Tag Archives: Fiction

The Club – Behind The Story

18 Friday Mar 2016

Posted by in Book Showcase, Faith & You, Fiction

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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

Upcoming Writing Contests!

20 Friday Mar 2015

Posted by in Fiction, News & Updates, Non-Fiction, Writing Contests

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FWF PhotoTethered by Letters’ Spring 2015 Short Story Contest

We are currently accepting short stories of any genre ranging from 1,000 to 7,500 words. The short story contest winner will be published in F(r)iction. Five finalists will be considered for subsequent journal publications or a TBL online monthly feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: May 31, 2015

Prize: $500 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $15 per entry

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Contact Info: Joe Reinis, jreinis@tetheredbyletters.com

Tethered by Letters’ Spring 2015 Flash Fiction Contest

We are currently accepting flash fiction submissions of 55, 250, or 500 words in length. The flash fiction contest winner will be published in F(r)iction. Three finalists will be considered for subsequent quarterly journal publications or a TBL online monthly feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: May 31, 2015

Prize: $150 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $7 per entry OR $15 for three entries

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Contact Info: Joe Reinis, jreinis@tetheredbyletters.com

Tethered by Letters’ Spring 2015 Poetry Contest

We are currently accepting poetry submissions of all genres and styles—from traditional form to free verse. Length requirements are no more than three pages per poem, single-spaced with double spacing between stanzas. The poetry contest winner will be published in F(r)iction. Three finalists will be considered for subsequent quarterly journal publications or a TBL online monthly poetry feature. Each finalist will also receive free professional edits on their submission. International submissions welcome.

Deadline: May 31, 2015

Prize: $150 and publication in the quarterly journal

Entry Fee: $7 per entry OR $15 for three entries

URL: http://tetheredbyletters.com/submissions/contest-submission

Contact Info: Joe Reinis, jreinis@tetheredbyletters.com

The Drue Heinz Literature Prize Call for Submissions 2016

The University of Pittsburgh Press announces the 2016 Drue Heinz Literature Prize for a collection of short fiction. The prize carries a cash award of $15,000 and publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press under its standard contract. The winner will be announced in December or January. No information about the winner will be released before the official announcement. The volume of manuscripts prevents the Press from offering critiques or entering into communication or correspondence about manuscripts. Please do not call or e-mail the Press.

Eligibility

1. The award is open to writers who have published a novel, a book-length collection of fiction, or a minimum of three short stories or novellas in commercial magazines or literary journals of national distribution. On-line publication and self-publication do not count toward this requirement.
2. The award is open to writers in English, whether or not they are citizens of the United States.
3. University of Pittsburgh employees, former employees, current students, and those who have been students within the last three years are not eligible for the award.
4. Translations are not eligible if the translation was not done by the author.
5. Eligible submissions include an unpublished manuscript of short stories; two or more novellas (a novella may comprise a maximum of 130 double-spaced typed pages); or a combination of one or more novellas and short stories. Novellas are only accepted as part of a larger collection. Manuscripts may be no fewer than 150 and no more than 300 typed pages. Prior publication of your manuscript as a whole in any format (including electronic) makes it ineligible.
6. Stories or novellas previously published in magazines or journals or in book form as part of an anthology are eligible.

Dates for Submission

Manuscripts must be received during May and June 2015. That is, they must be postmarked on or after May 1 and on or before June 30.

Send submissions to:
Drue Heinz Literature Prize
University of Pittsburgh Press
7500 Thomas Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please e-mail info@upress.pitt.edu

Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize

A $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf will be awarded to the most promising and innovative literary nonfiction project by a writer not yet established in the genre.

The next prize will be awarded to a manuscript in progress. We request that authors send a long sample from their manuscript, as well as a description of the work, as detailed below. We expect that we will work with the winner of the prize and provide editorial guidance toward the completion of the project. The Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize emphasizes innovation in form, and we want to see projects that test the boundaries of literary nonfiction. We are less interested in straightforward memoirs, and we turn down a large number of them every year. Before submitting your manuscript for the prize, please look at the books previously published as winners of the prize for examples of the type of work that we are seeking.

