Julie Arduini's Blog, page 12

Fiction Finder: November 2023 New Releases

November 2023 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance: 12 Days of Mandy Reno by Regina Rudd Merrick — Law student Amanda Reno is stuck in her tiny hometown in Kentucky for Christmas and work part-time at the Clementville Café. Her parents are stuck in Brazil, leaving Mandy to celebrate Christmas without them. Young Sheriff Clay Lacey takes matters into his own hands, devising a plan to take Mandy’s mind off her crushed expectations. She is no longer his classmate’s tagalong kid sister, but a young woman he is increasingly attracted to. How will Mandy react when she finds out Clay is the one working to make sure she has a memorable Christmas? Will she be pleased? Or will she cringe as she thanks the man who may be falling in love with her? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

A Family for the Orphans by Heidi Main — Three little hearts have been broken. Now they must find a way to heal them…Tragedy turned Walker McCaw from bachelor cowboy to guardian of his late best friend’s three children. Now they’re living on a new horse farm—and it’s a disaster. Trisha Campbell’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. Together, they’ll need to work to save the struggling farm. But it takes more than hard work to make a family. It takes courage and love… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Repairing Hearts by Julie Arduini — Ryan, the independent, brooding second oldest of the Hart sextuplets, can’t enjoy the solitude he craves when he agrees to star on a reality show. The plan is to discover a project manager to renovate his hole of a property. The show reveals that it’s more about Ryan’s dating life. Can he keep his guard up when everything around him is falling apart faster than the shingles on his roof? BJ Wallace loves her quiet life in Wisconsin that she’s created far from her traumatic childhood. Everything changes when she learns she’s competing on Repairing Ryan’s Heart. As the show focuses more on Ryan than the house, BJ falls for him. Will she win the show and destroy Ryan with her secret, or sacrifice her heart to protect Ryan? (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

The Cowgirl’s Last Rodeo by Tabitha Bouldin — She left home to chase her dreams. Now she’s back seeking a second chance…When Callie Wade’s horse goes blind, there’s only one man who can save her barrel racing career. Brody Jacobs is the best horse trainer she knows—if he’s willing to help. She broke his heart when she left him behind to go after rodeo stardom. This time, will they put their hearts on the line to reach the championship…and a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Wooing the Widower by Elle E. Kay — Margie, a successful Colorado realtor, finds herself looking for a change of scenery and a dash of adventure after her only daughter embarks on a missionary journey, so she heads to Redemption Ranch to fulfill a long-held dream: learning to ride horses. Meanwhile, Chaz, having swapped his tailored suits and executive boardrooms for the ‘aromatic’ allure of horse manure, relishes his new life at Redemption Ranch. The retired businessman and former CEO of Freedom Mountaineering now assists his brother on the ranch, his days filled with hard work, peaceful solitude, and bittersweet memories. When Margie arrives at Redemption Ranch, their lives intersect in the most unexpected of ways. Amid horse rides and starlit conversations, they discover companionship and the tender buds of love in their twilight years. As Margie explores this unexpected turn of her adventure, will she find a love she hadn’t planned for? And can Chaz see Margie as a vibrant woman with shared passions and dreams rather than simply his son’s mother-in-law? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery: An Unexpected Christmas Gift by Janetta Fudge Messmer — Breanna Snow owns the Snowed Inn B&B outside of Boulder, Colorado. And the city manager, Matthew Jacobson, is irritating the socks off of her. The Go-By-The-Book-Kind-Of-Guy wants to shut her bed and breakfast down. And Bree has no clue why. But she doesn’t have time for Mr. Jacobson’s nonsense. She’s getting married. However, a tiny hiccup occurs while she’s trying on her wedding dress. It literally turns her world upside down. And to her dismay, the city manager is right in the middle of it. Will the mortal enemies find a way to work things out before her B&B closes? Or will they die trying? And can a random act of kindness from years ago change her heart to hear the truth? (Cozy Mystery from Winged Publications) General Contemporary: Carol of the Rooms by Diana Leagh Matthews — Driven. Divisive. Dissonant. Terri Neely is propelled by greed and ambition. She refuses to let anyone—except for her beloved Gramps—past her hard exterior. Long ago, her faith waivered, and her love of music turned to hate. That is until an accident forces her to view the soundtrack of her life as she visits her past, present, and future. Can the songs in Terri’s life change her heart and restore her faith before it’s too late? (General Contemporary from Elk Lake Publishing) General Historical: Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings by Carol Ashby — Can God work all things for good if you don’t even think he’s real? Lusario was content in Cyrene as part of the Philandros household. After he returns from serving the youngest son, Diokles, while he studies in Alexandria, Lusario expects to become a paid tutor for his master, earning the money to buy his freedom. But when Diokles uses him to pay a gambling debt, he must go to Carthago as the slave of a man who hates him. His once-bright future is gone forever. So why does his Christian friend Timon insist things will turn out so much better than he expects? But Carthago brings new people, like Caelus Martinus, and new possibilities into Lusario’s hopeless world. Could Timon be right? When Lusario sees a chance to escape his fate, will going for it give him a future again, or only hasten his death? (General Historical from Cerillo Press) Historical Romance: The Lamp by Edwina Kiernan — Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness. Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he’s arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle’s derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him. Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbors, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before. Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives? (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing) Mystery: Six Days Spent by Luana Ehrlich — When private investigator Mylas Gray gets a call from the wife of a high-powered Pentagon official, he assumes it’s about her appointment to discuss a possible stalker. It’s not. It’s about her husband – he’s just been murdered. Mylas agrees to investigate the murder, even though he’s supposed to help Whitney find a place to live in the next six days. Can he do both? As it turns out, finding a murderer and finding a house have a lot in common. (Mystery, Independently Published) True Blue Christmas by Susan Page Davis — New neighbors, cryptic Christmas cards, and jury duty. What next? Campbell McBride is juggling her new role as a private investigator with her slightly wacky personal life. Can she and her dad figure out who stashed a valuable painting in their client’s attic? And is the murder of an egocentric landlord somehow connected? (Mystery from Scrivenings Press) Romance: Gifts of the Season by Deborah Raney — THEN: Inspired by a family Christmas tradition of the author’s family, “Circle of Blessings” is set in Dakota Territory in 1864. Stella Bradford is determined to win the love of James Collingwood, her English professor at the university where Stella is studying to be an architect. But the object of Stella’s affection hides a dark secret from his past. And even if Stella could capture James’s attention, she is certain her father would not approve of the match. But neither James nor Stella has an inkling that his secret is woven into her own past in a way that will ultimately bring blessing to them both—if only he dares to reveal it. NOW: “Measured with Love” is a contemporary tale set in a Mississippi River town in Southeast Missouri. Benjie Gabriel believes the chef’s position she’s just taken at an award-winning bed and breakfast is temporary—only a stepping stone to greater things. The B&B’s owner, Trevor Keye, thinks the same and—given the haughty attitude of his new chef—that’s fine with him. Will five months be long enough for them to figure out that what they’ve each been longing for, praying for, is right beneath their noses? (Romance, Independently Published)

