I’m delighted to have a full slate of fall craft fairs this year. If you’re in the area, please stop by—I love meeting my readers! Plus, you can pick up gifts for the readers on your list or for yourself. I’ll have my popular Blind Date with a Book, plus an expanded version I’m calling A Cuppa Mystery. These are sure to delight readers of all ages!
November
Clover Hill Craft Fair
Date/Time: November 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Clover Hill HS, 13301 Kelly Green Ln, Midlothian, VA
Robinson Marketplace
Date/Time: November 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA
Special activities: Silent auction, free pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
St. Paul VI Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Vendor Open House
Date/Time: November 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: St. Paul VI HS, 42341 Braddock Rd, Chantilly, VA
Special activities: Free wine and snacks
Woodbridge HS 2025 Holiday Craft Show and Vendor Fair
Date/Time: November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Woodbridge HS, 3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
December
Patriot HS PTSA’s Annual Holiday Market
Date/Time: December 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Patriot HS, 10504 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA
McLean High School Holiday Bazaar
Date/Time: December 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean, V
A Daughter’s Choice by Kelly S. Irvin — Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Biblical:
Loss and Loyalty – Moabites by Christine Dillon — What makes someone family—blood, love, or something more? Arielle believed she was an Israelite—until her brother confessed the truth: she was found as an infant on their doorstep in Moab. After tragedy strikes and the men of her household are snatched away, Arielle must leave the only land she’s ever known and any hope of finding her birth family to follow her adopted family to Bethlehem. (Biblical Fiction, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Clean Sweep by Julie Arduini — Sometimes the messiest moments lead to the most miraculous grace. A tender story of grace, second chances, and the kind of love that only grows when hearts surrender. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Royal Runaway’s Holiday by Mandy Boerma — Can the princess and the reporter overcome the ancient laws and royal protocol standing between them, or is heartbreak the only outcome? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Christmas in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — Set in the heart of small-town Arkansas, A Christmas in Shady Springs is a sweet Christian romance about love that holds fast, plans that fall apart, and grace that shines even brighter when everything else goes wrong. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Clearing the Cowboy’s Name by Elle E. Kay — Accused of stealing her first edition Austen. Guilty of stealing her heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Logan’s Legacy by Susan Anne Mason — He ran from commitment for years – until he met the one woman who made him want to stay. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Home for the Ranger by Audrey Wick — Texas park ranger Shane Hutton must choose his future: the opportunity he’s always wanted or the family he’s always needed. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Under the Mistletoe by Penny Zeller — A small-town adventure, unexpected romance, and Christmas cheer. He’s a nerdy tourist needing a vacation. She’s a bed and breakfast employee with a broken heart. Love is the last thing they expect to find this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Crime Mystery:
Eight Days Anxious by Luana Ehrlich — When ex-con Jason Brennan takes a senator hostage, Mylas Grey has eight days to find Brennan’s missing wife and daughter. If Mylas fails, the senator will lose his life. But things are much more complicated than that. As the clock ticks down, Mylas must navigate his way through a maze of political ambition, moral corruption, and judicial misconduct, challenging his investigative skills and newfound faith, but ultimately drawing him closer to Whitney. (Crime/Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Nearly Beloved by Kendra Broekhuis — Dylan Turner’s quiet life unravels on the day of her dad’s funeral—when she finds out he’s not her biological father. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a cross-country journey, confronting family secrets and her own identity. (General Contemporary from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])
Every Captive Freed by B.D. Lawrence, Shannon McNear, and Angela D. Shelton — Three Novellas about human trafficking. This collection is one of three dealing with “brave” topics Christians often face in the world today. (General Contemporary [Novella Collection], Independently Published)
General Historical:
Even If I Perish by Terrie Todd — Music teacher Mary Cornish volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board? Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds. (Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)
Historical Romance:
No Plan At All by Denise M. Colby — Two strangers. One journey. A love neither expected. Sometimes the best life is the one we never planned. A tender tale of courage, redemption, and love strong enough to change the course of two hearts forever. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher — When love feels reckless, faith can lead the way. A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay — Two federal agents with trust issues must infiltrate a charity masquerade ball to stop a human trafficking operation that funds terrorism. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Mac by Melanie D. Snitker — Fame has its price—and someone’s ready to collect. As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Trail of Mountain Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
First Glow of Illumination by Demi Griffin — Every ending leads to a beginning. All hope seems lost when darkness pushes against the light and the Realms are in danger of being swallowed up by the Shadow Realm. Will the Realm Warriors and Realm Binders wake up from their cultural stupor to defend what has been given them? What will it take for them to recognize their King, trust in his plan, and crown him victorious in the end? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Young Adult:
The One You See by Melissa Knight — Seventeen-year-old Miranda’s world involves wealth and Paris vacations while Zac comes with a past she will never understand, yet in a single lapse of judgement their worlds collide, leading Miranda to faith in the God who truly sees her. (Young Adult, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Accident by Kenneth Bliss — A psi EMT responds to an accident which he discovers an “impossible” psi child and the dark agent sent to recover him. (Speculative Fiction)
To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown — When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother. (General Contemporary)
Riches Beyond Measure by Mary Connealy — When they leave the ranch in search of stolen treasure, will the spark between them survive the perils ahead? (Western Romance)
My Heart’s for You by Jan Rae Johnson — Kaitlyn Monroe is driven by two desires—find a job and find a soul mate. (Contemporary Romance)
That Was Me by Rick Tester — When you look back on your life, realize it was God… then suddenly discover why. (Mystery)
Pretzels & Pirouettes: The Baby is the Gift by Lynn U. Watson — Meet Clara’s great-great-great-granddaughter, motorcycle-riding, ballet-dancing Lyydi Jager. She’ll pirouette straight into your heart, and you’ll ride right into this Christmas pageant at Our Savior Church. (Contemporary Romance)
Award-winning USA Today bestselling PeggySue Wells recently stopped by my blog to share about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I began my career as a news reporter and moved into nonfiction books. I’m embarrassed to say I imagined fiction writers as the folks who didn’t do reality. In a personal growth exercise, someone challenged me to write a novel. What a revelation to learn that fiction is the highly skilled art of making something up that is believable and so compelling that readers will suspend reality and dive into story with the author. I was hooked.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I’m drawn to stories, both fiction and real life, that showcase characters fighting for the relationships and people they love. This resonates deeply with me as a reflection of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating how much He values us.