Brigid Hughes, founding editor of A Public Space, will judge the prize. The Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize seeks to acknowledge—and honor—the great traditions of literary nonfiction. Whether grounded in observation, autobiography, or research, much of the most beautiful, daring, and original writing over the past few decades can be categorized as nonfiction. Submissions to the prize might span memoir, biography, or history.

Eligibility: Any writer who has published at least one previous book (in any genre) and resides in the United States is eligible. We will consider one submission per person. Graywolf’s editors and the prize judge reserve the right to invite submissions. Agented submissions are also welcome. Manuscripts submitted for previous years’ prizes will not be reconsidered unless resubmission has been specifically requested by Graywolf’s editors or the judge.

Timeline: Only electronic submissions will be considered. The online submission manager will be open for Nonfiction Prize submissions during the submission month only. The last submission month for the prize was May 2014. The next submission period will be posted once that announcement has been made.

Deadline – Annually in May. Follow this blog and stay updated on the Graywolf Press 2015 submission period and further announcements on more upcoming writers contests.

Kara loves to read and write supernatural suspense thrillers and is an ACFW Genesis 2013 Finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller BlogPhoto Resizedcategory. But Kara also loves to share stories about God’s love, mercy and faithfulness.

Kara will share more books and thoughts about faith and God’s unending mercy in bi-monthly posts on this site.

She’ll also keep you updated on the newest releases in Christian fiction and upcoming writing contests.

To contact Kara, email her at fictionwithfaith@gmail.com or by choosing one or more of the below links:

@KaraHunt2015 on Twitter

August New Releases!

08 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by in Fiction, News & Updates

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Contemporary Romance:New Releases

Small-Town Billionaire by Renee Andrews — When trapped in a tiny North Alabama “Mayberry” town, billionaire Ryan Brooks wants nothing more than to get back to Chicago ASAP, but a business opportunity–and the eclectic yet gorgeous woman with the brainstorm idea–keep him planted, if only temporarily, on his sister’s ranch. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Doctor’s Return by Narelle Atkins — After years spent traveling the globe, Megan Bradley never expected to be back in her hometown sharing an office with her former sweetheart, Dr. Luke Morton. Though too busy to dwell on past mistakes, she can’t ignore her feelings for the handsome doctor. Luke is afraid to trust his heart to Megan, knowing she may not stay for long. But as they work together, their romance quickly rekindles. When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes her way, Luke must free Megan to choose between a big-city career or love and family…right there in Snowgum Creek. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Rescuing the Texan’s Heart by Mindy Obenhaus — Cash Coble is desperate for a change. Stressed out and overworked, he heads to Colorado to visit his ailing grandfather and finds his mood lifted by the beautiful woman living next door. After a troubled past, ice climber Taryn Purcell isn’t looking for love. Especially not with a charming Texan who’s consumed by work. But there’s something about Cash that captures her heart. Never one to back down from a challenge, Taryn promises to show Cash how to carve out a happy life-one that includes her. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

A Heart to Heal by Allie Pleiter — Guidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he’s felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max’s bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon’s self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather’s heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Stranded with the Rancher by Tina Radcliffe — Stranded at single father Dan Gallagher’s ranch during a Colorado blizzard, Dr. Beth Rogers is counting the days until the roads are clear. She can’t wait to leave for her exciting new life in New York. But suddenly the big-city doctor is delivering babies in log cabins, helping to feed newborn calves and teaching Dan’s little girl to play hymns on the piano. No-nonsense Beth even throws a snowball or two at the handsome, love-shy cowboy. She thought she had her heart set on leaving, so why does she dream of Dan asking her to stay forever? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Herb of Grace by Adina Senft — Amish widow Sarah Yoder struggles with single motherhood and a forbidden attraction while she learns herbal medicine … and God cures the ailments of the heart and spirit. (Contemporary Amish Romance from Faith Words [Hachette])