The Hope of Christmas by Carol James — Cameron Blake has everything a man could want. Or so it appears. But in the dark of night, the contents of an old manila envelope remind him that the one thing he truly wants is beyond his reach. Kristin Hansen returns home after a messy break-up. While her parents think she’ s returned to recuperate after surgery on a broken arm, she’ s actually escaping from an abusive relationship. When the pastor of a local church recruits Kristin and Cameron to supervise the building of the church’ s float for the upcoming Christmas parade, their hidden secrets are exposed. Cam sees in Kristin what he truly desires… but knows he can never have. As Christmas nears, can Kristin help him find the thing that’ s eluded him all these years? The one thing his heart truly desires? Hope (Romance from White Rose Publishing/Pelican)

Romantic Suspense: 12 Days by Heidi Glick — Scott Newton retires from the sheriff’s office after a fellow officer is killed. Wracked by sorrow and the need for justice, Scott grows distant from his girlfriend, aspiring crime writer, Lindsay Billings. But, when Lindsay goes missing, and Scott discovers her research on the missing person cases thought to be the work of a serial murderer known as the Christmas Killer, Scott vows to find her at all costs. Police have never found the bodies of the people who went missing many Christmases ago, and Lindsay won’t become just another statistic. Then, someone kills again in Blanchardville. Police locate a corpse atop one of seven inflatable swans on a pond, and another body in a pear tree. Scott receives odd texts from Lindsay’s phone and deduces they’re from the killer. In order to save Lindsay, Scott agrees to meet the madman and play his game. As time runs out, Scott must learn to trust in God again, no matter what. (Romantic Suspense from Harbourlight Books/Pelican)

Beneath the Surface by Melanie D. Snitker — As the county’s chief medical examiner, many of the bodies coming into the morgue hold a mystery that Genevieve “Eve” Marks is determined to solve. In discovering what happened to the victims in her care, she can be their voice when they are no longer able to speak for themselves. Until one particular body includes a message challenging her to examine the past and solve a puzzle before the killer strikes again. Detective John Paris is leading a murder investigation that’s going nowhere. What he desperately needs is a break in the case. Unfortunately, that break comes in the form of another body that is obviously tied to the first. Even more disturbing than the idea that he may have a serial killer on his hands is the fact that the beautiful Eve Marks seems to be a target. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Deadly Sabotage by Elizabeth Goddard — A fatal explosion hides a lethal conspiracy. After barely escaping a lab explosion that kills her boss, microbiologist Kinsley Langell discovers that the blast was no accident—someone intentionally set off a bomb. With a target on her back and the police compromised, Kinsley must rely on her ex, protection specialist Brett Honor, to help investigate the crime. But someone won’t stop until she’s silenced—this time permanently. Can Kinsley and Brett uncover the culprit before hired killers finish the job? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

K-9 National Park Defenders by Sheree Stover and Katy Lee — Peril at Christmas awaits… in these gripping Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit novellas. A Christmas skiing retreat turns treacherous when Pacific Northwest K-9 Unit officer Veronica Eastwood’s sister is kidnapped—and only rival officer Parker Walsh can help her in Katy Lee’s Yuletide Ransom. And in Sharee Stover’s explosive Holiday Rescue Countdown, K-9 officers Dylan Jeong and Brandie Weller must race against the clock when they face a Christmas parade bomb threat…and a killer from Dylan’s past. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Young Adult: Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton — In a world on the brink of revolution, where the iron fist of the Imperium orchestrates every destiny…Seventeen-year-old Lexi refuses to bow to a future with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. A fiery spirit of defiance burns within her, ready to ignite a revolt. But destiny has other plans. When tragedy unveils a hidden diary—a legacy of secrets and rebellion—Lexi is thrust into the perilous shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. In a whirlpool of danger, deceit, and forbidden alliances, every revelation blurs the lines between friend and foe, making trust the ultimate weapon in a battle for truth. Caught between duty and a yearning for freedom, Lexi navigates a treacherous path where love and loyalty are tested at every turn. Who can she trust in a world where betrayal lurks in the shadows? As the foundations of the Imperium tremble, Lexi battles not only for her world but for the person she is destined to become. (Young Adult, Two Oaks Publishing)  

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: A Mistletoe Christmas by Davalynn Spencer – When writer Georgia Andrew’s handsome, widowed pastor takes more than a passing interest in her, she wonders if there is hope in her real life for a second-chance romance. (Contemporary Romance) A Morgan Family Christmas by Ruth Kyser – A Morgan Family Christmas is a peek into the past of Samuel Clemens Morgan, Jackson and Mary Byrd, and the rest of the Morgan family. (General Contemporary) Beneath a Michigan Moon by Candice Sue Patterson – Will they open their hearts and give in to the stormy attraction brewing between them, or will illuminated secrets tear them apart? (Historical Romance) Emily’s Trials by Henry McLaughlin – One of the first female attorneys in 1880’s Kanasas chooses justice and fights for her life and the innocent. (General Historical) Hashtag Hitched at Christmas by Cathe Swanson – Who knew that meeting of their minds would spark a meeting of the lips? (Contemporary Romance) Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet – It seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist. (Contemporary Romance) Offsides by Lori Z. Scott – When an older man seems to be grooming Dani’s neighbor, Dani determines to do whatever she can to keep the girl safe. But she must watch her back, or she could become the next victim. (Young Adult)

Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille

Behind the Scenes of Road Trip Rescue

By: Becca Wierwille

Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people. After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.

When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she must find him. Years stand between Kimmy and a driver’s license, and her parents seem oddly unsupportive. So, when pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks, Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.

But Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.

That’s the premise of Road Trip Rescue, my debut novel for kids with themes of faith and friendship.

Though it’s the first book I’ve published, Road Trip Rescue is not the first book I’ve written. But it is especially close to my heart. Kimmy and I have a lot in common. Though I’ve never gone on a wild road trip to find a long-lost dog, many of my own past experiences shaped my understanding of her character.

The biggest thing we share in common—other than our love of dogs—is that we were both born missing half of our right arm. Because of our “little arms,” we have experienced stares and unkind words. We have felt the insecurity and loneliness that can come with feeling different from everyone around us.

You might not have a limb difference. But my guess is that most of us can still relate to the feelings of insecurity, loneliness, and loss that Kimmy experiences.

Have you ever been in a room filled with people and still felt alone? Have someone else’s words ever caused an ache of loneliness in your chest? Have you ever questioned whether God hears your prayers?

Do you know a young reader who might resonate with these questions?

Kimmy’s story may be just what they need to hear. It’s a story I wish I would’ve had when I was a kid.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

We are not alone. The Mighty Warrior is with us. And He delights in us.

My prayer is that kids—and adults—who read Road Trip Rescue will see that truth, through Kimmy’s fictional transformation, and in their own lives.

Author Bio:

Becca Wierwille writes stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family. Road Trip Rescue is Becca’s debut novel. You can visit her online at beccawierwille.com or follow her on social media @beccawierwille. Sign up for her email newsletter to receive free resources and monthly encouragement.

Links for Road Trip Rescue:

Amazon buy linkSign up for my email newsletter for free conversation cards and other resources

Learn more about Road Trip Rescue at https://beccawierwille.com/road-trip-rescue/

An Interview with Heidi Glick

Interview with Heidi Glick

Julie, thank you for allowing me to be a guest on your blog.

Which of your books was your favorite to write? Why?

