Sarah Hamaker
Posts by Sarah Hamaker:
November 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction
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)
How the News Inspires Kelly Irvine
Multi-published author Kelly Irvine, author of more than 30 Amish romance and romantic suspense novels, recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I’ve always loved reading mysteries and suspense novels since my days of reading Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid. Then it was Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels, such as Nine Coaches Awaiting and My Brother Michael. I like mysteries and suspense, but I want an element of romance. I need to care about the characters and know about their relationships or I can’t care about the suspense/mystery plot.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense?
I’m a seat of the pants writer, so crafting the suspense part can be hard. I know what the crime is and usually who did it, but I don’t know how my heroine solves the crime until I start writing. Sometimes I write myself into a corner, which means there’s a great deal of rewriting!
When do you find time to write?
I’m blessed to be able to write full time. I retired from my job in public relations in 2016 because of health problems. The silver lining was that those health problems allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream of writing fulltime. I get started around 8:30 each morning and usually try to wrap up around four o’clock so I can exercise, have supper and spend time with my husband.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
My husband gave me a recliner that helps me sit down and stand up (I have limited mobility) for Christmas a few years ago. It’s next to a nice big set of windows in the living room. My TBR pile is on a small table next to it. I could read anywhere, but this place is just about perfect.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I was a newspaper reporter for 10 years before going into public relations. I’m a news-aholic, so many of my ideas come from crime stories I read in the newspaper. Sometimes it’s just a spark of an idea and I run with it. I also proofread trial transcripts for court reporters for a few years. That gave me a ton of ideas for crimes and also a wealth of information on how crimes are solved, crime scene investigations, autopsies, court proceedings, etc.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
All of my romantic suspense novels are set in San Antonio. It’s such a perfect location because it’s colorful, historic and rich in cultural variety. Many readers will have visited the city, either as tourists, or while in the military, so they recognize the many landmarks. San Antonio can become a character in some of the books. I love being able to sprinkle the story with uniquely San Antonio or Texas references, such as Whataburger, the Spurs and San Antonio Missions mascot the Puffy Taco, and locations such as Market Square, the River Walk and HemisFair Tower.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
I wanted to be a writer. I always wanted to write novel, but I decided to get my degree in journalism so I could get a job that paid. I didn’t get serious about writing fiction until I turned 45 and realized I better get busy or I’d never reach my goal of writing and publishing a novel.
How do you ensure your books are accurate?
I do a ton of research, but I also have a friend who is a San Antonio PD retired homicide detective. He reads my manuscripts and helps me with police procedure.
What do readers ask you when they meet you?
The number-one question is where do your ideas come from. And the answer is all over the place, but primarily from the news.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Probably Trust Me. Because it’s the last one I wrote and I feel as if I learned something with each book I’ve written, polishing my style, honing my craft, so I’m proud of Trust Me as a culmination of all that hard work. It’s not perfect but it combines romance, suspense and an inspirational theme that provides the story’s foundation in a way that I’ve not been able to do with all of my books.
About Kelly Irvine
Kelly has penned eight critically acclaimed romantic suspense novels, including Trust Me, which debuted in 2022. Publisher’s Weekly said of the novel: “(In this) whirlwind romantic thriller . . . Irvin follows the characters through twists and turns, writing through the lens of faith and broken faith, while illuminating a bridge across shattered relationships to second chances.” Her latest novel is No Child of Mine, a follow-up to A Deadly Wilderness, from Ally Press. Irvin and her husband make their home in South Texas.
A Deadly Wilderness
The journey ends where it began—in a deadly wilderness. Not everyone will survive the trip.
A frantic anonymous crisis center hot-line call propels counselor Susana Martinez-Acosta smack into the center of a murder investigation and a homicide detective’s arms. Exactly where she doesn’t want to be. Following the tragic death of her husband, she’s struggled to build a safe haven for herself and her son. That new world doesn’t include hit men and persistent detectives with dangerous jobs.
An idyllic wilderness hike turns deadly when homicide detective Ray Johnson tumbles into a ravine and lands on a corpse later identified as the son of a prominent citizen. Ray works to solve the political hot potato murder before city leaders bumps him from the case. His determination to find the man’s killer leads him from the wealthiest enclaves in San Antonio to the city’s dark underbelly, all the while trying to win the woman he loves.
A Deadly Wilderness is a romantic suspense novel that will take the reader along on a tumultuous journey as the consuming need for material wealth drives a deadly wedge among family members who haven’t learned when enough really is enough.
October 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Getting to Know Linda J. White
Multi-published author Linda J. White recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her latest romantic suspense, Winter Flight.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?
I actually started out writing straight suspense. My husband made video training films for the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. I had the idea for a story, and Larry encouraged me to write it. He connected me with a bunch of agents and instructors at the academy, who taught me all kinds of things about the FBI. My first books, written with my husband looking over my shoulder, were straight suspense, almost procedurals, because I was so focused on accuracy. Gradually, over time, I began incorporating more romance. Even so, my books are not typical romantic suspense stories. They’re stronger on the suspense side.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots?
I was the assistant editorial page editor at a daily newspaper for over a decade. So keeping my nose in the news was a requirement, and I found many plot ideas there. For example, in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area, there was a series of murders of young women committed by someone dubbed “The Route 29 Stalker.” I got a lot of ideas out of those news stories. The Beltway Sniper case in 2002 gave me a whole book plot. Other ideas have come from subject matter experts: FBI agents, search-and-rescue volunteers, and police officers.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
All of my books are set in the Mid-Atlantic region. I’ve lived here all my life (except for three years in LA). I understand the flora, the fauna, the weather, and generally the culture of this area. One of my books, Seeds of Evidence, is set in Chincoteague, Virginia, where my grandparents lived when I was a kid. I remember telling a friend, “I don’t care if this books sells or not. I want to evoke this place!” The book did sell. It was traditionally published in 2013 and is still selling today.
What is absolutely essential for you to write?
First of all, prayer. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide my writing and keep me in the truth. Having done that, I open my laptop. I usually need to write in the morning when I’m freshest. I need coffee (black), as well as freedom from distractions (like Facebook and email). I turn on the soundtracks of two of my favorite films: “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.” Something about that music lures the Muse out of hiding and off I go. I write for three or four hours, and then turn to other work. I may go back later and edit, depending on my schedule.
About Linda
Linda J. White writes FBI and K-9 search and rescue thrillers. Her late husband, Larry, was a video producer/director at the FBI Academy for nearly 30 years. Her 2013 book, Seeds of Evidence won a HOLT Medallion. A former assistant editorial page editor for a daily newspaper, Linda now lives in Yorktown, Virginia, near three of her five grandchildren.
Connect w/Linda
Website: https://www.lindajwhite.net
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/12aLiJ7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindajwhitebooks
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/rytn4hm
Book Giveaway!!
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Winter Flight
After two years of pandemic, people are touchy. Violence is everywhere. Fear and anxiety run wild. Jess has a scary encounter with a man in the woods and then a blow-up that threatens her closest friendships. Her husband, FBI Agent Scott Cooper, investigates a school shooting he thinks might be the start of a bigger terrorism campaign.
A lead in that case takes Scott and Jess to the mountains of western Virginia as a snowstorm moves in. While there, a school bus disappears. The driver is found dead by the road, but where is the bus and, more importantly, the kids?
Jess and Scott, along with Jess’s dog Luke, join the sheriff in the hunt. The elderly Miss Etta provides a clue but is she reliable? Scott’s intelligence, Jess’s grit, and Nate’s wisdom all must come into play to save the kids. In the end, Nate’s comment that “People ain’t always what they seem,” proves dead accurate.