Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Author Sarah Hamaker The Romantic Side of Suspense ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [July 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/07/08/july-2026-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: New Beginnings in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch -- When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again? Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, - [How Seralynn Lewis Dreams Up Her Plots](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/06/23/how-seralynn-lewis-dreams-up-her-plots/) - Seralynn Lewis recently stopped by my newsletter to share about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’ve always loved romance novels in almost every sub-genre there is. But I found that the romance stories that moved me had more than just a romance in them, they had a hint of - [June 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/06/09/june-2026-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s Picture Books: Would You Rather: Bible Attire Adventures by Jerah Alvarado -- Would you rather wear a coat of many colors like Joseph? Or would you rather wear clothes made of camel fur like John the Baptist? Choose from - [Elle E Kay's Inspiration Starts With Setting](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/05/26/elle-e-kays-inspiration-starts-with-setting/) - 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 - [May 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/05/13/may-2026-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical Historical: 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 - [How Mary Alford Balances Danger With Character Growth](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/04/21/how-mary-alford-balances-danger-with-character-growth/) - 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 - [April 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/04/08/3804/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Amish Romance: 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 - [The Da Vinci Code Propelled Donna Wichelman to Write](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/03/25/the-da-vinci-code-propelled-donna-wichelman-to-write/) - 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 - [March 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/03/11/march-2026-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne -- Lida Mae Beiler and Tom Fisher, both feeling betrayed by their parents, find healing, acceptance and forgiveness, while forging a future together. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Children’s - [How Amy Walsh Fulfills Her Childhood Dream](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/02/24/how-amy-walsh-fulfills-her-childhood-dream/) - Author Amy Walsh recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? I work full-time as a fifth-grade writing teacher at a public middle school in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which keeps me wonderfully busy. After a full day of guiding energetic young writers and grading stacks - [February 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/02/11/february-2026-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter: The Cowbird’s Truth by Erin Greneaux -- What happens when the most dangerous enemy turns out to be yourself? Maya and Everly continue their quest to find the missing Virtue Gems, and this time, their greatest - [Where Melanie D. Snitker Gets her Inspiration](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/01/28/getting-to-know-melanie-d-snitker/) - Award-winning author Melanie D. Snitker recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I really enjoy writing romantic suspense because I like to keep my readers on the edge of their seat. I also strive to throw in at least one curveball to keep - [January 2026 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026/01/14/3748/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Action/Adventure: Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong -- Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey - [R.F. Whong Explains How Deadly Vitamin D Can Be](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/12/17/r-f-whong-explains-how-deadly-vitamin-d-can-be/) - Multi-published and award-winning author R.F. Whong recently stopped by my newsletter to share about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I want to explore different genres as a writer. Friends say my PhD in biochemistry belongs in suspense. Yet my heart belongs to romance. Both impulses shaped my novel Allure - [December 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/12/17/december-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s/Middle Grade: Key’s Secret by Jennifer Arrington and Albrey Arrington -- A strange blue envelope greets the kids of Coral Canal right before Labor Day weekend. Inside it contains a riddle and a set of instructions. Nobody, not even their - [Meet Sarah Hamaker Fall 2025](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/11/19/meet-sarah-hamaker-fall-2025/) - 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 - [What Patricia Bradley Struggles With the Most in Her Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/11/26/what-patricia-bradley-struggles-with-the-most-in-her-writing/) - Multi-published and bestselling author Patricia Bradley recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? It’s what I’ve always read, starting with Mary Stuart and Airs Above the Ground. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Writing the romance part. It’s much easier - [November 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/11/12/november-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: 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 - [Meet Me This Fall!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/10/20/meet-me-this-fall/) - 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 - [How PeggySue Wells Titles Her Books](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/10/22/how-peggysue-wells-titles-her-books/) - 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 - [October 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/10/08/october-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical: 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 - [Who Carrie Stuart Parks Turns to for Romance](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/09/24/who-carrie-stuart-parks-turns-to-for-romance/) - Multi-published and award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks recently stopped by my newsletter to share about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away 1 print copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Escaping the Wilderness, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? It was at the - [September 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/09/10/september-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical:Survival Secrets by Lana Christian -- The Wise Men’s flight from Herod forces them to flee to the Wilderness of Paran to reach Egypt’s safety. But the trek will test their fledgling faith in ways they couldn’t have imagined. How - [How Heidi Glick Fills Her Free Time](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/08/27/how-heidi-glick-fills-her-free-time/) - Multi-published author Heidi Glick recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? This past year, I started homeschooling, so I write whenever I get free time—early morning, evenings, or here and there when not busy. Before kids, I worked full time outside the home - [August 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/08/13/august-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s Middle Grade: Jack and the Red Giant by Amanda Cleary Eastep -- Snowball wars are being waged against the Tree Street Kids, and Jack Finch is building his greatest invention yet--the Abominable Snowman-ator. But his biggest battle will be - [How Cindy Kay Stewart Moves From Research to Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/07/23/3518/) - Multi-published author Cindy Kay Stewart recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away signed print copy of her historical romantic suspense Unending Hope exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I write historical romances, but I love - [July 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/07/09/july-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: Caleb’s Choice by Z Peabody -- Caleb Jacobson, rancher, farmer, and a first-generation veterinarian, has always loved to care for animals. When he was given his choice to either stay in the small community and become a full-time - [How Darlene L. Turner Found Her Way to Romantic Suspense](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/06/25/how-darlene-l-turner-found-her-way-to-romantic-suspense/) - Multi-published and award-winning author Darlene L. Turner recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? From the first time I picked up a Nancy Drew book, I was hooked on the mystery/suspense genre. As I grew older, I liked to watch “Charlie’s Angels,” - [June 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/06/10/june-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s/ Picture Book: If Jesus Came To My School by April Graney -- A young girl learns how Jesus’s love can shine at school through her compassion, kindness, and inclusion. (Children’s Picture Book from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House]) Phooey Kerflooey - [Reading Gothic Tales Drew Virginia Vaughan to Romantic Suspense](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/05/27/reading-gothic-tales-drew-virginia-vaughan-to-romantic-suspense/) - Multi-published author Virginia Vaughan recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away 2 print copies of her most recent romantic suspense, Missing in Texas, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? As a teen, I met a - [May 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/05/13/may-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical Romance: Mantle by Dana McNeely -- Faith. Redemption. The cost of leadership. Will the next generation rise to the challenge and uphold the legacy of Elijah, or will they falter under the weight of the mantle? (Biblical Romance from - [Why Romantic Suspense Draws the Attention of Mary Alford](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/04/22/why-romantic-suspense-draws-the-attention-of-mary-alford/) - Multi-published and bestselling author Mary Alford recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’ve always been drawn to stories that keep you on the edge of your seat—but I also believe that even in the darkest moments, God’s love has the power to shine - [April 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/04/08/april-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan -- After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until - [How Suspense Snuck Into Rebecca Lake's Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/03/26/how-suspense-snuck-into-rebecca-lakes-writing/) - Multi-published author Rebecca Lake recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’ve always enjoyed mystery and suspense novels. I started out writing sweet romances, but the suspense kept sneaking in. How do you connect with your characters? What a great question. I get to - [March 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/03/12/march-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical: The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt -- In Nero's Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra - [What's the Hardest Part of the Writing Process for Penny Zeller?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/02/21/whats-the-hardest-part-of-the-writing-process-for-penny-zeller/) - Multi-published author Penny Zeller recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I have always loved reading Christian romantic suspense and have long had a suspense novel of my own just begging to be written. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? I think - [February 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/02/12/february-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt -- Faith, fame, and family collide as a Christian music power couple hides a secret discord. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Only You Can Love Me by Carolyn Miller -- Dr. Jess Martin--Doc - [What Jennifer Chastain Finds Hard About Writing Romantic Suspense](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/01/22/what-jennifer-chastain-finds-hard-about-writing-romantic-suspense/) - Multi-published author Jennifer Chastain recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? That is a very good question! I saw a story on the news about a federal agent who had been killed in the line of duty. His life was cut short - [January 2025 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025/01/08/january-2025-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children/Middle-grade: Feather by Susan Page Davis -- Feather is snatched by a fierce tribe and forced to work for them. Her younger brother, Karsh, vows to find her. When Feather learns the arrows she makes will be used against her - [December 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/12/10/december-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Always In My Heart by Iola Goulton -- Broke solo mother Maya Allen is raising her daughter, Sarah, as well as her dead best friend’s daughter … who just happens to be her own daughter’s half sister (thanks, - [Why Lynette Eason Writes Romantic Suspense](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/11/26/why-lynette-eason-writes-romantic-suspense/) - Bestselling author Lynette Eason stopped by to share about her writing life and her latest romantic suspense, Target Acquired. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I started writing romantic suspense because I've always loved both romance and suspense novels. Growing up, I read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys mysteries and fell in - [November 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/11/12/november-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Matchmaking the Cowboy by Emily Conrad -- What’s a little covert matchmaking between friends? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP] The Daze Before Christmas by Laurie Germaine -- She fled her old life for a new one. Trouble - [October 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/10/08/october-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website General Contemporary: I’ll Be Home by Darlene L. Turner, by Sara Davison, Helena Smrcek, Melanie Stevenson -- With chaos and confusion all around them, can they find their way home this Christmas? The people in these four stories are all - [How Kate Angelo Balances Travel With Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/09/24/how-kate-angelo-balances-travel-with-writing/) - Bestselling author Kate Angelo recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one print copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Fire Line, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? The hardest part of writing romantic suspense - [Laura Conaway Heads Outside for Inspiration](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/10/22/3288/) - Multi-published author Laura Conaway recently stopped by my newsletter to share about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one print copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Silencing the Witness, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? I love - [September 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/09/10/september-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary General: Kristen by Dawn M Klinge -- In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one's heart to the unanticipated blessings of life's sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Contemporary Romance: Escape - [August 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/08/07/august-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical: A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans -- Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father - [Carmen Peone's Write of Honor](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/08/27/carmen-peones-write-of-honor/) - Multi-published author Carmen Peone recently stopped by to share about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I wrote the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series to honor my niece, who was a victim of domestic violence and abuse, and was a victim of murdered and missing indigenous women. We lost her - [Rebecca Hopewell's Favorite Reflecting Spot](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/07/23/rebecca-hopewells-favorite-reflecting-spot/) - Multi-published author Rebecca Hopewell recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? This might sound strange, but I have a hard time putting my characters in danger! My early drafts inevitably have moments where I’ve avoided writing a direct confrontation with an obstacle - [July 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/07/10/june-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Renee by Sandra Ardoin -- A bake-off competition can change widow Renee Burnette’s life and mend a frayed friendship. As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee’s office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with - [How Cate Nolan Finds Time to Write](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/06/25/3159/) - Multi-published author Cate Nolan recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I actually started out writing historical, but I always loved reading romantic suspense. Back in 2013, the Love Inspired editors announced a “Killer Voices” contest to find new talent for Love - [June New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/06/12/june-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - June 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa L. Dorsey -- Embark on a journey through time and faith. Witness as the survival of a family's faith intertwines with pivotal moments in history to build a spiritual legacy - [Kerry Johnson's Childhood Dream Came True](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/05/22/kerry-johnsons-childhood-dream-came-true/) - Award-winning author Kerry Johnson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? During the school year, I write between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. while my kids are in school. I used to be a night writer, but those days are over (unless I’m - [May 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/05/08/may-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: A Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller -- Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set. Franklin James might be a famous pro - [How Rhonda Starnes Writes With an App](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/04/24/how-rhonda-starnes-writes-with-an-app/) - Did you know that subscribers to my newsletter had a chance to win one of two copies of Uncovering Colorado Secrets? Each month my guest authors provide print copy giveaways exclusively to my newsletter subscribers, so join today! Multi-published author Rhonda Starnes recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. When do you - [April 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/04/10/april-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer -- She’s perfectly content leading a quiet life in her small hometown. He’s an adventurer with unquenchable wanderlust. The two couldn’t be any more opposite if they tried. But a tandem bicycle - [Questioning Lenora Worth](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/03/26/questioning-lenora-worth/) - Bestselling author Lenora Worth recently stopped to share about her writing life. What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? I wanted to be a secret agent, but my mama said I might get shot. But in the fourth grade, after we did a writing project, I had - [March 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/03/12/march-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: For Better or For Granted by Amy R. Anguish -- Divorce was never in the plans for Genevieve Stewart. Only four years into marriage, and everything has gone wrong. If only she could find her way back to - [Danielle Grandinetti's Plot Inspirations](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/02/27/danielle-grandinettis-plot-inspirations/) - Multi-published author Danielle Grandinetti recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Relying on the Enemy. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I love writing suspense because facing a life and death problem puts what really matters into perspective. All the fears and obstacles, - [February 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/02/13/2971/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Finally Forever by Karin Beery -- Former competitive dancer Caroline Novak dreams of leaving the corporate world to work with special needs women at the Pathways nonprofit, but the organization can’t afford a fulltime director. All-American defensive end - [How Karen Kirst Picks a Book's Setting](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/01/24/how-karen-kirst-picks-a-books-setting/) - Multi-published author Karen Kirst recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? When Love Inspired closed their historical line, my editor allowed me to try my hand at suspense. I enjoyed including danger elements and villains in my historical books, so I felt - [January 2024 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2024/01/10/january-2024-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller -- With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Miles is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs - [December 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/12/12/december-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Bidding on a Second Chance by Emily Conrad -- His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet. Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping - [How Sharee Stover Finds Time to Write](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/11/28/how-sharee-stover-finds-time-to-write/) - Award-winning author Sharee Stover recently stopped by my newsletter and blog to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Seeking Justice, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. When do you find time to write? I love routines, schedules and planners. Maintaining - [10 Days of Christmas to Celebrate Holiday Menace!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/11/11/10-days-of-christmas-to-celebrate-holiday-menace/) - a Rafflecopter giveaway - [November 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/11/07/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 - [How the News Inspires Kelly Irvine](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/10/24/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 - [October 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/10/11/october-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s: 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 - [Getting to Know Linda J. White](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/09/27/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 - [September 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/09/13/september-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: A Louisiana Christmas to Remember by Morgan Tapley Smith, Betsy St. Amant, Lenora Worth -- Three heartwarming, interconnected stories of faith, love, and restoration, brought to you by three Louisiana-native authors. Will a rare snowy Louisiana Christmas bring - [Welcome to the Back to School Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/08/29/welcome-to-the-back-to-school-christian-fiction-scavenger-hunt/) - Welcome to the inaugural B. Throughout this hunt, we hope you discover some new books and get to know a little more about us. A few things before you dive into my blog: This hunt is a blog hop. Collect the “clues” (pieces to the longer phrase) at each stop. Enter the individual giveaways along - [Flash Fiction: The Old Woman](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/09/18/flash-fiction-the-old-woman/) - I recently took a trip down memory lane by revisiting some of my earlier writings from my childhood and teen years. Most of it is pretty typical young writer stuff (very silly plots and characters!), but I've always liked this short piece, which I wrote for a high school English assignment. It's kind of my - [How The Dark Guest Got Its Title](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/10/19/how-the-dark-guest-got-its-title/) - One of the questions I often get is why did I call book one in The Cold War Legacy series The Dark Guest? It came from a very unlikely source. As a reformed Presbyterian (PCA), I’ve become more acquainted with the Puritans and their writings. Titles like The Mystery of Providence and The Rare Jewel - [Getting to Know Mindy Steele](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/08/23/getting-to-know-mindy-steele/) - Multi-published author Mindy Steele recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? Ha, that’s a good question, especially when most readers know me better for writing Amish romance. It was my agent’s doing. The blame, or credit, is hers. She asked me to - [August 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/08/09/august-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: The Heart’s Bidding by Kelly S. Irvin -- Together, schoolteacher Rachelle Lapp and auctioneer Toby Miller must face their hardest battle yet: trusting God’s plan for their uncertain future. As their families matchmake, Toby and Rachelle realize their - [Getting to Know Tara Grace Ericson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/07/27/getting-to-know-tara-grace-ericson/) - Multi-published author Tara Grace Ericson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I wrote 15 romance novels before I ventured into suspense. I love the added complexity of the plot—the external challenges and high stakes for the characters. I love the way the - [12 Days of Christmas in July Reader Giveaway!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/07/04/12-days-of-christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway/) - Celebration runs July 20-31! Each day during the celebration (July 20-31), you'll get an email from me (Sarah Hamaker) promoting that day's Christmas books by Christian authors. Daily winners will be selected to receive a print book and Christmas-themed goodie from that day's participating authors. Christmas goodies include ornaments, teas/coffees, jewelry, tree skirt, craft kit, - [July 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/07/12/july-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Dial S for Second Chances by Linda Shenton Matchett -- Jade Williams agrees to be on the high school reunion committee because the-one-that-got-away is out of the country and won’t be home in time to attend the festivities. - [Getting to Know Jerusha Agen](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/06/28/getting-to-know-jerusha-agen-2/) - Multi-published author Jerusha Agen recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one print copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Unseen Danger, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I started off writing contemporary romance—the Sisters Redeemed Series—but - [June 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/06/14/june-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Operation Find a Guy by Amy R. Anguish -- Skye Jones has one goal for the summer—keep her father from taking away her convertible. That’s the only reason she agrees to work at her sister’s bridal shop - [Getting to Know Laurie Winter](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/05/24/getting-to-know-laurie-winter/) - Multiple award-winning author Laurie Winter recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? I carve out time for writing every day, either before or after my day job. Sometimes I'll write in the morning and evening if I'm on a tight deadline. I find - [May 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/05/10/may-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - Three of the romantic suspense new releases are featured in my May Quick Takes podcast episode, which you can listen to here. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s/Picture Books: Super Doople by K.A. Cummins -- You’ve heard the legend of Humpty Dumpty, but do you - [Getting to Know Megan Bessing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/04/26/getting-to-know-megan-bessing/) - Megan Bessing recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’ve written in a few different genres, however, despite enjoying suspense/mystery television shows, writing suspense always intimidated me. So when Sunrise Publishing had an open audition to potentially learn how to write suspense - [9 Ways to Keep On Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/03/30/9-ways-to-keep-on-writing/) - By Sarah Hamaker Writing is hard. Whether you’re a seasoned author or an aspiring writer, putting words down on paper can be discouraging. How can we continue to write when disappointment, impediments or obstacles get in our way? Here are 9 ways to keep on writing when it gets difficult. Remember Who you’re writing for. - [April 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/04/12/april-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: Courage in the Storm by Laurel M. Blount -- Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch. Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, - [March 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/03/08/2753/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: A Heart to Redeem by Judith McNees -- Chris Morgan is the black sheep of the family. He’s leaned into the title, finding as many ways as he can to distance himself from his perfect parents and siblings. - [Giveaway Through March 1, 2023](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/02/23/giveaway-through-march-1-2023/) - [Getting to Know Kerry Johnson, Plus a Book Giveaway!