My favorite books to write are the ones on which I am currently working. The books are part of an environmental thriller series I started many years ago (tentatively titled, Queen City Heroes series). I put the series aside to work on other projects but have returned to it. This series is my favorite because the characters are so enjoyable to write about.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I would recommend aspiring writers attend writing conferences (online if in-person is not an option), read books on writing, join a professional writing organization, and finally, practice writing and submit their work to an editor or a critique group.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Why?

My favorite verses are Isaiah 26:3-4 and Lamentations 3:31-33. These verses remind me to trust God, but also, they remind me of his compassion and unfailing love, even in the midst of trials.

How many books have you written?

I have written two novels and one novella. Dog Tags was released in 2013 and is available on Kindle Unlimited. In June, Hold for Release came out and is on sale through the end of October for $1.99 through Amazon Kindle. Finally, my latest release, 12 Days, is a romantic suspense Christmas novella. The novella is available for preorder on Amazon.

Are you a pantser or a plotter?

I’m 80-90% plotter. I normally plot most of my stories. With my latest work in progress, I am pantsing more than usual. I prefer to plot so my story requires less editing. However, I can’t edit a blank page, so for the sake of time, I am pantsing some of my latest story. In terms of plotting, I like the structure of Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody.

How does your “real job” influence your writing?

I recently started line editing for Scrivenings Press. Editing influences my writing because the more I practice editing, the more my writing improves. However, I will always need an editor.

How much time do you spend in research before you write a story?

The amount of research I conduct depends on the story and the plot. My current series requires quite a bit of research. I might spend a week or two on research depending on the story.

12 Days blurb:

Scott Newton retires from the sheriff’ s office after a fellow officer is killed. Wracked by sorrow and the need for justice, Scott grows distant from his girlfriend, aspiring crime writer, Lindsay Billings. But, when Lindsay goes missing, and Scott discovers her research on the missing person cases thought to be the work of a serial murderer known as the Christmas Killer, Scott vows to find her at all costs. Police have never found the bodies of the people who went missing many Christmases ago, and Lindsay won’t become just another statistic.

Then, someone kills again in Blanchardville. Police locate a corpse atop one of seven inflatable swans on a pond, and another body in a pear tree. Scott receives odd texts from Lindsay’ s phone and deduces they’ re from the killer.

In order to save Lindsay, Scott agrees to meet the madman and play his game. As time runs out, Scott must learn to trust in God again, no matter what.

Purchase link:

Social media:

http://heidiglick.weebly.com/

http://www.facebook.com/authorheidiglick

Bio:

Heidi Glick has a B.A. in biology from Cedarville University, a Master of Technical Communication from Utah State University, and a passion for writing Christian fiction. Additionally, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers and has written two articles for Intercom. Before becoming a suspense writer, Heidi taught science to middle and high school students and edited science documents. Heidi resides in rural Northwest Ohio with her husband, two children, and six pets.

Repairing Hearts Available for Pre-Order

What happens when a reality show creates a blight on sextuplet Ryan Hart’s life harsher than his dump of a home?

Ryan, the independent, brooding second oldest of the Hart sextuplets, can’t enjoy the solitude he craves when he agrees to star on a reality show. The plan is to discover a project manager to renovate his hole of a property. The show reveals that it’s more about Ryan’s dating life. Can he keep his guard up when everything around him is falling apart faster than the shingles on his roof?

BJ Wallace loves her quiet life in Wisconsin that she’s created far from her traumatic childhood. Everything changes when she learns she’s competing on Repairing Ryan’s Heart. As the show focuses more on Ryan than the house, BJ falls for him. Will she win the show and destroy Ryan with her secret, or sacrifice her heart to protect Ryan?

A small-town, reality show romance with family drama and a Christian thread of surrendering pride and anger.

This book.

This series.

I’m going to be blunt.

Before Surrendering Hearts, I liked my books. I enjoyed the characters. But I knew I had growing to do in the writing department. Anchored Hearts was the first book where I felt I “got it”. I was trained to write for journalism, so my instinct is to “write tight”.

Well, that doesn’t make for moving fiction.

Finally, FINALLY, I think I’m writing as an author and not a journalist.

Anchored Hearts kicks off the Surrendering Hearts series where a family experiences a unique birth story but stays in the spotlight due to tragedy. Now that the Hart sextuplets are adults, they are discovering their own identity and trying to find a love like their parents shared.

Anchored Hearts was Jordyn’s story and shared the surrender issue of giving up control and surrendering anxiety.

Repairing Hearts is Ryan’s story and shares the surrender issues of anger and pride.

What made this so fun to write was it revolves around a reality show. This makes for conflict, drama, and romance.

What wasn’t so fun writing this were the technical difficulties. Since starting Repairing Hearts last year I worked on four laptops and one very bad pair of glasses. I will never take those things for granted.

The softcover edition won’t be long to release so pre-order for Kindle. If you haven’t read Anchored Hearts, it is a stand-alone, but it definitely helps prepare you for Repairing Hearts. Check it out today!

Do you receive my newsletter? I share writing and family updates, giveaways, recipes, and more. Here’s my most recent.

Trusting for Tomorrow by Jennifer Arrington

Trusting for Tomorrow

by Jennifer Arrington

Behind the story…

For the latter half of my twenties and into my thirties, I suffered from unexplained health problems. I went from doctor to doctor and was diagnosed with everything ranging from depression to chronic fatigue syndrome. Since I didn’t think I was depressed and because there was no apparent cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, I learned to live with my low-energy life. It quickly became apparent that a strict whole-food diet relieved my symptoms, so I enrolled as a master’s student at Texas A&M University as a nutrition major.

In one of my classes, I learned of celiac disease and decided to go gluten-free. I had tried a myriad of diets and supplements, but never this. Within one week, the symptoms that had plagued me for years were gone.

Gone.

A month later, we found out we were expecting our first child, something that, after eight years of marriage, we had assumed was impossible.

The simplicity of my cure astounded me, yet the frustration of six unnecessary years of suffering seemed ludicrous. Why hadn’t a doctor suggested this? How could I get the word out?

Twenty years ago, eating gluten-free was not “in vogue,” and it was difficult to purchase gluten-free food or to explain it to people. Everyone thought I was on the Atkins diet, and because I was thin, I received as much negativity about my diet as I had from doctors over my unexplained illness.

That’s when I decided to write a book and put celiac disease in the story. But I didn’t want it to be my story, so I gave it to Katherine’s daughter, Alyssa, and wove Katherine’s fight to get help for her daughter into a run-in with a stubborn (but handsome) pediatrician. Now, can you imagine this story playing out? A little bit? Are you smiling yet?

Good, because it makes for a great story!

Currently discounted to $2.99 on Kindle, you can download Trusting for Tomorrow and enjoy a fantastic faith-filled love story. Keep some tissues on hand, and make sure you have some free time because you won’t be able to put it down.

Jennifer Arrington started her first novel as a 9-year-old, writing in messy cursive, filling pages of an empty notebook. Her book was set in a boarding school for girls and included a schematic of the school, the dorms, the grounds, and of course, the netball courts.

Given that Jennifer has lived in four countries and five states within the United States, that manuscript is long gone. However, writing and journaling have always been her own personal therapy, and reading a reason to “get everything done” so she can focus on her TBR pile.

During her stay-at-home mom years, Jennifer used nap times to pen her first novel, Trusting for Tomorrow, inspired by her experiences with celiac disease. Ten years later, while recovering from multiple surgeries after recurrent breast cancer, she completed The Counting Tree, incorporating parts of her own breast cancer experiences into the story.

Jennifer self-publishes and spends her days on marketing, networking, and writing. She is currently working on a biography and a middle grade children’s adventure series. Although the styles and genres are far apart, Jennifer maintains that bouncing between the two keeps her brain fresh and helps maximize her writing time.

With a master’s degree in nutrition from Texas A&M University, Jennifer spent much of her career as a high school chemistry teacher and still tutors chemistry via Zoom. A self-proclaimed bibliophile, she also loves paddle boarding, snorkeling, and beach walking. Always reading, she often enjoys three concurrent books: an e-book, an audiobook, and a paper copy. That, she maintains, ensures a book is always on hand!

The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington

The Counting Tree

by Jennifer Arrington

In June of 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was no family history; my only risk factor was being female. I was about to start a new job, and then everything happened at once: I underwent a lumpectomy, intraoperative radiation, and started hormone blockers. It ended up being a much “bigger deal” than I had imagined, but we came through it all and breathed a sigh of relief, putting that episode behind us.

A little over a year later, however, I discovered a new lump. That lump led to a double mastectomy and a long road of multiple surgeries and adjustments with lots of sitting around the house doing nothing. The enforced isolation and recovery depressed me, so I pulled out a manuscript I’d started about ten years before.

That manuscript turned into The Counting Tree and became my personal therapy. And, as part of that therapy, I gave my protagonist, Heidi, breast cancer (sorry, Heidi!). I finished the story and let my daughter and a friend read it, thinking the manuscript had served its purpose. But they told me the book needed to be published, so that’s what we did!

The Counting Tree, centered around thankfulness, opens in 1988 South Africa, where a young Heidi has flown halfway around the world to work as a camp counselor. In chapter 2, the reader learns of The Tree, a weeping willow where children hang personalized wind chimes. We peak in on Heidi as Johann, the enigmatic camp director, reluctantly shows her around the property. Here they are at The Tree:

Tears pooled in Heidi’s eyes as she scanned the hundreds of chimes hung throughout the branches. How beautiful and what a contrast… every placard proclaiming a child’s blessing hung in a weeping willow.