The romantic suspense genre weaves together the intimacy of developing relationships with the heroic actions of people who put others before themselves. Romantic suspense allows me to explore characters at their most vulnerable and their most courageous, falling in love while facing danger, choosing sacrifice over safety, and discovering that the greatest strength often lies in fighting not just for survival, but for the people who matter most.
In romantic suspense, love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a decision made in the face of real risks and genuine danger. That’s the kind of story worth telling.
Have you ever regretted killing off a character? Why? In Chasing Sunrise, our hero tragically loses his mother and two young sisters, a scene that was deeply emotional to write. While this loss becomes pivotal to who he is and shapes every decision he makes going forward, I mourn the stories I can’t tell.
I imagine the conversations he might have had with his mom as an adult, the way his sisters would have teased him about his best friend, the holiday gatherings and everyday moments that will never happen. Instead of knowing how rich those present-day interactions could be, including the laughter, the conflicts, the growth, I’m confined to brief flashbacks within a narrow window of time.
The very event that defines my character also closes the door on countless future scenes that would be fun to explore.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? Most essential to my writing is learning about new people, places, and things. Each book takes readers where they have never been before and keeps the writing exciting for me. Secrecy Order mainly takes place in a kibbutz. I traveled to Israel to visit a kibbutz and go off-roading in the desert to accurately write about life in this unique community, as well as facing down gun runners in the Negev. Other books in the series include the only tea plantation in the United States, islands in the Sea Island chain, and a risky mission with a little-known community of fierce warriors called the Circassians.
How do you come up with titles for your books? Titles are a vital aspect of a romantic suspense novel. The words can draw a reader’s curiosity or cause them to scroll by without a second glance. I toss out ideas with fellow authors and readers. When I have a title or two that have potential, I ask my readers. I’m so grateful for the feedback they provide, letting me know how the title feels, and how they interpret the words. Once the title is reader-approved, we do the same process for the subtitle. Readers are my valuable resource.
About PeggySue Award-winning USA Today bestselling author of 45 books, including mystery suspense of the year, Unnatural Cause, PeggySue Wells is known for action and adventure, romantic suspense—Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. She empowers readers with nonfiction like The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.
Secrecy Order
Powerful nations hunt for Marc Wayne and his invention, which promises to redefine weapons and global warfare. Meanwhile, in a remote hiding place, Marc serves as bait in hopes of turning his predators into prey. When an illegal arms dealer leverages Marc for his own ends, will Marc ever see home and family again? As time runs out, can he trust the electro-physicist, Lei Quong, enough to escape with her?
I’m delighted to have a full slate of fall craft fairs this year. If you’re in the area, please stop by—I love meeting my readers! Plus, you can pick up gifts for the readers on your list or for yourself. I’ll have my popular Blind Date with a Book, plus an expanded version I’m calling A Cuppa Mystery. These are sure to delight readers of all ages!