General Fiction:

Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney — When empty-nesters Grant and Audrey Whitman spend the bulk of their retirement funds to renovate their home into a beautiful bed and breakfast, the last thing they expect is that their five kids will return home. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her children so desperately need? (Contemporary from Abingdon Press)

A Grand Design: Quilts of Love Series by Amber Stockton — A quest to piece together an heirloom quilt takes a surprising turn when a man from Alyssa Denham’s past-the reason she hadn’t returned to the island in fifteen years-interrupts the relaxing getaway for her and her best friend, Libby. Will memories of her past keep Alyssa from letting go? Or will the quest to piece together the heirloom quilt restore Alyssa’s fractured heart-and bring healing to her entire family? (Contemporary from Abingdon Press)

Historical Romance:

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden — In the shadow of the nation’s capital, Kate Livingston’s respectable life as a government worker is disrupted by an encounter with the insufferable Trevor McDonough, the one man she’d hoped never to see again. A Harvard-trained physician, Trevor never showed the tiniest flicker of interest in Kate, and business is the only reason he has sought her out now. Despite her misgivings, Kate agrees to Trevor’s risky proposal to join him in his work to find a cure for tuberculosis. However, a shadowy enemy lies in wait and Trevor’s closely guarded secrets are darker than she ever suspected. With everything to lose, they must find the strength to trust that hope and love can prevail over all. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Tried and True (Wild at Heart) by Mary Connealy — Kylie Wilde fought in the Civil War dressed as a boy and now she’s homesteading as a man. But when land agent Aaron Masterson comes to inspect her claim, he immediately realizes she’s a woman. She begs him not to tell, but can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government, even if she really did serve in the war? Aaron is interested in the little spitfire from the moment her long hair falls from her cap, but when he tells her of his plans to make a life up in the mountains, she draws away. Kylie’s focus is to “prove up” her homestead, sell it for a profit and move back east to civilization. When someone tries to burn her out, Aaron and Kylie suspect local land baron Gage Coulter, who denies any involvement. He does suggest a way for Kylie to stay safe, though–marry him! More attacks scare Kylie into considering matrimony. Should she tie her fortune to Gage or Aaron? Either choice will put an end to her dreams of a civilized life. And what if marrying doesn’t stop the attacks after all? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

The Lady and the Officer by Mary Ellis — Madeline Howard never planned to become a spy, but when military intelligence falls into her lap, how could she not serve her country behind enemy lines? Two men love her-one a Rebel, the other a Union General. Maddy’s heart is pulled between wanting to be loyal to those who care for her and wanting to help the man she believes is on the right side of the conflict. Will her faith in God show her the way to a bright future, or will her choices bring a devastation of their own? (Historical Romance from Harvest House)

A Stranger On My Land by Sandra Merville Hart — Carrie and her little brother, Jay, find a wounded soldier on their land after a battle which later became known as “The Battle Above the Clouds.” Adam, a Union soldier, has been shot twice in the arm. Though Carrie is reluctant to take Adam to their cave where her family hides their livestock from both armies, she cannot turn her back on him. But her Aunt Lavinia, bitter over what Yankees have done to their land, urges Carrie to allow Adam to die. Carrie refuses, but cannot remove the bullets. Adam’s friendship with Jay softens her heart toward him. Even though Carrie’s father fights for the Confederacy in far-off Virginia, her feelings for the handsome young soldier begin to blossom into love. When Adam’s condition worsens, Carrie knows a Union surgeon is needed to save his life. How can she accomplish this and keep her family’s hiding place a secret? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Song of the Prairie by Vickie A. McDonough — Janie Dunn’s life changes when, at the request of her dying cousin, she flees with her cousin’s newborn son to protect him from his abusive father. She moves to Kansas, but things take a dire change when her brother is killed. Is a marriage of convenience to kindhearted Aaron Harper the answer to her problems? Is Kansas far enough away from New York that they are safe from the baby’s father? (Historical Romance from Whitaker House)

