The Gift of Christmas Past

The Gift of Christmas Past
Cindy Woodsmall &
Erin Woodsmall
(Stonewater Books)
ISBN: 978-0998753805
October 2017/208 pages/$6.99
Arson wasn’t the only fire that ignited between them.

Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.

Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.

Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.

Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Cindy Woodsmall is the New York Times and CBA best-selling author of eighteen works of fiction. She’s been featured in national media outlets such as ABC’s Nightline and the Wall Street Journal. Cindy has won numerous awards and has been finalist for the prestigious Christy, Rita, and Carol Awards. Cindy and her husband reside near the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains in Flowery Branch, GA.

Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.

Find out more about Cindy and Erin at www.cindywoodsmall.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I have enjoyed a number of Cindy Woodsmall's Amish novels, so I was intrigued that she coauthored a contemporary tale with her daughter-in-law. The duo creates a compelling story with likable characters. I particularly liked that the book shines a spotlight on the important work that speech therapists do, especially with children whose experiences have impacted their ability to express themselves. The foster care aspect tugged at my heart and gave the story additional depth, while making me like Hadley even more. I was less enthused about Monroe, primarily because he allowed his wealthy parents to control him to such an extreme; I can't even fathom a situation like that. Affordably priced, this is a great holiday read or stocking stuffer. Don't wait until The Gift of Christmas Past is...well, in the past! Grab a copy for you and another for a friend today.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Cindy Woodsmall and Litfuse Publicity Group for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Saving Parker

Saving Parker
A Forever Home Novel, Book 3
Dan Walsh
(Bainbridge Press)
ISBN: 978-0997983722
November 2017/338 pages/$13.99
After years of abuse and neglect, Parker is found chained in a junk-filled backyard after a drug bust. The little guy’s terrified of people. Officer Ned Barringer brings him to a nearby shelter for medical care. When Ned learns how hard it is for dogs like Parker to get adopted, he must do more. He’s also instantly taken with Kim Harper, one of the shelter managers. She offers to train Parker for free. Ned instantly accepts. That same day, he meets his next-door neighbor, a ten-year-old boy named Russell. Russell is hiding a black-eye, compliments of two bullies at school. This angers Ned. He suffered the same fate as a child. It’s the main reason he became a cop. But what can he do? When a near-death tragedy occurs, what role might Parker play in bringing these three lives together?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley. He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years. He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Considering I'm not an animal lover, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and Dan Walsh saved the best for the last. Saving Parker is a complete delight. My heart broke at the abuse and neglect Parker suffered, and I applauded Ned's immediate, albeit somewhat reluctant, devotion to him. Walsh broadens the story with the introduction of Russell, who immediately wrapped himself around my heart as he valiantly attempted to outsmart his tormenters. This novel touches on issues relevant to many, such as bullying, animal abuse, and relational issues. Well-balanced and thoroughly engaging, Saving Parker alternately made me laugh, cry, and sigh. Don't miss this heartwarming story!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from Dan Walsh. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



FOREVER HOME NOVELS - CLICK ON THE TITLES FOR MY REVIEWS


Rescuing Finley
Finding Riley
Saving Parker

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Vanishing Point

Vanishing Point:
A Nikki Boyd Novel
Lisa Harris
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800728489
November 2017/320 pages/$15.99
Six girls missing . . . and every clue leads to a dead end

During Garrett Addison's first week on the job as a criminal investigator for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, his team is called out to a murder scene of a young girl. She's just one in a string of disappearances with one thing in common--a Polaroid photo of each victim left behind at the crime scene.

The FBI is pulled into the case to help, and Garrett finds himself working with Special Agent Jordan Lambert, the woman he once loved. When yet another girl dies, Garrett wonders whether he really has what it takes to be an agent. Maybe he should just walk. But while he may be done with the killer, the killer is not done with him--or Jordan.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 and 2015 from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than thirty books, including Vendetta, Missing, Pursued, and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent fourteen years living as missionaries in southern Africa. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.

MY THOUGHTS

Wow. Lisa Harris is one of my go-to authors for great romantic suspense but this latest novel even tops her previous offerings. Harris held me captive and wide-eyed from the opening scenes of this tale that spans a variety of years as she smoothly bridges timespans between a serial killer's activities. Compelling and believable characters and chilling scenes make this book impossible to put down, and I read it on a long Saturday afternoon. The relationship between Jordan and Garrett is perfectly paced. My only recommendation is not to start this late in the evening, as you won't get any sleep! Anyone who can read this sedately and set it aside after only a chapter or two does not fully engage with the novel. A great gift for the bookworm you know, Vanishing Point is highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishing for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Christy - 50th Anniversary Edition!

Christy
50th Anniversary Edition
Catherine Marshall
(Evergreen Farm)
ISBN: 9781683701262
October 2017
$24.99 hardcover/$9.99 ebook
New edition of Catherine Marshall’s inspirational classic!

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), The New York Times best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel Christy. Based on the life of her mother, Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders.

Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in A Man Called Peter. A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of Guideposts, forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.


MY THOUGHTS

I vaguely remember reading and enjoying this classic years (decades?!) ago when I was in junior high school, but oh! how much better it is as an adult! Catherine Marshall's beloved novel is as relevant today as it was when it was published fifty years ago, as well as when the events occurred that inspired the book. The story is a gem, and the nuggets of truth tucked inside made me pause and reflect as I read. I received and read the digital copy for this review, but the hardback is going on my Christmas list! Christy grows sweeter with multiple readings and is a must for my keeper shelf of all-time favorites. Don't miss this compelling novel!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Evergreen Farm, an imprint of Gilead Publishing, and Litfuse Publicity for a blog tour. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Some stories are evergreen, their themes and lessons standing the test of time and connecting with readers generation after generation. Reconnect with Catherine Marshall's beloved Christy as it celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new edition! As nineteen-year-old teacher Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home of Cutter Gap, some see her-and her one-room school-as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove. Yearning to make a difference, will Christy's determination and devotion be enough?


Celebrate the new 50th anniversary edition of Christy by entering to win one of TWO $50 Visa cash cards (details below) and by attending a Facebook Live party on December 5!

TWO grand prize winners will receive:

• One copy of Christy
• One $50 Visa Cash Card

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5. The winner will be announced at the Christy Facebook Live Party. RSVP for a chance to connect with authors who've been impacted by Christy and other readers, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!

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The Colors of Christmas

The Colors of Christmas
Two Contemporary Stories Celebrate
the Hope of Christmas
Olivia Newport
(Shiloh Run Press)
ISBN: 978-1683223351
October 2017/320 pages/$14.99
Celebrate the joyful hope of the Christmas season as characters find healing in the midst of heartbreak.

Christmas in Gold
After eighty years, change is nothing new for Astrid. By the time she was twenty, she survived the destructive Nazi regime, caring for her family under brutal circumstances, moving to America, and losing her husband. At forty she was widowed again and left to build a new life with her children. Now, when she faces a move into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up hope through tragedy one more time.

Christmas in Blue
In the wake of a personal loss deeper than anyone realizes, Angela plans to bypass as much of the season as possible and get through her duties as the church organist by going on autopilot. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration. After a mysterious young man arrives, townspeople suspect he is the reason that one set of plans after another disintegrate until little is left of their traditions. Yet Angela warms to Gabe because she suspects they share a secret—his real reason for coming to town. Even when all they have to work with is a garish supply of blue Christmas decorations, Gabe helps Angela discover the hidden beauty of hope.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Newport's novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. Her husband and two twenty-something-year-old children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books.

MY THOUGHTS

I love Christmas novellas and eagerly accepted the opportunity to review this combo. The first offering, Christmas in Gold was my favorite. As a nurse who cares for senior citizens, I loved Olivia Newport's portrayal of Astrid and her family as they dealt with a situation so common today. Newport perfectly depicts the emotions and family dynamics that often accompany such a transition. The situation with Astrid's therapist adds intrigue and supsense, and Newport does a fine job of paceing both the danger and the interpersonal relationships. The second novella Christmas in Blue was less satisfying. While I liked the premise, the story dragged a bit and the mounting disasters were a bit much. The resolution and message conveyed were fine but I was a bit tired from all the upheaval by the time I finally reached them. Overall, this is an enjoyable combo set, with Christmas in Golde the stronger of the two. Check it out for yourself!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Shiloh Run Press, an imprint of Barbour Publishing, for a blog tour. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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2017 CHRISTY AWARDS!