November
Clover Hill Craft Fair
Date/Time: November 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Clover Hill HS, 13301 Kelly Green Ln, Midlothian, VA
Robinson Marketplace
Date/Time: November 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA
Special activities: Silent auction, free pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
St. Paul VI Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Vendor Open House
Date/Time: November 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: St. Paul VI HS, 42341 Braddock Rd, Chantilly, VA
Special activities: Free wine and snacks
Woodbridge HS 2025 Holiday Craft Show and Vendor Fair
Date/Time: November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Woodbridge HS, 3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
December
Patriot HS PTSA’s Annual Holiday Market
Date/Time: December 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Patriot HS, 10504 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA
McLean High School Holiday Bazaar
Date/Time: December 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean, VA
Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah by Angela Hunt — A master of biblical research, Angela Hunt delivers a series starter that transports readers to the Old Testament world of Sarah and Abraham, making this novel a perfect read for those who love Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, and Jill Eileen Smith. (Biblical/Historical from Bethany House)
Leading Philippi by Jenifer Jennings — In the raging sea of fear, Epaphroditus finds his faith. (Biblical/Historical, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter — She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson])
Trying to Save Christmas by Dawn Kinzer — A new teacher trying to save Christmas for a grieving student and his guardian brother risks losing her heart to them both. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees — Can two grieving hearts find healing with each other…and God? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Christmas in Granite Harbor by Candice Sue Patterson — Small-town traditions, a Maine Coon, and a decades-old mystery knit hearts together this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Who Stirs Up the Sea by Deborah Raney — So many secrets between them. But when the truth comes out, will it drive them apart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Two Hearts, One Piano by Catherine Richmond — Ten years ago, rock star Alan Wolfe trashed Maren’s life. Now his brother is on her doorstep, asking about the baby. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Cozy Mystery:
Troubled Truffles by Leslie Lantrip — Ruby Starr breathes a sigh of relief that all is well in the whimsical town of Iris Cove, but while making a routine bakery delivery, she’s shocked to discover a dead body inside the new bookshop. She assures everyone that she will never again be involved in sleuthing, but with clues all around, will her inquisitive mind be able to comply? (Cozy Mystery from Trilogy Christian Publishing)
The Last Scam by Jean Rezab — Courtney’s lifelong dream is finally within her grasp, but when a guest turns up dead during the inn’s very first week, her perfect plans turn into chaos. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Tangled Roots by Jessica Brodie — When newspaper editor Tiff Steadman’s ex-convict brother returns seeking reconciliation, she must choose between protecting the respectable life she’s built and risking everything to embrace the messy grace of family forgiveness. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group)
The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield — The fate of strangers intertwines when a man contemplating suicide commandeers a bridge on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone into an unexpected detour from their holiday plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Song Awakens by Linda Sammaritan — One moment of temptation. Years of separation. How much of the truth does she dare to confess? (General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)
General Historical:
To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau — Inspired by a true story, “To Outwit Them All” is told from the perspective of the only woman in George Washington’s Revolutionary group of citizen spies known as the Culper Ring. (General Historical from Iron Stream Media)
Historical Romance:
A Heart To Treasure by Dienece Darling — The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but with less than a fortnight to their wedding day, a coming storm will shatter everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love on the Horizon by Penny Zeller — Return to Horizon, Idaho, for Timothy Shepherdson’s story and meet newcomer, Mags, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Military Suspense:
Tick, Tick, Tick … Boom by Felicia Ferguson — With her marriage to clinical psychologist Matt in shambles, Army CID Officer Gabby Carmichael wakes up to a bomb threat. They reluctantly work together to find the bomber, but as pressure mounts, which will explode first? The bomb or their marriage? (Military Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)
Novella (Romance):
Christmas on the Islands by Annette M. Irby — Washington Island Christmas series novellas all in one place! Visit Puget Sound and the Salish Sea islands in this series of holiday novellas! Enjoy getting to know new characters, with some cameo visits from previous friends. Here you’ll find heart-warming scenes, layered family dynamics, romance, and hope in Jesus. (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)
A Christmas Inheritance by Myra Johnson, Delia Latham, and Tanya Stowe — Three Christmas stories in one! “His Christmas Refuge:” He came home to leave it all behind. She’s convinced he’ll run again. “A Montana Christmas Promise:” He gave everything to the land. She came only to let it go. “The Prodigal Preacher’s Christmas Homecoming:” A story of redemption, brotherhood, and love reborn under the gentle hand of grace. (Romance Novella, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong — He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)
Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker — When a pediatrician foils an attempted child abduction, she’s thrust into a dangerous game in which she must rely on the help of her former boyfriend to stay alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Defending You by Robin Patchen — She stumbled onto a deadly secret, and the man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed — A widowed FBI profiler must turn to her ex, a commanding Police Chief to protect her child and solve a cold case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
Dust and Ashes by Demi Griffin — Even mistakes and failures were folded into the king’s plan! (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Unexpected by Kimberly Keagan — The heirs of Denwall Department Stores find unexpected love In the glittering era of the Gilded Age. (Historical Romance)
Where Secrets End by Rebecca Lake — One man’s obsession. One woman’s past. One chance to survive. (Romantic Suspense)
But There Were Signs by Georgia Curtis Ling — When one of their own is found dead, four pastors’ wives–turned amateur sleuths are playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with a suspected killer in Appalachia. (Contemporary Suspense)
The Dreamer by Jenny Marcelene — To the Ends is an international adventure series helping children ages 6-10 cultivate a biblical worldview and spark prayer for the nations. (Children’s/Middle Grade Chapter Book)
The Realm: The Awakening Begins by K Ross — In a world where dreams are more real than not, and harsh realities collide with visions of eternity, only one god can rule. (Supernatural Suspense)
About PeggySue
