Award-winning author Elle E Kay recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I write romantic suspense and thrillers because that’s what I most like to read, so they feel the most natural to me. I enjoy crafting gripping stories that keep readers flipping pages to find out how the hero and heroine achieve their happily-ever-after.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Inspiration often starts with the setting. For the Pennsylvania Parks series, I drew inspiration from family camping trips to state parks like Hickory Run, Worlds End, Ricketts Glen, and Promised Land. I knew I wanted to write romantic suspense set in these beautiful locations even before I had characters or a suspense plot in mind.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? In the spring, summer, and fall, my favorite go-to place to write is my screened porch, where I can look out over the acres and enjoy the animals on our hobby farm. In the winter, I usually write from the couch.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? I research as I write. I establish the basics first and then hunt down specific details as I need them. For example, when I needed information about bomb-sniffing dogs and their handlers, I found most of what I needed on government websites and through videos. There are times when I get the details wrong and have to go back and fix them, though. I had to completely redo the beginning of Midnight Masquerade when I realized I’d misread the landscape of the area of Turkey where the opening was set.
Which of your books is your favorite and why? My favorite is The Bodyguard’s Fake Bride. I adore everything about this novel, which features a protective, kilt-wearing Scottish hero who brings the heroine to a fictional castle in Scotland for a family reunion.
About Elle Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning author of 25 Christian fiction titles with 15 million page reads. Her recent release, Midnight Masquerade, delves into the dark world of human trafficking and finaled in the 2026 ACFW Carol Awards. Elle lives on a North Central Pennsylvania hobby farm, and serves in women and teen ministries.
CIA operative Dante Reyes has strict orders at the Turkish port: gather intelligence on the trafficking ring, do not intervene, and do not blow his six-month cover. Then the shipping container doors screech open. His former SEAL brother’s kidnapped sister stares at him through the darkness, and every order he was given means nothing.
He fails in his attempt to save her and carries the weight of that failure back to Virginia where his handlers ground him, reassign him to a domestic task force, and hand him the one case that puts him face to face with the woman he never stopped thinking about.
HSI analyst Lisa Harper has been following dirty money for weeks. Wire transfers. Shell companies. A charity called Liberation Trust connected to a polished anti-trafficking nonprofit hosting an annual masquerade gala in seven days. Every lead she pulls confirms the same ugly truth: the people profiting from human trafficking are hiding behind the cause of stopping it. And someone inside her investigation is leaking every move her task force makes.
When Lisa goes undercover on the dating apps the network uses to recruit victims, she walks deeper into the trap than anyone planned. Dante is the only backup she trusted enough to call. What they discover beneath the chandeliers of a Philadelphia ballroom will demand everything they have, including the faith neither of them is sure they can afford.
Dante carries his failures in a prayer journal and leans on scripture for strength. Lisa carries hers alone, because the last man she trusted with her faith used it against her family. Between them runs a mission that will cost everything, and a question neither can keep running from.
Blaze of Honor by DM Griffin — Driven by a desire to please his father and caught in a dizzying storm of politics and family vendettas, Joram reluctantly accepts a fake marriage, meant to bring a young woman to Jerusalem so she could marry another man. Knowing how his father felt about women, a view he adopted as his own, Joram wasn’t prepared for the transformation that would take place once he began playing the role of a husband for all the wrong reasons. The treacherous journey, marked by near-death experiences, culminated with them arriving in Jerusalem amidst the vibrant Feast of Weeks. With his knowledge of God ringing hollow as a mere religious duty, Joram divorced his wife and surrendered her to another man, determined to honor his word. But when he stumbles upon the truth and feels the burning intensity of the Holy Spirit descend in a blaze of honor that illuminates far more than he could have ever imagined, Joram has to decide if he is willing to walk the path of love. (Biblical Historical, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Love in God’s Timing by Tara Baisden — Rebecca Hartwell is the woman everyone in Serenity Crossing counts on — the salon owner with the warm smile, the volunteer who never says no, the daughter and sister and friend who holds it all together. But beneath the life she has so carefully built lies a wound she refuses to name: the boy she loved at eighteen left to follow God’s call, and when she gave him the chance to fight for her, he didn’t. When Conner Delaney returns to Serenity Crossing as the new assistant pastor and walks straight back into her daily life, Rebecca discovers that a decade of distance hasn’t dulled a thing. He is steadier now. Kinder. And the way he looks at her tells her he came home carrying the same secret she did — that what they had at eighteen was never finished. When a decision looms that could separate them for good, they face the truest test of faith either has known — not whether God can restore what was lost, but whether they are brave enough to let Him. (Contemporary Romance from Sterling Ridge Press LLC)
