Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Innkeeper's Daughter


The Innkeeper's Daughter
Michelle Griep
(Shiloh Run Press)
ISBN: 978-1683224358
February 2018/320 pages/$14.99

A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown

Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.

All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.

Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog "Writer off the Leash" or visit michellegriep.com


MY THOUGHTS

Ooh, what a great novel! My only lament is that I did not have uninterrupted hours to read non-stop, but Michelle Griep's gift for creating a compelling story immediately pulled me right back in each time I picked up the book and resumed reading. Perfectly drawn characters inhabit this tale, and Joanna's efforts to keep her family's Blue Hedge Inn solvent touched my heart. Griep juxtaposes Joanna's struggles against the abundant wealth of the London Season, further emphasizing the disparate class distinctions. It's impossible not to love Joanna, her mom, and her younger, feisty-and often impulsive-brother. And who can resist Alex, even when he finds himself in a no-win situation? Filled with intrigue, danger, and impossible romance, The Innkeeper's Daughter is a hold-your-breath novel with plenty of twists and turns that truly seem to have no good outcome. Unforeseen developments enhance the delightful conclusion and bring a satisfied smile as the story comes to a close. Grab your copy of this engaging novel today!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Shiloh Runn Press, a division of Barbour Books, 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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Monday, February 26, 2018

Hearts Entwined


Hearts Entwined
A Historical Romance Novella Collection
Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy,
Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764230325
January 2017/352 pages/$15.99

Four Historical Romance Novellas of Love (With a Twist of Humor)

The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

The Love Knot
When Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

The Tangled Ties That Bind
Connor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

Bound and Determined
As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

Tied and True
Wealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a free prequel ebook novella. You can learn more about Melissa, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com.


MY THOUGHTS

What a fun novella collection! Of course, I knew by the author names listed that I was in for a treat. From the adorable cover to the final pages, Hearts Entwined entertains and delights. Independent from each other, each story nevertheless contains a common thread: a heartwarming historical romance interspersed with humor. The tales also connect to each author's current or previous series, a bonus for faithful readers, although they stand alone. I couldn't wait to delve in, and I was not disappointed. Karen Witemeyer's The Love Knot opens the collection with endearing characters and a compelling plot. I loved how she wove the thematic knot into the story in this final installment in her Ladies of Harper Station series. Mary Connealy's follows with her signature laugh-out-loud style in The Tangled Ties That Bind. The medical aspect intrigued me, and I enjoyed catching up with a member of the Kincaid clan from her Kincaid Bride series – including a harrowing trip back into that cave! Regina Jennings enthralls with Bound and Determined, which spotlights the seemingly-incorrigible Bradley from Holding the Fort, the opening novel of her new Fort Reno series. I never knew that the US Army used camels for a time! Finally, Tried and True by Melissa Jagears completes the collection with a fascinating tale of love that transcends social rank. Part of her Teaville Moral Society series, the story made me glad we are not so entrenched in class distinctions and societal mores. Hearts Entwined will put spring in your step during these final chilly days of winter. Don't miss 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.”



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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Shaped Notes


Shaped Notes:
How Ordinary People with Extraordinary Gifts
Influenced My Life and Career

Larnelle Harris
with Christine Schaub
(Morgan James Faith Publishing)
ISBN: 978-1683505273
February 2018/142 pages/$16.99

Larnelle Harris is one of the most renowned Christian vocalists of our generation. Aside from his numerous accolades in the recording industry, Larnelle has been a stalwart figure of integrity, choosing to always put his marriage and children above his career. In his first memoir, Larnelle honestly shares some of the most difficult moments of his life – from losing his voice for a year to being attacked for his color. And he humbly credits the people who shaped his life and career early on, offering timeless insights into how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

“There were a few tears shed through the writing process,” says Harris. “Remembering all the people who have poured into my life and how they helped me was humbling. I hope what readers take away from this book is that we all have people in our lives that we can influence for the good or for the bad. And I sometimes wonder where I would have ended up had it not been for the people who came across my path and encouraged me with their words and actions.”


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Admired by fans and peers alike for his majestic tenor voice, Larnelle Harris has become the personificationof talent and integrity in a career that spans over five decades. He is the only person in history to be a member of three distinct hall of fame organizations: the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. He was twice inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band. He has achieved nineteen #1 radio singles and a plethora of top 10 hits. Harris was the first Christian artist to perform inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union. He is one of a handful of celebrities to receive the Ad Council's Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his song Mighty Spirit as the theme song for the longest-running Public Service Announcement in television history. He recently performed for the National Day of Prayer event in Washington D.C., at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall, and sang for a gathering of U.N. Ambassadors in our nation’s capitol. Harris and his wife of 45 years, Cynthia (a.k.a. Mitzy), reside in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.Larnelle.com. ​

Christine Schaub is the author of the critically-acclaimed MUSIC OF THE HEART series, including Finding Anna--the story behind the writing of the hymn It Is Well With My Soul--and The Longing Season--the story behind Amazing Grace--with Bethany House Publishers. She won the On the Page screenwriting contest at Screenwriting Expo 2 in Los Angeles, developed four biopic teleplays for the stories behind the hymns, and published an online column for the MethodX website (Upper Room Ministries). She graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, and has received both regional and national awards in writing and design.


MY THOUGHTS

It's easy to look at Christians in the public arena and make assumptions about their lives. Larnelle Harris has always been one of my favorite musicians, and I was eager to read his memoir. Along with cowriter Anna Schaub, Harris opens up about his childhood and the early years of his career. Authentic in sharing both joyful and heart-wrenching memories, he communicates in a conversational, down-to-earth manner that seems as if he is sitting across a table at a coffee shop. Harris maintains an attitude of gratefulness and joy throughout each chapter that refreshes and encourages. His humility, lack of bitterness, and desire to focus on God inspires. Whether you are familiar with his music, or you struggle to reconcile issues in your own past, Shaped Notes will strengthen your faith.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free Morgan James Publishing and Adams PR 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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Monday, February 19, 2018

.Phoebe's Light


Phoebe's Light
Nantucket Legacy, Book 1
Suzanne Wood Fisher
(Revell)
ISBN: 978-0800721626
February 2018/352 pages/$15.99

"Not today. I will not worry today."

Phoebe Starbuck has always taken care of her father--worrying enough for both of them, as he chases one whim after another. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, she takes two gifts from her father, but desires only one: her great-grandmother's journal. The second gift? A "minder" in the form of cooper Matthew Macy, a man she loathes.

Phoebe soon discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds a secret that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially the captain and the cooper.

Sail away with expert navigator Suzanne Woods Fisher, who confidently explores the sometimes treacherous shores of Quaker life on the storied Nantucket Island.


"Shedding light upon Quaker customs and beliefs as well as the whaling era, Fisher plunges her readers into turbulent waters with plenty of plot twists and intrigue that lead to a satisfying conclusion."--Jody Hedlund, author of Luther & Katharina, Christy Award winner


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Anna's Crossing, The Newcomer, and The Return in the Amish Beginnings series; The Bishop's Family series; and The Inn at Eagle Hill series; as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.


MY THOUGHTS

Suzanne Woods Fisher posesses a knack for creating fascinating stories that simultaneously entertain, inform, and inspire. Her newest novel does all of this and more as the first book in her Nantucket Legacy series. Lauded for her Amish novels, Fisher turns her attention to colonial Nantucket and the early beginnings of its Quaker faith community. Life, love, and faith intertwine amidst the challenging and often harrowing setting of the whaling trade as fact and fiction merge in this captivating tale. As always, Fisher creates situations that cause her characters to probe their faith beyond the external, often prompted by someone who doesn't "follow the rules," a characteristic that makes her one of my favorite authors. Interspersed experts of Great Mary's journal broaden and add layers to the story, and unexpected plights escalate the tension. And while the ending satisfied, I am already eager for the next Nantucket Legacy novel. Don't miss Phoebe's Light.


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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Tuesday, February 6, 2018

A Refuge Assured


A Refuge Assured
Jocelyn Green
(Bethany House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-0764219078
February 2018/416 pages/$14.99

Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia, but danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.


Read an excerpt.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including The Mark of the King, a Christy Award winner in 2017; Wedded to War, a Christy Award double finalist in 2013; Widow of Gettysburg; Yankee in Atlanta; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.


MY THOUGHTS
Words fail me as I attempt to do justice to this incredible novel. Jocelyn Green possesses a gift for crafting a phenomenal story among a lesser-known historic backdrop, and her talents shine in A Refuge Assured. Masterfully created characters populate this novel, with as much care given to minor personalities as to the primary individuals such as Vivienne and Liam. Fact and fiction intermingle with arresting detail, and Green seamlessly blends it all with prose as expertly and elegantly wrought as Vivenne's lace. The harsh realities and consequences of oppression and carnal choices are heart-breakingly evident, yet a redemptive thread of faith is a steady reminder that anyone who seeks can find A Refuge Assured. You do not want to miss this phenomenal book. Grab your copy today!

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 JOCELYN GREEN

1. What drew you to tell this particular story?

When I first read a mention somewhere about French Asylum, the refuge built for Marie Antoinette in the wilderness of Pennsylvania during the French Revolution, I couldn’t tell if it was fact or fiction. So I immediately turned to Google and verified through several sources that it was real. Though Marie-Antoinette did not escape the guillotine, the refuge was still used by those who longed for their queen and her son, Louis-Charles. Once I started reading about the men and women who found refuge in Asylum, I was hooked. The settlement only lasted about a decade, but its history is fascinating and worth telling through the eyes of my heroine, Vivienne Rivard, a former lacemaker for the French court.

2. What is the theme of A Refuge Assured?

The primary theme is that of finding refuge in the Lord, when no physical place of safety seems to exist. But a secondary theme popped up through a character I didn’t plan on creating: Armand, the father from whom Vivienne has been estranged her entire life. The two flee France together, and through their relationship, a picture of reconciliation emerged. At one point Armand says to Vivienne, “One is never too old for a father’s love.” None of us are ever too old—or “too far gone”—for our heavenly Father’s love, either. And that is the greatest reconciliation story of all time.

3. What kind of research did you do for this book?

I devoured every book and digital resource I could find first, plus documentaries on the French Revolution, Marie-Antoinette specifically, and the Whiskey Rebellion. I did not go see Hamilton on Broadway, but I did read Ron Chernow’s amazing book about Alexander Hamilton, since the Treasury Secretary plays a significant role in my novel. I also took my family on a spring break/research trip out to Pennsylvania. My favorite research spot in Philadelphia was City Tavern, an eighteenth-century-style restaurant that was a frequent haunt of our founding fathers. I created a fictional tavern in Philadelphia for my characters, so eating at City Tavern and getting a tour into every corner was a special treat. From Philadelphia, we drove to the site of French Asylum, or Asylum. As always, on-site research is the most fun!

4. What was your favorite part of the process of writing this book?

Aside from lunching at City Tavern, one of my favorite aspects has been learning how to bake baguettes and scones from the City Tavern cookbook as part of my research. The other favorite part was developing secondary characters that are just as vibrant as the hero and heroine. This cast of characters was a joy to bring together.

5. You have shared that your heroine, Vivienne Rivard, is related to the heroine in Laura Frantz’s new novel, The Lacemaker (Revell, Jan. 2018). What is their connection?

Yes! Laura’s story is set in colonial Williamsburg on the eve of the American Revolution. A Refuge Assured starts in Paris during the French Revolution and quickly moves to Philadelphia in 1794. The connection between the lacemakers was easy to imagine, because lacemaking is typically a tradition passed down from one generation of women to the next. Laura and I had a great time creating a family tree with roots in France, and determining where the branches reached to England before spanning the ocean to America. Our heroines don’t interact with each other in either book, but eagle-eyed readers will catch the mention of a great-grandmother they
shared in each one.

Many thanks to Jocelyn Green and Bethany House Publishers for providing this Q & A!




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Monday, February 5, 2018

High Treason


High Treason
FBI Task Force, Book 3
DiAnn Mills
(Tyndale House Publishers)
ISBN: 978-1496410993
February 2018/416 pages/$14.99

When Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal visits Houston to seek cancer treatment for his mother, an attempt on his life puts all agencies on high alert. FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is the lead on the prince’s protective detail because of their long-standing friendship, but he’s surprised—and none too happy—when the CIA brings one of their operatives, Monica Alden, in on the task force after the assassination attempt.

Kord and Monica must quickly put aside interagency squabbles, however, when they learn the prince has additional motives for his visit—plans to promote stronger ties with the US and encourage economic growth and westernization in his own country. Plans that could easily incite a number of suspects both in the US and in countries hostile to Saudi Arabia. Worse yet, the would-be assassin always seems to be one step ahead of them, implicating someone close to the prince—or the investigation. But who would be willing to commit high treason, and can Kord and Monica stop them in time?


Read an excerpt.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne du Maurier, Inspirational Reader's Choice, and Carol Award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is codirector of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She's an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiAnnMills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills, or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.


MY THOUGHTS

I eagerly anticipate each new book that DiAnn Mills releases, and I always make sure I have a slot of uninterrupted time to read when one arrives because I know I won't be able to put it down. High Treason met my expectations in spades! Mills creates an all-too-likely scenario in this fast-paced tale rife wifth tension on an international level as well as among those guarding the Saudi prince, for whom trust is as imperative as it is dangerous. Multiple layers seamlessly weave together into a fascinating framework of clashing cultures, family friction, and political posturing. Heart-pounding moments are punctuated with the perfect amount of romance, adding a whole 'nother level of tension. High Treason is high drama and highly thrilling. Don't miss this captivating novel!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from DiAnn Mills and Tyndale House Publishing. 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.”


FBI TASK FORCE NOVELS: CLICK THE COVERS FOR MY REVIEWS!






