of hair salons, she still feels like the ugly duckling. But when she arrives at the reunion, Priscilla soon realizes that her old classmates aren’t exactly as she remembers them. With humor and a just a touch of sassiness, Priscilla finds herself facing her own truth-and she may be surprised at what she discovers. (General Contemporary from Abingdon Press).

← Older posts
American Christian Fiction Writers Association

ACFW Genesis Finalist 2013

Kara Hunt - 2013 ACFW Genesis Finalist for Suspense/Mystery/Thriller

Mystery, Thriller and Suspense

Follow on WordPress.com

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 1,946 other followers

Archives

  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • October 2012
  • August 2012
  • March 2012
  • January 2012
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010

SelahAuthor

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy