Julie Arduini's Blog, page 7

Fiction Finder: July 2024 New Releases

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

Renee by Sandra Ardoin — A bake-off competition can change widow Renee Burnette’s life and mend a frayed friendship. As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee’s office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with her old friend widens. Can a decades-old cookbook help Renee restore the bonds every woman needs? (Romance from Corner Room Books)

Pointe, Shoots, and Scores by Carolyn Miller — When Bailey Donovan’s dance studio faces the risk of closure, she takes a God-given miracle of a gig training a complete non-dancer for a TV show. Only problem is, he’s a real grump, and for an athlete, seems to be lacking all the moves. Luc Blanchard loves hockey, God, and his family, with no time for more, until an unexpected promotion forces him to swallow his pride for the sake of his team. Sparks soon fly as these two opposites spend time together, and TV ratings push for their onscreen partnership to make a fake relationship real. But as they discover a certain magic under the spotlight, will issues from the past ever let them truly soar? (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler — The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work with him on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

Muldoon’s Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow — A poor widower who suffers from scoliosis loses his second family in Ireland from a typhus epidemic, and his sister convinces him to emigrate to the land of plenty, America. (Historical from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot — Who would have guessed that a spinster’s desire to visit her fiancé’s grave would change the course of a young doctor and a lovely pianist’s lives and resolve a decades-old mystery? (Historical Romance from Revell)

War’s Unexpected Gift by Linda Shenton Matchett — Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Libby’s Lighthouse by Susan G Mathis — When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Highlander’s Charity by Z Peabody — From the halls of the royal palace of Oge-chukwukama, to the lush oasis of Shushara, Sani and Teagan will travel the golden dunes to their destinies together. (Historical Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Four Doubt: A Silas McKay Suspense by Luana Ehrlich — Silas investigates the murder of a cybersecurity executive. Was it a random shooting or a targeted killing? (Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson — Two ex’s once headed to the altar are reunited by a cold case robbery and murder. His dad is the accused, and she’s the investigator. Will the case’s fallout bury their love forever or rekindle a life they only dreamed of? (Romantic Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)

Sunset Over Swaziland by Shirley E. Gould — A former military hero rescues a beautiful grant writer when riots erupt in a third-world country and becomes her bodyguard as she completes her assignment losing his heart to her as they work to save orphans being trafficked. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Vengeance in Vienna by Sara L. Jameson — A moonlight sail, a sniper on the shore, and a terrorist financier determined to kill Interpol agent Jacob Coulter and everyone he holds dear. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Chasing Amanda: Expanded Edition by Robin Patchen — Now with a brand-new bonus epilogue… In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan, but once he says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her from the stalker with sinister intentions… (Romantic Suspense from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Root of the Matter by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Geneva Fielding, an archivist in the Department of Applied History, is sent back in time with a colleague, Peter Donatelli, to investigate John Winthrop and Roger Williams in New England of the 1630s. (Speculative Fiction from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

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

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli — When her mother’s vindictive fans threaten her grandmother’s livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing? (Literary Contemporary)

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson — When a last minute change in his team brings John face to face with the feisty and alluring Adanne, will the flash of bright lights be stronger than the pull of their hearts? (Contemporary Romance)

Running from the Past by Melanie D Snitker — They must face their fears or risk losing everything. The investigation leads them right back to the scene of the crime. If they have any hope of identifying the killers, they’ll have to set aside their differences or risk facing their greatest fear: losing each other. (Romantic Suspense)

Fiction Finder: June 2024 New Releases

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

Renee by Sandra Ardoin — A bake-off competition can change widow Renee Burnette’s life and mend a frayed friendship. As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee’s office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with her old friend widens. Can a decades-old cookbook help Renee restore the bonds every woman needs? (Romance from Corner Room Books)

Pointe, Shoots, and Scores by Carolyn Miller — When Bailey Donovan’s dance studio faces the risk of closure, she takes a God-given miracle of a gig training a complete non-dancer for a TV show. Only problem is, he’s a real grump, and for an athlete, seems to be lacking all the moves. Luc Blanchard loves hockey, God, and his family, with no time for more, until an unexpected promotion forces him to swallow his pride for the sake of his team. Sparks soon fly as these two opposites spend time together, and TV ratings push for their onscreen partnership to make a fake relationship real. But as they discover a certain magic under the spotlight, will issues from the past ever let them truly soar? (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler — The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work with him on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:

Muldoon’s Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow — A poor widower who suffers from scoliosis loses his second family in Ireland from a typhus epidemic, and his sister convinces him to emigrate to the land of plenty, America. (Historical from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot — Who would have guessed that a spinster’s desire to visit her fiancé’s grave would change the course of a young doctor and a lovely pianist’s lives and resolve a decades-old mystery? (Historical Romance from Revell)

War’s Unexpected Gift by Linda Shenton Matchett — Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Libby’s Lighthouse by Susan G Mathis — When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Highlander’s Charity by Z Peabody — From the halls of the royal palace of Oge-chukwukama, to the lush oasis of Shushara, Sani and Teagan will travel the golden dunes to their destinies together. (Historical Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Four Doubt: A Silas McKay Suspense by Luana Ehrlich — Silas investigates the murder of a cybersecurity executive. Was it a random shooting or a targeted killing? (Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson — Two ex’s once headed to the altar are reunited by a cold case robbery and murder. His dad is the accused, and she’s the investigator. Will the case’s fallout bury their love forever or rekindle a life they only dreamed of? (Romantic Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)

Sunset Over Swaziland by Shirley E. Gould — A former military hero rescues a beautiful grant writer when riots erupt in a third-world country and becomes her bodyguard as she completes her assignment losing his heart to her as they work to save orphans being trafficked. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Vengeance in Vienna by Sara L. Jameson — A moonlight sail, a sniper on the shore, and a terrorist financier determined to kill Interpol agent Jacob Coulter and everyone he holds dear. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Chasing Amanda: Expanded Edition by Robin Patchen — Now with a brand-new bonus epilogue… In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan, but once he says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her from the stalker with sinister intentions… (Romantic Suspense from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

The Root of the Matter by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Geneva Fielding, an archivist in the Department of Applied History, is sent back in time with a colleague, Peter Donatelli, to investigate John Winthrop and Roger Williams in New England of the 1630s. (Speculative Fiction from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

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

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli — When her mother’s vindictive fans threaten her grandmother’s livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing? (Literary Contemporary)

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson — When a last minute change in his team brings John face to face with the feisty and alluring Adanne, will the flash of bright lights be stronger than the pull of their hearts? (Contemporary Romance)

Running from the Past by Melanie D Snitker — They must face their fears or risk losing everything. The investigation leads them right back to the scene of the crime. If they have any hope of identifying the killers, they’ll have to set aside their differences or risk facing their greatest fear: losing each other. (Romantic Suspense)

Free Kindle Reads Thru July 7

It’s important that I be intentional in letting you know how I appreciate you. I don’t think thank you is enough, so throughout the year I create a promo where at least one of my books is free for Kindle.

This holiday weekend I have TWO FREE KINDLE READS for you!

From now through Sunday, July 7, 2024, I have made both Anchored Hearts and Repairing Hearts free for Kindle.

These are the first two of six in my Surrendering Hearts series. The Hart sextuplets discover their identity and try to find a love like their parents shared. These are small-town romances featuring Christian surrender issues and chocolate mentions.

If you enjoy them, please consider leaving a review on Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub.

Have a blessed weekend!

Guess Who Is In God’s Family by Karen Ferguson

Guess Who Is in God’s Family – Trumpet Tuesday, June 25, 2024

I’m so excited to share about my new children’s book release Guess Who Is in God’s Family. This is the second book in what will be a seven book series titled, Questions for Kids.

Join curious young Lucy and her trusted advisor, Papa Joe, as they jump into the Bible for another exciting adventure. This time going back to the Garden of Eden where they discover important truths about family, diversity, and God’s faithfulness.

Quote: “Are these people my family, too?” Lucy asked, turning pages and pointing to one photo after another. “They look so different from me,” she said, tugging at a strand of her fiery red hair.

The adventure begins when Lucy stumbles across an old family photo album, filled with people she has never met. This causes her to wonder why she looks so different from these family members, including her Papa Joe.

Quote: “That’s true Lucy, but that’s the wonderful thing about God. He loves diversity. God creates people of all different colors, shapes, and sizes. We may look different, but we are all created in God’s image, and we all go back to the first family.”

By the end of the book Lucy learns three important truths: Every person is created in the image of God with purpose; we all go back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; and we all struggle to obey God at times, but He never stops loving us.

Beautifully illustrated, this colorful journey to the Garden showcases the diversity and distinction with which God created humanity, and delivers the timeless message that God’s love is unfailing and everlasting.

Quote: “Lucy, always remember and don’t ever forget: we are all related, and we are all created by God, Whose love for us is never-changing, never-failing, and never-ending. And the great news is that from the very beginning, God had a rescue plan. Someone special was coming, Lucy, and He would save the world.”

Guess Who Is in God’s Family will engage young readers in one of the most foundational biblical accounts essential to building a solid Christian worldview. The biblical account of Adam, Eve, and the Garden is critical for kids to understand because it builds a solid foundation for why we need Jesus! But you won’t find a repetition of Bible facts in this story. This book delivers biblical truths of the Garden right alongside a heartwarming message of family, diversity, and God’s faithfulness, all through the eyes of the loveable main character, Lucy. 

“A trip through an old family photo album leads Lucy and Papa Joe to a trip through the Bible and a look at the very first family. With its fresh look at the story of Adam and Eve and the Fall, Guess Who Is in God’s Family is both thoughtful and reassuring, reminding readers that God still has a good plan for His family of people. A list of key Bible verses at the end points children (and grownups) to the Savior and God’s great rescue plan!”—Tama Fortner, bestselling and ECPA award-winning author of more than sixty books

With reading and biblical illiteracy on the rise, I recognized the need to educate young readers in a creative way.  So I envisioned an entire book series that would engage young minds and nurture their faith through dynamic characters and relatable storylines. My motivation was to inspire kids to read and to explore biblical truths, with a series they could grow with spiritually and in their reading skills. Now, I’m thrilled to use the power of Lucy’s story set within different periods of Bible history to point this next generation to God’s truth and His never-ending love. 

Guess Who Is in God’s Family is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Landmark Booksellers or wherever books are sold. I hope you’ll pick up one (or two to share with young readers. While this book is geared toward ages 5-10, it’s never too early to begin teaching children biblical truths about God and His never-ending love.

***

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to write stories that grab and hold young readers’ attentions, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love for them. Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was published through Ambassador International in 2022. Now part of a seven book series, her newest book Guess Who Is in God’s Family released in June 2024. You can connect with Karen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter to be the first to know about book updates, giveaways, and more.

I Stopped Asking for Prayer…

Let me finish that.

I stopped asking for prayer requests.

Did you notice?

Every so often across social media I would use an image like this and ask if anyone had any prayer needs. I noted I would be happy to pray. I probably did this for years, my guess between 2016 and earlier this year.

The response? I had in all those years a handful. The good news was I wasn’t looking for numbers or stats. I offered to pray and some people took me up on it. It was my honor to do so.

So why did I stop asking for prayer requests?

Obedience.

Years ago, probably around 2016, in my own prayer time, I believed God showed me that a shaking was on the way. It would be global. It would affect every facet of life. In that season things done in dark rooms would be exposed. Corruption would be brought to light. Justice would be served. It would be in world leadership. Politics right down to the city level. The education system. Banking and finance. The church.

The church. I don’t mean only the Catholic church and the snickers from the Protestants. I mean the Body of Christ where there is no denomination but the Blood of Jesus and the Cross at the center. For years I have prayed and read from other prayer warriors that the message was the same. A shaking was coming to reset the Body of Christ.

As I pressed in, I felt my role was to prepare. I believed I was to ask for prayer. If anyone wanted to hit reset and return to their relationship with God, awesome. Maybe some people had no idea what knowing God was about and wanted to learn more. Yay! Perhaps some knew they were doing all the right things on the outside, but their inside was full of choices that missed the mark—AKA sin—and they were tired of hiding it.

That window was for anyone willing for to Jesus knock and know they could answer the door.

A few months ago I knew my time to ask was over. It by no means stood for the time to pray stopped or that repentance or going to God stopped. It meant people could hit the easy button, and that button is done. Now the shaking, whatever form that takes, is here. It’s not a cruel joke but it is a harsh truth.

—Julie Arduini

We are a world spiraling out of control. And like Noah’s Ark, God has to reset us for our own good. It’s a time when life is going to squeeze and we can fall on our knees and confess or the squeeze I believe falls harder.

I’m seeing it already. You are too.

World leaders stepping down, no notice. CEO’s retiring out of nowhere. And the pastors. That is absolutely what I saw in prayer years ago about the shaking. I just didn’t know who, how many, or details.

If you aren’t in the know, Megachurch pastors Dr. Tony Evans and Robert Morris have stepped away/resigned and have admitted to in Evans’s case, sin from the past. With Pastor Morris, it has been made public that years ago he stepped away from ministry because he confessed to an inappropriate relationship with a young woman. He went through a restoration process, the victim agreed to the process and his ability to return to the pulpit. From there, he became a beloved pastor with an international ministry.

The truth? It was no young woman. It was a child. A minor. That kind of relationship will never be consensual. It is literally a crime.

And the church covered it up.

That’s the things done in dark rooms you’re going to see more and more. I believe it with all my heart. There can be no revival until we face the reality we put God in a box and stuffed Him on a shelf to collect dust. We’ve idolized man and self and the results are catastrophic.

For those who believe Jesus is this surfer hippie who never gets angry, blow the dust off your Bible. He gets angry. His heart beats for children. And He is DONE with the mockery where clergy are treated like rock stars and HIs Father is reviled. Where we switch up the Bible to fit our narrative and tread lightly so we don’t hurt feelings. He. is. DONE.

—Julie Arduini

You’re going to see more of this. I’ve been down a lot of rabbit holes since 2016 and there’s a reason the border wall is such a hot topic. Open borders bring in children. Open borders bring in traffickers.

Why is Diddy’s legal trouble so big? Because like Epstein, he took video of every party. Guests were in altered states and compromised positions. Then those guests were owned/blackmailed. Whatever they were told to do, they did it. There are a lot of names that I believe will rise to surface from those videos. Diddy isn’t even top-level. I believe we’re going to learn the leaders of those operations.

They will be names in business. Names in entertainment. Names in politics. Names in churches.

And if we are not right with God, those revelations will devastate. Because at the core of it will be the realization children were treated like property and absolutely unspeakable things have been done at the hands of these people. It will shake us to the core.

It has to. It has to wake us up.

The amazing thing about God is the shaking is not the end of our story. We can at any time go to Him and confess. We’ve been selfish. Unaware. Greedy. We’ve made idols out of people, sports, and food. But God. We can go to Him and ask His forgiveness and allow Him access to reset us. From there, the journey won’t be easy, but it will be good, because God will be in it. We invited Him to. I believe the greatest revival in history is around the corner.

We just need to be shaken first.

I’m praying. I’m confessing anything He brings up to me, and He is.

But out of obedience, I’m not asking for prayer requests.

I pray this post encourages you. If need be, convicts you. And if you are in a place where you’re making dark choices where you think no one knows, you are seen. Your sins are known. They will be exposed. Out of love. Out of justice. I pray you surrender your life and all that’s in it, good, bad, ugly, to the God who can take the worst sinner and transform them into something moving His Kingdom forward.

Paul in the Bible knows.

Same for Peter.

And me.