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/03/22/getting-to-know-kerry-johnson-plus-a-book-giveaway/) - Multi-published author Kerry Johnson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? I love animals, so initially I wanted to be a veterinarian. But once I realized that involved blood, surgery and animals being scared of - [Getting to Know Elle E. Kay](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/02/22/getting-to-know-elle-e-kay/) - Multi-published author Elle E. Kay recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? One night I was sitting there on my computer and just started writing a story. Before I knew what was happening, I had the first 15,000 words of my debut - [February 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/02/08/february-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. You can also listen to Christian romantic suspense authors talk about their February releases on this podcast. Amish Romance: Every Good Gift by Kelly S. Irvin -- Maisy never expected that a Plain girl like her could have her heart - [January 2023 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/01/11/january-2023-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Where Faith Belongs by Heidi Chiavaroli -- Amie Martin has never been more ready to trade in her quaint seaside Maine hometown for a life of studying art in New York. But when old flame August Colton returns - [Getting to Know MaryAnn Diorio](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2023/01/24/getting-to-know-maryann-diorio/) - Multi-published author MaryAnn Diorio recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? Great question! I learned early on in my writing career that I would not find time to write. I had to make time to write. With so many responsibilities and distractions assailing - [2022 Christmas Scavenger Hunt Round-Robin: Dangerous Christmas Memories](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/12/03/2022-christmas-scavenger-hunt-round-robin-dangerous-christmas-memories/) - Merry Christmas! Welcome to the Christmas Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! Here’s how it works: At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer at this form. Note: You must answer the questions for every author in the - [December 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/12/14/december-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: A Christmas Bargain by Mindy Obenhaus -- When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims - [Getting to Know Jessica R. Patch](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/11/23/getting-to-know-jessica-r-patch-2/) - Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels? I used a tornado to rip up a tree and impale my villain into another tree. So…that was fun. J Where do you get the - [November 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/11/09/november-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham -- Dear Reader, My name is Isabelle Louisa Edgewood—Izzy, for short. I live by blue-tinted mountains, where I find contentment in fresh air and books. Oh, and coffee and tea, of course. And - [Getting to Know Hallee Bridgeman](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/10/27/getting-to-know-hallee-bridgeman/) - USA Today bestselling author Hallee Bridgeman recently stopped to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I wrote my first romantic suspense between January and March 2000. I actually had a dream New Year’s Eve and woke up from that dream about 2 a.m. and started writing. The - [October 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/10/12/october-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: The Story of Love by Beth Wiseman -- With little left to tie her to her home state of Texas and yearning for a slower life, Yvonne Wilson jumps at the chance to shake things up with a - [September 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/09/14/september-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: A Heart to Trust by Judith McNees -- Can two broken hearts learn to trust each other…and God? Grace Morgan has a closely guarded secret. One that also makes her good at guarding her heart. After all, she - [Getting to Know PS Wells](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/08/23/getting-to-know-ps-wells/) - Multi-published author PS Wells recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? For my novels, I take my readers to places they have never been to, and introduce them to history and activities they have not experienced. For instance, in - [August 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/08/10/august-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Action/Adventure/Biblical: The Wanderer Scorned by Natasha Woodcraft -- The Wanderer is a man shrouded in legend. Moving from place to place in the land of Nod, he is known primarily for the curse that hangs over his life. When that - [2022 Christmas in July Reader Blog Tour & Giveaway](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/07/14/2022-christmas-in-july-reader-blog-tour-giveaway/) - Thank you to all who participated in this blog tour & giveaway. Our winners are: Grand Prize: Kimberly S. First Prize: Phyllis H. Happy Christmas in July! Welcome to the 2022 Christmas in July Reader Blog Tour & Giveaway, which runs July 15-22, 2022 (contest closes at 8 p.m. Eastern on 7/22). At the bottom - [Getting to Know Dani Pettrey](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/07/27/getting-to-know-dani-pettrey/) - Multi-published author Dani Pettrey recently stopped by my newsletter and blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? My love for mysteries began when I read Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie when I was eight, and my enjoyment of whodunnits and suspense stories has remained - [July 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/07/13/july-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Leaving the Past Behind by Sandra Ardoin -- The joy Danni Barnett found in her job as a travel writer and photographer faded around the same time her husband walked out on her. When her late sister-in-law’s will - [Getting to Know Darlene L. Turner](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/06/22/getting-to-know-darlene-l-turner-2/) - Award-winning author Darlene L. Turner recently stopped by my newsletter and blog to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away two ebooks of her most recent romantic suspense, Fatal Forensic Investigation, exclusively for my newsletter readers. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I always loved mystery/suspense - [June 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/06/08/june-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Time for Singing by Carol James -- Charlee Bennett is running from her past. Once deserted by her musician ex-fiancé, she's vowed to avoid anything that reminds her of the pain of his betrayal. Chance Jackson is - [Getting to Know Shannon Redmon](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/05/25/getting-to-know-shannon-redmon/) - Multi-published author Shannon Redmon recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’ve always loved to write stories or create characters and conversations in my head so why not put them on paper in story form? I chose romantic suspense because that’s what - [My appearance on Good Morning Washington!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/05/18/my-appearance-on-good-morning-washington/) - I was thrilled to talk about fostering on Good Morning Washington/ABC 7 this week as part of National Foster Care Month. Click here to watch the short video segment. - [Enter for a chance to win Christian books!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/05/17/enter-for-a-chance-to-win-christian-books/) - I'm thrilled to be part of this Christian fiction and nonfiction giveaway with my newest romantic suspense, The Dark Guest. The contest runs today through May 23. eBook & Paperback Sweepstakes! (2) Winners of eBook "Gift Baskets" of ALL ebooks Other Winners of individual ebooks or paperbacks (randomly selected) - [May 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/05/11/may-2022-new-releases/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Anchored Hearts by Julie Arduini -- Can two go-getters surrender their need to control and find a happily-ever-after? Jordyn Bell Hart succeeds in everything she does. Her promotion to morning show co-anchor blossoms her career in the - [Getting to Know Virginia Vaughn](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/04/27/getting-to-know-virginia-vaughn/) - Award-winning author Virginia Vaughn recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Texas Killer Connection. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I feel very blessed to be able to write romantic suspense because that is the genre I love to read. What’s the - [April 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/04/13/april-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary: A Heart to Cherish by Judith McNees -- veryone leaves…including God. That’s how Julia Price feels after years of being passed over in foster homes. All she has ever wanted is a family, but when she finds herself pregnant - [Getting to Know Rhonda Starnes](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/03/23/getting-to-know-rhonda-starnes/) - Romantic suspense author Rhonda Starnes recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Perilous Wilderness Escape. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Weaving the romance thread in with the suspense so that they are balanced. The suspense and danger has to be front - [Reclaim Your Writing Time](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/03/07/reclaim-your-writing-time/) - How many times have you said, “I wish I had more time to write?” While we can’t cram more hours into a day, we can find more ways to incorporate writing into our busy schedules. Learn how from veteran freelance writer, author and writers coach Sarah Hamaker in the FREE webinar, Reclaim Your Writing Time. - [March 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/03/09/2222/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Hearts and Goals by Carolyn Miller --He’s a goalie with a big heart, while she’s afraid to trust again. After a series of tragedies, Maggie Joly’s dreams have been confined to her work at Montreal’s botanic gardens and - [Getting to Know Terri Reed](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/02/23/getting-to-know-terri-reed/) - Award-winning author Terri Reed recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life and her most recent romantic suspense, Secret Sabotage. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? For me the hardest part of writing romantic suspense is finding inventive ways of putting my characters into jeopardy. There are only so - [February 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/02/09/february-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: Strength in the Storm by Laurel M. Blount -- After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than - [Getting to Know Jessica R. Patch](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/01/26/getting-to-know-jessica-r-patch/) - Award-winning author Jessica R. Patch recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life, plus the back cover copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Cold Case Takedown. When do you find time to write? I make sure to treat it as a business. I set work hours and then I don’t - [10 Mistakes New Writers Make (and How to Avoid Them)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/01/10/10-mistakes-new-writers-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - Are you worried about making a mistake as you start off your writing career? Aspiring or beginning writers, take heart! In this article, I will talk about the 10 most common mistakes new or beginner writers make—and how to overcome them. Giving up too early. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re a writer - [January 2022 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2022/01/12/january-2022-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website General Contemporary: Grace Across the Miles by Christine Dillon -- How can you belong when you don't know who you are? Gina Reid is surrounded by people getting married or having babies. She's under pressure to settle down but how - [2021 Christmas Scavenger Hunt Round-Robin: Mistletoe & Murder](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/12/04/2021-christmas-scavenger-hunt-round-robin-mistletoe-murder/) - Merry Christmas! Welcome to the annual Christmas Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! Here’s how it works: At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer at this form. Note: You must answer the questions for every author in - [December 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/12/08/december-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary - General: Broken Together by Brenda S. Anderson -- Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, - [Getting to Know Jerusha Agen](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/11/24/getting-to-know-jerusha-agen/) - Jerusha Agen recently stopped by to share some about her writing life. Plus, she’s giving away one copy of her most recent romantic suspense, Hidden Danger. See below for details. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? My first published series was the Sisters Redeemed Series—a trilogy of contemporary romances. With each book in - [Getting to Know Sami A. Abrams](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/12/22/getting-to-know-sami-a-abrams/) - Sami A. Abrams recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. When do you find time to write? I’m a full-time kindergarten teacher, so my writing time comes in the afternoons or evenings during the week. Since my husband is a night owl and I tend to get up early, I’ll - [November 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/11/10/november-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: An Awestruck Christmas Medley by Emily Conrad -- The members of the rock band Awestruck battle a snowstorm and relationship difficulties in hopes of spending a joyful Christmas with their loved ones in this novella, which continues the - [Watch the Protecting Her Witness book trailer now!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/10/27/watch-the-protecting-her-witness-book-trailer-now/) -  - [October 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/10/13/october-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary: Perfectly Arranged by Liana George -- Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged? (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press LLC) Contemporary Romance: Tacos for Two by Bestsy St. Amant -- - [Getting to Know Kerry Johnson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/09/22/getting-to-know-kerry-johnson/) - Award-winning author Kerry Johnson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I’d written several stories before signing my first book contract in 2020, and three of them are part of a middle grade speculative/adventure trilogy that’s near and dear to my heart. - [September 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/09/08/september-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary/Women’s Fiction: The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer -- Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard pretty, but for personal chef Jessica Keaton it's also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and - [August 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/08/11/august-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: The Cowboy’s Amish Haven by Pamela Desmond Wright -- Her home and her heart are on the line…On the same day Gail Schroder’s faced with losing her Amish family ranch, her old crush Levi Wyse shows up on - [Christmas in July Reader Giveaway: Dangerous Christmas Memories](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/07/10/christmas-in-july-reader-giveaway-dangerous-christmas-memories/) - Happy Christmas in July! Welcome to the first blog in this Christmas in July Reader Giveaway, which runs July 12-23, 2021. At the bottom of each author’s blog post, you will find the secret words. Write them all down and provide the provide the entire answer on this Google form. See below for a list - [July 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/07/14/july-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website General Contemporary: Rocky Mountain Restoration by Lisa J. Flickinger -- Josephine Thorebourne doesn’t deserve happiness. Not after the mess she’s made. Mid-voyage, on the steamship Jameson, she learns of the tragic loss of her family’s money. Money she stole with - [Getting to Know Tanya Stowe](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/08/25/getting-to-know-tanya-stowe/) - Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author who fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a train down a mountain or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary. - [Getting to Know Darlene L. Turner](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/07/28/getting-to-know-darlene-l-turner/) - Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and best-selling author from Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. Why did you - [Getting to Know Laura Scott](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/06/23/getting-to-know-laura-scott/) - Laura Scott is a RN by day and an author by night. She has written over 70 books and has more ideas than time to write! Laura lives in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin with her husband of 36 years and helps take care of her grandpuppy, a red fox English lab retriever named Otis Why did you - [June 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/06/09/june-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Chance for the Newcomer by Lisa Carter -- She’s stirring things up…A big-city chef. A small-town single dad. And matchmakers with marriage in mind… Chef Kara Lockwood didn’t think changing a small-town diner’s menu would cause a - [Getting to Know Kimberly Rose Johnson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/05/25/getting-to-know-kimberly-rose-johnson-plus-an-ebook-giveaway/) - Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? Kimberly: I started writing romantic suspense because I love the genre. It’s so much fun! What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Kimberly: For me the hardest part is - [May 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/05/12/may-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Amish Romance: The Jam and Jelly Nook by Amy Clipston -- In the final installment of Amy Clipston's bestselling Amish Marketplace series, a young widow struggling to raise her son dreams of one more chance at love. Over time Emory - [April 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/04/14/april-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter -- It’s finally time for Sophie Lawson to follow her own pursuits. Brother Seth has a new job, and sister Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. - [March 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/03/10/march-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Biblical: Miriam’s Song by Jill Eileen Smith -- In her eventful lifetime, Miriam was many things to many people: protective older sister, song leader, prophetess, leper. But between the highs and the lows, she was a girl who dreamed of - [February 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/02/10/february-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Historical Romance: The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron -- From fashion to desperation and haute couture to the perils of humanity, The Paris Dressmaker weaves a story of two worlds colliding years apart—where satin and lace stand between life and - [January 2021 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2021/01/13/january-2021-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary: A Future for His Twins by Susanne Dietze -- Will these children get their greatest wish? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson -- When she’s suddenly injured with not a - [2020 Christmas Scavenger Hunt Round-Robin: Mistletoe & Murder](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/12/05/2020-christmas-scavenger-hunt-round-robin-mistletoe-murder/) - Merry Christmas! Welcome to the next blog in this Christmas Round-Robin! At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer at this Google Form. Note: You must answer the questions for every author in the round -robin - [December 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/12/09/december-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Prayer Quilt Christmas by Nancy J. Farrier -- Meg’s ex-husband took her boys away for the holidays, and she’s lost her heart to celebrate, but Wade is determined to make this Christmas special for her. (Contemporary Romance, - [A Conversation With Donna Schlachter](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/04/04/a-conversation-with-donna-schlachter-3/) - Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, writing historical suspense. She is a member of ACFW & Sisters In Crime; teaches writing classes & courses; is a ghostwriter & editor, & judges in writing contests. She loves history & research, & is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management. What’s the hardest part of - [Missing Deposits – The Story Behind the Characters](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/12/18/missing-deposits-the-story-behind-the-characters-with-giveaway/) - Guest post by Leeann Betts Readers—and writers, too, for that matter—often ask me where I get characters for my stories. In Missing Deposits, I had a couple of friends I wanted to include without actually including them, if that makes sense. The couple who hosts Carly and Mike on their working vacation are named after - [November 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/11/11/november-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Snowbound in Winterberry Falls by Ann Brodeur -- Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into - [Illusion of Love Excerpt](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/10/23/illusion-of-love-excerpt/) - [October 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/10/14/october-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Children’s: The Firefly Warriors by Susan Count -- They chase a light and then it chases them. (Children’s from Hastings Creations Group) Harvey, the Traveling Harmonica by Becky Van Vleet -- Meet Harvey, a little harmonica that likes to travel. - [September 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/09/09/september-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Until I Met You by Tari Faris -- Libby Kingsley dreams of a new life and a new library for the charming small town of Heritage, MI. Things get complicated when her big ideas threaten Austin Williams' blueprints - [Mistletoe & Murder Excerpt](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/08/24/mistletoe-murder-excerpt/) - Here's an audio excerpt from Mistletoe & Murder. - [Dangerous Christmas Memories audio excerpt.](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/08/03/dangerous-christmas-memories-audio-excerpt/) - [August 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/08/12/august-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: The Price of Dreams by Toni Shiloh -- Ballet has always been my life, but one terrible moment may have destroyed everything I’ve worked so hard for—especially my title of Octavia Ricci, principal ballerina. I thought for sure - [Coffee and Chocolate Power Tanya Eavenson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/10/03/coffee-and-chocolate-power-tanya-eavenson/) - Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate and reading a good book. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Tanya: I think the hardest part is writing the - [Find Out Amy R Anguish’s Writing Essential](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/10/17/find-out-amy-r-anguishs-writing-essential/) - Amy grew up a preacher's kid, and has lived in seven southern states. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband and children. Amy graduated from Freed-Hardeman University and intends to glorify God by writing stories that show while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good. What is your favorite spot - [Which Character Did Anne Baxter Campbell Regret Killing?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/10/24/a-conversation-with-anne-baxter-campbell/) - Anne Baxter Campbell is a multi-published author of Christian books which contain abundant romance in the pages of historical conundrums. She’s a mom and grandma active in church and community as well as a writer of blogs and books. Have you ever regretted killing off a character? Why? Anne: Yes. Loukas (the one I figured - [Where Does Virginia Vaughn Find Her Inspiration?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/11/07/where-does-virginia-vaughn-find-her-inspiration/) - Author Virginia Vaughan was a lover of books from a young age, devouring tales of romance, danger and love. She soon started writing them herself. Her current release, Deadly Christmas Duty, is her ninth book for Love Inspired Suspense and the second in her Covert Operatives series. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? - [What Was Ada Belle Brownell’s Dream Job?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/11/21/what-was-ada-belle-brownells-dream-job/) - Ada Belle Brownell is the author of nine books. She loves inspirational historical suspense. When she plots, it’s all about putting challenges and disaster into the lives of fictional characters, and it sometimes hurts her as well. She wept three times over one section of Love’s Delicate Blossom. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic - [Where Linda Shenton Matchett Gets Her Best Ideas](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/11/28/where-linda-shenton-matchett-gets-her-best-ideas/) - Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Md., she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. When do you find time to write? Linda: I’m a very - [How Carole Brown Picks Her Book Settings](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/12/05/how-carole-brown-picks-her-book-settings/) - A member of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of 10 books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books. She and her husband reside in Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Carole: Keeping instances in - [Why You Might Want to Stay Away From Pies Baked by Mary Ball](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/12/19/why-you-might-want-to-stay-away-from-pies-baked-by-mary-ball/) - Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. She lives in North Carolina and enjoys fishing and ministering in song with her hubby at various functions. Her books are about small-town romance, suspense and mystery influenced by the grace of Jesus Christ. What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels? - [The Editing Process of Sharon K. Connell](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/01/16/the-editing-process-of-sharon-k-connell/) - Sharon K. Connell has visited 44 states and has also traveled to Canada and Mexico. Her novels reflect experiences she’s had during that time. Her genre, Christian romantic suspense, sometimes has a little mystery, but always humor. She also writes short stories in other genres. - [July 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/07/08/july-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: How Sweet It Is by Robin Lee Hatcher -- A businessman trying to reconnect with his brother returns to his hometown and rents the apartment where his great-great-grandparents lived during the late 1920s. He never suspects his attractive - [June 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/06/10/june-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Forever Home by Amy Grochowski -- A Canadian Amish farmer proposes a convenient marriage to a Lancaster Amish businesswoman so they can join a new community welcoming married couples only. They are both surprised when a Prince Edward - [May 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/05/13/may-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Children’s: The Edge of Everywhen by A.S. Mackey -- Begin with an ancient, mysterious, self-aware book. Add two heartbroken children, reeling from the loss of their mother. Mix in a cantankerous aunt, dreams that see the future, and a father - [April 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/04/15/april-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: Claiming Canaan: Milcah's Journey by Barbara M. Britton -- When the tribal elders make marriage a requirement for claiming her land, Milcah bat Zelophehad must find a betrothed straightaway. The only problem in finding a husband is that all - [March 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/03/04/march-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Love & Liberty by Elsie Davis -- A New Hampshire firefighter and an Audubon Society member go head to head when his work involving controlled forest fires threatens a rumored eagle nest. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Promise Press) - [February 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/02/05/february-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Hands of Grace by Brenda S. Anderson -- She's always looked for love in the wrong places. He wants nothing to do with love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Desert Willow by Patricia Beal -- A stubborn - [January 2020 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2020/01/08/january-2020-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount -- After learning his ex-wife isn’t so ex after all, rebel turned rancher Dan Whitlock is determined to prove he’s a changed man…but Bailey Quinn is just as set on finally - [Christmas Scavenger Hunt Round-Robin: Mistletoe & Murder](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/12/09/christmas-scavenger-hunt-round-robin-mistletoe-murder/) - Merry Christmas! Welcome to the next blog in this Christmas Round-Robin! At each author’s blog post, you will find a question that can be answered by checking out the free Amazon preview of their book. Provide the answer on this Google Form. Note: You must answer the questions for every author in the round -robin - [December 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/12/04/december-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - December 2019 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Stranded for the Holidays by Lisa Carter -- Running away led her right where she belonged. A new mom for Christmas? She’s everything they’ve wished for. Runaway bride AnnaBeth Cummings needs shelter for the - [November 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/11/13/november-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Royally Yours by Betsy St. Amant, Ashley Clark, Liz Johnson, and Melissa Tagg -- Tinsel, Vermont is known for its no-paparazzi policy and Christmas decorations that are fit for a queen. This holiday season, join four - [A One-Pot Meal Inspired by Dangerous Christmas Memories](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/11/12/a-one-pot-meal-inspired-by-dangerous-christmas-memories/) - What meal would you whip up in a cabin with only some canned and boxed goods? In Dangerous Christmas Memories, Luc has to come up with something tasty from some cans of black beans, mixed veggies, barbeque sauce packets, and elbow macaroni. Priscilla and Luc find the results quite tasty—even the bad guy has a - [Why Christmas is Mary Vee’s Favorite Holiday](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/10/16/why-christmas-is-mary-vees-favorite-holiday/) - Christmas is Mary Vee’s favorite holiday. What better time to set a mystery or a suspense story! She loves to travel to exciting places like New York City, Paris, the Iditarod trail and much more. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king. What is your favorite spot for - [Murder, Mayhem and Lillian Duncan](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/10/02/murder-mayhem-and-lillian-duncan/) - Lillian writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced romantic suspense and mystery that demonstrates God’s love for us. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word. Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Lillian: - [October 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/10/09/october-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical Fiction: Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton -- To keep her orphaned sisters together, Mahlah must seek what has never been granted to girls, an inheritance of God’s Promised Land. (Biblical from Harbourlight Books [Pelican]) - [An RV Brings Inspiration to Tanya Stowe](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/09/25/an-rv-brings-inspiration-to-tanya-stowe/) - Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian Fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual… mysteries and exotic adventures, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you… on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger… be prepared for the extraordinary. Why do you - [September 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/09/11/september-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Reunited in the Rockies by Mindy Obenhaus -- For widow Kayla Bradshaw, restoring a historic Colorado hotel means a better life for her and her soon-to-arrive baby. But she needs construction help from Jude Stephens, the love - [Chocolate and Coffee Keep Tanya Eavenson Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/09/04/chocolate-and-coffee-keep-tanya-eavenson-writing/) - Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate and reading a good book. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Tanya: I think the hardest part is writing the - [August 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/08/08/august-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: The Butterfly Recluse by Therese Heckenkamp -- Lila finds solace in her sheltered world by raising butterflies and surrounding herself with their gentle beauty. They’re all she needs—until a motorcycle-riding stranger roars up her driveway, invading - [July 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/07/10/july-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Hometown Hope by Laurel Blount -- In the three years since her mother’s death, widower Hoyt Bradley’s daughter, Jess, hasn’t spoken—until she suddenly begs him to save her favorite bookstore from closing. Hoyt is desperate to - [A Mom to Many](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/11/20/a-mom-to-many/) - by Sarah Hamaker Sometimes, you don’t know how blessed you are until you view your situation through someone else’s eyes. For kids, we often don’t take a look at who our parents are until we’re parents ourselves or have grown up enough to have perspective on our childhoods and the people who raised us. For - [Birthing a Baby—and a Book](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/10/23/birthing-a-baby-and-a-book/) - by Sarah Hamaker Writing and publishing a book is often compared to giving birth. In my case, my first book and my fourth baby had the same birthday. Like many books, mine started with a germ of an idea about helping women decide on a work-from-home business or at-home employment. I wrote up a proposal - [A Full House](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/09/18/a-full-house/) - By Sarah Hamaker Like most families, mine is, well, a bit unusual. True, I have a father and a mother, who have been married for more than fifty years. But I have had more than forty siblings. When I was child, I had two sisters and a brother who were many years older than me—fifteen, - [A Tree Fell Through It](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/08/28/a-tree-fell-through-it/) - By Sarah Hamaker Brushing my teeth, I heard the scratching of what sounded like branches tickling the roof. I paused, wondering what it could be, given that no trees were close to our house. I attributed the sound to a stray branch that must have been flung up on our roof from Hurricane Isabel, which - [Part Four of A Roadside Confession (The Conclusion)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/08/07/part-four-of-a-roadside-confession-the-conclusion/) - The words punctured my mom like a pin deflating a balloon. Her shoulders slumped, and she suddenly looked every inch of her nearly six decades. “Emily,” Mom’s voice broke on a harsh sob. “Oh, my darling daughter. No, it wasn’t worth it. Not at all. I didn’t read the Bible. I merely thought if I - [Part Three of A Roadside Confession](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/07/31/part-three-of-a-roadside-confession/) - My hand flew to my throat. I could nearly hear the squeal of breaks, the screams of passengers, and the crunch of metal at the collision. Her voice dropped even lower. “The man next to me was covered in blood. Clearly, he was gravely injured, probably dying. But he focused not on himself, but on - [Part Two of A Roadside Confession](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/07/24/part-two-of-a-roadside-confession/) - I eyed the desolate landscape, then looked at my mother, who I’d never seen shed a tear. “What are you talking about?” “How do I even begin? I know I’ve not been a good mother to you. And part of the reason has to do with that cross.” Her voice steadied as she told me - [A Roadside Confession](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/07/17/a-roadside-confession/) - by Sarah Hamaker This is part one of a short story I wrote a few years ago. Enjoy! It’s always startling to find out your mother has a secret, especially when it’s not an ordinary, run-of-the-mill secret, but an I’ve-never-told-a-living-soul secret. My mother, Norma Jane Brookings, began unburdening this secret with a simple phone call. - [How Does Deb Brammer Title Her Books?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/06/19/how-does-deb-brammer-title-her-books/) - For more than 40 years, Deb Brammer has written for Christian publication and served as a full-time missionary in Taiwan and New Zealand. In her books, you’ll find realistic characters who deal with cross-cultural experiences and care about ministry. Her most recent series is the Art Spotlight Mysteries. How do you come up with titles - [Joe A. Bowden Uses Chemistry for Murder](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/07/03/joe-a-bowden-uses-chemistry-for-murder/) - Joe A. Bowden Ph.D. a former biochemistry professor, technical writer, a member of the SCBWI and ACFW. He is published in both secular and Christian fields, and has taught at national and regional writer’s conferences. An Eagle Scout born and raised in Dolores, Colorado, Joe currently lives in Corvallis, Montana. Why did you start writing - [June 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/06/12/june-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - June 2019 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: The Art of Rivers by Janet Ferguson -- Can a woman whose life has been damaged by addiction trust her heart to a man in recovery? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Cross My Heart by - [Donna Fletcher Crow’s Suspense With a Historical Twist](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/06/05/donna-fletcher-crows-suspense-with-a-historical-twist/) - Donna Fletcher Crow’s novels of romance, mystery and history include three crime series: Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime; The Elizabeth and Richard literary suspense series; and The Monastery Murders. Donna and her husband live in Boise, Idaho. They have four adult children and 14 grandchildren. She is an enthusiastic gardener. Why did you start writing - [What’s the Weirdest Way Julie B Cosgrove Killed a Character?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/05/15/whats-the-weirdest-way-julie-b-cosgrove-killed-a-character/) - An award-winning novelist, Julie B Cosgrove is a digital missionary for The Life Project, as well as the editor and recruiter of other writers for the organization’s websites. Julie also lectures to women’s and writers’ groups. Her blog, Where Did You Find God Today?, has readers around the world. When do you find time to - [May 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/05/08/may-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: When Love Won't Wait by Roger E. Bruner -- Laugh at Pastor Dan’s impulsive efforts to get out of the ministry and marry a woman of his own choosing by going against his domineering widowed mother’s - [Good Guys Always Win in Gina Holder’s Books](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/04/17/good-guys-always-win-in-gina-holders-books/) - In August 2017, Gina published her first novel, Whither Shall I Go. She currently lives in Kentucky with her husband and daughter, but they will be moving to Colorado in May. When she’s not working on writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, singing, cooking, and playing the piano and organ. Why did you start writing - [April 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/04/10/april-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - April 2019 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Children's: The Heart Changer by Jarm Del Boccio -- Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces - [Nike N. Chillemi’s “Killing” Regrets](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/04/03/nike-n-chillemis-killing-regrets/) - Nike N. Chillemi writes contemporary detective novels, sometimes called cozy thrillers with a touch of wry humor and an uplifting message There's often a national security twist to them. She likes her bad guys really bad, and her good guys smarter and better. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? Nike: I love a - [Linda Shenton Matchett on Historical Accuracy](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/03/27/linda-shenton-matchett-on-historical-accuracy/) - Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? - [How Sara L. Foust Squeezes in Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/03/20/how-sara-l-foust-squeezes-in-writing/) - Sara L. Foust is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from the beauty of East Tennessee, where she lives with her five homeschooled children. To learn more about her, please visit www.saralfoust.com. When do you find time to write? Sara: It is hard! I have five homeschooled children, I work from home as - [March 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/03/13/march-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Children's: The Case of the Missing Firehouse Dog by Daphne Self -- Majesty, the firehouse dog, is missing. Willie and Jax are on the case to discover who is the dognapping culprit. Could it be their neighbor, Mr. Applebee? Or - [Find Out David L. Winters’s Childhood Dream](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/05/29/find-out-david-l-winterss-childhood-dream/) - Author, speaker and humorist David L. Winters lives in the Washington, D.C., suburbs with a love bird named Birdie. After stints with Navy and Homeland Security, he retired in 2016 to write full time. His four books include the award-willing Sabbatical of the Mind: The Journey from Anxiety to Peace. How do you connect with - [How a True Story Inspired Gail Sattler’s Latest Book](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/01/30/how-a-true-story-inspired-gail-sattlers-latest-book/) - Gail Sattler lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, where you don't have to shovel rain. When she's not writing, she plays bass for an Elton John tribute band and a jazz band, and piano for a smaller band. Other times, Gail likes to read with a cup of coffee. - [The Plot Inspiration of Mike Garrett](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/02/06/the-plot-inspiration-of-mike-garrett/) - Mike Garrett is a devout Christian, internationally respected book editor, and published author. His secular novel, Keeper, was optioned for a movie. Innocence Denied is his first Christian novel. He lives in Alabama with his wife Sharon, a dachshund (Heidi), and a stray cat now seventeen years old (Mia). - [How Terri Reed Experiences What Her Characters Do](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/02/06/how-terri-reed-experiences-what-her-characters-do/) - Terri Reed’s novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top twenty-five, Nielsen’s Bookscan top hundred, Amazon Bestseller and featured in USA Today. Her books have been finalists in Romance Writers of America RITA contest, National Readers’ Choice Award and three-time finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writers The Carol Award contest. - [February 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/02/13/february-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Amish Romance: Convenient Amish Proposal by Jan Drexler -- When Bethany Zook's childhood friend returns to Indiana Amish country a widower, with an adorable little girl in tow, she's willing to aid him in any way. But there's just one - [How June Foster Fell Into Writing Romantic Suspense](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/02/28/how-june-foster-fell-into-writing-romantic-suspense/) - An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and an MA in counseling. June enjoys writing stories about characters who overcome the circumstances in their lives by the power of God and His Word. Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels?June: Strangely enough, when I wrote my first - [Writing: Still Alive and Well in the Next Generation](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/01/23/writing-still-alive-and-well-in-the-next-generation/) - Have you heard the news about the death of words? Every few weeks or so, a story pops up in my Facebook feed about how people aren’t reading like they used to, how texting is obliterating writing, and how the Generation Z will kill off books. But I don’t believe them, and you shouldn’t either. - [January 2019 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2019/01/09/january-2019-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Amish Romance: Seasons of an Amish Garden by Amy Clipston -- Enjoy a year of beautiful seasons in this new story collection, as young Amish couples manage a community garden and harvest friendships and love along the way. (Amish Romance - [December 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/12/12/december-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Amish Romance: The Amish Sweet Shop by Laura Bradford, Mary Ellis, and Emma Miller -- It's almost Valentine's Day at Beechy's Sweets, where the Amish gifts of love and faith are even sweeter than the home-made candy. In The Sweetest - [November 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/11/14/november-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Christmas in Jingle Junction by Tabitha Bouldin -- In the small town of Jingle Junction, Holly Winters owns the local coffee shop, Jolly Java. It's here that she meets Patrick Cooper and promptly throws coffee everywhere. Not only - [Resolving Tension](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/10/31/resolving-tension/) - This post originally ran on the ACFW blog in June 2018. As writers, we work with tension all the time—without tension, our stories would sag and our heroes and heroines would have very boring relationships. But this blog is about the tension we experience between what we want to work on and what we have - [October 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/10/10/october-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Christmas to Remember by Julie Arduini, Valerie Comer, Janet W. Ferguson, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Deb Kastner, Elizabeth Maddrey, Lindi Peterson, and Ginger Solomon -- Eight authors from the popular blog Inspy Romance each share a Christmas-themed novella - [A Conversation with Rachel J. Good](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/09/26/a-conversation-with-rachel-j-good/) - Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging stories of faith, hope and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Penn., the setting for her novels. Striving for authenticity, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events. When do you find time - [A Conversation with JoAnn Durgin](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/09/19/a-conversation-with-joann-durgin/) - JoAnn Durgin is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the bestselling Lewis Legacy Series. She was voted as one of the “35 Essential Christian Romance Authors” by readers of Family Fiction magazine in 2018. A former estate administration paralegal, JoAnn lives with her family in southern Indiana. When do you - [A Conversation With Stephanie Prichard](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/09/05/a-conversation-with-stephanie-prichard/) - Stephanie is an army brat who lived in many countries around the world and loved it. She authored humorous online devotionals and grammar articles for several years, and co-authored two novels with her Marine Corps husband, Don. They raised their three children in Indianapolis, and now enjoy 12 grandchildren. What did you want to be - [September 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/09/12/september-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Baby for the Minister by Laurel Blount -- Jilted at the altar, Natalie Davis has no one she can turn to—until Jacob Stone steps in. The single minister’s drawn to the beautiful mommy-to-be and wants to - [A Conversation With Angela Ruth Strong](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/08/22/a-conversation-with-angela-ruth-strong/) - Angela lives in Idaho with her hubby and teenagers. Her books have won both Idaho Top Author and the Cascade Award, and she's had her novels selected as TOP PICK for Romantic Times. She also started IDAhope Writers to encourage other aspiring authors along their journey. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Angela: - [August 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/08/08/august-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Out of Their Element by Angela Breidenbach, Robin Lee Hatcher, Vickie McDonough, and Deborah Raney -- They are totally out of their element! Four mismatched couples find unexpected romance. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) The Redemption Road by - [A Conversation With Gayla K. Hiss](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/08/01/a-conversation-with-gayla-k-hiss-2/) - Gayla’s inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, suspense, and adventure. She and her husband often tour the country in their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest. What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? - [A Conversation With Kimberly Rose Johnson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/08/15/a-conversation-with-kimberly-rose-johnson/) - Faith Hope and Love Reader's Choice Finalist, Kimberly Rose Johnson, lives in the Pacific Northwest. Since childhood Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul. When do you find time - [July 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/07/11/july-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: A Widow’s Hope by Vannetta Chapman -- After tragedy claimed her husband’s life and her son’s ability to walk, Hannah King doesn’t want a new man. She has her family, a home and mounting debts. Scarred Amish - [A Conversation with David L. Winters](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/07/25/a-conversation-with-david-l-winters/) - After retiring from Department of Homeland Security, David became a full-time author/speaker/humorist. He writes suspense and nonfiction. Before his next fiction release, Taking God to Work: Keys to Lasting Success will bow in September 2018. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? David: Dealing with the expectations of some female readers. They imagine guys - [A Conversation With Sharee Stover](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/06/27/a-conversation-with-sharee-stover/) - Colorado native Sharee Stover lives in Nebraska with her husband, three children and two dogs. Her Christian romantic suspense stories combine heart-racing, nail-biting suspense with the delight of falling in love. When she isn’t writing, Sharee enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her obnoxiously lovable German Shepherd. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic - [A Conversation With Leeann Betts](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/07/18/a-conversation-with-leeann-betts-2/) - Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. Leeann has released eight titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with A Deadly Dissolution as the most recent. She publishes a free quarterly newsletter; subscribe at www.LeeannBetts.com or follow Leeann at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com. How do you connect with your - [June 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/06/13/june-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: The Sleuth’s Miscalculation by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Librarian Nancy Daley loves a good mystery and enjoys moonlighting as a consultant for the sheriff’s department. When license plates go missing in Tipton County, she’s on the case. But - [May 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/05/09/may-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Children’s: Feebs to the Rescue by Kathy J. Perry -- Feebs the kitten is new to the farm. She’s a long way from the farmhouse and doesn’t know her way home in the dark. Her new friend, Ollie the - [A Conversation With Gail Kittleson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/05/16/a-conversation-with-gail-kittleson/) - When Gail Kittleson’s not researching World War II, drafting scenes or editing, she facilitates writing workshops and retreats in Iowa and Arizona, where winters find her enjoying the gorgeous Mogollon Rim Ponderosa forest. Favorites: grandchildren, exploring WWII sites with her husband, walking, reading, meeting new people, and hearing from readers. What’s the hardest part of - [A Conversation With Brenda B. Taylor](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/05/02/a-conversation-with-brenda-b-taylor/) - Brenda B. Taylor writes sweet historical romance connecting readers of today with events in history, and telling stories about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. She most enjoys writing stories set in post-Civil War Missouri and 16th century Scotland. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Brenda: The hardest part of writing romantic suspense - [A Conversation With JP Robinson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/04/18/a-conversation-with-jp-robinson/) - JP Robinson began writing as a teen for the Times Beacon Records in New York. He holds a degree in English and is a teacher of French history. JP is known for creating vivid, high-adrenaline plots laced with unexpected twists. JP Robinson writes to ignite faith in a living God. When do you find time - [April 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/04/11/april-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Pelican Point by Irene Hannon -- After inheriting a crumbling lighthouse, ex-Army doctor Ben Garrison wants to sell it. But Hope Harbor Herald editor Marci Weber is determined to save the town landmark. Can these two romance-wary - [A Conversation With Carrie Daws](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/06/20/a-conversation-with-carrie-daws/) - God rewrote Carrie’s dreams to include being an author. With a background in weekly devotions, a mentor and several friends encouraged her to try fiction. The writing monster that she now barely keeps contained was born. Since then, she’s completed several books including her new romantic suspense, the Embers series. What is your favorite spot - [A Conversation With Joanie Bruce](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/06/06/a-conversation-with-joanie-bruce/) - As an avid reader, Joanie welcomed the transition from reading to writing and considers it a wonderful way to honor the Lord. She has four published Christian suspense novels, and enjoys writing from her home in the country. She also enjoys painting portraits and taking long walks on the farm. What’s the hardest part of - [A Conversation With Cynthia L. Simmons](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/05/30/a-conversation-with-cynthia-l-simmons/) - Cynthia L. Simmons is an author, speaker, and mother of five. She hosts Heart of the Matter Radio weekly and encourages women to seek God’s wisdom. Combining history and scripture, she ministers to women of all ages, but has a special place in her heart for homeschool mothers. When do you find time to write? - [A Conversation With H.L. Wegley](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/28/a-conversation-with-h-l-wegley-2/) - H.L. Wegley is an award-winning author of inspirational thrillers and romantic suspense. He’s worked as an USAF intelligence analyst and a weather officer, and a research scientist, and developed computing systems for Boeing. He and his wife retired near Seattle where they enjoy small-group ministry, grandchildren, and Washington beaches. How do you research ways to - [A Conversation With James L. Rubart](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/21/a-conversation-with-james-l-rubart/) - James L. Rubart is 28 years old but trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the bestselling, Christy Book of the Year, Carol, and RT Book Reviews award-winning author of nine novels, and co-owns The Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife in eastern Washington. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? James: - [A Conversation With Davalynn Spencer](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/07/a-conversation-with-davalynn-spencer/) - Davalynn Spencer writes heart-tugging, cowboy romance set along the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. She is the wife and mother of professional rodeo bullfighters and an award-winning rodeo journalist and former crime-beat reporter who caters to Blue the Cowdog and mouse detectors Annie and Oakley. Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? - [March 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/14/march-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Finally a Bride by Renee Andrews -- Her dreams of love haven’t worked out, but veterinarian Haley Calhoun intends to grant an orphaned boy’s wish. She’ll heal Eli’s injured puppy—while resisting his charming counselor, Gavin Thomason, at - [A Conversation With Sherri Stewart](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/28/a-conversation-with-sherri-stewart/) - An unexpected turn of family events led Sherri to open her laptop and write fiction. As a former attorney, principal, teacher, and flight attendant, she draws on personal experiences for her romantic suspense books. Sherri is a freelance editor and lives with her family near Orlando, Fla. How do you connect with your characters? Sherri: - [When Is It Finished?](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/05/23/when-is-it-finished/) - One of the most challenging aspects of writing is knowing when to put down the pen—or, in our modern world, lift the fingers off the keyboard—and declare the article, blog or book finished. No matter what you’re working on, there will always seem like there’s room for improvement. But if you keep refining and revising - [A Conversation With Patrick E. Craig](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/21/a-conversation-with-patrick-e-craig/) - Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who published his Apple Creek Dreams series through Harvest House Publishers in 2011. His current series, The Paradise Chronicles, includes The Amish Heiress and The Amish Princess, with The Mennonite Queen coming soon. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency. What’s the hardest part of - [A Conversation With Gail Pallotta](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/06/a-conversation-with-gail-pallotta-2/) - Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. She’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association, a Grace Awards Finalist and a Reader’s Favorite 2017 Book Award winner. Where do you get inspiration for your - [February 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/14/february-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: A Passionate Hope, Hannah's Story by Jill Eileen Smith -- Hannah has spent her life trusting God, loving her husband, putting up with abuse from a second wife and still she has no child--until one day she discovers the - [A Conversation With Tanya Stowe](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/31/a-conversation-with-tanya-stowe/) - Tanya Stowe is an author of Christian fiction with an unexpected edge. She fills her stories with the unusual, such as mysteries, adventures and even murder. No matter where Tanya takes you—on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey filled with danger—be prepared for the extraordinary. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic - [January 2018 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/10/january-2018-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Her Handyman Hero by Lorraine Beatty -- Reid Blackthorn arrives in Dover on a personal mission—to make sure his terminally ill brother gets a chance to meet his daughter. Deceiving little Lily’s guardian isn’t his intention. Yet once - [A Conversation With Carole Brown](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/03/a-conversation-with-carole-brown/) - An author of 10 books, Carole Brown loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy. She and her husband reside in Ohio, but have ministered nationally and internationally. They enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food and the simple life. What’s the hardest part of - [When a Writer Loses Her Way](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/24/when-a-writer-loses-her-way/) - A few weeks ago, my agent emailed me with the news that another publisher rejected one of my manuscripts. It was a nice rejection (the book “had a lot to recommend”), but a rejection all the same. I took the rejection hard. It hurt. A lot. Maybe because it was right before Christmas. Maybe because - [A Conversation With Lee Carver](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/17/a-conversation-with-lee-carver/) - During her husband’s international career, Lee lived and reared their children in Greece, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil and Spain. Her visits to 49 countries became material in her novels. The Carvers were volunteer missionaries in the Brazilian Amazon for six years, the hardest and best years of their lives. What’s the hardest part of - [December 2017 Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/04/december-2017-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - December 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary: Rebecca's Redemption by Lee Carver -- A nurse seeking redemption for past sins joins a doctor contending against the jungle. Both healers need healing. (Contemporary, Independently Published) Contemporary Romance: The Christmas Baby by Lisa Carter - [A Conversation With Leann Betts](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/20/a-conversation-with-leann-betts/) - Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. She has released six titles in her cozy mystery series, By the Numbers, with Petty Cash releasing in December. In addition, Leeann just released her first Christmas-themed romantic suspense, In Search of Christmas Past. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic - [November 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/08/november-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - November 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Rooted in Love by Valerie Comer -- A divorcé with a set of rambunctious twins falls for the boys’ daycare administrator, but does he deserve another chance at love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Prescription - [A Conversation With Cathe Swanson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/15/a-conversation-with-cathe-swanson/) - Cathe Swanson lives in Wisconsin, where the long winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with creative plots and eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Cathe: - [A Conversation With Kathy Harris](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/01/a-conversation-with-kathy-harris/) - About 10 years ago, Kathy Harris returned to her childhood love of writing by way of a “divine detour” into the Nashville entertainment business. She is published in women’s fiction, and now writes romantic suspense. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Kathy: When I first made the switch from women’s fiction to romantic - [A Conversation With Elle E. Kay](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/29/a-conversation-with-elle-e-kay/) - Elle E. Kay lives on a farmette in the Back Mountain region of Pennsylvania. She is a born-again Bible believing Christian. Her website is updated with the latest information about her upcoming books. She also has a blog, where she writes mostly devotional posts based on traditional hymns. When do you find time to write? - [Stepping Stones to Suspense: A Conversation With Lynne Tagawa](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/06/stepping-stones-to-suspense-a-conversation-with-lynne-tagawa/) - Lynne Tagawa is married with four grown sons and three grandbabies. A biology teacher, she teaches part-time, writes and edits. She’s written a Texas history curriculum in narrative form, Sam Houston’s Republic, and has just published her debut novel, A Twisted Strand. Lynne lives with her husband in South Texas. When I was fourteen, I - [Case Concluded, Chapter 61, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/09/case-concluded-chapter-61-phantom-love/) - “Ahem.” Mary jumped and looked up from Jared’s arms. Will stood inside the doorjamb, his eyebrows raised and a smile on his face. Her face grew warm with embarrassment and she started to pull away from Jared, but he tightened his arms, hindering her escape. “I rang the doorbell. When no one answered, I walked - [Jared Proposes, Chapter 60, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/03/02/jared-proposes-chapter-60-phantom-love/) - Jared hummed as he crunched a path down the gravel driveway from the carriage apartment to Mary’s house. He checked his watch. Good, he had at least a half hour before Will was due for lunch. Time enough to finish their business before Will updated them on the case. He had spent the past three - [Jared Confesses His Love to Mary, Chapter 59, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/23/jared-confesses-his-love-to-mary-chapter-59-phantom-love/) - “Who?” Jared squeezed her hand. Mary bit her lip. “I think Wildcat might be my imposter of a father, Ed Divers.” “What made you think that?” “The name Wildcat.” She waved her hand in the air. “It was the memory device he taught me to remember our phone number. 945-3228. The numbers spell ‘Wildcat.’” Jared - [Mary Figures Out Wildcat's Identity, Chapter 58, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/16/mary-figures-out-wildcats-identity-chapter-58-phantom-love/) - “What are you saying?” Mary couldn’t believe that the couple she called her parents all these years never went to the mission field. Not when their infrequent letters had abundant references to their missionary endeavors. “But I have letters about their work there.” “They were not missionaries in Peru or any other place.” Jared spoke - [Mary Finds Out More About David, Chapter 57, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/09/mary-finds-out-more-about-david-chapter-57-phantom-love/) - “Have you told her you love her yet?” Will asked as he rocked in a chair on Mary’s front porch three days later. “I only ask so I know what not to say when she joins us later.” Jared sighed and stretched out on the wicker loveseat. “Not in so many words.” Will snorted. “Man, - [Jared Tells Mary Why He's There, Chapter 56, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/02/02/jared-tells-mary-why-hes-there-chapter-56-phantom-love/) - The very questions from Mary he had wanted to avoid now hung in the air. He met her eyes, knowing that only the truth would suffice. “Will asked me to help him with the case. I have not been spying on you, per se.” She clutched a pillow to her chest. “But you came here - [Jared Comforts Mary, Chapter 55, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/26/jared-comforts-mary-chapter-55-phantom-love/) - “David’s dead.” “How’s that possible?” Will’s voice carried through the phone and into the stillness of the kitchen. Jared glanced over his shoulder at Mary resting on the living room couch with a cool cloth over her eyes. He retreated further into the kitchen to muffle his reply. “Mary received a phone call on her - [Jared Learns of David's Death, Chapter 54, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/19/jared-learns-of-davids-death-chapter-54-phantom-love/) - Jared managed to catch Mary’s upper body before she hit the floor. But his left leg gave out from the added weight, and he dropped to his knees, holding her head and shoulders on his lap. He leaned over and snagged her cell phone to call 911, but a voice shouting from the phone halted - [Mary Gets Bad News, Chapter 53 continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/12/mary-gets-bad-news-chapter-53-continued-phantom-love/) - Mary wasn’t surprised when Jared knocked on her back door the next morning. She rinsed out her tea cup. David’s plane landed in five hours, and she had much to do before their wedding in two days. But the pain in Jared’s voice on the show last night had haunted her dreams. She needed to - [Jared Calls Mary's Radio Show, Chapter 53, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2018/01/05/jared-calls-marys-radio-show-chapter-53-phantom-love/) - Jared lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He had kept to himself after, concentrating on finishing up the yard work and tightening the sagging gutters on the front of the house. He had only caught glimpses of Mary in the house while he worked, but she hadn’t - [Mary Sells her Painting, Chapter 52, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/29/mary-sells-her-painting-chapter-52-phantom-love/) - “Up next, we have a wonderful Thomas Eakins painting,” the auctioneer boomed. “Eakins paintings rarely come on the market, and his portraitures are even rarer. This particular piece depicting a Philadelphia family was painted during the fall of 1893.” The bearded man made a sweeping gesture toward the painting, hidden from the audience with a - [Jared Uncovers More About David, Chapter 51, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/22/jared-uncovers-more-about-david-chapter-51-phantom-love/) - Jared slid into the booth and picked up the diner’s menu. He had rented a car last night and drove up to Fairfax this morning to meet Will and Steve Calahan, the tech guy. Jared crossed his fingers that Steve would have good news about David’s Soul Believers activity. “Ready to order?” The waitress chewed - [Jared Apologizes for Kissing Mary, Chapter 50, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/15/jared-apologizes-for-kissing-mary-chapter-50-phantom-love/) - A knock on the back door stopped Mary at the sink, her hands immersed in soapy water. She knew without turning around that it was Jared. Her lips tingled at the very thought of him, but she squashed that emotion. Her heart belonged to David. Another knock, firmer this time. She wiped her hands on - [Mary Discusses Wedding Plans With David, Chapter 49, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/08/mary-discusses-wedding-plans-with-david-chapter-49-phantom-love/) - David: How do I love you? Let me count the days until August 15 when we will be wed. Mary smiled. She could count on David to bring up her spirits. They had been chatting about their day when David burst out with his declaration. Mary: You are incorrigible:). David: What can I say? I’m - [Jared Confronts Mary, Chapter 48, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/01/jared-confronts-mary-chapter-48-phantom-love/) - “Nice to know I’m not the only night owl,” Mary said as she stepped back to allow Jared to come into the kitchen. The caller with the similar story had jangled her nerves, so she was glad Jared had stopped by, even it if was 2:30 a.m. She sometimes saw a light on late at - [Jared Realizes Mary is Layla, Chapter 47, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/24/jared-realizes-mary-is-layla-chapter-47-phantom-love/) - After coming back from Soul Believers, Jared had worked in the yard for a few hours. While his leg showed signs of improvement, it still ached from the bending and stretching of the day’s work hand-weeding the old flower gardens. At least the ibuprofen seemed to be working, so he could avoid taking Percocet. It - [Jared Makes Headway on the Case, Chapter 46, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/17/jared-makes-headway-on-the-case-chapter-46-phantom-love/) - Jared stared out of the Metro train’s window at the blackness outside. The train zoomed along the underground track to the Foggy Bottom station. His brain still hurt after trying to sort out all the misleading identities in Mary’s story of how her parents were only her second cousins, and her aunt had been her - [Jared Sees Mary in a Wedding Dress, Chapter 45, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/10/jared-sees-mary-in-a-wedding-dress-chapter-45-phantom-love/) - Mary hung up the phone. At least something was going right. The painting was an authentic Thomas Eakins. Mr. Sullivan had personally arranged for the auction house to schedule the painting in the August auction. After her panic attack earlier, doubts about her fitness as a wife, much less a missionary one, assailed her. Amy’s - [Mary Recovers From Her Faint, Chapter 44 continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/03/mary-recovers-from-her-faint-chapter-44-continued-phantom-love/) - Amy squeezed Mary’s hand. “I should have realized we had stayed too long.” The smelling salts waved under her nose by saleswoman along with the contrition in Amy’s voice jolted Mary back to consciousness. Another saleswoman handed her a glass of water, which relieved the parchness in her throat. Mary realized she was resting on - [NaNoWriMo Has Taken Over My Life](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/11/22/nanowrimo-has-taken-over-my-life/) - November has been National Novel Writing Month for a while now, and I've participated in the craziness of writing 50,000 words in a new novel between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. Yes, that's right, I commit to putting on paper (well, in a Word document), on average of 1,666 words a day for 30 days - [A Conversation With Deborah Piccurelli](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/12/27/a-conversation-with-deborah-piccurelli/) - Deborah Piccurelli enjoys reading and writing romantic books. She has authored three novels and writes a fiction column for Book Fun Magazine. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is an advocate for sanctity of life. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Why do you like writing - [A Conversation With Sara L. Foust](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/25/a-conversation-with-sara-l-foust/) - Sara L. Foust writes inspirational romantic suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee. Her debut novel, Callum’s Compass, won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer's Contest. She has a story appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. When do you find time to write? Sara: We have five - [A Conversation With Sherri Wilson Johnson](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/18/a-conversation-with-sherri-wilson-johnson/) - Sherri Wilson Johnson is a multi-published novelist, virtual assistant, self-publishing coach, and a Georgia peach to her core. She and her husband are empty-nesters, and her Chihuahua is her writing partner. She loves spending time with family and friends, reading, going to the beach, researching her family tree, and swimming. How do you pick the - [Mary Tries on Wedding Dresses, Chapter 44, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/27/mary-tries-on-wedding-dresses-chapter-44-phantom-love/) - “What about this one?” Mary plucked a white satin dress dripping with beads off the rack. Dress shopping with Amy had sounded like fun two hours ago, but this was only their first store and already her anxiety was kicking into high gear. The All Things Bride Warehouse housed hundreds of dresses squeezed onto racks. - [Jared Updates Will, Chapter 43, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/20/jared-updates-will-chapter-43-phantom-love/) - “Come in.” Jared stepped aside to allow Will to enter the apartment, then closed the door. “Thanks for coming over on such short notice.” Will sank onto the couch. “Your message was very cryptic. What’s up?” “Want a drink first?” “Do I need one? This isn’t sounding like something I want to hear.” Jared laughed. - [Jared Learns More About David, Chapter 42 continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/13/jared-learns-more-about-david-chapter-42-continued-phantom-love/) - Jared bolted awake. The Netflix streaming menu flickered on the television screen. He must have fallen asleep while watching the Maltese Falcon after he’d posted David’s picture on a few photography forums. He looked at his cell phone clock: 12:04. He’d heard nothing from Amy, so he assumed she had acted surprised when Mary told - [October 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/11/october-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - October 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner -- Becoming a Christian is the best and worst thing that has ever happened to Sarah Hollenbeck. Best because, well, that's obvious. Worst because, up - [Mary Breaks News of Her Engagement, Chapter 42, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/06/mary-breaks-news-of-her-engagement-chapter-42-phantom-love/) - “You’re what?” Mary grinned at Amy’s astonished expression. The two sat at the kitchen table with baked brie and French bread on a plate before them. Steaks sizzling in the broiler filled the kitchen with the smell of a summer grilling party. She had invited Amy to dinner so she could break her news in - [A Conversation With Gayla K. Hiss](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/10/04/a-conversation-with-gayla-k-hiss/) - Gayla’s inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, suspense and adventure. She and her husband often tour the country in their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest. What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your - [September 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/13/september-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - September 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Planting Hope by Brenda S. Anderson -- Jess Beaumont is trying to get her separated parents together again by restoring the family cabin gardens that helped them fall in love. Luke Harrison inherited his - [A Conversation With Denise Weimer](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/30/a-conversation-with-denise-weimer/) - Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, she is a substantive editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas as well as the author of The Georgia Gold Series, The Restoration Trilogy and a number of romantic novellas due for release in upcoming months. How - [A Conversation With Susan Page Davis](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/06/a-conversation-with-susan-page-davis/) - Susan Page Davis is the author of more than seventy published novels. She’s the winner of two Inspirational Readers’ Choice Awards and two Will Rogers Medallions, and also a winner of the Carol Award and a finalist in the WILLA Literary Awards. When do you find time to write? Susan: Writing is pretty much a - [A Conversation With Hope Toler Dougherty](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/27/a-conversation-with-hope-toler-dougherty/) - Hope holds a Master’s degree and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish Encounter and Mars…With Venus Rising. A member of ACFW, RWA, SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons. How do you connect with - [A Conversation With Gail Pallotta](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/20/a-conversation-with-gail-pallotta/) - Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with friends and family. Gail’s a former regional writer of the year for American Christian Writers Association and a 2013 Grace Awards finalist. She’s published books, poems, short stories and articles. How do you connect with - [A Conversation With Dawn V. Cahill](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/02/a-conversation-with-dawn-v-cahill/) - Author Dawn V. Cahill pens “stories of victorious faith for the 21st century,” nearly always with a crossword puzzle, sudoku or dark chocolate nearby. She has written newspaper articles, three Christian contemporary novels and more limericks than she can count. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. How do you pick the location/setting of - [A Conversation With Donna Schlachter](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/16/a-conversation-with-donna-schlachter-2/) - Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. Donna is proud to be represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Donna: The hardest - [August 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/09/august-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - August 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Action/Adventure: Imperfect Lies by Elizabeth Noyes -- When another woman emerges from the past to claim Mallory Cameron's happily ever after, she cuts her losses and sets out to find a headline-worthy story to launch her - [June 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/26/new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - July 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson -- When Natalie O’Ryan’s fiancé books their wedding in her hometown, Natalie didn’t know the only reception venue available would be an old barn belonging to Justin - [Hope—A Four Letter Word That Keeps Us Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/12/hope-a-four-letter-word-that-keeps-us-writing/) - This piece originally appeared on the ACFW blog on June 22, 2017. I’ve been thinking a lot about hope lately in relation to writing, and how we can forget to cultivate hope in our quest for publication, sales, and reaching readers. When our hope buckets are empty or nearly so, we find ourselves fighting discouragement, - [A Conversation With Renee Blare](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/07/a-conversation-with-renee-blare/) - Nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains, Renee Blare lives in Wyoming with her husband, crazy dogs, and ornery cat. She serves her beautiful small town as a pharmacist while penning her stories about struggling Christians as they travel along the journeys of their lives. She loves to interact with readers and invites - [A Conversation With Sandra Glahn](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/19/a-conversation-with-sandra-glahn/) - Sandra Glahn teaches in the Media Arts and Worship Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She’s authored more than 20 books, including the Christy fiction finalist Lethal Harvest. She loves storytelling, mostly medical suspense. How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Sandra: I learned from reading the Bible that “place” can have - [Jared Delves Deeper into David's Past, Chapter 41, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/29/jared-delves-deeper-into-davids-past-chapter-41-phantom-love/) - “May I speak to Grace Wymans please?” Jared leaned back on the couch and propped his feet up on the coffee table. After Amy left, he re-read the chat transcripts Will had given him, hoping to pick up on something new, but nothing jumped out at him. So he decided to call David Kline’s widow - [David Hooks Mary, Chapter 40, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/22/david-hooks-mary-chapter-40-continued-phantom-love/) - “Gotcha.” David said as he read Mary’s words. He had methodically directed the conversation toward this moment from the moment he’d typed “I love you.” Wildcat would be pleased she had gone for the big one right away. “Is the fish on the hook?” Sylvia spoke from the doorway. David didn’t bother to turn around, - [Mary Reveals to David Her Decision to Sell the Painting, Chapter 40, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/15/mary-reveals-to-david-her-decision-to-sell-the-painting-chapter-40-phantom-love/) - David: Have I told you lately that I love u? Mary: Not in the last five minutes. David: I love you. Mary: I love you, too. David: You have made me the happiest man in the world. If u were closer, I’d give you a X. Mary: X. David: Ah, sweet Mary. My lips are - [Jared Tells Amy About Mary's Engagement, Chapter 39, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/08/jared-tells-amy-about-marys-engagement-chapter-39-phantom-love/) - Jared shut the back door and strode across the yard to where he had left the gardening tools. He needed to take his mind off Mary. He refused to think about how wonderful Mary would feel in his arms, and how soft and supple her lips would be against his. He glanced at his watch. - [Mary Finds a Letter From Her Aunt, Chapter 38, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/09/01/mary-finds-a-letter-from-her-aunt-chapter-38-phantom-love/) - Mary opened the safe deposit box and stared at a couple of large envelopes and a few smaller ones. She had never taken the time to investigate the contents in the years since her aunt’s death, but now she needed to give Mr. Sullivan documentation about the Eakins painting. The painting’s provenance had not been - [Jared Tells Mary About His Mistakes, Chapter 37, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/25/jared-tells-mary-about-his-mistakes-chapter-37-phantom-love/) - Of all the questions Jared didn’t want to answer, this one ranked as number one. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Three-thirty-five. He rubbed his eyes, his entire body ached but his mind raced with what Mary had told him. Her limited interaction with men explained so much about how David had managed - [Mary Shares About her Past, Chapter 36, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/18/mary-shares-about-her-past-chapter-36-continued-phantom-love/) - Jared kept his eyes on Mary’s. To discover her staring at him that way revved his heart into high gear. The saying about blood pounding in one’s ears finally made sense. His own blood pulsed through his veins with the force of a tsunami. Every nerve screamed at him to kiss Mary, but her engagement - [Mary Brings Jared Cookies, Chapter 36, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/11/mary-brings-jared-cookies-chapter-36-phantom-love/) - Jared clicked on the next article, which reported that divers had not recovered a body. Law enforcement officials declared David Kline dead two weeks later. A memorial was held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. David Kline had been dead and buried for ten years. Of course, Mary’s David could be an entirely different person, but - [Jared Uncovers a Secret About David, Chapter 35, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/08/04/jared-uncovers-a-secret-about-david-chapter-35-phantom-love/) - Jared opened the apartment door as the June sun sank behind the horizon. After his encounter with Mary, he had pushed himself to finish the weeding in the back garden and now his muscles were knotted, screaming at him for the abuse. Anger at the devious David and at himself for the near-kiss with Mary - [Jared Hears of Mary's Engagement, Chapter 34, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/28/jared-hears-of-marys-engagement-chapter-34-continued-phantom-love/) - Jared wiped the sweat from his eyes to watch Mary bound out of the house. She fairly floated on air. He narrowed his eyes. This must mean she’d had good chat with her cyber boyfriend. Why that rankled him would have to be examined another time because the object of his musings skidded to a - [David Asks Mary to Marry Him, Chapter 34, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/21/david-asks-mary-to-marry-him-chapter-34-phantom-love/) - Mary logged on and waited for David’s icon to blink his presence. Her meeting with Mr. Sullivan had energized her and she found it difficult to sit still. She had made a list of things she had to do to get the painting ready for sale, first of all going to the bank to find - [Jared & Will Figure Out the Scam, Chapter 33, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/14/jared-will-figure-out-the-scam-chapter-33-phantom-love/) - Will Fulton flopped down on the couch in Jared’s apartment. “Tell me some good news, buddy.” Jared brought two Cokes from the kitchen and sank on the couch beside him, handing one to his friend. “Whether it’s good news or bad, I’m not sure.” Will took a swig and wiped his mouth with the back - [Mary Gets the Painting Appraised, Chapter 32, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/30/jared-overhears-marys-decision-to-sell-the-painting-chapter-32-phantom-love/) - Mary cracked the door and saw a man in a seersucker suit of bright canary yellow with a polka dot bow tie in a darker yellow. “Yes?” “Miss Divers? Stanley Sullivan.” Mary opened the door wider. “Please, come in.” Mr. Sullivan walked into the foyer. He was a lot younger than she had expected from - [Jared Overhears Mary's Decision to Sell the Painting, Chapter 32, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/07/jared-overhears-marys-decision-to-sell-the-painting-chapter-32-continued-phantom-love/) - In the front parlor on the opposite side of the living room, Jared held his breath. His conscience pricked over eavesdropping on Mary and the Mr. Sullivan’s conversation, but he told himself he needed to know what Mary was up to because of the possible connection to Wildcat and the fraud case. He had thought - [Mary Tells Jared About David, Chapter 31, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/23/mary-tells-jared-about-david-chapter-31-phantom-love/) - Tuesday after lunch Jared knocked on the back door. He had caught glimpses of Mary earlier in the kitchen while he hauled weeds to the front yard for trash pick up, so he knew she was up and about. He needed to ask Mary what she wanted to keep in the back garden, which used - [David Investigates Jared, Chapter 30, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/16/david-investigates-jared-chapter-30-continued-phantom-love/) - “You have good instincts.” David looked up from his cereal at Sylvia standing in the kitchen doorway holding some papers in her hand. He sighed, not in the mood to play one of Sylvia’s guessing games. His dreams had been restless last night, filled with shadows, and he had awoken earlier than usual with a - [Mary Considers Selling a Painting, Chapter 30, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/09/mary-considers-selling-a-painting-chapter-30-phantom-love/) - “Good morning. Mosby Auctioneers and Art Sellers. How may I direct your call?” “May I speak to someone in your art department?” Mary tapped her fingers on the kitchen counter as she waited to be connected. She brushed hair out of her eyes, wishing she had taken the time to pull it back before making - [Mary Gets an Idea, Chapter 29, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/02/mary-gets-an-idea-chapter-29-phantom-love/) - Mary held the stack of brightly colored brochures in her hands. David’s smiling face gazed back at her. He was so handsome. His online photograph didn’t do him justice. Light brown hair fell over his forehead and his pale blue eyes sparkled. Mary couldn’t believe he was interested in her. No one else had ever - [June 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/14/june-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - June 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Engaged by Julie Arduini -- Trish Maxwell returns to Speculator Falls with egg on her face and apologies to make as she tries to determine what's next, especially when around paramedic Wayne Peterson. (Contemporary - [A Conversation With Janet Chester Bly](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/07/05/a-conversation-with-janet-chester-bly/) - Janet Chester Bly has written and co-authored with late husband Stephen Bly of 40 fiction and nonfiction book for adults and kids (tween and young teen). Her newest releases are Wind in the Wires and Down Squash Blossom Road, both part of the contemporary western mystery Trails of Reba Cahill series. What is your favorite - [A Conversation With Julie B Cosgrove](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/21/a-conversation-with-julie-b-cosgrove/) - Award-winning author, public speaker and freelance writer, Julie has also become a new kind of missionary- over cyberspace. People from all over the world text, Skype and email mentors to discuss issues they face, confidentially and anonymously. Julie edits and writes devotional and inspirational articles to spur these conversations. When do you find time to - [A Conversation With Tracee Lydia Garner](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/17/a-conversation-with-tracee-lydia-garner/) - Bestselling, award-winning author Tracee Lydia Garner pens stories of complex heroes and heroines, and families that experience tough but realistic life challenges in their quest for love. A Washington, D.C.-area native, Tracee is a health and human service counselor and speaks and advocates for people with disabilities. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? - [Favorite Place to Read](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/31/favorite-place-to-read/) - Here in Northern Virginia, the weather is warming up (sometimes too quickly!) and we can see the lazy, hazy days of summer right around the corner. Thinking about summer always brings to my mind what books I'll read and where I might like to read them. Here are some of my favorite places to curl - [Love the WIP You’re With](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/24/love-the-wip-youre-with/) - This piece originally appeared on the ACFW blog on April 14, 2016. The idea comes to you in a flash of brilliance. The plot, the setting, the characters all jumble together like a kaleidoscope of words just waiting to be brought into focus by you. You eagerly sit down in front of the computer, fingers - [A Conversation With Robin Patchen](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/03/a-conversation-with-robin-patchen/) - Robin Patchen is a wife, a mother of three teenagers, a freelance editor, and an award-winning multi-published author of seven novels and novellas. She loves to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story. When do you find time to write? Robin: I don’t find the time so much as - [May 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/10/may-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - May 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Amish Brides by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard -- Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring--fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings among these three new stories. (Contemporary Romance from Kensington - [An Ordinary Writer Writing Ordinary Books](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/26/an-ordinary-writer-writing-ordinary-books/) - This piece originally appeared on the ACFW blog on March 29, 2016. Who wants to be ordinary? If I asked that question at an ACFW conference, I doubt anyone would raise their hand. For some reason, ordinary has become associated with dull, listless, uninteresting and uninspiring. As writers, we may be content to live ordinary - [April New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/12/april-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - April 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon -- When a police chief and an ex-con join forces to keep a young man from falling into a life of crime, sparks fly. Given their backgrounds, it's not - [David asks Mary to be exclusive, Chapter 28, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/26/david-asks-mary-to-be-exclusive-chapter-28-phantom-love/) - “How did it go with Mary?” David asked Sylvia when she walked into the downstairs break room of the townhouse where they lived and worked. He timed his morning coffee break to coincide with hers to find out details of her conversation with Mary. He rationalized the information was needed for his chat with Mary, - [Mary is drawn in deeper, Chapter 27, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/19/mary-is-drawn-in-deeper-chapter-27-continued-phantom-love/) - Mary pleated her skirt between her fingers as the phone rang on the other end. Five, six, seven times. She nearly gave up and disconnected the call when the phone clicked and a woman’s voice, a bit breathless, said hello. “Brenda Gomez?” A slight pause before the other voice answered. “Speaking. Who’s calling, please?” Mary - [Jared finds out interesting news about the chats,  Chapter 27, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/12/jared-finds-out-interesting-news-about-the-chats-chapter-27-phantom-love/) - “What did you find?” Jared twirled a pencil between his fingers as he waited for Melvin’s reply. He had spent a quiet Sunday reviewing all of the chat transcripts and other notes the three field offices sent to Will. A picture of those behind the chats was forming in his mind, but he still needed - [Mary remembers her first meeting with Aunt Geraldine, Chapter 26, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/05/05/mary-remembers-her-first-meeting-with-aunt-geraldine-chapter-26-phantom-love/) - Mary took a deep breath. Might as well finish her sad tale and be done with it. She wished there was an easier way to tell it, but Jared seemed to understand better than anyone else. Maybe that was why the words flowed out of her so easily. She’d only given Amy the bare bones - [Mary tells Jared about leaving home as a child, Chapter 25, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/28/mary-tells-jared-about-leaving-home-as-a-child-chapter-25-continued-phantom-love/) - Those four little words threw him into a tailspin, but somehow the words to decline Mary’s request wouldn’t form on his lips. He hadn’t said grace or any other semblance of a prayer in two years. His shooting had merely been the last in a long line of grievances against the Almighty. He sucked in - [Jared teases Mary, Chapter 25, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/21/jared-teases-mary-chapter-25-phantom-love/) - Mary had been relieved when David typed that he had to go because of a client meeting. Her chat with him was off today. She’d ask Amy to stay for dinner after she finished Jared’s massage. She stirred the meat in the pot and slid the chopped onions in, wondering if she should ask Jared - [Jared remembers his first encournter with the FBI, Chapter 24, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/14/jared-remembers-his-first-encournter-with-the-fbi-chapter-24-continued-phantom-love/) - A memory snagged his thoughts to a halt: his first meeting with Will four years ago. He had come off of a twenty-four hour rotation during his residency at the clinic and was heading home to his Rosslyn condo for some much needed sleep. A burly man in a dark blue suit had leapt up - [Jared reflects on his growing feelings for Mary, Chapter 24, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/07/jared-reflects-on-his-growing-feelings-for-mary-chapter-24-phantom-love/) - Jared slumped back in his chair after Mary left to answer the door. His hand clenched the sea glass, his knuckles turning white from his grip. He couldn’t believe he had almost kissed Mary Divers, all because she had kept a bit of rock he’d given her thirty-odd years ago. The pain must be affecting - [The Actions of Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/06/28/the-actions-of-writing/) - This piece originally appeared on the ACFW blog on June 7, 2016. Are you a writer? If you answered yes, do you believe, deep down inside, that you are indeed a writer? Too many times, we say we’re writers but our actions say another thing. For example, you meet someone for the first time - [Tackling the Small Stuff](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/29/tackling-the-small-stuff/) - Note: This piece originally appeared on the ACFW blog, 3/16/17. I’m a details person, which translated well into my chosen profession of writer and editor. I notice things like misplaced commas, wrong usage of apostrophes (don’t get me started on how years can’t be possessive!) and subject/verb disagreement. It used to drive me crazy when - [The Enduring Popularity of Chicken Soup for the Soul Books](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/22/the-enduring-popularity-of-chicken-soup-for-the-soul-books/) - Why are Chicken Soup for the Soul books so popular? I think in part it's because we all love a good, uplifting, true story. These stories, while sometimes corny, touch our hearts and remind us of the good that's in this crazy, mixed up world. I often submit stories to various Chicken Soup books, and - [A Conversation With June Foster](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/05/a-conversation-with-june-foster/) - An award-winning author, June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in education and a MA in counseling. Her characters find themselves in tough situations but overcome through God's power and the Word. She writes edgy topics wrapped in a good story. To date, she's seen fourteen contemporary romances published. When do you find - [March 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/08/march-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - March 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Reunion at Crane Lake by Robin Bayne -- Colt's memory is returning after the accident that ended his career. Now he wants to take over his family's inn, but he'll have to partner with - [A Conversation With Sarah Varland](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/01/a-conversation-with-sarah-varland/) - Sarah Varland lives in Alaska with her family. Her passion for books comes from her mom, and her love for suspense comes from her dad, who has spent a career in law enforcement. When she's not writing, she's often found reading, baking, kayaking or hiking. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Sarah: I love - [A Conversation With Mary L. Ball](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/04/19/a-conversation-with-mary-l-ball/) - Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author, a member of ACFW and a singer. She resides in North Carolina. She enjoys fishing, reading, and singing with her husband at church functions. What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Mary: When I need to lift my spirits, I practice my singing. - [A Conversation With H.L. Wegley](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/15/a-conversation-with-h-l-wegley/) - H. L. Wegley served in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence analyst and a weather officer. In civilian life, he worked as a research scientist, then developed Boeing computing systems before retiring near Seattle with his wife of 50 years, where he has published seven novels and has more on the way. What’s the - [Mary Reveals a Childhood Hurt, Chapter 23, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/31/mary-reveals-a-childhood-hurt-chapter-23-phantom-love/) - Mary hummed as she made her first meal of the day. She was tearing lettuce into a big bowl when a knock at the back door interrupted her preparations. She glanced through the screen door at Jared standing there, a cane in one hand. She wiped her hands on a towel and walked over to - [Jared Has a Nightmare/Memory, Chapter 22, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/24/jared-has-a-nightmarememory-chapter-22-phantom-love/) - Jared stared over at the young woman kneeling in front of a man, who had one hand wrapped in her long, blonde hair. With his other hand, the man held a gun to her head. The woman’s head hung down, part of her hair obscuring her face. Her soft whimpers tore at his heart. But - [Mary Falls for David, Chapter 21, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/17/mary-falls-for-david-chapter-21-continued-phantom-love/) - Mary’s hand slipped off the mouse and she used her towel to wipe off her hand, still a bit sweaty from her workout. She wished her Layla persona translated better to words, but having never flirted much in real life, she had trouble coming up with a suitable reply that wouldn’t sound dumb on the - [David Reels in Mary, Chapter 21, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/10/266/) - Mary slid into her seat in front of her computer. She couldn’t believe she had forgotten to keep an eye on the time. Early on in their daily chats, they had jokingly synchronized their clocks in order to avoid being late. Now she was seventeen minutes late to her chat. The thought of David not - [The 3 Processes Involved in Publishing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/08/the-3-processes-involved-in-publishing/) - By Stephanie Buckwalter There are three distinct processes involved in publishing, whether you self-publish or go with traditional publishing: Writing Publishing Marketing The writing process can be separate from the publishing and marketing process, but only if you never want anyone to read what you’ve written. If you want to get your words out there, - [February 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/22/february-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - February 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: Redeeming Grace by Jill Eileen Smith -- When famine visits Bethlehem, Boaz holds out hope for rain while his relative Elimelech moves his wife Naomi and their sons to Moab. For a while, it appears - [Jared Holds Mary as She Cries, Chapter 20, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/03/03/jared-holds-mary-as-she-cries-chapter-20-continued-phantom-love/) - Jared wondered if he’d heard her correctly. Mary’s parents had been missionaries down in South America for thirty years. Thirty years. And not once during that time had they returned to the States to see their daughter nor had she gone to see them. Outrageous. Then he computed the numbers and realized what that meant. - [Mary Admits to Jared She's Never Met David, Chapter 20, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/24/mary-admits-to-jared-shes-never-met-david-chapter-20-phantom-love/) - Mary stared at the form sent by Brenda, an administrative assistant with Bringing Christ to Latin America. Name, address, telephone number, email address. All that seemed normal. But Social Security number? She shook her head. It amazed her how often she was asked for her Social Security number when it was completely unnecessary. She - [Jared Learns More About Wildcat, Chapter 19, continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/17/jared-learns-more-about-wildcat-chapter-19-continued-phantom-love/) - “Hi, Melvin. It’s Jared. Jared Quinby.” Already, Jared wished he hadn’t called. This was a mistake but it was too late to hang up now. “Dr. Quinby, it’s been a very long time.” Melvin Gastone had been a doctor at the clinic before a drug addiction had derailed his life and career. Office gossip had - [Jared listens to Mary's Radio Show, Chapter 19, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/10/jared-listens-to-marys-radio-show-chapter-19-phantom-love/) - Jared jerked upright on the couch, scattering pages on the floor. He squinted at the clock. Nine-thirty. Man, he wished his leg would hurry up and heal. It was getting old to feel this exhausted after a half day’s yard work. He would be up all night now that he had taken an hour’s nap. - [January 2017 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/25/january-2017-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley by Valerie Comer, Mary Jane Hathaway, Elizabeth Maddrey, Danica Favorite, Lee Tobin McClain and Annalisa Daughety -- Is love possible for a makeshift mom and a handsome widower? What about a bed and - [Setting Goals in 2017](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/11/setting-goals-in-2017/) - No matter what you do, you have things to do, places to go, people to see. For writers, what holds us back is a perceived lack of time. How can we get more time to write if we can’t add hours to our day? Here are some ideas that apply to writing--and any other goals - [David 'Hooks' Mary, Chapter 18 continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/03/david-hooks-mary-chapter-18-continued-phantom-love/) - David stretched his arms above his head as he read Mary’s last message. She certainly needed more prodding than most, but he knew she was a prize worth winning. Mary: U still there? David: Yes. These past few months have meant so much to me. I don’t think I can do this without you, Mary. - [David and Mary Chat About Raising Funds, Chapter 18, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/27/david-and-mary-chat-about-raising-funds-chapter-18-phantom-love/) - David: Did u visit the Bringing Christ to Latin America website yet Mary: Yes. How did you hear about them? David: A friend recommended the group to me when I first began thinking about becoming a missionary. Mary: What kind of a friend? David: Ah, do I detect a hint of jealousy in your words? - [Jared Tells Mary He's a Psychiatrist, Chapter 17 continued, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/20/jared-tells-mary-hes-a-psychiatrist-chapter-17-continued-phantom-love/) - Jared stared at Mary, her question hanging between them like the rope connecting the tin cans with which they played that old telephone game. He’d walked right into that one, spouting off psychobabble as if he had a right to dissect her and her choices. She wasn’t his patient and yet he sensed a hurt - [Mary Anticipates Chatting With David, Chapter 17, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/13/mary-anticipates-chatting-with-david-chapter-17-phantom-love/) - Mary awoke with one of her favorite nursery rhymes running through her head. Only an hour and forty-five minutes and she could chat with David. She tossed back the sheet, stepped out of bed and gathered her clothes for the day. The words to the rhyme came to her lips. “A-tisket a-tasket, a green and - [Mary Learns More About David's Missionary Group, Chapter 16, Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/06/mary-learns-more-about-davids-missionary-group-chapter-16-phantom-love/) - Too keyed up to sleep after signing off from her show, Mary made another cup of tea and returned to her computer. She did a Google search for Bringing Christ to Latin America, and up popped a photograph of a toddler with a woebegone expression in his brown eyes. The picture transitioned into an old - [December 2016 New Releases for Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/13/december-2016-new-releases-for-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Bella Natale! by Marianne Evans -- An aspiring American artist and the widowed, Italian owner of a premier art gallery meet and fall in love in Florence when he champions her work, but there are her American family's - [Ringing in the New Year](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/28/ringing-in-the-new-year/) - I'm taking a break from my writing to enjoy some time with friends and family. See you in the new year! - [Jared & Will Talk About the Case, Phantom Love, Chapter 15](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/30/jared-will-talk-about-the-case-phantom-love-chapter-15/) - Jared glanced at his watch and moved toward the front door. A sharp rap on the front door confirmed that Will was punctual as usual. “Hey, come on in.” His friend whistled as he entered the apartment. “This is definitely a step up, buddy. Better than your previous apartment.” Jared shrugged. “It’s one of the - [Mary Agrees to Help David Raise Funds, Phantom Love, Chapter 14](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/23/mary-agrees-to-help-david-raise-funds-phantom-love-chapter-14/) - Jared turned on the hot water and added dish soap to the sponge. He attacked the griddle with more force than necessary. Soapy water splashed up, soaking the bottom of his shirt. Great, now he had a wet shirt. He didn’t want to think about why Mary’s abrupt departure irked him. He rolled his shoulders - [Jared Cooks Mary Breakfast, Phantom Love, Chapter 13](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/16/jared-cooks-mary-breakfast-phantom-love-chapter-13/) - Mary groaned when her alarm clock woke her at three in the afternoon. She automatically hit the snooze button to silence the shrieking. She had tumbled into bed without brushing her teeth or washing her face at nine-thirty that morning after making sure Jared was sleeping comfortably. The alarm clock buzzed again, and she fought - [Mary Wakes Jared, Phantom Love, Chapter 12, continued](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/09/mary-wakes-jared-phantom-love-chapter-12-continued/) - Jared heaved up from the bed, his right hand clenched and throbbing. The nightmare gradually left him, like a thunderstorm fading by degrees. It had been more than a week since he’d had the nightmare, and it had returned with more intensity than ever. He shook his head to clear the image and looked around - [Jared Has a Nightmare, Phantom Love, Chapter 12](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/02/jared-has-a-nightmare-phantom-love-chapter-12/) - Chapter 12 Mary yawned and stretched, her muscles tight after dozing in the chair beside the bed where Jared lay sleeping. The bedside clock blinked five o’clock. She rose to check on her patient, leaning over him and placing her hand on his forehead. Still warm but not as hot. She rubbed her eyes and - [National Novel Writing Month is Here!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/02/national-novel-writing-month-is-here/) - It’s November 2, which means National Novel Writing Month is well underway, and I’m supposed to have written at least 1,667 words so far to meet my 50,000 word goal. I’ve been participating in NaNoWriMo since 2009, “winning” five times. For me, it’s one of the best ways to start a new novel or to - [November 2016 New Releases in Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/16/november-2016-new-releases-in-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope by Texie Susan Gregory -- In a deadly race to save her son, a young slave woman dares defy the most powerful man in the world. (Biblical from Barbour Publishing) Contemporary Romance: Crazy Woman Christmas - [The Adventures of Jet & Goliath: A Forever Home](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/01/the-adventures-of-jet-goliath-a-forever-home/) - Author's note: I wrote this children's story a few years after we adopted Jet and Goliath. Jet died nearly nine years ago at age 14, and early this morning, Goliath died at age 20. This is posted as a tribute to these wonderful, loving felines, along with some photos of the real Jet and Goliath. - [A Conversation With Janet Sketchley](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/09/a-conversation-with-janet-sketchley/) - Janet Sketchley is an Atlantic Canadian writer whose Redemption’s Edge Christian suspense novels have each been finalists in The Word Awards. Janet blogs about faith and books. She loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys reading, worship music, and tea. How do you connect with your characters? Janet: I need to find a specific connection - [A Conversation With Deborah M. Piccurelli](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/30/a-conversation-with-deborah-m-piccurelli/) - Deborah M. Piccurelli enjoys reading and writing romantic books. She is the author of two novels, a novella and several cause-related newspaper articles. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an advocate for sanctity of life. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Why do you like writing - [October Releases for Christian Fiction](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/26/october-releases-for-christian-fiction/) - More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical Fiction: Providence: Hannah's Journey by Barbara M. Britton -- When the prophet of Israel refuses to heal her, Hannah flees Jerusalem and is captured by an enemy with a curse all his own. (Biblical from Harbourlight [Pelican]) Shadow of - [A Conversation With Sandra Orchard](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/12/a-conversation-with-sandra-orchard/) - Sandra Orchard writes fast-paced, keep-you-guessing mysteries with a dash of sweet romance. Her novels have garnered six Canadian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Sandra: - [Phantom Love Serial](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/08/17/phantom-love-serial/) - Starting on August 24, then every Friday on this blog, I will be serializing one of my unpublished novels, a mystery-romance hybrid called Phantom Love. Today, I’ll whet your appetite with this teaser of what’s to come over: Phantom Love What happens when the love of your life turns out to be the figment of - [Beyond Fiction Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/28/beyond-fiction-writing/) - As a fiction and nonfiction writer, I've become adept at reusing material. Research for my nonfiction books has morphed into blog posts, articles and newsletters. The same is true for my fiction writing--I tend to use every drop of information I gather! Now some might call that cheating, but I call it being smart. When - [Jared Passes Out in Mary's Kitchen, Phantom Love, Chapter 11 continued](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/25/jared-passes-out-in-marys-kitchen-phantom-love-chapter-11-continued/) - Mary had only an instant to react when Jared’s eyes slid closed and his body titled toward the floor. She raced across the kitchen and managed to catch him before his head smacked the edge of the table. She eased his body back into the chair, laying his head on top of the table. She - [Jared Accidentally Scares Mary, Phantom Love, Chapter 11](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/18/jared-accidentally-scares-mary-phantom-love-chapter-11/) - “Mary, it’s me, Jared.” Jared looked at Mary, now bathed in the light. Her hand covered her mouth as if to stifle a scream. “You scared me half to death! What are you doing in my kitchen in the middle of the night?” She narrowed her eyes. “How did you get in?” Jared rubbed his - [David Reflects on His Chat With Mary, Phantom Love, Chapter 10 continued](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/11/david-reflects-on-his-chat-with-mary-phantom-love-chapter-10-continued/) - David logged off his chat with Mary and smiled. She had actually flirted with him today. He hoped that it was a sign that she was warming up to him. He stood and rotated his shoulders to ease the stiffness. He checked his watch and calculated he had been online for six hours and he - [David Flirts With Mary, Phantom Love, Chapter 10](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/04/david-flirts-with-mary-phantom-love-chapter-10/) - Mary adjusted the shutters of the bay window enough to peek at Jared, who was mowing the grass at the back of the yard. A baseball cap covered his white-blond hair and a facemask guarded his mouth and nose from the dust and grass clippings kicked up by the mower. A vague memory from their - [Jared's FBI Friend Calls, Phantom Love, Chapter 9](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/28/jareds-fbi-friend-calls-phantom-love-chapter-9/) - Sweat trickled down Jared’s face as he bent to pick up another stick. His goal of mowing the backyard today was fast becoming unreachable given the number of sticks littering the ground. Mary told him several recent severe storms had shaken loose many dead branches from the dozen trees in the yard. Bending and straightening - [Mary Has Dinner With a Friend, Phantom Love, Chapter 8](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/21/mary-has-dinner-with-a-friend-phantom-love-chapter-8/) - “Thanks for having me over tonight. Calvin’s out with his buddies and I wasn’t looking forward to watching whatever movie my roommate brought home.” Amy Donavan embraced Mary in a cloud of perfume and love. “Mmm, smells good in here. What’s for dinner?” “Barley lamb shanks and vegetables.” Mary surveyed her friend. “What’s going on? - [Mary Chats With David, Phantom Love, Chapter 7](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/14/mary-chats-with-david-phantom-love-chapter-7/) - David: So Jared’s living in your house? Mary: No, he’s in the carriage house apartment, about a hundred feet behind the house. It has its own bathroom, mini-kitchen, living room-dining room combination and small bedroom. I sound like a realtor. LOL. Mary hit send and waited for David’s response. She had spent an hour showing - [Mary Meets With Jared, Phantom Love, Chapter 6](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/07/mary-meets-with-jared-phantom-love-chapter-6/) - Mary had awakened on edge, knowing Jared would be coming over today to move into the carriage apartment. She rubbed the back of her neck and yawned. Her dreams had featured a mishmash of past and present. Images of herself and Jared as children had them morphing into adults and back small again in the - [Jared's Contemplation, Phantom Love, Chapter 5 cont.](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/30/jareds-contemplation-phantom-love-chapter-5-cont/) - Jared eased himself into the bathtub. He sank into the water, keeping a tight grip on the sides of the tub to avoid sliding down too fast. As the hot water engulfed his lower extremities, he breathed in the pungent aroma of Epsom salts. Not exactly the most relaxing odor but the temperature and salts - ["Love Letters With Layla," Phantom Love, Chapter 5](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/23/love-letters-with-layla-phantom-love-chapter-5/) - Mary tapped her fingers on the polished surface of her desk and adjusted her headphones. Ten minutes to show time. If it weren’t for the fact that technology had advanced enough to allow her to work from home, she doubted she would have ever become a radio show host. She keyed in a sequence on - [The Story Behind Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/14/the-story-behind-phantom-love/) - Authors are often asked where they get their ideas, and if you ask enough authors, you'll get a wide variety of answers. I've gotten ideas from the news, from my own personal experience, from a snippet of overheard conversation, and mostly from asking "What if...". The idea that became Phantom Love was slightly different, as - [A Cup of Tea & Conversation, Phantom Love, Chapter 4](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/16/a-cup-of-tea-conversation-phantom-love-chapter-4/) - Jared stood beside Pastor Smith on Mary’s front porch. He rested his weight on crutches to relieve the pain in his leg. He hadn’t wanted to return to the crutches, but yesterday’s weed-whacking had stressed his leg too much. After leaving Mary’s, his leg muscles continued to contract. He canceled a trip to physical therapy - [Unexpected News, Phantom Love Chapter 3](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/09/unexpected-news-phantom-love-chapter-3/) - David: Did u kill the bee? Mary: No bee. Weed trimmer was making noise in the backyard. David: Whacking weeds by itself? LOL. Mary stared at David’s reply. Their relationship was new enough that she wasn’t sure how he would react to the unexpected reappearance of Jared, especially given David’s remark about getting jealous this - [A Meeting of Old Friends, Phantom Love, Chapter 2 continued](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/02/a-meeting-of-old-friends-phantom-love-chapter-2-continued/) - Jared Quinby eyed the tall stalks of weed grass by the patio and raised the weed whacker. He moved it over the top of the weeds and grunted with satisfaction as the weeds shrunk by half. Two more inexpert passes and the weeds were cropped close to the ground. He idled the machine and turned - [A Birthday Memory, Phantom Love, Chapter 2](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/08/26/a-birthday-memory-phantom-love-chapter-2/) - R u there? Mary Divers hit send. She picked up her coffee cup and glanced at the clock on her computer. Eight a.m. Since she worked evenings, she usually slept until eleven. But after awaking an hour ago, she hadn’t been able to fall back asleep. Maybe David would help her pass the time. A - [A Friend Rediscovered, Phantom Love, Chapter 1](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/08/24/a-friend-rediscovered/) - Jared Quinby stared at the printouts of chat transcripts scattered on his bed, willing the words to make sense. He’d been pouring over the material for far too long and now his left leg cramped, muscles bunching and twisting beneath the marred surface. Gritting his teeth and willing his left leg to support his weight, - [A Conversation With V.B. Tenery](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/15/a-conversation-with-v-b-tenery/) - Award-winning author, V. B. Tenery lives in East Texas. Her passion is writing inspirational fiction with shining characters, settings, and plots so exciting readers come away feeling delighted with the experience. When not writing she enjoys reading, hiking, and tubing down rivers in the Texas Hill Country. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? - [A Conversation With Deb Brammer](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/02/01/a-conversation-with-deb-brammer/) - Deb Brammer has been writing for Christian publication since 1980. She and her husband, Art, have served as church planting missionaries in Taiwan and New Zealand. She offers ministry resources from her website. How do you connect with your characters? Deb: I’ve published 6 novels, and in 5 of them a male character is the - [A Conversation With Paula Rose](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/18/a-conversation-with-paula-rose/) - Paula Rose takes average families into extraordinary situations then adds life-size strokes of reality, a touch of humor, and a coat of suspense. Her research gives panoramic views of law enforcement to lend character authenticity. When not writing Inspy fiction, Paula Rose is reading, reviewing, or playing amateur photographer. What’s the hardest part of writing - [A Conversation With Hallee Bridgeman](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2017/01/04/a-conversation-with-hallee-bridgeman/) - A best-selling Christian author, Hallee Bridgeman is writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic - [A Conversation With Leeann Betts](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/21/a-conversation-with-leeann-betts/) - Leeann Betts, the pen name of Donna Schlachter, writes historical suspense and contemporary suspense. What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Leeann: Coffee. And chocolate. Sometimes music. Sometimes a trip to the library. I keep an appointment every Monday morning at a local coffee shop to write. What’s the weirdest way - [A Conversation With Emilie Hendryx](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/12/07/a-conversation-with-emilie-hendryx/) - Emilie Hendryx is a freelance writer and photographer living in Dayton, Ohio. A member of ACFW, she writes romantic suspense and young adult science fiction. In her spare time, you can find her designing fun bookish items for her Etsy and Society6 shops all while drinking too much coffee. What don’t you like about the - [A Conversation With Donna Schlachter](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/11/23/a-conversation-with-donna-schlachter/) - Donna Schlachter writes historical suspense and contemporary suspense. She has ghostwritten several projects, but still gets a thrill out of seeing her name on the cover. What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? Donna: For me, getting the romance in is tough. I tend to focus on the suspense, danger, mystery, villains, and plot - [A Conversation With Terri Reed](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/19/a-conversation-with-terri-reed/) - Terri Reed’s inspirational romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top 25 and in Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100. Her novels have also been featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine and Romantic Times Magazine. She’s also finaled in RWA’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest and the ACFW’s The Carol Award - [A Conversation With Diane Dean White](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/10/05/a-conversation-with-diane-dean-white/) - Diane Dean White started her writing at an early age on an old royal typewriter. She was a newspaper reporter, and did stringer work, ancestral history, and donor appeal letters for nonprofit organizations. Diane wrote a weekly column for a magazine for four years and has penned more than 300 short stories. Her books - [A Conversation With Lillian Duncan](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/21/a-conversation-with-lillian-duncan/) - Lillian Duncan writes the types of books she loves to read—fast-paced romantic suspense and mystery that demonstrates God’s love for us. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word. Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? - [A Conversation With Mary Ellis](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/09/07/a-conversation-with-mary-ellis/) - Mary Ellis has written 20 novels. Her latest, Magnolia Moonlight, is part of a mystery series called Secrets of the South. Before retiring to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. She enjoys gardening, bicycling and swimming, and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog and cat. - [A Conversation With Alice Arenz](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/08/10/a-conversation-with-alice-arenz/) - Alice K. Arenz’s newest book is Portrait of Jenny. Alice won a ACFW Carol Award in 2010, and has written An American Gothic, The Case of the Bouncing Grandma (2009 Carol finalist), The Case of the Mystified M.D., (2010 Carol winner), and Mirrored Image (2011 Carol finalist). Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Alice: - [Welcome to my fiction blog!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2016/08/03/welcome-to-my-fiction-blog/) - Welcome to my fiction blog, where I’ll talk about my writing process, interview other Christian romantic suspense writers and serialize one of my unpublished romantic-mystery novels. I’ve been putting stories on paper since I was a kid, with many more stories only spinning around in my imagination. I even placed in a couple of short ## Pages - [Home](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/) - The Romantic Side of SuspenseAuthor/Coach/Encourager Sarah Hamaker - [2026 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025-christmas-in-july-reader-extravaganza-2/) - Welcome to the Third Annual Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza! This year, more than 70 Christian authors of fiction and nonfiction Christmas books have joined with me to bring you some holiday cheer in July. It's easy to join. Simply sign up to receive an email each day in July featuring these Christian authors and - [2026 Blind Date With a Book Author List](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2026-blind-date-with-a-book-author-list/) - Welcome to the reader contest, Blind Date With a Book! Join more than 50 authors for a Blind Date with a Book this February! Sign up to receive emails each day in February featuring romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction with romance and historical romance books—all under wraps. Each author will be mailing one of their - [The Dark Reckoning](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/the-dark-reckoning/) - The Dark Reckoning (Seshva Press), The Cold War Legacy Trilogy Buy the eBook for only $1.99 from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! Winner of the 2024 HOLT Medallion Best Book by a Virginia Author award. A mysterious list of names links a dangerous past to the present. When Isana Thomas finds a - [The Dark Guest](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/the-dark-guest/) - The Dark Guest (Seshva Press) The Cold War Legacy Buy the eBook for only $1.99 from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! Winner of the 2023 Selah Fiction Book of the Year and the 2023 Selah Romantic Suspense Book! The Cold War is over, but The Wolf is still at the door. “Once - [The Dark Atonement](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/the-dark-atonement/) - The Dark Atonement (Seshva Press), The Cold War Legacy Trilogy Buy the eBook for only $1.99 from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! A translator and a medical researcher team up to find a long-lost scientist with an innovative cancer treatment. German translator Lena Hoffman thought her grandfather died years ago. But the - [Protecting Her Witness](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/protecting-her-witness/) - Protecting Her Witness (Seshva Press) Buy the eBook for only $1.49 from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! Winner of the 2022 Selah Award in Romantic Suspense. A family in danger…a U.S. Marshal sworn to protect. U.S. Marshal Chalissa Manning has been running from her past and God for most of her life. - [Mistletoe & Murder](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/mistletoe-murder/) - Mistletoe & Murder (Seshva Press) Buy the eBook for 99 cents from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! Alec Stratman comes home to Twin Oaks, Virginia, after his Army retirement to contemplate his reentry into civilian life. Instead he’s greeted with the murder of his beloved Great-Aunt Heloise. For Isabella Montoya, the loss - [Justice Denied](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/justice-denied/) - Justice Denied (Seshva Press) Buy the eBook for $1.99 from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! The Seeking Justice series A father’s tarnished legacy drives a daughter to untangle a web of deception with the help of a photojournalist. Jetta Ainsley’s life had been complicated enough as she navigates cleaning out the family - [Justice Delayed](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/justice-delayed/) - Justice Delayed (Seshva Press) Buy the eBook for $1.99 from Sarah's online store. Buy the eBook now! The Seeking Justice Series Winner of the 2024 Christian Market Suspense Book of the Year! After serving her time, a convicted murderer tries to clear her name with the help of a washed-up investigative reporter. Justice Delayed gripped - [Illusion of Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/illusion-of-love/) - Illusion of Love (Seshva Press) Buy the eBook for $1.99 on Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! Based on a true story! A suspicious online romance reconnects an agoraphobe and an old friend. Psychiatrist Jared Quinby’s investigation for the FBI leads him to his childhood friend, Mary Divers. Agoraphobic Mary has found love - [Christmas Cold Case](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/christmas-cold-case/) - Christmas Cold Case (Seshva Press, novella) Buy the eBook for only 99 cents from Sarah's online store! Buy the eBook now! All she wants for Christmas is to solve her parents’ murders—and stay alive. Noelle Chastain has returned to Twin Oaks to discover who killed her parents thirty years ago. When the Shenandoah County - [2025 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/2025-christmas-in-july-reader-extravaganza/) - Welcome to the Second Annual Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza! This year, more than 70 Christian authors of fiction and nonfiction Christmas books have joined with me to bring you some holiday cheer in July. It's a simple concept--sign up and receive daily emails each day in July featuring Christian authors and their Christmas books. - [Deadly Diamonds](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/deadly-diamonds/) - Deadly Diamonds (Seshva Press, novella) The race to find missing diamonds puts a widow in danger. Three years ago, Dulce Honeycutt’s life imploded when her husband died after a robbing a jewelry store and her 18-year-old son, Kieran, landed in prison as an accessory. The uncut diamonds were never recovered, and when rumors fly that - [Books/Online Store](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/books/) - I love writing stories with strong heroines and kind heroes who fall in love while solving a suspenseful mystery and see their faith in God grow along the way. Many of my books have discussion questions, so scroll down to the book of your choice to download a PDF of those questions for free! I - [Coaching for Writers](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/editorial-services/) - Are you stuck in your writing? Feeling discouraged by a blank page? Need help jumpstarting your writing career? Want to get back on track but don't know how? I've been where you are and can help get you reinvigorate your writing. As a traditional and indie published author, I know both industries well. I - [About Sarah Hamaker](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/about/) - I have been spinning stories since I was a girl in pigtails, dreaming of riding my horse to victory or rescuing the prince from the dragon. As a grown up, I create stories about ordinary heroes and heroines who fall in love while running for their lives. I've written romantic suspense novels (both indie and - [Podcast](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast-2/) - In each episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, I talk with your favorite Christian romantic suspense authors. We'll go behind-the-scenes of the writing process, give excerpts from their writing, and share stories about their writing life. If you enjoy listening, please leave a review wherever you listen! If you'd like to be considered - [Speaking](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/invite-sarah-to-speak-to-your-group/) - Invite Sarah to Speak to Your Group! Sarah Hamaker is an experienced presenter, and has spoken both in Zoom and in person to hundreds of people. She loves to connect with readers and writer groups of all sizes. Contact her with your request today! Writing-related Speaking Topics Beyond Fiction: Using Your Research, Expertise, and Enthusiasm - [Coaching for Speakers](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/coaching-for-speakers/) - Do you have a heart to reach your audience but are stuck with what to say? Need help crafting your speech? Want to use your talk to gain clients but don't know how? Speaking can be exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. As a seasoned speaker and now speaker coach, I've been where - [Parent Coaching](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/parent-coaching-with-sarah-hamaker/) - As a biblical-leadership parenting coach, I’ve made it my life’s passion to help other moms and dads learn how to take loving control of their home again and raise godly, respectful and compassionate children. Some parents find what they need by reading my books, articles and other resources, while others have had the opportunity to - [Privacy Policy](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/about/privacy-policy/) - Contact information If you have privacy-specific concerns, please contact Sarah Hamaker through the contact form on this website. Who we are Our website address is: https://sarahhamakerfiction.com. Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to - [The Care and Nurture of Readers](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/the-care-and-nurture-of-readers/) - Marketing doesn’t have to drain your creativity or make you want to run screaming in the opposite direction. If you’re ready to take your relationship with your readers to the next level, join me in The Care & Nurture of Readers Small Group this winter. This course will be more in-depth than the free webinar. - [Contact](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/contact/) - Sarah Hamaker loves to hear from her readers! ## Episode - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 170)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-170/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from three authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 168)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-168/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for June 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now. Darlene L. Turner/Scent of Peril (5/26) Jennifer Chastain/Guardian (6/16) Megan Short/Alaskan Abduction - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 166)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-166/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for May 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now. Suzanne Woods Fisher/Chase the Light Donnie Stevens/Back to You Jessica R - [Ciara Knight’s Therapeutic Writing (Episode 169)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/ciara-knights-therapeutic-writing-episode-169/) - “I’ve always been a prolific writer—nothing ever gets in my way. I’ve never had writer’s block,” Ciara said. “When I first moved onto the trawler, I did. I was writing sweet, small town romance among other genres, and I just was having problems [writing]. So I took all of my fears—if I’m scared of something, I go for it. I don’t hold back. I think part of [writing] was my therapy when we got onboard. It was learning to live on a boat with storms and … those first two books in my Harbor Secrets series were a kind of therapy.” - [The Why Behind Marisa Materson’s Writing (Episode 167)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-why-behind-marisa-matersons-writing-episode-167/) - “I always wanted to be a teacher, and I did spend 22 years in the classroom before my spinal cord injury and other health issues sidelined me,” Marisa said. “But I also wanted to write. Oh, to be able to write a book—everyone will remember my name if I write a book. That was as a child. Of course, as an adult, I think ‘Lord, what do you have for me? And how can I use this gift of encouragement that I have and this gift of wanting to reach out to people?’ That’s what became more important than just having a name out there.” - [Seralynn Lewis’s Crossover Into Romantic Suspense (Episode 165)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/seralynn-lewiss-crossover-into-romantic-suspense-episode-165/) - With several romance and historical romance books in her background, Seralynn asked herself, “Where do I go from here? I was having a chat with my editor and she said, ‘You know, all of your stories have elements of mystery and suspense in them, … so you should really be writing romantic suspense.’ I’m thinking, okay, I can do that, so that’s how [I made the switch to romantic suspense].” - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 163)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-163/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from two authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for February 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now. Joanna Politano/The Life She Forgot (4/21) Carol J. Post/Witness Safeguard Mission (4/28) - [March Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 161)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-161/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 159)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-159/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books. - [Rebecca Lake Seeks Inspiration Everywhere (Episode 146)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/rebecca-lake-seeks-inspiration-everywhere/) - “[My inspiration for plots] comes from everywhere,” Rebecca said. “I’ll start typing and something will pop into my head or I’ll here something and it’s interesting.” - [The Spark That Sets Jacqueline Adam’s Stories Ablaze (Episode 158)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-spark-that-sets-jacqueline-adams-stories-ablaze-episode-158/) - Jacqueline’s stories start “with an inciting incident. It could be from a show, or from the news. There’s just that little bit of a granular, that little spark. Once that happens, sometimes, I’ll think this would be really cool,” she says. - [How Lori DeJong Gets Into Her Characters’ Heads (Episode 160)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-lori-dejong-gets-into-her-characters-heads-episode-160/) - “Character development is my favorite part of writing,” Lori says. “I love making people and living with them. I’ll live with them for a few weeks before I’ll actually start writing the story. … I know their birth order, their love language. I know what they drive, where they live and how they dress.” - [Why Camy Tang Started Dictating Her Novels (Episode 162)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-camy-tang-started-dictating-her-novels-episode-162/) - “I can write the fastest and the most if I write within an hour of getting up in the morning,” Camy said. “But then my wrists starting getting worse, so I started doing voice to text dictation. I found it was really hard at first to get into the dictation, but after I got used to it, I found myself writing at least at the same speed as I was when I was typing.” - [The Chronological Order of Hannah Linder’s Writing (Episode 164)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-chronological-order-of-hannah-linders-writing-episode-164/) - “I’m definitely the type of writer who starts with scene one and goes in chronological order from there,” Hannah said. “I hear so many different ways that people do it, and it’s fascinating to me how different people write words and how they can organize it. … I try really hard as I’m writing it to get it [to as clean a first draft as possible].” - [Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 157)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-157/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for January 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now. Jodie Bailey/Buried Mountain Justice Megan Short/Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier (1/27) Jessica R. - [November 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 154)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/november-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-154/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for November 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Camy Tang/The Lone Rice Ball Danielle Grandinetti/His Boss’s Little Sister (11/18) Kerry Johnson/Abducted - [Jennifer Pierce’s Natural Storytelling Abilities (Episode 155)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/jennifer-pierces-natural-storytelling-abilities-episode-155/) - When Jennifer wrote her first book, “I didn’t know what I was doing, but it kind of felt natural to me, this kind of storytelling. … I had a lot of crafting to learn, but the story was still there.” - [How Charlene Amsden’s Teaching Career Pushed Her Into Writing Romantic Suspense (Episode 153)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/3670/) - Charlene started writing romantic suspense “probably for the same reason I started to teach. I like action, I like tension,” she says. “You never walk into a classroom two days in a row and have the exact same thing happen. It’s always different. It’s always changing. [That’s what I like about writing romantic suspense.]” - [October 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 151)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/october-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-151/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for October 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Sarah Hamaker/Fatal Past (10/14) Jacqueline Adam/Kidnapped for Ransom(10/28) Terri Reed/Texas Christmas Cover-Up - [September 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 149)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/september-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-149/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for September 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Lynette Eason/Final Approach Danielle Grandinetti/The Recluse’s Vindication (9/12) Jennifer Pierce/Trail of Suspicion (9/30) - [August 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 147)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/august-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-147/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from two authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for August 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Darlene L. Turner/Danger in the Wilderness (8/26) Heidi Glick/Gazing Into Darkness (8/12) - [Why Megan Short Likes Writing the Mystery Part Best (Episode 152)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-megan-short-likes-writing-the-mystery-part-best-episode-152/) - “I actually find the romance part hardest [to write] but the most satisfying,” Megan says. “On the other side, I love putting together the mystery, the whodunit. I’m kind of a diehard fan of mysteries from a young age, so that’s the most fun part for me.” - [How Cindy Kay Stewart Mashes Four Threads Together in One Story (Episode 150)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-cindy-kay-stewart-mashes-four-threads-together-in-one-story-episode-150/) - “It is very difficult [to combine the four threads of faith, romance, history and suspense together in my stories],” Cindy says. “It takes a lot of time, a lot of research, … a lot of rewriting and a lot of editing.” - [Why Traci Summeril Phones a Friend (Episode 148)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-traci-summeril-phones-a-friend-episode-148/) - “I have met the most wonderful people through my writing journey, and some of them have become such dear friends to me,” she says. “Writing can be pretty isolating, and when I can call another writing friend … to talk me through [whatever I’m struggling with], I’m really grateful.” - [July 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 145)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/july-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-145/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for July 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Cindy Kay Stewart/Unending Hope (7/22) Danielle Grandinetti/The Neighbor and the Gifts (7/15) Megan - [June 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 143)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/june-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-143/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from three authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for June 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Laura Thomas/The Final Word (6/5) Darlene Turner/Echoes of Darkness (6/24) Sally Jo Pitts/Sweet - [May 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 141)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/may-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-141/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for May 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Jessica Ashley/Echo Jamie Jo Wright/The Tempest at Annabel’s Lighthouse Megan Besing/Rescued Heart (May - [Long Hot Summer 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 140)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/long-hot-summer-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-140/) - During this special episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from 13 authors in the Long Hot Summer: Christian Romantic Suspense collection. The four volumes will release May 2 through July 4 with ebook as well as print versions. You can check out the series here. Sami Abrams/Mine Jersuha Agen/Trapped Jessica Ashley/Lima - [April 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 138)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/april-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-138/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [March 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 136)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-136/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for March 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Sarah Hamaker/Justice Denied (3/18) Jerusha Agen/Waylaid (3/27) Jane Daly/Lipstick and Gunpowder (3/15) Kristen - [February 2025 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 134)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/february-2025-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-134/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for February 2025, with the book’s release date if not available now. Jennifer Chastain/Lethal Connections Terri Reed/Trained to Protect (2/25) Robin Patchen/Protecting You Sarah Sundin/Midnight - [How Penny Zeller’s Personal History Informs Her Romantic Suspense Writing (Episode 144)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-penny-zellers-personal-history-informs-her-romantic-suspense-writing-episode-144/) - “I mainly live in the 1800s [in my books], and I’ve always wanted to write romantic suspense,” Penny said. “I love reading it. My grandfather was a police officer with the San Diego Police Department, and he had amazing stories to tell us. So I thought why not try my hand at writing one? Of course, I fell in love with [writing romantic suspense].” - [Cate Nolan’s Musical Muse (Episode 142)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/cate-nolans-musical-muse-episode-142/) - “The real answer to that is my playlist,” Cate said about what she needs to write. “Because one of the first things I do when I start a new book is to find the music I need that connects me with the characters and the story.” - [How Kelly Underwood Layers Suspense and Emotions in Her Writing (Episode 139)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-kelly-underwood-layers-suspense-and-emotions-in-her-writing-episode-139/) - “Adding in those emotional layers [is the hardest part for me in writing romantic suspense],” Kelly said. “You can have a suspenseful theme, and that’s great, but you also need to have some romantic tension as well. So knowing when to add in certain beats and how to layer those emotions [can be difficult]. You just want characters people care about.” - [Jeannine Nichole Talks About the Versality of Romantic Suspense (Episode 137)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-19-2025-jeannine-nichole-talks-about-the-versality-of-romantic-suspense-episode-138/) - “[I like writing romantic suspense] because there’s no lull,” Jeannine said. “If things start getting boring in this genre, you can throw in a car chase or gun shots can ring out and then you’re off on another leg of your adventure.” - [Christina Rost is a Traveler Who’s Finally Settled Down (Episode 135)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/february-19-2025-christina-rost-is-a-traveler-whos-finally-settled-down-episode-136/) - “I have a bit of a wanderlust in me, and every know and then, I think where are we going to move next?” Christina said. “My husband’s retired now and he said, ‘I don’t know that we’re moving again.’ That gives me a little bit of fear sometimes.” - [Jennifer Carr Confesses to Being a Romance Junkie (Episode 133)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/january-22-2025-jennifer-carr-confesses-to-being-a-romance-junkie-episode-134/) - “I am a romance junkie—any kind of romance,” Jennifer said. “But if I’m going to sit down and watch a show, it’s always been a mystery, a murder, a crime. There’s going to be something that needs solving. So when I started writing, … I realized writing romantic suspense is just as fun as watching it on TV.” - [December 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 132)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/december-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-132/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [November 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 130)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/november-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-130/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for November 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now. Terri Reed/Search and Detect Jaime Jo Wright/Specters in the Glass House Katy Lee/K-9 - [October 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 127)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/october-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-127/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from three authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for October 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now. Kelly Underwood/Guarding Truth (10/15) Jessica West/Deadly Stalker Kimberly Woodhouse/70 North (10/15) - [Jessica West Shares How She Writes With Kids (Episode 131)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/november-20-2024-jessica-west-shares-how-she-writes-with-kids-episode-131/) - “I have a one-year-old in one hand and type with [the other] hand, and then I have a three-year-old next to me on the couch,” Jessica said. “They can be kind of tricky but it works for me. … I try to [write for] two, two-and-a-half hours but sometimes the baby tries to delete with his feet what I’m writing because he wiggles in his sleep.” - [September 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 125)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/september-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-125/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [August 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 123)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/august-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-123/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Sipping Tea With Angela Carlisle (Episode 129)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/sipping-tea-with-angela-carlisle-episode-129/) - “I hardly will ever order hot tea when I’m out because I know it won’t be good enough. … I worked in a tea room and that kind of spoiled me for properly brewed tea,” she said. As for writing romantic suspense, “ultimately it’s because that’s what I most love to read. So I already loved the genre, and when I had an idea for my first book, that’s what I naturally gravitated to.” - [July 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 120)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/july-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-120/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [June 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 118)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/june-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-118/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [May 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 115)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/may-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-115/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors—including me!