The Christy Award Celebration Gala was held tonight in Nashville, Tennessee and I loved watching it on their livestream broadcast. The Gala celebrated the art of Christian fiction and featured Karen Kingsbury, Andrew Peterson, Chris Fabry, and many other authors.

The Gala also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the beloved novel Christy by Catherine Marshall, for which the award is named.

Congratulations to all of the winners! This has been a crazy year and I have not been able to review as many books as previously. The titles of those which I have reviewed are linked to those reviews. Others that I have read but not reviewed have comments beneath them.


CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Her One and Only
by Becky Wade
(Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

Stars in the Grass
by Ann Marie Stewart
(Barbour Publishing)
(Just recently read it. Excellent!)

GENERAL FICTION

The Promise of Jesse Woods
by Chris Fabry
(Tyndale House Publishers)
(Read it a couple of weeks ago. Great book!)

HISTORICAL

The Mark of the King
by Jocelyn Green
(Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
IT'S A TIE!

A Note Yet Unsung
by Tamera Alexander
(Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

The Lady and the Lionheart
by Joanne Bischof
(Mason Jar Books)
Great book! Thought I reviewed it.
MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

When Death Draws Near
by Carrie Stuart Parks
(Thomas Nelson)

SHORT FORM

Looking Into You
by Chris Fabry
(Tyndale House Publishers)

VISIONARY

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer
by James Rubart
(Thomas Nelson)
Fantastic novel. Missed reviewing it.
A must-read!
YOUNG ADULT

The Silent Songbird
by Melanie Dickerson
(Thomas Nelson)

2017 BOOK OF THE YEAR

Long Way Gone
by Charles Martin
(Thomas Nelson)

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Dangerous Illusions

Dangerous Illusions
Code of Honor, Book 1
Irene Hannon
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800727673
October 2017/384 pages/$15.99
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps--and figure out what you missed!


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels, including Buried Secrets, Thin Ice, and Tangled Webs, as well as the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. In addition to many other honors, she is a seven-time finalist for and three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I always enjoy Irene Hannon's suspense novels, and she has outdone herself with this latest release. Hannon creates a multi-layered story that gripped me from the mysterious prologue and didn't let go until the final page was turned. This aptly named tale is filled with both likable and nefarious characters and it isn't always apparent who belongs in each category. Just when I congratulated myself on figuring out who was behind it all, another unexpected twist caused my jaw to drop. This new series promises to keep readers on their toes! Dangerous Illusions is a must for your fall reading list!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Revell Publishing for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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The Sound of Rain

The Sound of Rain
Sarah Loudin Thomas
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764219610
November 2017/336 pages/$15.99
In the Dark of the Mine, In the Face of Rising Water,
In the Shadows of the Hills, Faith Will See Them Through

Judd Markley knows he can never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother's life means leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world is all he knows, he puts it behind him and heads for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Larkin Heyward's life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more--maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.

Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd's and Larkin's dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together--or maybe, it will take a miracle.


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fundraiser for a children's ministry and has written for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times. She is the author of Miracle in a Dry Season, Until the Harvest, and A Tapestry of Secrets. She holds a BA in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. She can be found online at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.


MY THOUGHTS

Sarah Loudin Thomas has a gift for transporting readers to the heart of her stories and she once again immersed me in The Sound of Rain. From the inky blackness and desperation of the West Virginia mine collapse, to the sweltering humidity of Myrtle Beach, to the hardscrabble wooded hills of Kentucky, the sights, sounds, and even smells of this tale were all but palpable as I read. Judd and Larkin endeared themselves to me, especially Larkin, who is like so many of us with unrealistic expectations of those we think need to be "helped" when they are the ones who will teach us. Poignant and authentic, this story will touch your heart and soul. Take a load off and treat yourself to an evening listening to God speak through The Sound of Rain. You'll be richer for it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Bethany House Publishers for a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



Q&A WITH SARAH LOUDIN THOMAS

1. After wrapping up the Appalachian Blessings series, how did you decide what would come next?

I thought it was time to add a little variety to my Appalachian setting. I lived near the coast of South Carolina for ten years and loved the idea of taking a mountain man and dropping him into that hot, sandy landscape. It let me use my own experience of trying to adjust to a different climate and way of life. Neither Judd nor I ever got used to how hot it would stay all summer, even in the middle of the night. We also share a deep appreciation for Southern cooking!