Romancing the Widow by Davalynn Spencer — Martha Stanton isn’t looking for love. The light went out of Martha’s soul when her husband fell to a bullet in St. Louis. Now, back in her hometown of Canon City, she’s convinced she’ll never know happiness again. Until she crosses paths with a darkly mysterious Colorado Ranger. Haskell Jacobs has a mission. And the beautiful, flame-haired widow sure isn’t it. But Martha is somehow mixed up in the crime that brought Haskell to the rough-and-tumble town…and soon, she’s entangled in the lawman’s heart. But the danger that lurks around them is all too real. Can they find strength and love in each other before it’s too late? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin — World War II flight nurse Lt. Kay Jobson collects hearts wherever she flies, so how can C-47 pilot Lt. Roger Cooper be immune to her charms? Still, as they cross the skies between Italy and southern France, evacuating the wounded and delivering paratroopers and supplies, every beat of their hearts draws them closer to where they don’t want to go. Can they confront the fears and misunderstandings in their pasts? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

Miracle in a Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas — It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle. Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

The Wrangler’s Inconvenient Wife by Lacy Williams — With no family to watch over them, it’s up to Fran Morris to take care of her younger sister, even if it means marrying a total stranger. Gruff, strong and silent, her new husband is a cowboy down to the bone. He wed Fran to protect her, not to love her, but her heart has never felt so vulnerable. Trail boss Edgar White already has all the responsibility he needs at his family’s ranch in Bear Creek, Wyoming. He had intended to remain a bachelor forever, but he can’t leave Fran and her sister in danger. And as they work on the trail together, Edgar starts to soften toward his unwanted wife. He already gave Fran his name…can he trust her with his heart? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sweet on the Cowgirl by Rose Ross Zediker — Laura Barnes Wants to Be a Wild West show. But her father will only allow her to perform if she disguises herself as Mr. Buckskin Jones. When soda-pop king Guy Roberts shows up to do business with her family, Laura is torn between keeping her identity under wraps and revealing her growing feelings for Guy. Guy is drawn to Laura’s poise and beauty, but he, too, guards a secret. As their affection for each other grows, Guy begins to think about a future that includes Laura. When both their secrets suddenly come to light, their romance will face the ultimate showdown. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Middle Grade/Young Adult:

Speak No Evil by Mary L. Hamilton — At 15, Taylor Dixon dreams of getting his driver’s license and driving race cars when he’s older. His sister, Marissa, is the only one who believes in his dream, but her adventurous spirit keeps landing him in trouble. Consequently, Dad won’t let him get his license and predicts Taylor is heading for the same jail cell as his once-favored older brother. Taylor returns to Rustic Knoll Bible Camp expecting softball, swimming and sermons. Then he finds a classic Mustang in the camp’s garage and jumps at the owner’s invitation to help restore it. But when Marissa falls for his snobbish cabin mate, the war of words and pranks escalates until it threatens both the car and his dreams for the future. Will Taylor fulfill Dad’s prediction and end up in jail? Or will he finally learn the Truth found in the old car’s engine? (Middle Grade from HopeSprings Books)

Rebels (The Safe Lands) by Jill Williamson — The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth. Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough? Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands'” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal. If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die. (Young Adult from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Thriller/Suspense:

Her Stolen Past by Lynette Eason — When Sonya Daniels finds a kidnapped baby’s birth certificate hidden in her late mother’s home, she’s shocked. What was her family’s connection to the child, still missing for over two decades? And what happened to the little girl? Sonya hires detective Brandon Hayes to help her get to the truth. But someone doesn’t want the truth to come out and will stop at nothing to keep them from investigating. Sonya knows the guarded cop won’t rest until he unravels the mystery-but the answers could be more than she can bear alone. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks — In the shadow of the Mormon church, a 19th-century conspiracy is about to be shattered by a 21st-century forensic artist. In 1857, a wagon train in Utah was assaulted by a group of militant Mormons calling themselves the Avenging Angels. One hundred and forty people were murdered, including unarmed men, women, and children. The Mountain Meadows Massacre remains controversial to this day-but the truth may be written on the skulls of the victims. When renowned forensic artist Gwen Marcey is recruited to reconstruct the faces of recently unearthed victims at Mountain Meadows, she isn’t expecting more than an interesting gig . . . and a break from her own hectic life. But when Gwen stumbles on the ritualized murder of a young college student, her work on the massacre takes on a terrifying new aspect, and research quickly becomes a race against modern-day fundamentalist terror. Gwen finds herself in the crosshairs of a secret society bent on fulfilling prophecy and revenging old wrongs. Can a forensic artist reconstruct two centuries of suppressed history . . . before it repeats itself? (Thriller/Suspense from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty Pt 3 by Ronie Kendig — After all the hits they’ve taken, it’d be easy to quit. But Annie, Teya, and Nuala didn’t train so intensely to be part of the first all-female special ops team to let their enemy win. Now that the fight’s been incited so fiercely with Jessie, Candice, and Keeley, the rest of Zulu won’t go down without a fight. They’ll find answers, justice, and vindication for that tragic night they were set up in Misrata. Or die trying. Sam Caliguari won’t give up, either. Not even the thugs who steal him away from Manson in an effort to muzzle him will stop him from getting Annie out of trouble. Annie knows Sam will use every bit of his SEAL training to track her down, but she didn’t expect the tangle of strong feelings she’d have for him and Trace. Teya never imagined the nightmare that would hit after crossing the deadly path of The Turk. What could he possibly want with her so specifically? And while Trace anticipates physical threats, he’s also watching his back for the next political fallout, because Francesca Solomon is unyielding in her quest to bring him down. Will Zulu ever catch a break? (Military Suspense from Barbour Publishing)

Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason Pt 4 by Ronie Kendig — It’s Zero hour for Zulu. They’ve been targeted, hunted, deceived, and betrayed. Zulu is crumbling in their pursuit of justice. Even rifts within the team are tearing them apart. In the shocking, explosive finale of Operation Zulu: Redemption, the team has one last plan to draw the enemy out and take them down-for good. But will it work? Who can they really trust? Ultimately, what price will justice demand? (Military Suspense from Barbour Publishing)

Trusting The Original Story Teller

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by in Faith & You, Writing Inspirational Fiction

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Old Bible God is not only the Creator of all that exists, He’s also the Master Author of our lives. We may be familiar with how our life stories began, but only He knows the entire character arc our lives will take. He knows how much to show us and how much to tell us. He knows what type of protagonist we’ll be and if we’ll be victorious over the obstacles thrown at us by the fiery antagonist. He knows the choices we’ll need to make, and the consequences if we choose unwisely.

But Hebrews 12:2 also reminds us that He’s the Author of our faith as well. God’s in the faith business and so are we when we write to glorify Him. He’s the original Story Teller. The Author of All. And if we trust Him, He’ll also be our Divine Agent. We can then rest assured that He’ll make the necessary preparations for us to succeed in our walk with Him and our writing career.

But that takes faith. Faith in the stories God has given us. Faith for the right words to tell it, and faith that we’ll be able to see it through without losing our minds. But more importantly, faith that our fictional stories will mimic our true life stories and bring those who read it one step closer to Him. One page at a time.

Because at the end of every story, fictional or otherwise, that’s all that really matters.

– Kara R. Hunt

ACFW’s November 2013 New Releases!!!!

04 Monday Nov 2013

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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)

Pre-Conference Mix and Mingle

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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).