How You Doin’

How You Doin’? It’s a phrase from Friends Joey Tribbiani that I remember any time it comes to feelings. I think one of the most surprising things to come from 2020 is that we’re in 2024 and we are overall not okay.

Politics aside, we thought we were staying inside for a couple of weeks, tops. We were told to do this, but then that. That changed, and then so did this. Add over here, but also that.

As we were able to emerge from our homes many lost loved ones. Their jobs changed. School felt different.

It’s been brutal. I have always been an introvert, but I’ve had to really press in when I know I’m going to be around big crowds of people. I have zero fear of illness, it’s just the mass of people when I was without a crowd for so long. I’ve come across extroverts who are the same. There is life PC—pre Covid, and life AC, after. And I’m at a place where I want to do something about it.

One step I took was reading Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen. I learned after my mom’s death in 2021 that I had stuffed my feelings for decades. It’s my go-to. I stuffed it literally with food, but I also ignored my feelings and soldiered on. The saying “pain has to go somewhere” reigned true. Stuffing got me nothing but a gastrointestinal storm. It’s not how anyone should live.

Jennie’s book mentioned an app that I wanted to check out. How We Feel is a free app that allows you to check in and find your feelings. Each feeling is a puzzle piece shape with a definition and you can share what you’re doing at the time of check in, who you are with, and where you are. There’s also a place where like social media, you can add friends and share your update, as little or as much as you want, with friends.

I’m a fan of this app. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take long, and it has really opened my eyes to my feelings. They have videos every so often that are well done and informative. There are stats that give all kinds of breakdowns, no pun intended. If you love charts, the more you check-in, the more you learn.

By adding friends, if I check in that I’m in a highly unpleasant place, it alerts my friends, and they can check in on me. I love that.

It’s time to shake off the isolation and all the ick 2020 came with. It’s time to rise up and stand strong. If you’d like to download How We Feel, you can add me through friend code 010285. Please understand I’m not a counselor nor does this give you personal access to my life. There are many helps included in the app that can give you resources. The friend option to me allows my friends to see how I’m doing and lift up a prayer, and I can do the same.

I’m finally feeling alive again, and in some ways better than ever because I’m slowing down to feel, noting it, and sharing. I hope you’re feeling the same.

Brave Authors

Brave Authors is a collaborative blog where Christian fiction authors tell brave stories. They aren’t afraid to include tough issues in their work, everything from addiction to trauma. My author friend, Sarah Hanks, is part of that blog, and I learned they allow guest bloggers.

Today my post on trauma is live. I share the common trauma the Hart sextuplets share in my current series, Surrendering Hearts. Each sextuplet not only has their own book, but their own way the trauma manifests now that they are adults. In Repairing Hearts, Ryan has anger and pride. Will reality show contestant BJ Wallace help him overcome his pain or add to it?

I’d love for you to check my post out. You can find it here.

The Samaritan’s Patient by Chevron Ross

The Samaritan’s Patient

Behind the Scenes

This novel might never have been born had I not seen an interview on PBS with two New York Times writers, Megan Twohey and Gabriel Dance, on December 16, 2021.

These reporters did an extensive investigation into a website on which subscribers discussed committing suicide and shared methods for doing so. Most visitors to the site were thirty or younger. There were 1.2 million messages. At least forty-five suicides in multiple countries were linked to the site.

At the time of this broadcast, I had just completed my second novel, The Seven-Day Resurrection, and was wondering what to do next. The PBS interview was so shocking that I could not stop thinking about it. What motive could a person have for encouraging strangers to kill themselves? What could one possibly gain from such an endeavor? And what could provoke someone to throw away the gift of life at such a youthful age?

The Samaritan’s Patient is a blend of two stories: the famous parable of Jesus in the Bible, and a young person with good intentions who gets caught up in a social media nightmare.

God did all the work on this book. He created the character of Paige Abernathy and told me how to build the novel around the circumstances of her personal life—her parents, her friends, and most of all, her Christian faith. He also created the crisis that launches her on a journey of new experiences and personal growth.