—about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Amanda Cabot Writes for the Big Reveal (Episode 122)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/july-31-2024-amanda-cabot-writes-for-the-big-reveal-episode-122/) - “The hardest part of writing romantic suspense for me is ensuring I don’t reveal the identity of the villain too soon but at the same time, I need to plant enough clues that when the reader discovers who the villain is, she goes, ‘Oh, of course, that makes sense,’” Amanda said. “It’s that balancing act that I find to be the hardest part.” - [The Fun Shelley Shephard Gray Has Writing Romantic Suspense (Episode 128)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-fun-shelley-shephard-gray-has-writing-romantic-suspense-episode-128/) - “I’m a huge reader,” Shelley said. “I’m always drawn to mysteries, romantic suspense, thrillers—I find those books fun to read. Even though I do write a lot of straight romances, I love to have a romance suspense book in my back pocket. … It was fun as a writer to keep the pace going.” - [What Amanda Cox Regrets in Her Writing (Episode 126)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/what-amanda-cox-regrets-in-her-writing-episode-126/) - “There’s only character I sort of regret killing off,” Amanda said. “But it had to happen for the story. I just loved this character so much and I enjoyed writing the character in The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocer and he has a tragic ending to his story.” - [How Joanna Davidson Politano Creates Micro Tension (Episode 124)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-joanna-davidson-politano-creates-micro-tension-episode-124/) - “There’s so much in ordinary, everyday life that can create this micro tension. There’s huge tension, like car chases and things like that, but what I really enjoy is micro tension, like a conversation where two people don’t quite agree,” Joanna said. “It’s those common, everyday things that readers can identify with what they’re going through but you still get a lot of tension in there.” - [How Janice Cantore Uses Noise as Her Writing Background (Episode 121)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-janice-cantore-uses-noise-as-her-writing-background-episode-121/) - “There’s a coffeeshop near me that is perfect for me—I actually like to be in a noisy place because it makes me concentrate on what I’m working on,” Janice said. “I find that if it’s too quiet, I want to do anything but write. So I go to this coffeehouse when it first opens, sit down with a cup of coffee and open my [laptop], and that’s usually where I do my best, most productive work.” - [April 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 113)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/april-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-113/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [June 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 92)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/june-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-92/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [March 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 111)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-111/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for March 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now. Lynn H. Blackburn/Never Fall Again (3/12) Rebecca Hemlock/A Nurse’s Revenge Karen Randau/Last Stop - [How Sarah Sundin Weaves God Into Every Story (Episode 114)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-sarah-sundin-weaves-god-into-every-story-episode-114/) - “The Christian part is the easiest part [for me to write] … because it’s my worldview. It’s how I see God active in the world around us,” Sarah said. “It’s really hard for me to write a story where God isn’t part of it.” - [Rebecca Hemlock’s Love of Romantic Suspense (Episode 116)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/rebecca-hemlocks-love-of-romantic-suspense-episode-116/) - “I think as Christian romantic suspense authors we can all say Lynette Eason’s [books inspired us],” Rebecca said. “How she captures real people in her stories—it’s like I’m watching somebody’s life play out. … I just really loved everything about the genre.” - [Sara Davison’s Fall Into Romantic Suspense (Episode 117)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/sara-davisons-fall-into-romantic-suspense-episode-117/) - “I never made the conscious decision to write romantic suspense,” Sara said. “I always wanted to write a book. … Then when I was in church one morning, … I got this idea for a book with all the characters and the beginning, middle and the end. I went home and wrote it, [which eventually became my first book]. … It seemed like every time I sat down to write, romantic suspense is what came out.” - [Terry Toler’s Writing Factory (Episode 119)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/terry-tolers-writing-factory-episode-119/) - “I do write fulltime now,” Terry said. “Over a five-year period of time, I wrote 25 novels in 30 months. The first book that I wrote took me about 90 days. I studied and learned all the rules of fiction, … but I got so I could write about thousands of words in the morning before my wife gets up. She’s my editor, so I have a chapter for her in the morning, six days a week.” - [Naming Characters With Kristen Hogrefen Parnell (Episode 97)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/naming-characters-with-kristen-hogrefen-parnell-episode-97/) - “Sometimes, for minor characters, [the name I pick] will just be a place holder and I’ll say I’ll come back and change it, and they just tend up being that person,” Kirsten says. “For the major characters, I have to make sure they’re not named after someone I know or somebody who thinks I named them after them. So I have to be very intentional about those names.” - [February 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 109)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/february-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-109/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Writing as a Male Protagonist With Luana Ehrlich (Episode 110)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/writing-as-a-male-protagonist-with-luana-ehrlich-episode-110/) - “I think I write in first person in my male protagonist because when I was growing up, my dad would bring home books from the library mostly sci-fi fiction and mysteries,” Luana said. “They looked much more interesting to me than the Bobbsey Twins I’d finished reading. I asked if I could read some, and I was hooked on the genre from that moment on. The unique thing about my dad was that he never read a female author, … so most male authors write male characters. I think it never occurred to me when I started writing that I would ever write in anything but as a male protagonist and as in first person.” - [Her Renewing Landscape With Carmen Peone (Episode 112)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-12-2024-her-renewing-landscape-with-carmen-peone-episode-112/) - “In the summer, I’ll just be outside, especially in the morning or evening. My office overlooks mountains, trees, hills—it’s a beautiful place,” Carmen said. “I write mostly in the mornings and evenings. … It’s a very peaceful [setting to write in].” - [Writing as Her Second Act With Loretta Eidson (Episode 107)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/writing-as-her-second-act-with-loretta-eidson-episode-107/) - “I came to writing later in my life. I was in my fifties when I actually started and it took me about 10 years to break into the publishing market,” Loretta said. “It took a lot of persistence on my part.” - [Answering the Call to Write With F.D. Adkins (Episode 108)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/answering-the-call-to-write-with-f-d-adkins-episode-108/) - “It’s more about my journey and what God is calling me to do,” F.D. said. “I had been a stay-at-home mom, … both of my kids were teenagers, and I was beginning to feel like I was doing th same thing every day. … My first priority was to be there for them, but I kept having this weight on my heart that I wasn’t fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. But I never thought I had any talent and never thought of myself as a writer. I continued to pray about it and one morning I ahd an idea for a Christian fiction novel.” - [January 2024 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 106)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/january-2024-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-106/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from three authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [December 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 105)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/december-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-105/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Holiday Menace Collection Bonus Episode!](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/2889/) - Will your Christmas be filled with holiday cheer…or Holiday Menace? - [November 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 103)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/november-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-103/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for November 2023, with the book’s release date if not available now. - [October 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 101)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/october-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-101/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from four authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [Laura Conaway’s Race Against the Clock (Episode 100)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/laura-conways-race-against-the-clock-episode-100/) - “I was a middle school librarian for a while. It was a pleasure to interact with kids of that age, … middle school has a special place in my heart,” Laura says. “I feel like I read the whole gamut with [genres] … but there’s something about romantic suspense that just keeps the story moving. It’s almost like this race against the clock—I can never put down a suspense book. I have to stay up and finish to find out who did it and what’s happening.” - [September 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 99)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/september-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-99/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [August 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 96)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/august-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-96/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from five authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [July 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 94)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/july-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-94/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [May 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 89)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/may-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-89/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from nine authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [April 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 87)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/april-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-87/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from seven authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. - [The Titles of Laura Thomas (Episode 104)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-titles-of-laura-thomas-episode-104/) - “When is it not a good time for romantic suspense?” Laura says, “Titles are really important and it can be a little bit intimidating to come up with them. I’ve come up with all of my titles, … I feel like they find me in the end. I don’t think I’ve ever started a book with a title.” - [How Dave Pratt Exercises His Writing Muscles (Episode 102)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-dave-pratt-exercises-his-writing-muscles-episode-102/) - “When I’ve written articles in the past I had passion for horses, I’ve written a lot about performance horses,” Dave says. “I love that active voice [in my articles]. … I think a lot of my experience [in my humor column] … came from trying to pack 900 words with actions and humor and things people can relate to. … It really exercises me as a writer.” - [The Challenges of Writing With Linore Rose Burkard (Episode 98)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-challenges-of-writing-with-linore-rose-burkard-episode-98/) - “When my kids were little, I was more intentional about carving out time to write. My first book was written after my husband was home from work,” Linore says. “But every book is different, and now [with my kids grown] it seems more challenging to have more uninterrupted time, especially since my husband recently retired.” - [Sheri Schofield’s Writing Switch (Episode 95)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/sheri-schofields-writing-switch-episode-95/) - “The switch [to writing for adults, rather than children] was difficult because you have to have more content when you’re writing for adults than when you’re writing for children,” Sheri says. To generate enough content in the first romantic suspense book, “I picked four characters to highlight, one female and three men, and put myself in the place of those people as I wrote about their perspective on the crime that had happened.” - [How Tina Wheeler Found Her Way Back to Romantic Suspense (Episode 93)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-tina-wheeler-found-her-way-back-to-romantic-suspense-episode-93/) - “My very first book was a romantic suspense, and I felt like I was trying to copy what everyone else was doing,” Tina says. “I loved cozy mysteries, so I thought I’d have a lot more freedom if I got away from all the rules that there are in romance and just kind of have fun with it and do what I want to do. It was great because it gave me time to develop my voice.” - [How Caitlin Smith Uses Her Interests in Her Stories (Episode 91)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-caitlin-smith-uses-her-interests-in-her-stories-episode-91/) - “I have a whole lot of different interests, and the fun thing about writing is that I get to use that creativity in creating characters or inventing plots,” Caitlin says. “My vision when I was going to write full time was to wake up and write in the morning, then I’ll have lunch and I’ll want to write again in the afternoon, and I’m going to get so many books written this way. That didn’t happen.” - [March 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 84)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-84/) - During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from X authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for March 2023, with the book’s release date if not available now. Patsy Conway/Theme Park Abduction Karen Randau/From Chaos (3/13) Rebecca Hopewell/High-Stakes Blizzard Lynn Shannon/Tactical - [February 2023 Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense (Episode 82)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/february-2023-quick-takes-in-christian-romantic-suspense-episode-82/) - I’m debuting a new format for “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast—Quick Takes in Christian Romantic Suspense. The first Wednesday of each month, I’ll bring you the latest books in the genre with mini-interview with the authors about their new releases. I hope you’ll enjoy hearing from your favorite romantic suspense authors talk about their - [Kate Angelo Writes on the Run (Episode 90)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/kate-angelo-writes-on-the-run-episode-90/) - “[With our busy ministry], people are asking how am I also writing a book? Doing it on the run,” Kate says. “What’s awesome is my husband bought the an iPod Pro, so it’s always connected to 5G, it has Scrivener on it, which is what I use for writing, So I can open it up and write… and get that writing done in the car or on an airplane.” - [Why Linda J. White Likes Virginia as a Story Setting (Episode 88)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-linda-j-white-likes-virginia-as-a-story-setting-episode-88/) - “All of my books are set in the mid-Atlantic, mostly in Virginia,” Linda says. “I know the weather and knows how the weather moves across the state. … I like the mountains and I like the beach. It’s got everything I need as far as setting is concerned.” - [DeeDee Lake’s Many Connections (Episode 86)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/deedee-lakes-many-connections-episode-86/) - “I think that writing is just one more way to connect,” DeeDee says. “We all desire those relationships and that connection, and some of us are better at it than others. … It’s important for us to have those relationships, have those connections because we were made for that, for relationships.” - [The Farm Life Inspires Elle E. Kay’s Work (Episode 85)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-farm-life-inspires-elle-e-kays-work-episode-85/) - “Starting with my debut, I’ve put a couple of farms scenes in my book,” Elle says. “[My farm and its animals] are in my books a lot. … [To write,] I sit on my screened porch in fall, spring and summer because I can look out over the acres and enjoy the animals. That’s my favorite go-to place to write. In the winter, … I usually sit on my couch to write.” - [The Collaboration of PeggySue Wells (Episode 83)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-collaboration-of-peggysue-wells-episode-82/) - PeggySue collaborates often with writers and others to get their stories told. “I write well with others,” she said. Her co-author Max Garland gave her 10 bullet points and told her to write The Patent, and the two collaborated on the details and plot. - [How the Past Impacts the Future in the Books of Lori Altebaumer and Wendy Wilson Spooner (Episode 75)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-the-past-impacts-the-future-in-the-books-of-lori-altebaumer-and-wendy-wilson-spooner-episode-75/) - “The repeat pattern of my [book] themes is taking a woman who has been broken … and walking her through the steps of forgiveness, things like that, to show her that her past doesn’t take away her future,” Lori said. “My books are dual timeline,” Wendy said. “This is a wonderful, rags-to-riches immigration story that has God woven through all of it and how he carries us through so many things.” - [Why Mary Alford and Robin Patchen Ensure Good Triumphs Over Evil in Their Books (Episode 71)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-mary-alford-and-robin-patchen-ensure-good-triumphs-over-evil-in-their-books-episode-71/) - “We see enough of the other kind of stories where the bad guy doesn’t get his in the end,” Robin said. “I like what they call whole stories, where good is good and bad is bad and good wins. I like to write whole stories.” “We live in a very fallen world, and it’s nice to get away from the reality that evil doesn’t always get punished right now,” Mary said. “It’s good to have books where the hero and heroine have everything worked out in the end, the bad guy gets punished and there’s usually a happily ever after at the end of the story.” - [Debbi Migit’s Lifetime of Telling Stories (Episode 81)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/debbi-migits-lifetime-of-telling-stories-episode-81/) - “I’ve been a writer since I was seven years old, “Debbi said. “I wrote my first story when I was in first grade even though I couldn’t read or write. … I told my mom a story and she wrote it down for me and I took it to my teacher and she read it. That was my very first entry and I continued to write all through grade school … and won my first writing contest in seventh grade.” - [Why Michelle Aleckson Loves Romance (Episode 80)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-michelle-aleckson-loves-romance-episode-80/) - “I love different genres in romance,” Michelle said. “Now I write both straight romance and romantic suspense. … But I do have suspense elements in my contemporary romance. … I feel like it enhances the romantic side of the story. … I really love playing in both worlds, so it’s been a good fit for me.” - [The Many Writing Hats of Amy Schisler (Episode 79)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-many-writing-hats-of-amy-schisler-episode-79/) - “My writing has evolved over my lifetime,” Amy said. “From when I was a little girl and up through college, I wrote poetry and short stories. … But I’ve always loved fiction—it’s been my escape from everything. … When I decided I was going to write a book, … I just naturally went to fiction.” - [How DL Wood’s Love of Reading Spurred Her to Write Her Own (Episode 78)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-dl-woods-love-of-reading-spurred-her-to-write-her-own-episode-78/) - “As a child, I wanted to be a teacher, and I ended up being a lawyer, but what has been consistent throughout my life is my love of books and my love of story,” D said. “I read a lot as a kid. … I think I really had a dream of having one of my books in the library one day.” - [How the Settings of Sara Blackard and Dani Pettrey Define Their Books (Episode 77)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-the-settings-of-sara-blackard-and-dani-pettrey-define-their-books-episode-77/) - “I picked Alaska because I love it up here,” Sara said about where she lives and writes. “There’s a lot of adventure that happens just out my front door. … I like writing from an Alaskan point of view.” This series “is spread out through North Carolina, from the Outer Banks all the way down to Wilmington,” Dani said. “We actually vacation in [that area … ], and I just think the area is so beautiful.” - [Linda Wood Rondeau’s “Ghostly” Writing (Episode 76)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/linda-wood-rondeaus-ghostly-writing-episode-76/) - “I used the term ghosts for several reasons,” Linda explained. “My hero … calls these disturbances [in a house] ghosts because he doesn’t know what else to call them. … I choose the ghosts for the title because I think it’s important for us to understand as Christians that Satan will use any means to deter or deflect our relationship with the Lord.” - [Cathy McDavid’s Fiery Writing (Episode 74)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/cathy-mcdavids-fiery-writing-episode-74/) - She got started writing about wildfires because of a personal encounter with one. “A wildfire came [close to our cabin in Arizona] and we were watching it from our front porch,” Cathy said. “That gave me the original idea for the first book I did … about hotshots. … That was a subject that was personal for me.” - [Character Evolution with Elizabeth Goddard and Virginia Vaughn (Episode 73)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/character-evolution-with-elizabeth-goddard-and-virginia-vaughn-episode-73/) - “I wrote [my hero in Critical Alliance] into the first two books, but I didn’t really know who he was or what he was doing exactly,” Elizabeth said. “I really left him as an enigma—and even the other characters in the book were like, what is he doing and where is he going. I answered those questions in book three.” “I wish I was that clever that I could have it all plotted out beforehand,” Virginia said. “That’s my goal one day—to know all of my characters before I start my series.” - [How Jamie Jo Wright Weaves the Past Into the Present (Episode 72)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-jamie-jo-wright-weaves-the-past-into-the-present-episode-72/) - “I’ve seen time slip done a couple of different ways, like when the characters are tied together by an event or an article in history,” Jaime said. “With my characters—whether they know it or not—the past is directly influencing the life of the current heroine. So you can’t separate the past heroine from the current heroine because the current day heroine wouldn’t be who they are.” - [How Sami Abrams Writes Well With Others (Episode 70)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-sami-abrams-writes-well-with-others-episode-70/) - Under Susie May Warren’s Sunrise Publishing, Sami worked with Lynette Eason in the Elite Guardians story world developed by Lynette in a previous series. “Lynette is my mentor for this book,” Sami said. “We collaborate as far as brainstorming, but she does help me if I run into a problem. … And she’s also the one editing it, so it’s a Lynette-style book.” - [How Dana Mentink and Terri Reed Keep Readers on the Right Path (Episode 69)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-dana-mentink-and-terri-reed-keep-readers-on-the-right-path-episode-69/) - “You can’t really hand over your brain to any electronic,” Dana said. “I say that as somebody who’s lost all the time—I’m perpetually lost everywhere.” “You don’t want people to have to have a roadmap to get through your book,” Terri said. “That’s the beauty of series, though. You can introduce a seemingly throwaway character in the first book that’s going to be very, very important later.” - [Shannon Redmon’s Segue From Breakup Letters to Romantic Suspense (Episode 68)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/shannon-redmons-segue-from-breakup-letters-to-romantic-suspense-episode-68/) - “I have been writing for a really long time,” Shannon said. “When I was a kid, I used to write poems and songs. I would [also] write breakup letters for my friends’ boyfriends. They would ask me … how to say this without hurting his feelings. [My writing] grew from that.” - [How Michele Chynoweth and Michele Olson Mix Faith and Suspense (Episode 67)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-michele-chynoweth-and-michele-olson-mix-faith-and-suspense-episode-67/) - “I write edgy Christian fiction, and The Wise Man is about a Supreme Court justice who is hearing a case … between two women who are fighting over custody of a baby born live out of a failed abortion,” said Michele C. “That’s a dance with the readers about predictable endings,” Michele O. said. “I didn’t do a predictable ending with Being Alice.” - [How Lisa Phillips Weaves an Interconnected World (Episode 66)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-lisa-phillips-weaves-an-interconnected-world-episode-66/) - “I think I’m kind of incapable of writing anything that’s not connected to everything else in some way,” Lisa said. “But I think it’s fun as a reader to get a glimpse of somebody who’s a side character who makes a phone call or sees somebody on the street and it’s somebody you know [from a previous book] … It’s so fun to see snippets of these characters you love years later.” - [The Character Development of Jodie Bailey and Laurie Wood (Episode 65)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-character-development-of-jodie-bailey-and-laurie-wood-episode-65/) - “You want the name to match the personality a little bit,” Laurie said. The first name she selected for a character was “too soft. I wanted it to be a little bit more … punchy than that. So I renamed her with a stronger name.” “I’m a character first writer,” Jodie said. “Sometimes, the characters will start talking before I know what the story’s going to be, so I have to figure out where to put them in the story.” - [Finding the Perfect Location With Lisa Harris and Jessica R Patch (Episode 64)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/finding-the-perfect-location-with-lisa-harris-and-jessica-r-patch-episode-64/) - “I see the setting almost like another character,” Lisa said. “The setting depends on what your book is about. I know a lot of readers love small towns. In a big city, it’s harder to write suspense because [the character can just] go to the police station. So to make it more remote, it’s almost a given for romantic suspense.” “I did a lot of research of Texas and the setting and sometimes, that helps me decide what could happen in this part of Texas,” Jessica said. “And it kind of snowballs from there.” - [The Milky History of Danielle Grandinetti’s Romantic Suspense (Episode 63)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-milky-history-of-danielle-grandinettis-romantic-suspense-episode-63/) - “The story was originally contemporary romantic suspense but it was missing something,” Danielle says. A few years ago, “Wisconsin started having a milk shortage with farmers having to dump their milk [because there wasn’t a market for it]. … I learned that’s not the first time that’s happened. There was actually a huge milk strike in 1933. … So I took my contemporary romantic suspense and set it [back then] and it just brought it to life.” - [The Plot Thickens With Sharon K Connell and Tanya Stowe (Episode 62)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-plot-thickens-with-sharon-k-connell-and-tanya-stowe-episode-62/) - “Most of my plots come to me, but I’m sure it’s based on the news and life experience,” Sharon said. “Also from things I hear from other people, reading other books, and it comes of just evolves.” “I’m a full-time RVer,” Tanya said. “We travel the country and see a lot of places. … I get to park in the place, and get to know it, and get to feel things. … There will be something unique about the area that will trigger an idea.” - [Why Mary Dodge Allen Sets Her Books in Florida (Episode 61)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-mary-dodge-allen-sets-her-books-in-florida-episode-61/) - “My books are based in Florida and Florida’s a great place to base your books,” Mary says. “It seems like