Words from the Psalms came unbidden, “We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof…” she quoted softly.

“…for there they that carried us away captive required of us a song.” Johann finished quietly.

The quoted words of Psalms resonated between them, filling the space; their eyes locked, his startled by the depth of her understanding, hers grateful for the connection.”

You will laugh and cry and cheer Heidi on as she navigates this new life and the beginnings of a beautiful love. But life isn’t kind to Heidi, and the reader follows Heidi’s journey back to the United States, through adoption, parenting twins alone, breast cancer, and eventually to another Counting Tree. This one, although a continent away, is startlingly familiar.

We released this heartwarming love story on Thanksgiving Day, 2022. Currently discounted to $2.99 on Kindle, you can download your own copy now. Just a warning: you won’t be able to put it down! Many reviewers state that they read it in one sitting, and the most recent reviewer says, “Reading this story is an emotional, inspiring, and rewarding journey. Highly recommend!”

The Counting Tree is the winner of the

2023 National Indie Excellence Awards

Category: Religious Fiction.

Jennifer Arrington started her first novel as a 9-year-old, writing in messy cursive, filling pages of an empty notebook. Her book was set in a boarding school for girls and included a schematic of the school, the dorms, the grounds, and of course, the netball courts.

Given that Jennifer has lived in four countries and five states within the United States, that manuscript is long gone. However, writing and journaling have always been her own personal therapy, and reading a reason to “get everything done” so she can focus on her TBR pile.

During her stay-at-home mom years, Jennifer used nap times to pen her first novel, Trusting for Tomorrow, inspired by her experiences with celiac disease. Ten years later, while recovering from multiple surgeries after recurrent breast cancer, she completed The Counting Tree, incorporating parts of her own breast cancer experiences into the story.

Jennifer self-publishes and spends her days on marketing, networking, and writing. She is currently working on a biography and a middle grade children’s adventure series. Although the styles and genres are far apart, Jennifer maintains that bouncing between the two keeps her brain fresh and helps maximize her writing time.

With a master’s degree in nutrition from Texas A&M University, Jennifer spent much of her career as a high school chemistry teacher and still tutors chemistry via Zoom. A self-proclaimed bibliophile, she also loves paddle boarding, snorkeling, and beach walking. Always reading, she often enjoys three concurrent books: an e-book, an audiobook, and a paper copy. That, she maintains, ensures a book is always on hand!

Anchored Hearts Has Lower Kindle Price

What if a celebrity sextuplet was terrified of change and suddenly transition consumed her life?

That’s the heart of Anchored Hearts, the first in my new series, Surrendering Hearts. The Hart sextuplets discover their own identity and try to find a love like their parents shared. Jordyn is the oldest, so her book kicks the series off.

I loved writing Anchored Hearts because I know how debilitating it can be to try to control everything around you. While writing this, just about everything spun out of control with my home and family. It almost broke me. But It also gave me a beautiful story to share with you.

The next book in the series, Repairing Hearts, releases next month. While I prepare for that, I lowered Anchored Hearts for Kindle to be sure you have the opportunity to read it. Each book can stand alone, but why would you want them to? Get to know the Hart sextuplets by reading them all. It’s easy to start—Anchored Hearts is the beginning!

I Didn’t Want it That Way

This is one of those journeys where we start on one topic and end up in France. Oh, how husbands love following that trail.

No, no they do not, LOL.

Anyway, in my head, maybe because of a boy band resurgence, is the Backstreet Boys I Want it That Way.

That got me thinking.

When I decided to take writing seriously and write for God, I never had bestseller aspirations or designs on big book signings. This introvert wanted to write books that entertained and transformed, and maybe, just maybe, earned enough royalties that I could keep writing by hiring a cleaning person.

Well, that hasn’t panned out yet.

What has panned out was results to an allergy test I took last wwek.

Turns out I’m allergic to 18 things.

Eighteen!

The administrator said, “Wow. You go big or go home.”

That’s definitely me.

The biggest allergies are mold and dust mites. Others are trees, weeds, and a mild allergy to cats and dogs. Through it all I’ve had peace about the path to take to live my best life.

The woman advised that I should no longer clean the bedroom or deep clean the house. Our daughter has the same allergy. My husband works 50-60 hours a week.

He looked at me and said, “Let’s research getting someone in to clean.”

I’m not sold on the idea, by no means am I down and out.

Honestly? I wanted it THAT way, like the song, by having enough royalties to take that on. Not because I have a bunch of allergies!

So there you have it. I started with a boy band and ended with a cleaning person search because of allergies.

Life takes turns like that, doesn’t it?

***

I have a new release coming out next month, Repairing Hearts. If you want to know more about it, check out my Link Tree.

Small Town Secrets by Lillian Duncan

SMALL TOWN SECRETS

It’s that time again—a new book releasing! SMALL TOWN SECRETS is based in the fictional town of Shady Valley, but does resemble my hometown of Shreve, Ohio. Except nothing this exciting happens in Shreve–which is a good thing. That’s why I like living there.

But nothing happening would make for a boring book so Shady Valley has a few secrets–secrets that could kill!

On the surface, Shady Valley seems to be the ideal all-American place to live with beautiful flowering trees lining both sides of the street as you enter the picturesque town. Neighbors help neighbors. Doors are often left unlocked.

Serious crimes are practically nonexistent—almost but not quite!

When Angie McVey disappears on her wedding day, rookie officer Cami Martine is determined to find her best friend. Unfortunately, there are no leads to follow.

Angie seems to have disappeared into thin air.

But not everyone in Shady Valley is what they appear to be.  Some have secrets—deadly secrets—that they hide behind the masks they wear. If Cami is to bring her best friend home, she will need to discover the deadly secrets of her friends and neighbors and find the one who wears the biggest mask.

SMALL TOWN SECRETS is a fast-paced mystery and suspense novel that will keep you turning pages past your bed time.

BIO:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.

For years, my tagline was Stories of faith mingled… with murder & mayhem, but no longer.

In 2012, I was diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors and a rare genetic disease (Neurofibromatosis Type 2). Because of that, I’ve changed and when a writer changes their writing changes. I wanted my tagline to reflect the new me.

I still love to write suspense and mystery but have spread my wings a bit to include other genres, including literary; women’s fiction; young adult; and devotionals. But not to worry, I still write the types of books I love to read—fast-paced stories that demonstrates God’s love for all of us with lots of action.

To learn more about me, check out www.lillian-duncan.com. I also have a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.

Fiction Finder: October 2023 New Releases

October 2023 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children’s:
Road Trip Rescue by Becca Wierwille — After spotting a photo of her lost dog, twelve-year-old Kimmy embarks on a wild road trip to bring him home with her pink-haired, adventure-hungry aunt who makes some unexpected detours. (Children’s/Middle Grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

Contemporary Romance:

A Christmas Romance by Annette M. Irby — A wannabe novelist with writer’s block. A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story. And the romance they brainstorm together. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance? (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)

A Country Christmas by Lisa Carter — The rancher and the city girl have nothing in common…except the wedding that brings them together (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

A Deeper Love by Heidi Gray McGill — There’s no such thing as going “too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

A Horseman’s Mission by Sandra Ardoin — A guilt-ridden horseman works to establish an equine therapy center for veterans with PTSD while attempting to ease the fears of an overprotective widow whose son suffers panic attacks. (Contemporary Romance from Corner Room Books)

Fields of Glass by Alyssa Schwarz — A rancher facing bankruptcy and a corporate sales rep who wants to buy his family land. Sparks fly when they are forced to work together toward a common goal, and discover what they’re willing to sacrifice to save those they care for most. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Mama Dated Santa by Amy R. Anguish — Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa. Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivening’s Press)

Their Holiday Secret by Betsy St Amant — Preston Green will do anything for a fake girlfriend—even bid on one at a charity auction. Sweet and quirky baker Lulu Boyd is the perfect choice to stop his mother’s constant matchmaking. And it’s just for one holiday family dinner—until his father’s failing health makes ending their ruse impossible. Soon it feels all too real…but another secret might make this their last Christmas together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

General Contemporary:
Secret Mercy by Lynn Waite Chapman — Talk to Liberty Cassell and you will hear her extoll all the advantages of living in her hometown of Twin Fawn. Little traffic. Easy parking. However, in this little town, when Harley Ottenweller failed to show up for dinner one day, most residents failed to notice. Those who did take note seemed grateful not to meet up with him on the street. His wife Willow and son Johnnie went on with life. No questions. No search. Does the tiny woman with wispy white hair and wild imagination know more about her husband’s disappearance than she’s telling? (General Contemporary from Winged Publications)

General Historical:
Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee — A young pregnant woman bonds with the midwives who take her into their Appalachian home. Decades later, a famous country singer heads to the Appalachian Mountains to search for the midwife who holds the truth about his past. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis — Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. (General Historical, Tea Tin Press)

Historical Romance:
Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Against the Wind by Amanda Cabot — When a female doctor-in-training saves a handsome stranger’s life, little does she know that he’ll bring both love and danger into her life. (Historical Romance from Revell)

Angelina’s Resolve by Cindy Ervin Huff — Architect Angelina DuBois isn’t looking for love as she builds a town run by businesswomen. Carpenter and Civil War veteran Edward Pritchard’s dream of building homes for Chicago’s elite must be put on hold until he gains references. Serving as a contractor under Angelina’s well-known DuBois name provides that opportunity. But can Angelina trust her handsome new carpenter to respect her as his boss? Will the project take Edward one step closer to his goals, or will it make him a laughingstock? Can these two strong-willed people find love amid such an unconventional experiment? (Historical Romance from Iron Stream Media)