On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad — If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies. Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don’t realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn’t recognize him as anything but an inconvenience. All but sworn enemies, they’d avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan’s animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
His Unexpected Joy by Elaine M Hunter — When Atlanta attorney Grant Edison returns to his hometown in coastal Georgia, he never expects to see ex-girlfriend Pier Parker. Now a devoted single mom to five-year old Olive, Pier is surprised that she and Grant are paired up to help plan the town’s Labor Day festival. As they spend time together, Grant grows more and more connected to her and her little girl. What began as a reluctant reunion may become the start of something lasting – as long as the secret Pier is keeping doesn’t get in the way… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer — Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost. Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him. With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Not Precisely Mr Knightley by Carolyn Miller — Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Blueprint for Love by Penny Zeller — He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Contemporary Suspense:
Crossbones by C.C. Warrens –“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.” Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him. Even her life. But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends? Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden. He doesn’t want to be found. He doesn’t want to be known. And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies. (Contemporary Suspense, Independently Published)
General Contemporary and Contemporary Women’s Fiction:
Hidden Seeds by Jessica Brodie — When tragedy sends Natalie home, she finds betrayal, healing—and a new friend, whose shadowy past may be the only thing standing between her sister and a darkness neither woman was meant to face. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group)
Off the Beaten Path by Sara Davison, Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Deb Elkink, and Johnnie Alexander — If only the journey of life came with a compass . . . As the people in these stories struggle to find their way, they must navigate wedding plans overshadowed by family drama, witty banter culminating in a motorcycle ride through the mountains, a job loss that opens the door to a sweet future, language barriers complicating an emergency delivery, and a small-town festival tainted by betrayal. Off the Beaten Path is a collection of five short stories that sweep the reader off on tales of adventures. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle — Nina is at her wit’s end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk’s Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island’s charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life. Kendra’s reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy. As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn’t follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])
Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Pridham — Alison, now a happy mother of two, recalls her teen years when a mistake of love led to unfathomable distress. Faced with pregnancy at the age of fourteen, she deals with shame, her father’s rage, choices, and decisions that jerk her into adulthood. But, leaning into her faith, with her sister as her biggest supporter, along with her mother, friends, a counselor, and a school program for pregnant teens, she finds what is truly important in life to her and succeeds in fulfilling her dreams. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)
General Historical:
A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H Gabhart — Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal. After Kallie’s father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods–their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she’s worked to protect. (General Historical from Revell)
The Design of Providence by Shannon McNear, Jayna Baas, Avellina Balestri, John M Cunninham Jr, Lynn Dean, Ted Lamb, Patience O’Brien, Nathan Stone, Richard Tucker, and Lynne Tagawa — Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices. Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all. (General Historical from Blue Rock Press)
Historical Romance:
A Whole New Plan by Denise M. Colby — California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
The Schoolmarm and the Miner by Denise Farnsworth — Adelaide Duncan’s dream of teaching is within reach until her father’s drinking and gambling force her to start over. Taking a position in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town of Dahlonega, she’s determined to prove herself. But unruly students, strict rules against teachers courting, and her growing feelings for a certain widowed father threaten the independence she’s fought so hard to claim. Wade Coulter walked away from the law after he lost his wife and unborn son. Raising his daughter alone is safer than letting anyone else in. But Lotty’s beautiful new teacher makes him question everything. Just as he begins to trust again, a dangerous man from Wade’s past threatens both the women he loves. A gold strike on Wade’s property promises security…but also revives old dangers. Scarred by her father’s choices, Addie fears any man who might put selfish desires before love. As deadly threats close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Wade must prove he’s changed or risk losing his chance at happiness forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Dutch Dawn by Linda Shenton Matchett — Isak Westgard is only six missions short to be rotated stateside. Then the unthinkable happens, and he crashes in the occupied Netherlands where the chances of him making it back to England are slim to none. A beautiful and tough-as-nails resistance courier begs to differ and claims she hasn’t lost anyone yet. The problem is the longer they’re together, the less he wants to escape. Annaliese Claasen has escorted her fair share of refugees and downed Allied pilots to safety – too numerous to remember. Until now. There’s something different about the Norwegian-American lieutenant, and it’s more than his good looks. Can she get him out of the country before losing her heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle — Rome, AD 403. As a loyal daughter of the Visigoth tribe, Adelgard followed her father to war, hoping to win back her family’s approval. But after a clash with the Roman army, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. Now she is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome, determined to keep the fickle love of the crowd and never again rely on anyone but herself for her own security. But beneath the fame lies a darkness and pain that holds her captive. Felix despises Rome’s fascination with violence. But after returning from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he had little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. He finds a kindred spirit in Adel and does what he can to preserve the humanity of the rebel fighters, but when he receives orders that further compromise his beliefs, he arrives at a crossroads. Then Telemachus, a Christian leader, approaches Felix with an urgent message: if the Visigoth captives are not released, their army will invade Rome. Despite the risk, the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning, deadly day of gladiatorial games. As Telemachus seeks to save the Visigoth fighters, Felix and Adel join forces in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)
Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone — North Louisiana 1934 – In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Silent Menace by Angela Carlisle — After the exposure of her deceased husband’s criminal activity, CPA Hailey Nieland struggles to move on with life as a single mother raising a hearing-impaired toddler in a hostile small town. When she gains a major client, she hopes the extra income will be just what they need . . . until she begins finding anomalies in the accounts. No one should trust their life to a bodyguard who can’t protect himself, much less his client. At least, that’s what Peter Lewis believes after his failed mission. But leaving his former career behind is much harder than he expected–especially when someone begins targeting an accountant who works in the office building he’s now responsible for. As threats against her escalate, Peter and Hailey must work together to overcome their fears and expose a complex cover-up before she becomes the next victim. (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
Vinny by MaryAnn Diorio — Vinny Morello is on track for a promising career in the fine arts. But when tragedy suddenly hurls him headlong into a life-altering crisis, he faces a frightening fork in the road. Which one will he take? The road that leads to life or the road that leads to death? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
The Escape Game by Gina Holder — Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)
Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks — Rescuing a woman from a burning car crash near his mountain cabin immerses undercover Fish and Game officer Joshua McGregor in a dangerous plot. But all Bethany can remember is being deliberately run off the road. Soon killers are hunting both of them through the unforgiving Idaho wilderness, and the discovery that Bethany’s identity has been erased has them grasping for answers. Now they must avoid treacherous traps and unexpected enemies…while trying to trust each other. But when the truth about Bethany’s past proves even more dangerous than they imagined, can she and Joshua protect innocent lives—and save their own? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short — When Phoebe Tait suspects her husband’s death was no accident, she heads to Alaska searching for answers—only for her young son to narrowly escape a kidnapping. Officer Jock O’Halloran intervenes just in time, but it soon becomes clear that Phoebe’s investigation has made them a target. Now, with danger closing in, Jock must protect Phoebe and her son while they race to uncover a deadly truth. But can he keep them safe from a threat that will stop at nothing to bury the past—no matter the cost?(Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Scent of Peril by Darlene L Turner — Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative/Time Travel:
Mending Time by Pamela G. Baker — Jen believes she’s finally in control when she rips the remote from Lydia’s hand, steals the time machine, and is thrust from 1873 into 2020. But her confidence shatters when the machine vanishes. Alone, with no ID or money, and conspicuous in a Victorian-era gown, she pursues the one person who might be able to help—the time machine’s inventor. Instead, she meets Jamal, who has briefly experienced time travel and believes her story. When he offers help, she’s suspicious of his motives but desperate enough to accept his assistance. Can Jen build a time machine that will return to the time before she and her boyfriend accidentally erased her family and enabled Lydia’s birth?
Jen changed time once. She can do it again. But should she? (Romantic Suspense from Winged Publications)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Sugarplum Inn by Jenna Hendricks — Because sometimes, the greatest Christmas gift is a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)
Keeper of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill — What happens when the very traits that kept you alive are the ones God asks you to lay down? (Historical Romance)
Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder — As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)
Bestselling author Mary Alford recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? One of the biggest challenges in writing romantic suspense is balancing the intensity of danger with the emotional and spiritual growth of the characters. I want the suspense to feel real and gripping, but also allow space for hope, healing, and faith to develop naturally within the story.
How do you connect with your characters? For me, connection starts with empathy. I spend time imagining what my characters have been through and how those experiences shape the way they see the world. When I can feel what they’re feeling—their fear, their hope, their longing—that’s when I know I’ve truly connected with them.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Most of my stories begin with a question that won’t leave me alone—usually something like, what if the past you thought was over suddenly came back? From there, I start imagining the characters who would be caught in that situation and how they would fight their way through it.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? I’m drawn to places with atmosphere—settings that carry a sense of history or quiet mystery. Locations like small towns, mountain communities, or coastal areas allow me to build suspense while also creating a strong emotional backdrop for the characters’ journeys.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
They’re very supportive—though I think they sometimes wonder what goes on in my imagination! Writing suspense means I spend a lot of time thinking about worst-case scenarios, but they know it all leads to stories of hope and redemption in the end.
What are some of the questions you hear when you say you write romantic suspense? One of the most common questions is, “Should I be worried about what goes on in your head?” Writing suspense tends to spark a lot of curiosity about how those ideas come together!
What do you wish readers knew about the romantic suspense genre? I think some readers might expect only danger and intensity, but at its heart, romantic suspense is also about hope. Even in the darkest situations, these stories remind us that light, love, and faith can still break through.
What do readers ask you when they meet you? One of the questions I hear most is, “Where do you get your ideas?” But I also love when readers ask about the characters—what happens to them next or if they’ll appear in future books. It tells me they’ve really connected with the story.
About Mary Mary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two rescue dogs.
Unsolved Amish Abduction
An anonymous letter containing her missing sister’s bracelet lures Anna Hartzler back to her Amish hometown—and into a trap set by the kidnapper she escaped years ago. She’s rescued from another abduction by Jaxson Thomas, her former neighbor turned police officer. Now Anna must depend on Jaxson to protect her and her little girl, who he doesn’t know is his child. But as the threats grow, can he keep them safe long enough to identify and catch the culprit—before this enemy sets his sights on their daughter?
A Secret Amish Arrangement by Amy Grochowski — After stumbling upon Reuben Bender’s hidden library in the woods, Nan Burkholder strikes a deal with the reclusive Amish farmer. She’ll keep his sanctuary secret if he’ll accompany her to an upcoming wedding to discourage an unwanted suitor. But when a natural disaster hits, their onetime arrangement turns into a partnership to save the community. Soon Nan discovers the courageous heart behind Reuben’s aloof demeanor, and feelings she never expected begin to bloom. But as Reuben withdraws to his isolated world, Nan will have to convince him to forgive his past for a chance at a life together after the storm. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Contemporary Romance:
More Than Friends by Denise Hunter — Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She’d expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they’d named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn’t expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she’s always sworn she’d never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there’s that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
The Art of Starting Over by Tara Baisden — Nicole Sullivan came to Serenity Crossing, Tennessee, to find herself again. After walking away from a two-year engagement—and a fiancé who loved the version of her that fit his plans—she’s determined to build a life on her own terms. Her new third-grade classroom is the fresh start she’s been praying for. But when her brightest student turns out to be a motherless little girl with sad eyes and matchmaking schemes, Nicole finds herself drawn to the one man who could make her repeat every old mistake: a grieving widower who might only see her as a solution to his daughter’s longing. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Hometown Second Chances by Megan Besing, Tabitha Bouldin, Andrea Christenson, and Rebecca Reed — Sky-diving, sled dogs, Russian photographs, and buried journals add up to 4 novels filled with sweet romance, excitement, and mystery enough to red-line your romantic adventure meter for days. (Contemporary Romance from Two Dogs Publishing)
The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden — They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer — McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right? Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)
A Second Chance for a Dancer by Carolyn Miller — Poppy James is on the brink of attaining national fame, just like her friend and fellow dancer Bailey Donovan, when a blast from the past leads to a devastating injury. Jake Guillemette is used to being overshadowed by his NHL-playing younger brother. When a job opportunity leads him to start afresh somewhere new, he never thought he’d run into the person who made him second-guess everything, but who ultimately led him to become a better man. Horrified, Poppy is desperate to keep their past a secret, and it takes some time to learn to trust this different version of the man she’s long loved to loathe. Can Jake win her trust and prove he’s changed? And will Poppy learn to trust God with all her future? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Contemporary Women’s Fiction:
Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner — A troubled teen whose baby Providence is taken by CPS, a mother of three who takes baby Providence in, and a tenuous friendship that leaves the two very different women asking the same impossible question: Who is the best mother for Providence? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Kregel Publications)
Dual Timeline/Historical Mystery:
The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson — In 2006, searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a 1940 bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it. (Dual Timeline – Historical Mystery from Tyndale House)
General Contemporary:
Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams — In Stronger than the Storm, Kevin, a devoted pastor, and Beth, a parenting expert, are blindsided when their teenage daughter runs away and returns home pregnant. As they struggle to hold their family together, a long-buried secret from Beth’s past threatens to destroy all hope of reconciliation. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)
General Historical:
Sani – The German Medic by Aubrey Reiss Taylor — There are two sides to every story. Can he navigate between them? Frederick’s childhood was spent in America, helping care for his ailing grandparents. Now, he has come of age and craves the adventures he missed out on. It begins with a return to his family’s homeland, into the heart of a continent gearing up for war. His new friends say he can’t possibly understand. Can a German army chaplain help bridge the gap? Or does the man’s own past disqualify him from becoming Frederick’s confidant? (General Historical, Independently Published)
Norwegian Nights by Linda Shenton Matchett — The second anniversary of Germany’s occupation of Norway has passed with no end in sight, so Gustav Westgard and his wife are still exiled on Shetland. He’s convinced Oda’s miscarriage would have been prevented back in Norway and decides he must return to his homeland to do whatever possible to rid the country of its invaders. Will he live to see liberation? Grieving the loss of her baby, Oda turns toward her heavenly Father as Gustav retreats inside himself. Rather than try to stop him after she discovers he plans to join the Norwegian resistance, she stows away onboard the ship taking him home. Can she convince him that they are better united in a cause than apart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Psychological Suspense:
The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R Patch — She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life. (Psychological Suspense from Love Inspired Trade [Harlequin])
Romantic Suspense:
Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J Post — When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative/Fantasy:
Paradise Unfallen by Chuck Richardson — What if Adam and Eve had resisted the serpent? Welcome to Erimea—Earth’s twin world, untouched by original sin. Solis and Livi, the first parents of Erimea, begin their lives in perfect fellowship with God. But their obedience does not end the war. Satan and his legions simply turn their fury upon the new world. As the population of Erimea rises, tensions crack the harmony of paradise. A powerful life-giving resource becomes scarce. Rumors spread. God is silent. And a restless humanity flirts with fear, force, and false gods. To save their descendants from repeating Earth’s tragedy, Solis and Livi must confront deception, division, and the relentless pressure of darkness. Their journey—from innocence to holiness—will determine the future of an unfallen world. (Speculative/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Hearts Restored by Tara Baisden — She was the one thing he could never blueprint. He was the one man she couldn’t wall out. (Contemporary Romance)
Last to Fall by Lynn H Blackburn — She’s caught in a deadly game. He’s the only one who can help her win. They’ll have to risk everything–including their hearts–to expose the truth before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense)
Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer — Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. Some journeys test what you believe. Some reshape who you become. Anna’s does both. (Biblical Fiction)
Find Me in the Story by Lisa Jordan — He built walls. She brought sunshine. Something had to give. But trust doesn’t come easy for two people who’ve been hurt. And one misunderstanding could destroy everything—including their chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)
Lifekeeper by Colleen K Snyder — A girl and her dragon face life and death decisions not only for themselves but also for their enemies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)
Jackal by Michael Jack Webb — In a land where the dead speak and ancient gods walk in human skin, Kate Justice confronts a darkness older than civilization. (Supernatural Suspense)
Award-winning author Donna Wichelman recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? You might remember a book from 2003, a little-known novel called The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. (I speak tongue-in-cheek because the novel not only was a great success, but stayed on the bestsellers list for 136 consecutive weeks.) The book starts with a prologue in which a person is killed, and as the book unfolds, we discover that he was killed for discovering the truth behind Christianity—a very different narrative than Christians have believed for 2,100 years.