weird and crazy crimes are committed in Florida. There are also a lot of things in Florida that can kill you—sinkholes, gators, hurricanes. There are a lot of hazards in Florida.” - [Taking Liberties With the Facts With Patricia Bradley and Lynn Blackburn (Episode 60)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/taking-liberties-with-the-facts-with-patricia-bradley-and-lynn-blackburn-episode-60/) - “Some things can be fiction,” Patricia said. “In my very first series, I moved the Tennessee River down close to Memphis.” “With the Secret Service, I have done as much research as I can, but it’s the Secret Service—they’re not going to tell me everything,” Lynn said. “I’m going to have to use my imagination.” - [How DiAnn Mills Uses Danger to Show Caring (Episode 59)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-diann-mills-uses-danger-to-show-caring-episode-59/) - “It’s because we live in a dangerous and unpredictable world, and there’s a lot of people out there who are afraid,” DiAnn says. “And they often turn to fiction for an adventure. … The goal is to show the reader that yes, we live in this dangerous and unpredictable world, but there are trained people who will do whatever it takes to keep us safe and to prevent crimes from happening.” - [The Serialization of Lynette Eason and Susan May Warren (Episode 58)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-serialization-of-lynette-eason-and-susan-may-warren-episode-58/) - “I used to do collections, where I based the books around the same town,” Susan said. “But then I thought … I should think more like a TV show like Dr. Who. There’s a thread that goes through Dr. Who that pushes us the story, so even though every episode has its own story arc, there’s also a series arc.” - [How Carrie Fancett Pagels Brainstorms Her Stories (Episode 57)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-carrie-fancett-pagels-brainstorms-her-stories-episode-57/) - “This is the hardest book that I have ever written,” Carrie says about Behind Love’s Wall. “I do normally plot my novels, and with this one I did also, especially the back-and-forth part. … My husband and son are good brainstorming partners too.” - [The Archeology of Writing With Sally Jo Pitts (Episode 52)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-archeology-of-writing-with-sally-jo-pitts-episode-52/) - “What I wanted to do as a career as a child was archeology,” Sally Jo says. “Writing also has got that concept of digging, you have to dig into your subject and your topic and your characters and what’s going happen. Archeology fascinated me, finding the tombs and treasures… and writing fits that whole concept of discovery because as a writer I do that daily.” - [How the Setting Got Kellie VanHorn Into Writing (Episode 56)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-the-setting-got-kellie-vanhorn-into-writing-episode-56/) - “My first book, Fatal Flashback, was inspired by the setting,” Kellie says. “For example, my husband and I were living in Texas, and we went on a camping trip out to Big Bend National Park and I fell in love with the setting. I had never written anything book-length before and I thought this would be an amazing place for a romance between a park ranger and somebody else, and there’s going to be action and adventure.” - [Kimberly Woodhouse’s Discipline of Writing (Episode 55)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/kimberly-woodhouses-discipline-of-writing-episode-55/) - “It’s definitely a discipline to write,” Kimberly says. “I do teach a lot about writing … and people ask [how do I write when I get writer’s block] all the time. My answer is writer’s block is not an option. You have these big dreams [about the creative process], … but writing is hard work. It is a discipline—you have to make yourself sit down and write. You can’t wait for the muse to hit and you write something brilliant. - [How Natalie Walters Stays Connected (Episode 54)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-natalie-walters-stays-connected-episode-54/) - “Our lives revolved around electronic devices, Zoom and FaceTime, during the pandemic in 2020, but I think that was one of the pluses to staying connected with people,” Natalie says. “Being able to remain on social media and be able to communicate through FaceTime and video chats to keep people updated. … That was one of the best ways for me as an author to remain connected with readers.” - [How Traci Hunter Abramson’s Travels Authenticates Her Books (Episode 53)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-traci-hunter-abramsons-travels-authenticates-her-books-episode-53/) - “I tend to write a lot of Navy SEALs, CIA type books, so basing them in DC, Virginia Beach, Virginia is often a favorite for me, but the characters being in the military or CIA are from everywhere,” Traci said. “So living in Virginia for so many years but being from the West is great. For example, if you’re talking about Virginia, one of the most common freeways is I-95, but if you’re in Utah, it’s the 15, with the in front of the number. Little things like that you wouldn’t know unless you’ve lived in different places.” - [The Gothic World Melanie Jeschke Loves (Episode 51)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-gothic-world-melanie-jeschke-loves-episode-51/) - “I was inspired by author Deborah White Smith, who did some updated versions or modern-day tellings of some Jane Austen books,” Melanie says. “I loved her books and I love Jane Austen, and thought, ‘I could do this’ with one of my favorite classics, Jane Eyre. … I love the whole gothic suspense thing that goes on in Jane Eyre and that could easily be reset to today.” - [Why Mindy Allows Crayons on Her Walls (Episode 50)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-mindy-allows-crayons-on-her-walls-episode-50/) - “I don’t write in crayon anymore but I do have a closet door with a map going up on the wall that some artist family members are building a mural of Miller’s Creek, which is where most of my books’ settings are just so I can keep track of the roads and who lives in what house,” Mindy says. “So they’re allowed to draw on the walls of my office for that.” - [How Andrew Huff Visualizes Writing (Episode 49)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-andrew-huff-visualizes-writing-episode-49/) - “As a younger man, I was really interested in filmmaking,” Andy says. “When I’m writing a scene, I may [visualize it as a movie]. In my Shepherd suspense series, there are scenes in each of the books that play out as if I were watching a movie in advance of me writing it. … I take that and start diving into how do I turn this into a written scene.” - [Take a Divine Detour With Kathy Harris (Episode 48)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/take-a-divine-detour-with-kathy-harris-episode-48/) - “When I started blogging over 10 years ago, I decided that divine detour sums up my writing and life in general,” Kathy says. “Sometimes God takes us on a crooked path to the right thing. … We can’t always assume how God plans to get us to our calling and [divine detour] kind of sums that up for all of us.” - [Liz Tolsma Infuses Hope in her Books (Episode 47)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/liz-tolsma-infuses-hope-in-her-books-episode-47/) - “It seems in these days, many people feel so hopeless and so helpless,” Liz says. “That's why I do what I do very intentionally to show that even in the most terrifying circumstances, … we're never truly alone in that. God has promised that he's going to walk through the fire with us. So no matter what happens, he's always going to be there. Then he promises that he works everything out to our good. There's that hope that I do bring to the stories and that I hope the readers will pick up on and we'll be uplifted by it. Even a romantic suspense can be an uplifting book when it's written from a Christian perspective.” - [Jerusha Agen’s Suspenseful Tendencies (Episode 46)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/jerusha-agens-suspenseful-tendencies-episode-46/) - “Sometimes our writing kind of tells us what to write,” says Jerusha Agen. “Writing suspense fits tendencies of my personality because I do tend to be a fearful person. … I have a hyperactive imagination. So I'm really always imagining worst-case scenarios and danger. In a way, I think writing romantic suspense gives me a healthy channel for the tendencies instead of just freaking myself out in my daily life. I can actually put it in a book, and have more control over it and have a positive lesson come out of it as well.” - [Jennifer Crosswhite’s Believability Ride (Episode 45)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/jennifer-crosswhites-believability-ride-episode-45/) - “You’re always sort of riding that fine line of believable, but pushing the edge of it,” Jennifer says. “You want to put people in really strange and difficult situations, and you want the stakes to escalate. You want things to get more challenging. … People have to get lost in the story world and feel like it can happen. … One of the questions we ask ourselves as writers is what's the worst thing that could happen right now?” - [A Marriage Made for Melissa Koslin (Episode 44)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/a-marriage-made-for-melissa-koslin-episode-44/) - “I have written other genres, but romantic suspense is the one that I keep going back to,” Melissa says. “I think it really comes down to my two favorite things in writing—intrigue/mystery and any kind of really super-intense emotions. And so this is a genre that really covers all of that and marries it beautifully.” - [The Biblical Inspiration of Michele Chynoweth (Episode 43)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-biblical-inspiration-of-michele-chynoweth-episode-43/) - “The Bible has everything in it because we're all human beings,” Michele says. “There's stories about human beings and all of the trials and tribulations we go through. There is a lot of suspense in there. There is a lot of heartache and challenges and triumphs. The Bible is a conglomeration of stories about us and all that we face. … I’ll never run out of material.” - [How Lori Altebaumer Experiences the World (Episode 42)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-lori-altebaumer-experiences-the-world-episode-42/) - “I think that there's a spiritual aspect to nature because I see God's creativity,” Lori says. “Nature is one of the things that really speaks to my heart. I love to observe trees, plants, the sunrise or sunset, to feel the sunshine, the wind. … We spend 90% of our lives indoors, and that's not how we were recreated. … There’s something intentional about seeking those moments to be just outside and experiencing the world. All the senses come alive when you go outside into the natural world.” - [The General James R. Hannibal Follows (Episode 41)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-general-james-r-hannibal-follows-episode-41/) - “I’ve got so many demands currently that’s it’s hard to find time to write,” James says. “What I finally realized was that my wife is so much better at organization and schedules than I am that I needed to give her control over my schedule. Before I was trying to be the soldier and the general at the same time. I've had the most productive last couple of months in my entire writing career by just letting go of control and letting her take over.” - [Terri Reed Flips Reality on its Head (Episode 40)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/terri-reed-flips-reality-on-its-head-episode-40/) - “I find inspiration everywhere I can,” Terri says. “When I'm watching TV, I think, ‘Oh, that's kind of an interesting thing that they did, but what if I did this instead?’ I’m always looking at newsfeeds and headlines, then taking the idea of whatever that headline is and flipping it around into something feasible, that could happen in real life. But it is fiction and we get to have some license.” - [Lisa Carter’s Writing Dance (Episode 39)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/lisa-carters-writing-dance-episode-39/) - “When you write romantic suspense, there are three story threads that you've got to weave together,” Lisa says. “There’s the romantic tension between your characters in which they've got to overcome certain obstacles that threaten their relationship. Then you've also got the thread of suspense where the characters are trying to either find a killer or escape, a killer or someone will die. And because I write from a Christian worldview, there's also the spiritual thread that is running through my novels, where the characters are coming to grips with God's invitation for a relationship. I'm weaving together these three story tension threads between the spiritual and the romantic and the suspense and it's kind of a little dance to get them all, to come out together in the end.” - [How Mary Alford’s Preteen Writing Fuels Her Today (Episode 37)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-mary-alfords-preteen-writing-fuels-her-today-episode-37/) - “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always liked to read,” Mary said. “I started reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. I loved the mystery and suspense of those. From there, I graduated to Victoria Holt, Phyliss Whitney, Mary Stuart. I was a preteen when I first decided to try my hand at writing what I loved to read. It looked so easy! I wrote my first book, which was terrible and full of cliches and sappy romance. Those stories lit a fire in me. Many years fell in-between before I started writing again.” - [How Joanna White Writes So Much (Episode 36)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/march-24-how-joanna-white-writes-so-much-episode/) - “I’m a full-time author and I write all the time,” Joanna said. “My goal for 2020 was to write a million words just with my novels that hit at least 50,000 words. I had a lot of books or series that I wanted to start or complete or work on. … January 1, 2020, I started the challenge, and by July 23, I had completed the challenge. I’ve written 15 books and since then, I’ve written two more.” - [How Wendy Wilson Spooner Tracks Down Her Characters (Episode 26)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-wendy-wilson-spooner-tracks-down-her-characters-episode-26/) - “If somebody tells me the end of a book or a movie, it doesn’t ruin it for me,” Wendy said. “I still want to go back and read or watch it because I want to know how that ending came to pass.” - [Virginia Vaughn’s Tailor-Made Background for Writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/virginia-vaughns-tailor-made-background-for-writing/) - “One thing I love about writing inspirational romantic suspense is that I love romantic suspense,” Virginia said. “I’ve been a fan of romantic suspense forever.” - [Tanya Stowe On Killing Characters (Episode 7)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/tanya-stowe-on-killing-characters-episode-7/) - “I like to explore the unusual,” Tanya said. “And that tends to come out in my books. … We’ve visited some fascinating places, and … I’ve incorporated that into my books.” - [Tapping Into Susan May Warren’s Creativity (Episode 19)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/tapping-into-susan-may-warrens-creativity-episode-19/) - “In my romantic suspense, I don’t like to kill people,” Susan said. “My books are more adventure-oriented, so I don’t have to have a villain come in and do terrible things to my characters. But I do have people die, so I have to research things like how someone would die if they fell.” - [How Sherri Shackleford Gets to Know Her Characters (Episode 4)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-sherri-shackleford-gets-to-know-her-characters-episode-4/) - “For me, I’m very much a character-drive plotter,” Sherri said. “If I know my character’s conflict at the beginning, that helps keep the romantic and personal plots in place. Because if I’m ever tempted to stray, I go back to what is their false belief.” - [Stephanie M. Gammon on Her Early Writing Influences (Episode 23)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/stephanie-m-gammon-on-her-early-writing-influences-episode-23/) - “It is really cool for me that my husband is a police lieutenant,” Sherri said. “It makes it a lot less awkward for me because I don’t have to hunt down someone to get answers to my questions. But sometimes, it can be hard to pull the answers from him because it’s his everyday life and he doesn’t think about the details that I need for my writing.” - [How Sharon K Connell Stays in Touch With Readers (Episode 8)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-sharon-k-connell-stays-in-touch-with-readers-episode-8/) - “I connect with my readers mostly on social media,” Sharon said. “I’m on Facebook a lot on a group forum and author and book page, and also on Twitter to connect with readers there too.” - [Robin Patchen on Interviewing Her Characters (Episode 22)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/robin-patchen-on-interviewing-her-characters-episode-22/) - “The hardest part for me in writing romantic suspense is coming up with good plots,” Robin said. “I really write small town romantic suspense, and I like my characters to all stay in the same town and know each other. But how many different ways can you put danger in a small town?” - [Patricia Bradley on Cats, Life Happens and BIC (Episode 6)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/patricia-bradley-on-cats-life-happens-and-bic-episode-6/) - “When I started out, I had an outline for writing my books,” Patricia said. “But about three books ago, I couldn’t figure out the outline and had to start writing to figure the book out. I find out as much about my character as I can before I start writing.” - [Michèle Olson on the Beauty of Mackinac Island (Episode 21)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/michele-olson-on-the-beauty-of-mackinac-island-episode-21/) - “Mackinaw Island, Michigan, is one of my favorite places on earth,” Michele said. “I live about five hours away, so I’ve been going there about 35 years, so I feel like I really know the island.” - [Why Margaret Daley Writes Happy Endings (Episode 13)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-margaret-daley-writes-happy-endings-episode-13/) - “I like to take what’s happening in and around me in our country and use those as ways to make people aware of them,” Margaret said. “In my books, the criminals always get caught, so I see them as a way to help us handle these issues.” - [Lynn Shannon on Tying the Threads of Romantic Suspense Together (Episode 17)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/lynn-shannon-on-tying-the-threads-of-romantic-suspense-together-episode-17/) - “In romantic suspense, there’s always something happening,” Lynn said. “One of the challenges of writing romantic suspense is that you have many threads that you’re pulling at the same time—the romance, the mystery and the faith element—that you have to interweave all together.” - [Lynette Eason on Why She Writes Romantic Suspense (Episode 27)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/lynette-eason-on-why-she-writes-romantic-suspense-episode-27/) - “When I decided to write a book, it was natural for me to segue into romantic suspense,” Lynette said. “I was a suspense fan and a romance fan, so combining the two was fun.” - [How Lisa Harris Works Through Stress (Episode 14)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-lisa-harris-works-through-stress-episode-14/) - “I’ve always looked at writing as a kind of therapy,” Lisa said. “But I also learned that you can’t wait to write until you feel creative. I think that’s been my biggest struggle [during the pandemic], if I wait to feel creative, I’m really just not feeling creative. … I’ve had to learn I have to sit down and write.” - [Linda Shenton Matchett’s Strategy for Writing (Episode 2)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/linda-shenton-matchetts-strategy-for-writing-episode-2/) - “We recently downsized and relocated to a tiny house that backs up to woods and forest,” Linda said. “There’s a chair that looks out over the woods. In the summer, I sit on our deck in a chaise lounge overlooking the woods. I find it restive and rejuvenating while I’m working.” - [Laurie Wood on Writing With Purpose (Episode 20)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/laurie-wood-on-writing-with-purpose-episode-20/) - On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting Laurie Wood, a military wife who’s lived across Canada and visited six of its 10 provinces. - [Where Kimberly Rose Johnson Finds Inspiration (Episode 5)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/where-kimberly-rose-johnson-finds-inspiration-episode-5/) - “The more I write, the more I get to know my characters,” Kimberly said. “As I get to know my characters more, I often will go back and write more things into my story. I also make notes in the margins … to make sure I put everything in.” - [The World of Julie B Cosgrove (Episode 1)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/the-world-of-julie-b-cosgrove/) - “I would advise someone who wanted to write a book to do it—just sit down and write and get it out,” Julie said. “Don’t worry about grammar, don’t worry about spelling or any punctuation—get the English teacher out of your head!—just get it down on paper. … Get into in person or online with a good, supportive critique group." - [Jodie Bailey’s Glimpse Into Military Life (Episode 24)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/jodie-baileys-glimpse-into-military-life-episode-24/) - “My whole writing journey is this God-given thing,” Jodie said. “I was in contemporary women’s fiction, when my agent asked if I thought about writing military suspense. I walked to the coat closet, and I thought, ‘What if somebody was in my closet and it’s the good guy?’ Before I knew it, I had half a military suspense done in my head.” - [How Kelly Irvin Turned a Side Job Into a Novel (Episode 25)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-kelly-irvin-turned-a-side-job-into-a-novel-episode-25/) - “I’ve never seen a story where a court reporter was the main character,” Kelly said. “It fit so well into the crime genre because they’re responsible for the evidence in trials. A lot of people think they’re just transcribers, but there’s a tremendous amount of work that goes into recording the trial.” - [How Jessica R. Patch Makes Her Stories Realistic (Episode 16)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-jessica-r-patch-makes-her-stories-realistic-episode-16/) - “It’s easy and it’s not easy to write,” Jessica said. “If you’re a seat-of-the-pants writer—if you just make it up as you go, and that’s how I was originally—having a manuscript is fantastic because once it’s done, you write your proposal and send it in. But when you start selling on proposal, they want a full synopsis, which can be about seven to 10 pages.” - [Irene Hannon’s Writing Journey (Episode 18)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/irene-hannons-writing-journey-episode-18/) - “The contemporary romance that I write have a lot of drama in them, but it’s more of an interpersonal variety and those very rarely have any cliffhanger, life-and-death moments. I get to do a pretty deep dive in the psychology of the characters and focus on the relationship side of things,” Irene said. “When I move into romantic suspense, I’m dealing with more usually shorter time frame and a lot more tension and danger and some characters are pretty scary. … Those books tend to be more intense and research heavy.” - [How Denise Weimer Stumbled Into Romantic Suspense (Episode 3)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-denise-weimar-stumbled-into-romantic-suspense-episode-3/) - “My favorite thing is to name a book based on a theme, an underlying inspirational theme or character development theme in my books,” Denise said. “I also sometimes choose a name based on a big event that happens in the book.” - [Why David L. Winters Writes About Cars (Episode 9)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/why-david-l-winters-writes-about-cars-episode-9/) - “I’ve always loved suspense. My babysitter when I was probably five years old started me out on Edgar Allen Poe,” David said. “I’ve always thought it really a talent to tell a story that not only keeps the reader engaged but eager to find out what’s happening next.” - [Where Darlene Turner Searches for Plot Inspiration (Episode 11)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/where-darlene-turner-searches-for-plot-inspiration-episode-11/) - “Every since I was a little girl, I loved mysteries—whether it was a Nancy Drew book, a game of Clue or Charlie’s Angels TV show,” Darlene said. “This is what started my love of trying to figure out the mystery, and this is why I love writing romantic suspense.” - [How Dani Pettrey Avoids Writing Distractions (Episode 10)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-dani-pettrey-avoids-writing-distractions-episode-10/) - “For motivation for writing in general, the biggest thing is writing first thing in the morning,” Dani said. “If I do that, it’s really helpful because nothing else is weighing on my mind. … the afternoons, I do the other stuff like check email, marketing, etc. My advice is to find the most productive writing time of day is for you.” - [Dana R. Lynn on Writing Amish Adjacent (Episode 12)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/dana-r-lynn-on-writing-amish-adjacent-episode-12/) - “When I first started, I started writing regular romantic suspense,” Dana said. “In my third book, I started to veer off into Amish adjacent, and what that is some of your characters can be Amish or not, but it’s usually set in Amish settings or there’s some connection with Amish side characters. I’ve had heroes and heroines who were Amish, but I’ve also had cops and paramedics. It doesn’t have to be strictly Amish, but there’s an Amish element.” - [Elizabeth Goddard’s Writing Dream (Episode 38)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/elizabeth-goddards-writing-dream-episode-38/) - “I actually worked in corporate America in my twenties, and I traveled all over the country,” Elizabeth, adding that she quit to stay home with her first child. “During that time, I decided that I wanted to focus on my dream of writing. … Now it’s my full-time job, where I have word counts and marketing/promotion I have to hit every day.” - [Debby Giusti’s Care & Treatment of Villains (Episode 35)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/debby-giustis-care-treatment-of-villains-episode-35/) - “I don’t know if I could write a book if I couldn’t kill somebody,” Debby said. “There’s a lot of elements to a suspense story that need to be woven together. I’m a plotter, so beforehand, I want to get a fairly good idea of how the story’s going to progress. We have our red herrings, and there’s a lot of foreshadowing that has to go in there. And of course our villain has to be a somewhat complex person. He has to have goals and motivations and conflict, and he has to change through the story as well.” - [Lynn Blackburn’s Room of Her Own (Episode 34)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/lynn-blackburns-room-of-her-own-episode-34/) - “A few years ago, we turned an attic storage area off of our bonus room into an office for me,” Lynn said. “Half of the ceiling is angled to the floor because it’s the roofline, but it’s a room of my own for writing. My kids are used to me saying, ‘This is the part where you pretend Mommy has left the house.’” - [How Dana Mentink Fills Her Closet (Episode 33)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/how-dana-mentink-fills-her-closet-episode-33/) - “I think time is like a closet,” Dana said. “If you have a small closet, you fill it up. If you suddenly gotten yourself a big closet, you fill it up. No matter the how much space or time you have, you’re going to fill it up.” - [Lenora Worth’s Lifelong Desire to Write (Episode 32)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/lenora-worths-lifelong-desire-to-write-episode-32/) - “I don’t know how I’ve written 80 books,” Lenora said. “I’ve always wanted to write from a young age, and when I finally had the opportunity, it took a few years. I really enjoy writing and I have a vivid imagination. When I look back, I think how I did I do that. I’ve written novels, novellas, short stories, poetry, worked for newspapers, worked for magazines—and it was all coming from this need to put words on the page.” - [Sara Blackard’s Early Morning Inspiration (Episode 31)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/sara-blackards-early-morning-inspiration-episode-31/) - “It was kind of difficult finding a balance to write at first,” Sara said. “I primarily get up early—and it’s hopefully before anyone else is up—between five and five-thirty, and then try to get as much writing as I can before everyone else is getting up. Whatever writing doesn’t get done, I try to fit it in between math, etc.” - [Movies Provide Inspiration For Gina Holder (Episode 30)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/movies-provide-inspiration-for-gina-holder-episode-30/) - “When watching movies, I use them to draw inspiration as far as character ideas, flaws for the characters, plot engines, and how other writers have put together the steps to create the plots,” Gina said. “When I relax my mind that way, I’m also able to think of things for my own books and ideas come to mind.” - [Deena Alexander on Balancing Romance, Suspense & Faith (Episode 29)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/deena-alexander-on-balancing-romance-suspense-faith-episode-29/) - “For me, I think there are a few things hard about writing romantic suspense,” Deena said. “One is keeping up that level of suspense through the whole story. Second, balancing that with the romance. Since I write inspirational, it’s also balancing the faith element with the suspense and romance—all while not letting the story get boring.” - [What Cara Putman Gave Up to Write (Episode 28)](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/podcast/what-cara-putman-gave-up-to-write-episode-28/) - “One of my secrets is that when I decided to start writing, I gave up TV,” Cara said. “I figured out what was that thing in my life that I could cut out and make space for writing.” ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/uncategorized/) - [writing blog](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/writing-blog/) - [Phantom Love](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/phantom-love/) - [Guest Blog](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/guest-blog/) - [Recent Releases](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/recent-releases/) - [Jet and Goliath](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/jet-and-goliath/) - [A Roadside Confession](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/a-roadside-confession/) - [Chicken Soup for the Soul story](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-story/) - [writing article](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/writing-article/) - [Book contests](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/book-contests/) - [Fostering](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/category/fostering/) ## Tags - [Sarah Hamaker](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/tag/sarah-hamaker/) - [writing](https://sarahhamakerfiction.com/tag/writing/) - [Alice K. 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