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Friday, February 2, 2018

ACFW New Releases - February 2018

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

Biblical:

A Passionate Hope, Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith -- Hannah has spent her life trusting God, loving her husband, putting up with abuse from a second wife and still she has no child--until one day she discovers the secret to her own heart's longings and rejoices in what will soon become God's promised hope. (Biblical from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Romance:

Focus On Love by Candee Fick -- In the standalone sequel to Dance Over Me, photographer-turned-actress Liz meets a freelancer who has put his career on hold, but when Ryan shows her what true love is all about, her life may never be the same. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Love by the Numbers by Laura V. Hilton -- When false allegations by the bishop back home catch up with Lydia and threaten to ruin her reputation, can she clear her name and find lasting happiness? Or will her sunny disposition fade away into heartbreak? (Contemporary Romance from Whitaker House)

Historical Romance:

This Treacherous Journey by Misty M. Beller -- Widowed and with child, Emma Malcom is fleeing arrest. Innocent of her husband’s crimes, she and her brother hope to make it through the Rockies to Canada for a clean start. When a city woman, heavy with child, appears on Simeon Grant’s doorstep with her injured brother, her presence resurrects memories he’s worked hard to forget. Widowed and childless because of his own bad choices, can he overcome the past that haunts him to give her the safety she needs? Will Emma break through the walls around Simeon’s heart before it’s too late, or will the dangers of these mountains be the end of them all? (Historical Romance, ACFW Qualified Independently Published)

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron -- Ellie Carver arrives at her grandmother’s bedside expecting to find her silently slipping away. Instead, the beloved woman speaks of a secret past and castle ruins. Of a hidden chapel that served as a rendezvous for the French Resistance in World War II. Of lost love and deep regret . . . But her grandmother suffers from Alzheimer’s, and Ellie must act fast if she wants to uncover the truth of her family’s history. Drawn by the mystery surrounding The Sleeping Beauty—a castle so named for Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale—Ellie embarks on a journey to France’s Loire Valley to unearth its secrets before time silences them forever. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The English Lieutenant's Lady by Evelyn M. Hill -- I’m not your enemy.” He held her gaze, willing her to believe the lie. It’s 1845. Britain and America both claim the Oregon Territory, and neither side is willing to back down. To survive, British Lieutenant Geoffrey Montgomery and American Lia Griggs both are pretending to be someone they're not. The last thing either of them wants is to fall in love. And as the threat of war grows stronger, choosing to stay together could cost them everything they have. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Widow of Rose Hill by Michelle Shocklee -- Widowed during the war, Southern slave owner Natalie Ellis strikes a bargain with a Union Colonel to save her plantation and her son’s inheritance: in exchange for use of her family’s property, the army will provide workers to bring in her cotton crop. Natalie Ellis is everything Colonel Levi Maish loathes: a Southern slave owner. But the plight of the beautiful Widow Ellis stirs to life his compassion and the heart he’d thought hardened by war. While the army camps on her land, Levi finds himself contemplating a future with Natalie and Samuel. But when he learns where her husband perished during the war, he knows a life with Natalie is impossible. How could she ever forgive him for what he’d done in battle on the banks of the Bull Run? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Sea Before Us by Sarah Sundin -- As D-day approaches, an American naval officer and a British Wren work together on invasion plans. But if he succeeds, will he destroy what she loves most? (Historical Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Across the Blue by Carrie Turansky -- A determined young aviator who strives to be the first to fly across the English Channel also longs to win the heart of an aspiring journalist who is secretly covering the race across the Channel. (Historical Romance from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Random House])

The Mail-Order Brides Collection by Megan Besing, Noelle Marchand, Donna Schlachter, Sherri Shackelford, Michelle Shocklee, Ann Shorey, Liz Tolsma, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Kathleen Y'Barbo -- Nine advertisements for brides lead to inconvenient complications in romance. Traveling west alone on a promise of marriage, each woman has her reasons to accept a husband sight unseen. Some are fleeing poverty or abuse while others simply seek hope for a brighter future. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

High Treason by DiAnn Mills -- CIA Operative Monica Alden and FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson face the challenge of their careers when a Saudi Prince's life is threatened on American soil. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Kill Shot by Susan Sleeman --
As the ballistics and weapon’s expert for the FBI’s special task force nicknamed the White Knights, Rick Cannon has known the Department of Defense was developing self-steering bullets and feared their effects in the hands of the wrong people. Now his fear is coming true. The ammunition been stolen, and the Knights are called in to find the thief and stop the killings. When therapist Olivia Dobbs discovers one of her military clients moments after he is murdered, she becomes both the FBI’s prime witness, and suspect. But with a sniper now training his rifle on her, Rick must recall all the skills he learned as a Marine sniper to make sure the next bullet fired isn’t a kill shot that takes Olivia out. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Words [Hachette])

Supernatural Thriller:

The Man He Never Was by James L. Rubart -- In this fresh take on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, James L. Rubart explores the war between the good and evil within each of us—and one man’s only chance to overcome the greatest divide of the soul. (Supernatural Thriller from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Western:

Cheyenne Sunrise by Janalyn Voigt -- Can a woman with no faith in men learn to trust the half-Cheyenne trail guide determined to protect her? (Western by Mountain Brook Ink)



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