Julie Arduini's Blog, page 51

Book Review: Radiant by Priscilla Shirer

Did you know that God’s light can shine through every facet of your identity? Radiant is an invitation for teen girls and young women to enjoy a candid conversation on identity with bestselling author Priscilla Shirer. You’ll hear reflections on life lessons she’s gathered from her teen years until now. She’ll show you how the light of God’s Word shaped her identity, and she’ll teach you how it can change and shape your life as well.

            The culture will try to define you, but this world is starving for something different that comes only from the creative genius of your God. You were created to reflect His light. . . . You were created to be radiant.

Radiant is a resource for teen girls and young women in conjunction with the new release, Overcomer. Written by Priscilla Shirer, she draws the reader in with casual conversation and personal confession. Make no mistake, as she shares, Radiant tackles the lies girls are struggling to reject with God’s Word and His promises.

I loved Radiant because I truly felt that Priscilla was sitting across the table chatting with me. Her personal stories were relatable for her audience. She went after the labels that the world tries to throw at them and replaced each lie with truth. I also absolutely loved the cover. It’s beautiful and would be something I know I’d want to pick up immediately.

I have a teen daughter and I didn’t get to this review as fast as I wanted because I couldn’t find it. Why? It was in her bedroom and she was reading it. I absolutely recommend Radiant as a life-changing, affirming read for teen girls and young women.

I received Radiant from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Revealed by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick

Revealed by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick

This is the third of four books that are resources affiliated with the new movie, Overcomer. Revealed is for teen boys and young men.

Who am I? It’s a question you might ask yourself a lot, and this book for teen guys and young men will lead you through an investigation to find the answers. You’ll learn that your identity is much more than your grades, your looks, or your athletic skills. The only One who truly knows you and defines you is the One who created you. Revealed will give you answers about who you are and where you’re going, leading you to uncover your true Christ-shaped identity.

I found Revealed to be a creative take on learning our identity in Christ because it is written with a detective theme in mind. The authors challenge teen boys and young men to go beyond what they are labeled or do and discover the truth about them. With clues, a crime, consequences and of course scriptural evidence, Revealed leaves no stone unturned in learning who we are in Christ. I do think it’s a challenge to pull off a read that reaches not only teen boys (upper middle school age/freshman) yet keeps a high school graduate/college student invested. I think Revealed handles the material well, not too hard for the younger reader, not too childish for the older.

All in all, this is a book I believe is a fresh take on an important topic males need to receive deep in their hearts for healthy living as men. I definitely recommend Revealed.

I received Revealed from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

Liz Tolsma: Spring of Thanksgiving Interview

Character Interview with Ivy Cooke

Ivy, why is the Circle C ranch so important to you?

My parents bought this ranch and moved to Texas soon after
the Civil  War, shortly before I was
born. I grew up riding these hills, caring for these animals, and loving the
wide-open spaces. I know nothing else. My dream is to live here for many, many
years.

For a woman, you work especially hard on the ranch. Why
is that?

Just over six months ago, my brother died, leaving behind a
wife and a young son. They’ve moved to Dallas to be near Harriet’s parents, but
someday, this ranch will belong to my nephew, Sam. It’s his legacy. Because his
father is no long here, it’s up to me to much sure this ranch thrives until
it’s time for Sam to come back and take over the ranch. I want to preserve it
for my brother’s son, so that he’ll have something his father always wanted for
him.

What is your favorite part of the ranch?

There’s a spring and a pond nestled into a grove of
cottonwoods that I dearly love. I go there when I need to think or when I need
some peace and quiet. The spring holds plenty of good memories for me too. When
I was growing up, my brother and I and our friend came here often and played.
To me, it’s a little bit of heaven on earth.

What do you think of your new neighbors?

I was so sorry when Mr. Hernandez died and the ranch was
sold. We enjoyed living next to him. He was always very kind to me and my
entire family. I’ve met the new owners a couple of times, and I can’t say I’m
impressed with them. They claim the spring is located on their property and
that we are trespassing on their land. Can you believe the nerve of those
people? I hope to see as little of the Watsons as possible. I really miss
having Mr. Hernandez for a neighbor. He was a much more reasonable man than
Dell Watson.

How is your ranch faring under this terrible drought?

Thanks to the spring, our cattle are doing well. They have
plenty to drink, so they’re holding up. I draw water from the spring for my
garden, so that is helping to keep that alive. If we’re able to pay the bank
note, I believe we’ll weather this drought just fine.

I know you’re busy, Ivy, but thank you for the time.

You’re welcome. I look forward to getting to know each of the readers better.

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, prairie romance novellas, a romantic suspense, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a U.S. Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her blog, The Story behind the Story, at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), and Pinterest. She is also a regular contributor to the Midwest Almanac blog.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorliztolsma/

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/GDk4D

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Thanksgiving-Books-Blessings-Collection-ebook/dp/B07T13F4TG/

Book Review: The Balance Point by Jordan Ring

Crush it at Work Without Missing out On Life



Entrepreneurs: It’s possible to “have your cake and eat it too” without selling your soul to the hustle, neglecting family time, or missing out on life’s most precious moments.




How do you choose between find success at work and also having a thriving family life?

How do you succeed at your business but still have a life outside of work?

By discovering your unique Balance Point. 

With tools to master your mindset about work, practical advice to learn how to be present in the moment, and a dose of good ol’ fashioned encouragement to keep you going, you’ll finally find the sweet spot in your work and life. 

This book is not a prescription on how to live a perfect life, but a window into what will give you contentment and success. 

You’ll learn:

Fifteen strategies to master the work vs. play struggle and how to embrace all life has to offer both at home and at work. How to mix Purpose and Passion: Your passion and purpose have an intersecting point. This book will show you how to find it. The power of the hustle and how it can be used for good and not just evil. Your health will suffer no more from countless hours hustling. You’ll reach a center point and will be able to breathe freely yet again. The secret of the the 80% and the 20%: How to manage daily responsibilities but still crush your biggest life goals. How to reach your ultimate Potential but still find serene Contentment: You’ll maximize your output and potential and still enjoy every moment. And many more tips on living out a balance life full of love, happiness, and massive success…

This book shares a fictional story to start each chapter, and continues by providing solid advice to win on whichever side of the balance struggle you find yourself. Utilizing the provided Personal Balance Blueprint you’ll follow along and create your own path to victory. 

This book is perfect for the entrepreneur who wants to fulfill their purpose and maximize their potential, but also wants to enjoy every moment this wonderful life presents.  

Discover the balance point and find contentment, success, and long-term fulfillment waiting for you. 

Julie’s Review

Balance Point is more than an organizational book for the entrepreneur. The book features great statistics, a scale at the end of each chapter to rate your balance on the chapter topic, a story about an entrepreneur named Andrew and his journey as he tries to live, love, and be successful at both. Also, the author shares his own experiences that helped frame this book.

I was pleasantly surprised by the book. Although I find the author a standout in his field, the topic isn’t new. We know we need to find balance in our work and home lives, especially if we have our own business. What sets Balance Point apart is it is very comprehensive without being repetitive or patronizing. There are steps to take for each big idea, but more than that, he breaks each step down to make the action feel less overwhelming. All of the ideas were informative, and they are practical and creative.

I truly believe anyone who is looking to succeed in business and/or knows their balance is off, if they read and execute the suggestions in Balance Point—-they will be very happy with the results.

I received a copy of Balance Point for review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Defined by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick

Inspired by the Kendrick brothers’ new movie OVERCOMER, and written by the #1 New York Timesbest-selling author team behind The Love Dare and The Battle Plan for Prayer, comes an exciting new resource about discovering your God-given identity and embracing the wonder of who you were created to be. 

At this very moment, what you believe about your own purpose and value affects almost every area of your life—including how you think and feel, the way you react to circumstances, and how you approach God and your relationships. But what is guiding your core beliefs? Are they healthy and founded upon solid truth? Or are they constantly shifting with the opinions of others or your own emotions?

Based upon powerful insights from the scriptural book of Ephesians, and seasoned with personal stories and practical wisdom, Defined challenges you to let the One who knows you best be the One who guides your heart the most. It’s time for all of us to live in the amazing light of His acceptance, abundance, and strength.

Defined is chocked full of encouragement, inspiration, and God’s word to show readers they have purpose. The chapters aren’t too long, but they aren’t “fluffy” either. They challenged me to make sure I wasn’t believing lies about myself. Each chapter also had Scriptures to help dive deeper, and a short prayer. There are five parts that take the reader from wondering who they are to walking out their identity for God’s Kingdom. Discussion questions are also included at the end for small group use.

I think this is a perfect book for an adult to discover, especially after they see Overcomer. It will answer their questions, give hope, and get them started on a path that will make them a force in God’s Kingdom. If you know anyone questioning their worth, their faith, or wondering what faith is about, I think Defined is a great place to start.

I received Defined from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

Book Review: Wonderful by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, and Amy Parker

Wonderful
It’s almost field day, and Webster is worried. He can’t run fast, he trips on the jump rope, and his Frisbee always lands in a tree. How will he help his class get the medal? Webster is sure that God forgot to make anything special about him. 
Join Webster and his class as the whistle blows and he discovers a few God-given skills that just might save field day. This whimsical, illustrated picture book reminds young readers that they were each wonderfully made by God! 

If you asked a group of kids to describe themselves, how would they reply? Probably with their names, ages, or favorite sports—who they are on the outside. But what about who they are on the inside? Do they know they are unique, made new, and loved children of God?
            This book for middle-grade readers focuses their identity right back where it belongs: on their hearts and souls and minds, reflecting the glory of the One who made them. Featuring fun full-color illustrations, each short essay and activity will help kids discover their worth in God and learn that their true identity is nothing short of wonderful.

Wonderful is just one resource that brothers Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick have created in conjunction with the new film release,

Overcomer.

This book, marketed as a middle grade reader, shows kids that their identity comes from who God says they are. Filled with bright illustrations and space at the end of each chapter to journal/draw, it gives kids truth to combat the lies the world is constantly throwing at them. I know I’m not the demographic, but I found the font a bit small, even for small fingers that might want to read along. Other than that, I loved the message and the way it was presented. There are stories kids can relate to, verses that are important for them to learn, and colorful illustrations that are pleasing to look at.

I think Wonderful is a great book not only to put in your library, but in your child’s spiritual arsenal.

I received Wonderful from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not influenced or compensated in any way. All opinions are my own.

Jennifer Slattery: Hometown Healing

Tell us about Hometown Healing:

This
story is about a writer who gets laid off from her dream job writing features
for Chicago’s premier fashion magazines and is forced back home to Sage Creek.
To live with her mother. It’s not that she has anything against her mom. In
fact, she loves her dearly and is grateful for the time they’ll get to spend
together. It’s just … sitting in her mom’s driveway with all of her belongings
crammed into a u-haul trailer attached to the back of her car feels like the
opposite of adulting.

She
feels defeated and worries she might not have what it takes to be a writer.
What if her layoff is proof of that? Just as she’s about to step from her car,
she encounters her first love and the man who once broke her heart. She knew
she’s encounter him eventually. After all, his grandmother is her mother’s
neighbor. But she was hoping she’d be a bit more put together first.

Meanwhile,
Jed is doing all he can to help save his grandparents’ dinner theater, and he
needs Paige’s help. But first he’ll has to figure out how to repair the
friendship he’d shattered, without falling in love all over again.

How did your interest in writing originate?

I’ve
often attributed my interaction with my father to much of my love for words.
When I was young, he and I would play word games together while walking through
the neighborhood. (He normally would skip rather than walk.) We’d rhyme, or
he’d use alliteration type activities to increase my memory. He also read—or
maybe I should say, sang—a particular story book to me often titled “I’m Mister
Bun.” Those were fond memories that helped me associate books and language with
relational interaction.

I’ve
always enjoyed writing and reading, and used journaling and poetry to process
thoughts and emotions as a kid, but I didn’t consider writing as a real pursuit
until my adult years, when I began serving in various ministries. At first, I
wrote when I felt there was a need, and I produced a wide range of material
from dramas for outreach programs, curriculum, parent newsletters, and more.

One
day, the children’s direction asked me to write a short story for a children’s
program she was planning, and as I was brainstorming how to present the story,
it struck me how deeply I enjoyed the brainstorming process. That was when I
first considered writing just for the sake of writing. Two to three years
later, I sensed a clear and definite call that this was something God wanted me
to intentionally pursue.

What does your writing process look like?

This is changing to some extent. I initially wrote as ideas
came, but then I hit some major timeline and plot issues, so I started plotting
my stories out. I refused to start writing until I knew the basic idea or
problem for each scene. With the book I just wrote a proposal on, however, I
went back to more free flowing. I started with scene outlines but veered off
track, then plotted some more scenes …

I still plot, to an extent, because I want to know, before I
pitch a book or get too far in, that I have enough to carry a story. But I’ve
been enjoying following wherever my muse takes me.

What are you working on now? What is your next project?

I always have numerous projects going at once. I’m finishing
up Bible study material for my ministry’s next study, which I’m excited about.
It’s on unshakable, unbreakable joy. I’m also researching my next Love Inspired
idea—this one centered on a ranch.

What do you find yourself reading when you are not writing?

Um …
everything? I have such eclectic reading taste! Right now I’m reading a lot of
nonfiction, specifically on ranching, hay crops, you know, exciting stuff.

Tabitha Bouldin: Trial by Patience

:          

Trial by Patience

Danny Solomon owns and operates Break Away Acres, an equine therapy center for abused kids and teens. Phoenix Nichols is his new trail guide, but her history and her pain put her in need of Danny’s help. After years of abuse, both Danny and Phoenix struggle to find their place. While Danny is happy with the world he’s created at Break Away, Phoenix is ready to bolt at every shifting shadow. When her past drags her back, Danny will be left to pick up the pieces. Can he show Phoenix the way to God? Will Phoenix finally find a safe place to land?

Book Excerpt:

Danny reached for his tray and made his way over to where
Richard sat finishing the last of his French fries. The mountain of ketchup
threatened to drip over the tray’s edge and onto the table. Richard swiped it
away with one finger then popped the finger in his mouth.

Danny slid onto the bench and reached for his water while
Phoenix settled at a nearby table.

Richard motioned with his hand, calling out to Phoenix,
“Hey, Phoenix, why don’t you come sit with us?”

“I’d rather sit on a bucking bronco made out of cactus, but
thanks anyway.” She delivered the line with such venom, Danny choked on his
water while Gail roared with laughter.

Danny beat his chest with one fist, coughing until the
water went to the right place.

Richard’s face went three different shades of red before he
recovered enough to shove away from the table.

Phoenix moved, the scrape of her chair grating across his
nerves like a dull knife. Her tray landed on the table with a bang, sending
food bouncing into the air.

Before either of them could lunge, Danny stood. He put one
hand out to Richard and pointed at Phoenix with the other, making sure they
understood he should not be crossed. Not on this. Not on anything.

“All right, you two. It’s obvious this is going to be a
stretch between you, but I don’t allow fighting. That is my one, fast,
unbreakable rule. If you can’t accept that rule, then take a long trip back to
town right now. You won’t get another warning. If there is a next time, you
will be kicked off the premises and there won’t be a return.”

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha has been writing for over five years and recently self-published several works, which include: Trial by Courage, Trial by Faith, Macy’s Dream, Christmas in Jingle Junction, and Wish Upon a Star. Later this year, Trial by Patience will join the team. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. 

I Wore a Dress Today

Julie Arduini wearing a dress. JollieLovin Women’s Pockets Casual Swing Loose T-Shirt Dress available on Amazon.

I knew what I was doing the moment I pushed “purchase.” I had not worn a dress in years, probably at our older children’s weddings. Even then I felt self-conscious and insecure, two things I’ve allowed to embed into my fabric layered in faith.

It was a gift card, so I decided if it didn’t work out, no one missed a meal.

An inner hope darted to the surface. What if I like it? What if it’s comfortable?

What if—others like it?

Not that anyone in my home is a harsh critic, but our love languages vary. My top language is words of affirmation, and that tends to be the weakest gift for those I love most. I rarely hear that anyone noticed hair cuts, new shoes, or even a book I released. It’s not intentional, and I have accepted that. But the dress adds a layer of vulnerability. I was pretty sure they’d notice. And say something.

The day came when I took it from package to hanger to body. It hung as I wanted, thankfully no cling to the middle-age menopausal, out-of-whack hormonal belly rolls I’m fighting extra hard this year. The color popped as I hoped. Time to take it downstairs.

I was pouring my coffee and I heard the footsteps. First came the husband, and I heard him stop cold. I didn’t dare turn around. But he spoke first.

“You’re wearing a dress.”

I wanted to spin and be defensive, defiant, even. But insecurity kept my back to the coffee. “Is that bad?”

“No, not at all. You look great. I haven’t seen you wear a dress in years.”

My love language bank overflowed.

Next came the children, both noticing immediately and speaking words of encouragement. It didn’t matter if no one else spoke about it, this is my tribe, my barometer. Sure, I understand the need to be confident in my own skin and embrace what God has given me, but still. Their words gave me the confidence to do another bold act.

Buy the same dress in another color.

***

Confidence issues plague girls of all ages. Our teen daughter, Hannah, and I sat down to write a book that would help females understand how fantastic they are. You’re Amazing is book 2 in the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series. It’s a quick read with long-lasting impact.

ACFW Fiction Finder August Releases

August 2019 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp — Lila finds solace in her sheltered world by raising butterflies and surrounding herself with their gentle beauty. They’re all she needs—until a motorcycle-riding stranger roars up her driveway, invading her safe haven, throwing her life off-kilter, and forcing her to question everything. What exactly is he after, and what is he not telling her? In one intense night of desperation and revelation, Lila must confront her darkest fears—and hopefully discover that with faith and courage, shattered dreams can be restored, damaged hearts can love again, and broken wings can heal . . . maybe even fly. (Contemporary Romance from Ivory Tower Press)

A Glitter of Gold by Liz Johnson — Anne Norris moved to Savannah, Georgia, for a fresh start. Now her pirate-tour business is flagging and paying the rent requires more than wishful thinking. When she discovers evidence of a shipwreck off the coast of Tybee Island, she knows it could be just the boon she needs to stay afloat. She takes her findings to local museum director Carter Hale for confirmation, but things do not go as planned. Carter is fascinated with the wreck, the discovery of which could open the door to his dream job at a prestigious museum. But convincing Anne to help him fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle is no easy task. And working with Carter means that Anne will have to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again: trust a man. (Contemporary Romance from Revell-A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Hometown Healing by Jennifer Slattery — She’s home again, but not for long… Unless this cowboy recaptures her heart Returning home with a baby in tow, Paige Cordell’s determined her stay is only temporary. But to earn enough money to leave, she needs a job—and her only option is working at her first love’s dinner theater. With attraction once again unfurling between her and Jed Gilbertson, can the man who once broke her heart convince her to stay for good? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction:

Grace in Deep Waters by Christine Dillon — William Macdonald is at the pinnacle of his career. Pastor of a growing megachurch and host of a successful national radio programme. Clever and respected, he’s a man with everything, including a secret. His wife has left him and he can’t risk anyone finding out. Blanche Macdonald is struggling. Her once rock-solid marriage is showing cracks. She promised to love her husband for better or for worse, but does loving always mean staying? Blanche desires to put God first. Not William. Not her daughter. Not herself. When is a marriage over? When do you stand and fight? (Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

When Mountains Sing by Stacy Monson — Mikayla Gordon loves nothing more than sleeping under the stars, reeling in the “big one,” and long hikes in the wilderness. A medical crisis reveals a 30-year-old secret that turns everything she’s known and believed upside down, unraveling her dreams and her identity. In search of answers, she follows a trail from Minnesota to Colorado and discovers more unwelcome secrets even as she falls in love with the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, and a wilderness camp leader who shares the greatest secret of all. Knowing her life can never go back to what it was, she must make decisions that will impact far more than just her future. (Contemporary from His Image Publications)

All In by L. K. Simonds — Cami Taylor: a blackjack dealer, a bestselling author, and a fraud. Cami’s boyfriend, Joel, loves her in spite of her flaws. He wants to marry her, buy a house on Long Island, and raise a family–a life that’s a million miles from Cami’s idea of happiness. Her therapist suggests compromise and trust, but Cami bolts like a deer. She breaks off the relationship and launches on a new quest for happiness, not knowing that a nasty surprise waits around the corner. What follows is a fight to the death. Who will be the one left standing? (Contemporary from Morgan James Fiction)

Historical:

Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano — A rag girl accepts an invitation to become the lady she’s always dreamed of being, but some dreams turn out to be nightmares. (Historical from Revel – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance:

Lady and the Lawman by Crystal L. Barnes, Vickie McDonough, Annette OHare, and Kathleen Y’Barbo — Four historic stories of lawmen and the ladies who love them. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Farmer’s Daughter by Mary Davis, Kelly Eileen Hake, Tracie J. Peterson, Jill Stengl, and Susan May Warren — Enjoy five historical novels by some of Christian fiction’s bestselling authors. Meet daughters of prairie farms from Montana south to Kansas who find love in the midst of turbulent life changes. Marty’s nieces are kidnapped. Rosalind’s town is overrun by a railroad company. Amy’s jealousy comes between her and her twin. Beulah’s answer is needed to a marriage proposal. Lilly’s choice puts her at odd with her neighbors. Into each of their lives rides a man who may only make their situations worse. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Cowboys by Sandra Merville Hart, Cindy Ervin Huff, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Linda W. Yezak — Taming the West–one heart at a time. Healing Heart: A physically scarred cowboy finds solace with a ranch girl who is hiding from her past. Becoming Brave: A cattle drover wants to get his boss’s heard safely through Indian Territory…as soon he figures out why a bloodstained woman is holding a gun on him. Trails End: Waiting for his boss’s cattle to sell, a cowboy takes a kitchen job at a restaurant where the beautiful and prickly owner adds spice to his workday. Loving a Harvey Girl: To improve the local preacher’s opinion of career women, a Harvey Girl makes it her mission to redeem a wayward cowboy, but finds herself longing for a husband, hearth, and home. (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Lost in the Storm by Tamera Lynn Kraft — Lavena, a journalist during the Civil War, wants to become a war correspondent. She finally gets her chance, but there’s a catch. She has to get an interview from a war hero who has refused to tell his story to every other journalist, and she has to accomplish this impossible task in a month or she’ll lose her job. Captain Cage, the war hero, has a secret that will destroy his military career and reputation. Now, a new journalist wants him to reveal what he’s been hiding. He’d prefer to ignore her, but from the moment she came into camp, he can’t get her out of his mind. Leading up to the turbulent Battles for the city of Chattanooga, will Lavena and Cage find the courage to love and forgive, or will they be swept away by their past mistakes that don’t want to stay buried? (Historical Romance from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

Love’s Allegiance by Linda Shenton Matchett — Inspired by the biblical love story of Rebekkah and Isaac, Love’s Allegiance explores the struggles and sacrifices of those whose beliefs were at odds with a world at war. (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

The Brightest Hope by Naomi Musch — Five years after the Great War, Holly Allen is a well-adjusted war widow with a knack for running the family press. She’s over the days of waiting for a white knight to ride in and sweep her away from her cares. Besides, if Hugh Phelps is a knight, he’s certainly a black one—with his prison record, personal demons, and the ghosts of war that haunt him. When Holly hires Hugh, despite her reservations, it isn’t long before she sees the man he could really be, and as Hugh finds his niche at Allen’s Printing, he finds his lady boss equally appealing. Despite the attraction, however, Holly won’t let herself fall for a faithless man, and Hugh isn’t on gracious terms with God. Then, just when new beginnings seem possible, old heartaches from the war come calling. Now it might only be in letting go of everything dear that they both discover what real love is. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Annabelle’s Joy by Betty Thomason Owens — She’s waited too long. When Tom proposed last year, Annabelle wasn’t ready to open her heart to another man. Pain still held a thin crust around it. Time has healed her heart, but with a new woman in town, one who clearly has her sights set on Tom, does it matter if Annabelle’s heart is ready to love again? Folks in town are keeping a close eye on their pharmacist, hoping to be the first to hear the good news. He’s been courting the widow Cross for nigh on two years now. Annabelle Cross better wake up and put her dancing shoes on. Mr. Tom is prime real estate. (Historical Romance from Write Integrity Press)

Mystery/Cozy Mystery:

Hidden Secrets by Janet Sketchley — When an online vendetta against the Green Dory Inn escalates to physical threats, a cryptic message about a tunnel points to the property’s original owner, a notorious Prohibition-era sea captain rumoured to have left hidden wealth. (Mystery, Independently Published)

Murder at Rendsburg Resort by C. L. Wells — Trapped in a remote resort with a killer on the loose, the body count piling up, and no one else to save them, mystery writer Jill Pemberton must help find the killer before they claim their next victim. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Two Steps Forward by Luana Ehrlich — When CIA operative Titus Ray has an unexpected encounter with a Jihadi terrorist while he and Nikki are on their honeymoon in Morocco, he assumes it’s a coincidence, but when they travel to Israel for the second half of their honeymoon and encounter him again, he takes action, which takes him to Baghdad to prevent the assassination of a high-profile government official. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson — The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected. A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them? Or will they die trying? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Speculative:

Redemption by Jacques R. Pye — Sterling Newman and Armena Sandal face death as they struggle to help the Alesandrans and the Kirilleans combat a force seeking the destruction of both worlds. (Speculative, Independently Published)

Young Adult:

Shards of Light by Susan Miura — Sometimes the pieces of a shattered dream can transform into something extraordinary. (Young Adult from Vinspire Publishing)