2. The Sound of Rain begins with your hero nearly dying in a mine cave-in. What was it like writing that scene?

The first pages of the story are drawn directly from my great-uncle Harry’s experience as a coal miner. He would often tell the story of being trapped in a mine with that boot pressed against his cheek—although his language was more colorful than Judd’s. Hearing him talk about his brush with death certainly captured my imagination when I was a child. It also convinced me that I never wanted to step foot in a mine myself!

3. Hurricane Hazel provides a turning point in the novel. Why did you include this catastrophic event?

My first job out of college was doing public relations for the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. I learned a fair amount of coastal history and was impressed with the way Myrtle Beach came to be the tourist destination it is today, largely because Hurricane Hazel wiped the slate clean in 1954. Prior to that, Myrtle Beach was a relatively quiet seaside community. After Hazel, there was literally nothing left to hinder beachfront development. Except for the Pavilion, of course, which fit right in with hotels, restaurants, and shops. This beach music mecca weathered the storm—much as Judd does in the story—a little the worse for wear but still standing.

4. Larkin is somewhat naïve in her notion about helping the “backward” people of Appalachia. What attitudes do you run into about the region?

I hear a lot of West Virginia jokes when I tell people where I’m from and where I set my stories. Of course, the best defense is to know more—and funnier—jokes than anyone else. I’m well aware that much of Appalachia faces serious challenges and has for generations. I hope my books highlight some of what’s wonderful and special about the region: the strength and perseverance of the people, their willingness to lend a helping hand, their pride (which can also be a shortcoming), and their love for the land. I don’t want to paint an unrealistic picture, but I do want to shine a light on the beauty of the people and the place itself.

5. What’s next for you?

In 2018, I’ll be partnering with three Bethany House authors to put together a novella collection that will trace a century or so of one particular family. A piece of jewelry links all the stories together, and each author is focusing on the generation that ties into her genre. Kristi Ann Hunter will start us out in 1827 England, with Karen Witemeyer tackling Texas in 1890. My story is set in 1950s West Virginia, and Becky Wade will close us out with a contemporary tale in Washington. It’s the first time I’ve collaborated with other authors, and it’s been so much fun. Writing can be solitary, so having others invested in my story has been a delightful experience


Many thanks to Sarah Loudin Thomas and Bethany House for providing this Q&A!

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ACFW New Releases - November 2017

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

Contemporary Romance:

Rooted in Love by Valerie Comer -- A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Prescription for Romance by June Foster -- Though history teacher Scott Townsend made a commitment to the Lord as a teen, he can't relinquish his bitterness toward his younger brother after he squanders their parents' money. When a beautiful, young pharmacist seeks affirmation in a way that challenges Scott's values, he must uphold his Christian upbringing. (Contemporary Romance from Forget Me Not Romance [Winged Publication])

Believing in Tomorrow by Kimberly Rae Jordan -- Sammi struggles to accept the consequences for her actions and to live with her new reality—unwed mother instead of wife and then mother. Though it eats at her soul, she feels that the judgment she faces is her lot to bear. Can Levi get Sammi to see that their child deserves better? Or will she lose everything she’s dreamed of for her tomorrow because she can’t accept that forgiveness is hers for the taking? (Contemporary Romance, ACFW QIP)

Texas Christmas Twins by Deb Kastner -- Miranda Morgan’s Christmas will be twice as busy now that she’s guardian of her sister’s sweet twin babies. But the celebrity photographer is happy to trade a glamorous LA lifestyle for motherhood in her small hometown of Wildhorn, Texas. Unfortunately, the twins’ handsome godfather, Simon West, is unconvinced. The brooding rancher isn’t thrilled about letting sunny, spontaneous Miranda into his carefully managed world. Though they disagree on almost everything, Simon and Miranda discover common ground as they work to make the twins’ first country Christmas cozy and bright. Could this holiday transform Miranda and Simon’s tentative friendship into a forever love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

The Legacy by Carol Ashby -- A father’s martyrdom makes his son and daughter hunger for revenge on their brother who betrayed him and the people who led him to faith until God answers their father’s final prayer in unexpected ways. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Jerusalem Rising by Barbara M. Britton -- When Adah bat Shallum finds the governor of Judah weeping over the crumbling wall of Jerusalem, she learns the reason for Nehemiah’s unexpected visit,God has called him to rebuild the wall around the City of David. Nehemiah challenges the people of God to labor on the wall and in return, the names of their fathers will be written in the annals for future generations to cherish. But Adah has one sister and no brothers. Will her father, who rules a half-district of Jerusalem, be forgotten forever? Adah bravely vows to rebuild her city’s wall, though she soon discovers that Jerusalem not only has enemies outside the city, but also within. Can Adah, her sister, and the men they love, honor God’s call? Or will their mission be crushed by the same stones they hope to construct? (Historical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Historical Mystery:

Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna Deering -- Amateur sleuth Drew Farthering and his wife Madeline travel to Scotland for the 1935 British Open, but instead of a relaxing holiday, they find murder, mystery, and international intrigue. (Historical Mystery from Bethany House [Baker])

Waiting for His Return by Carrie Turansky -- The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville. (Historical Mystery from Flowing Stream Books)

Historical Romance:

The Virtuous Viscount by Susan M. Baganz -- Lord Remington falls for a woman he rescues and recovers in his home, but can Miss Storm trust his virtue when he risks his reputation to unbeknownst to her, saves her life. (Historical Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Lord Phillip’s Folly by Susan M. Baganz -- Lord Westcombe finds himself falling in love with his unexpected wife and having to rescue her from the devices of the Black Diamond with the help of his friends and newfound faith. (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

The Regency Brides Collection by Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Susanne Dietze, Michelle Griep, Nancy Moser, MaryLu Tyndall, and Erica Vetsch -- Romance is a delicate dance bound by rules and expectations in Regency England...Seven couples must navigate society’s gauntlet to secure the hand of true love.... Charity and Luke are strangers who were forced to marry three years ago. Adelaide and Walter share a love of music and disdain for elitism. Caroline and Henry are thrown together by three orphans. Helen and Isaac harbor his unlikely secret. Esther is empowered to choose between two men. Sophia is determined not to choose a man like Nash. Jamie and William face a daunting London season together. Will their faith grow and love prevail in a time when both were considered luxuries the elite could not afford? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas -- Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother--and nearly his own life--in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company. Larkin Heyward's life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more--maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company. Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Legal Thriller:

Guilty Blood by Rick Acker -- A desperate mother tries to prove her son's innocence, but shadowy forces want to keep him in jail--and kill him there. (Legal Thriller from Waterfall Press)

Romantic Suspense:

An Unexpected Legacy by Amy R. Anguish -- When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it's like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies. (Romantic Suspense from Tulpen Publishing)

Christmas Double Cross by Jodie Bailey -- Undercover Texas Ranger Colter Blackthorn’s convinced Danielle Segovia is really a wanted criminal—until she’s nearly kidnapped right in front of him. Now Colter must keep her out of the clutches of the notorious drug cartel leader whose traitor sister is a dead ringer for Danielle. The drug czar wants the drugs he thinks the pretty shop owner stole from him. And with the younger brother Danielle is raising dragged into the crosshairs, Colt has to find a way to protect them both. But a showdown at Christmas—with Danielle as bait—may be the only way to make sure they all survive the holidays. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright -- Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--including her own--are lost? (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Speculative:

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse -- The monster has awakened. After her escape from the Tower and from her father's experiments, Kat Bloodmayne wakes up to discover the dark power inside of her has grown stronger. Now more than ever she needs to find the doctor who holds the key to healing her, but the only one who can help her find him is Stephen Grey, the very man who betrayed her. Stephen Grey cannot change the past or what he did to Kat, but he will do everything he can to help her now. But will Kat let him? Or will his transgression be too much to overcome? Time races against them as they travel with sky pirates through harrowing storms and across the war-torn country of Austrium in search of the doctor who can cure Kat. But can he cure what is broken inside of her? Or will the monster inside of Kat consume her soul? (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

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