I am amazed and grateful that God would choose someone so ordinary and unaccomplished as myself to do this work. Each novel God has written through me has been a great personal gift, and a reaffirmation that God has a plan for each of us. I pray that The Samaritan’s Patient will be as great a blessing to its readers as it has been to me.

Click Here for a link to the PBS Newshour broadcast that inspired this book.

Click Here for links to a sample chapter, book reviews and purchase options.

Chevron Ross is a pseudonym. He uses it in order to give God all the credit for the novels our Holy Father writes through him.

June 2024 Fiction Finder New Releases

June 2024 New Releases

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

Biblical:

Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa L. Dorsey — Embark on a journey through time and faith. Witness as the survival of a family’s faith intertwines with pivotal moments in history to build a spiritual legacy anchored in God’s steadfast Love, timeless Word, and infinite Wisdom. (Biblical Adventure from hope*books)

Contemporary Romance:

The Triplets’ Summer Adventure by Laurel M. Blount — Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet… (Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne — Mary finds courage to face her fears about pursuing further treatment for serious injuries sustained as a child, and she and Reuben find a way to be together, with God’s help. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Love’s True Home by Lori DeJong — Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all Allyson Kincaid wants is home and hearth on American soil. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. Although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus. When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months then take a foreign mission assignment. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him at the mission for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess — Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life, primed to take the win. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature? (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

A Midsummer Romance by Alyssa Schwarz — The meddling mothers of Wild Rose Ridge will do anything to match up friends Caleb Weaver and Jessica Daniels. Real life begins to mirror Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a little too much when they are strategically cast as the main couple in the town’s summer play. Will the course of true love end in tragedy? With a touch of summer magic, anything can happen. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner — Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they’ve never thought about each other that way. Except for when they have. Rarely. Once in a while, sure. But seriously . . . hardly ever. If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls’ Luke and Lorelai, you’d get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don’t tell them that. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson Fiction [Harper Collins])

Western:

Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy — Two people marry for convenience then strike out to find happiness…and find danger instead. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the promise of love. (Western from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Historical Romance:

Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M Beller — To fulfill a dying wish, Faith Collins masquerades as a man to find the woman who once saved her father’s life. On her journey through the Rockies, she teams up with a man in search of his brother, and together they must navigate the treacherous terrain while keeping Faith’s identity a secret and their growing affection at bay. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

When Plans Go Awry by Denise M Colby Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to be the next schoolmarm in a small ranching community in California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life, alone, never to depend on anyone ever again. Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride, a necessity to help raise his two younger sisters, and the only way he knew to protect his heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to be near to make sure she stays safe. Along the way, neither feel much in control of their circumstances. Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn. Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected. Will Luke and Olivia learn to trust God’s plan for their lives? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Dreams on the Horizon by Penny Zeller — Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders and has assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he falls in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. When nefarious characters bent on seeing the railroad project succeed begin to threaten innocent lives, will Landon intervene and save the woman who has claimed his heart? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard — At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone–taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions–and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Suspicious Homicide by Elizabeth Goddard — When Finnley Wilbanks is run off a mountainside road, it confirms her worst fears—her father was murdered. With her life hanging in the balance, she turns to bodyguard and investigator Caine Honor for protection. As they work together to solve the mystery behind her father’s death, danger stalks their every move. And keeping Finnley alive long enough to find answers might be Caine’s hardest mission yet. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Celebrity Pastor by Creston Mapes — Pastor Neil Gentry embarked on his ministry with genuine intentions, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma. As his influence grew, so did his fame. Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers. Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface. As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question remains: can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? (Suspense from Rooftop Press)

Colorado Mountain Kidnapping by Cate Nolan — A cryptic phone call sends Isabelle Weaver running from armed intruders—with her daughter and best friend’s baby under her care. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except former army ranger Adam Dalton. Together, they must uncover a kidnapper’s motives while protecting the children. But as danger tracks them through the mountains, can they outwit a criminal mastermind before they all lose their lives? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Children’s Picture Books:

Would You Rather: Bible Water Adventures by Jerah Alvarado — Would you rather cruise on Noah’s Ark with stinky animals? Or would you rather be in a huge storm with Jesus asleep in your boat? Choose from fourteen different Bible water adventures the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Books from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

 

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

The Filbert Ridge Miracle by Tamelia Aday — It was October 7, 1967. The festival in Filbert Ridge, Oregon came early. Town history and the lives of its citizens changed forever. That was the day little Stephen McMillan disappeared. (Literary Contemporary)

The Elder by Roger E Bruner — How can an elderly man regain his sense of worth once his one big success fades and God doesn’t seem to have other plans for him? (Contemporary General)

Bright Lights by Lisa Phillips, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy and Andrea Christenson — Four Christian Fiction Romance novels
from Christian fiction’s hottest contemporary romance authors. (Contemporary Romance)

Visible by Darlene M. Corbett — Rachel Karem, a 55-year-old widowed therapist, runs a group for five “stuck” professionals, and along the way, she explores obstacles interfering in life’s journey, ventures out to a Tango Dance Studio, and encounters an older, attractive gentleman. (Contemporary Romance)

Flat Deception by Paige Edwards — Falsely accused of equine doping, Lady Sophie Henderson must prove her innocence. In a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust. (Romantic Suspense)

Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker — After serving her time, a convicted murderer tries to clear her name with the help of a washed-up investigative reporter. (Romantic Suspense)

Billionaire Sheriff on the Move by Bonita Y. McCoy — Bernadette has known Wade for years. Shoot, he even saved her life, once. So, when Wade moves back to town and wants more than just a simple friendship, Bernadette must face a new decision and an old fear. Can she overcome her past and open her heart to a new kind of love? (Contemporary Romance)

Disappearance in Pinecraft by Lenora Worth — Her sister has disappeared…and now her life is on the line. (Amish Romance)

Always Think of Me by Lori Keesey

Guest Post by Lori Keesey, author of Always Think of Me, and The Accidental Blogger

Nearly four years ago, I reinvented myself and became The Accidental Blogger . . . not because blogging ranked high on my bucket list, but because I needed a platform and figured stories about ordinary people who overcome adversity would resonate with others.

After all, bad things happen to everyone. Some situations are far worse than others— Sudden death. Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Neglect. Addiction. Mental illness. Bankruptcy. Betrayal.

But as I discovered from my own adversity and that of others, we can look beyond the suffering and find hope. In our imperfect, fallen world, no one is alone. The nobility of the human spirit can prevail if we allow God to work a mighty healing and use our adversity for a greater purpose.

From Trauma to Understanding

For me, looking beyond started with a question. Why would God take my 33-year-old son, then in the prime of his life?

Through prayer and contemplation, it struck me that God hadn’t taken my son. God had loaned him to me. My son, like everyone else, had a purpose, a special job that only he could do. Once he completed his mission, my son returned to his spiritual father.

Why Always Think of Me

That understanding gave me peace and inspired Always Think of Me, my debut novel that released in April. The novel addresses life’s purpose through the eyes of aimless party boy, who’s modeled after my son, and a deeply traumatized woman. TC and Ginny meet at an outdoor music festival and spend hours sharing their stories and secrets.

When their budding relationship ends abruptly, TC moves on, assuming he’ll never see her again. But then he does. Just not in the way he expected. As the book opens, TC’s on an otherworldly mission to see her again. But that means overcoming his doubts, and fears, and stopping Ginny from doing the unthinkable.

The novel is an uncommon love story about friendship and do-overs and features a perspective aimed at setting us free. Based on early reviews, which have humbled me, the novel seems to be touching the hearts of readers. I’m grateful to God. In all ways, this is His story.

As Rose Kennedy once said, “Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments.” The novel was the consequence of a moment . . . a moment I wish had never happened. But I pray God will use that moment, through my writing, to spread His message of hope.

The novel is available at all on-line bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. You can learn more about me by visiting my website.