I decided it was important for me to write a contemporary romantic suspense that debunked Brown’s theory and showed that the ancient words of Christianity came from reliable sources. In my research, I found a relatively unknown Christian sect, the Waldensians, who trace their origins to early Christianity. So, in Light Out of Darkness, a prestigious art exhibition turns into a horrific spectacle when a murder sends an art curator and a professor on a hunt for a highly covet stolen painting. Jamie and Alesandro risk their lives to uncover why the painting has caught the attention of art critics and criminals alike. At stake is a two-thousand-year-old drama, unfolding in the contemporary world of the Italian Alps.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? By far, the hardest part of writing romantic suspense for me is the romance. There’s just something personally vulnerable about developing the romance between two characters. It’s much easier for me to dig deep into a villain’s character and explore their darker, visceral side. I’m not sure what that says about me. Maybe it has something to do with what the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed in Jeremiah 17:9: “The human heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”
When do you find time to write? I decided a decade ago that I would consider my writing career my fulltime job. So, except for the occasional obligations and outings with church, family, and friends, I work at a desk in my home office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. However, I have been known to get up at 4 a.m. at times to write. My brain seems to function more optimally in the still hours of the morning.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? I love to sit on my back deck during the warmer months, where I have a peaceful view of a field and reservoir, where I can read, write, and reflect. Sometimes I do my quiet time devotions there in the early mornings, listening to the birds flitting and singing around me. If it’s too cold or snowy during the winter months, I can sit in my home office or at my kitchen nook table, where I have the same view.
How do you connect with your characters? One of the best ways I connect with my characters is by getting to know their personality types. I use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (16 personality types). Then, when I need to understand what motivates the character to act in a certain way in a given situation, I go back to the personality type and ask, “How would this introverted, intuitive, feeling, extremely organized person handle the problem?” It honestly helps me think through what they’ll do next.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? I start off with a cup of French-pressed coffee in the mornings (no cream or sugar), and then usually between one and two o’clock in the afternoon, I find I need a cup of tea. I also keep a stash of these yummy soft chocolate espresso candies, called Pocket Coffees, that we found in Germany many years ago. I can’t tell you how scrumptious they are. You’ll just have to try them for yourself. Ferrero makes them.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books? Oftentimes, it’s the setting that dictates how a person is killed. In books one and two of my Singing Silver Mine series, the setting in the mining communities of the Colorado Rocky Mountains meant that the deaths in both books occurred in a mine.
In A Song of Deliverance, I had to wrap my brain around the gold and silver mining industry of that decade in the nineteenth century to understand what could have caused a mining disaster that would kill nine men in the belly of the earth. I explored several scenarios and chose one that seemed plausible for my story, devising a way for my hero to discover how the villain caused a cave-in down the mine shaft. This meant the hero, Stefan, had to descend into the dangerously precarious situation in which the wood framework undergirding the shaft had been destroyed. Make the wrong move, and he could get trapped as the original nine men had.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? My husband and I have traveled extensively in the United States and other parts of the world over the years. Most of my settings come from places we’ve visited that have intrigued me because of their history or captured my attention because of their beautiful landscapes. Light Out of Darkness was set in Italy because of the Waldensians’ history in the Italian Alps. We had also visited Varenna in the Italian Lake District, where I set the art exhibition for its spectacular views.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? I’m all about research, reading as much as I can from as many different sources as I can on a topic. Usually, if three sources agree, I’m good with the information. But I have to limit myself at times, or I find I’m going down bunny trails that don’t add to the story. It is possible to do too much research, which detracts from your writing.
Who’s your favorite romantic suspense writer and why? There are many excellent romantic suspense writers in the Christian fiction industry, so it’s hard to choose. But if pressed to the wall, I’d say Lynette Eason. She’s a fabulous person as well as an author, and her stories are consistently good every time.
About Donna Donna Wichelman is a 2025 Angel Book Award-winning author for A Song of Deliverance, Book 1 in the Singing Silver Mine series. Her articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two novels in her contemporary suspense Waldensian Series. Donna and her husband live in Colorado and love spending time with their grandchildren. They also bike, kayak, and travel.
Life as Cassie Munro knew it ended the day her husband and children were torn away from her in a deadly train disaster. Haunted by ghosts from her past in Ohio, she takes a teaching position in Georgetown, Colorado, where her parents pastor a church. One thing she knows—she will never risk her heart again.
Born of privilege and educated at the Philadelphia School of Medicine, Dr. Daniel Criley never expected to lose the woman he loved to sepsis. Disillusioned with a hospital that won’t integrate antiseptic procedures and blamed by the family for her death, Daniel moves to Georgetown, where he can practice medicine his way. But just when all seems idyllic, the demons of his past appear to destroy the life he’s built.
When Cassie and Daniel meet, their attraction is undeniably intense. Will they risk following their hearts and step into a future together? Or will the fear of loss stand in the way of their happiness? Only God knows how to mend two broken hearts.