Chiseled on the Heart by Kelly Goshorn, Elaine Marie Cooper, Cynthia Roemer, and Candace West — Four generations carve out a journey of faith. The Gift of a Lamb by Elaine Cooper; A Lasting Legacy by Cynthia Roemer; Healing within the Pieces by Candace West; The Christmas Carving by Kelly Goshorn (Historical Romance from Revell)
The Case of the Missing Detective by Rebecca Hemlock — A spin off series of The Granton House Mysteries. We follow sixteen-year-old Dorothy Corbin as the family secrets are passed to her. She’s ready to discover her grandfather’s past, but nothing could have prepared her for what she’d find there. (Historical Romance from Bluecap Publishing)

Military Suspense:
Havoc by Ronie Kendig — Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin is putting his life back together after a career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. When he takes a job and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc, it’s too good to be true. Their first assignment is to work as a K-9 team for a TV drama. Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. (Military Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:
Crime Scene Conspiracy by Jessica R. Patch — A string of staged deaths forces Texas Ranger Emily O’Connell on a covert mission to investigate a governor’s connection to the deceased women. She doesn’t trust anyone—including crime scene cleaner Stone Spencer. But when Emily’s questioning makes her the serial killer’s next target, she must turn to ex-ranger Stone for help. With threats at every turn, outrunning a merciless villain could be the last thing they do. (Romantic Suspense from Loved Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Christmas in the Crosshairs by Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood, Sami A. Abrams — Christmas is about to get dangerous! Get ready for three brand new Elite Guardians romantic suspense stories from Sunrise Publishing in this exciting anthology. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Grave Secrets by Elle E. Kay — In the historic city of Philadelphia, a mystery begins to unfold that will lead to the tranquil beauty of Ricketts Glen State Park and the dark secrets hidden just beyond the park’s borders. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Holiday Menace by Jerusha Agen, Mary Alford, Lori Altebaumer, Danielle Grandinetti, Sarah Hamaker, Kendall Hoxsey, Karen Kirst, Pat O’Brien, Hope Welborn, and Terri Weldon — Will Christmas be merry and bright? Lives are in danger when menacing pressures threaten to derail Christmas in this heart-pounding suspense—plus a little romance—collection of 10 brand-new novellas from some of the genre’s most popular Christian romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Running to You by Robin Patchen — She dumped him, ghosted him for five years…and then showed up on his doorstep with bruises and a head injury she can’t explain. She has no memory of the years since she left him–or their breakup. She also has no idea why men are chasing her. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Shadows at Dusk by Elizabeth Goddard — A missing person. A murder victim. And two hurting people seeking justice, connected in ways they could never imagine. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Skye Fall by Paige Edwards — The dirty cop who left her for dead now lies in wait to silence her once and for all. (Romantic Suspense from Covenant Communications)

Snowbound Escape by Dana Mentink — After months tracking a colleague falsely accused of a double homicide, officer Tanner Ford and his K-9 partner finally locate crime tech Mara Gilmore—but the real murderer is closing in. Now they must run into a frozen wilderness to survive. Evading the killer is the only way for Mara to clear her name. But will the harsh winter conditions cover their tracks…or bury them forever? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)

Western:
Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis — Beryl’s father is badly injured, and the wagon train leaves her and her little brother behind and at the trading post. They are at the mercy of the trading post manager, his wife, and their adult son, James. Grieving after her father’s death, Beryl sees that James loves her young brother. Soon she comes to care for James too. Come spring, Beryl will have to decide whether she and her brother will continue on to Oregon or go back East. (Western from Tea Tin Press)

Young Adult:
Royal & Ancient by Amanda Lauer — When a lightning strike transports a high school senior from modern-day America to 1600s Scotland, she must learn the ways of the Scots before a battle between England and Scotland decimates the land her true love is destined to rule. (Young Adult from Chrism Press/WhiteFire Publishing)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

April’s Promise by Terrie Todd — As a world war wages across the globe, the Kimball family faces a different kind of conflict at home. Will their personal battles drag them down and tear their family apart? (General Historical)

Center Point by Nancy J. Farrier — Her husband is married to someone else — or is he? (Contemporary Romance)Heart Restoration by Regina Rudd Merrick — A renovations expert and a contractor come across a corpse on the job site, along with a series of tunnels beneath the property. (Romantic Suspense)Malia’s Courage by Pamela Harstad , A Native Hawaiian interior designer and her architect co-worker encounter murder and threats after a company plans to build illegally on Hawaiian sacred land. How will they uphold their relationship and others’ rights, while trying to survive? (Romantic Suspense)Speaking Through the Silence by Linda Sammaritan , Will Debbie continue to keep quiet under the Mean Queen’s snarky abuse, or will she screw up the courage to speak through her self-imposed silence? (Young Adult)Tipsy in Love by Anne Greene, A hilarious tale of love almost lost. (Contemporary Romance)