On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Amanda Cox, the Christy Award–winning author of The Edge of Belonging, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and He Should Have Told the Bees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible and theology, and a master’s degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tenn., with her husband and their three children.
“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.”
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 to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton — Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])
Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter — A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas — With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published)
New Star by Lana Christian — You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)
Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett — She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Virginia by Shannon McNear — Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky — In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Middle-grade Chapter books:
Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen — Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)
Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille — A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)
Romance:
A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver — As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)
Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills — A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)
K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner — Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer — Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)
Western:
Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst — God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western from Independently Published)
Young Adult:
The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs — Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a starpalm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Murder Goes Caroling by Malissa Chapin — Ringing in the holidays just hit a sour note. With mayhem threatening to turn festive carols into dirges, can a gifted pianist unmask a nasty scrooge? (Cozy Mystery)
The Marble Hill Crime Blotter by BD Lawrence — Life in a small town isn’t always as serene as one might think. The Marble Hill Crime Blotter is a series of thrilling stories that follow Police Chief Tom Petrosky and State Police Forensics Specialist Patricia Johnson. (Mystery/police procedural)
La Elegida para Harley by Heidi Gray McGill — Esperaban una novia por encargo y obtuvieron más de lo que esperaban. (They were expecting a custom bride and got more than they bargained for.) (General Historical)
Hidden Danger by Gail Pallotta — Left at the altar, Emily Hanover flees to Sky High Campground to put her life back together, but danger strikes in the night. Harassed by a man who seems to disappear into thin air, Emily and Nick, the security guard, discover a sinister plot, never dreaming danger could bring romance. (Romantic Suspense)
Captured in Frame by Laura Thomas — Desperate to begin a new chapter after a heartbreaking betrayal, Canadian photographer Georgia Brooks retreats to her quaint English cottage—only to discover she could be in possession of incriminating evidence framing a criminal ring in the ugly underbelly of the art world (Romantic Suspense)
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 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now.
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 in 2009 at the age of 23. After years of grief, I had to write about it in some way to honor her and all the women who are victims of abuse and DV. My goal is to bring awareness and help women seek safety. For anyone who needs assistance, there is a resource page on my website.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? For this series, I had to relive the court proceedings over and over. I cried a lot, but that helped with the healing process. My grief and sorrow for her mother drove me to do what I can to help other women. People need to know that abuse of any kind is not love.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books? For this series, my research came from real life. Though for Renewed Hope, I had my neighbor, a former Colville Tribal Police Officer, help me with police and task force procedures to assist my heroine’s efforts to find her young kidnapped son.
How do you come up with titles for your books? For this series, my titles are not of the normal romance genre. I based them on the stages of abuse and healing, especially through Christ. I have an in-depth explanation on my blog.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Since the tragedy occurred on the Colville Reservation, I set the Seven Tine Ranch on this rez. The ranch connects the series as it becomes a safe place for women in need. I included three different women from three different reservations, two in which we have family, and one because it’s the home of the Pendleton Round-Up, a special place for First Americans.
What has been most rewarding about writing romantic suspense? The idea of bringing hope in Jesus is the most rewarding about writing the Seven Tine Ranch Romance series. In fiction, DM and abuse is not a popular read, especially in the Christian community, but the days of talking about hard topics are over. Love is bringing awareness, help, healing, and hope to those in hard situations. There is forgiveness, grace, and mercy in Jesus. We all need those three attributes. We all need His love, help, and healing.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? Easy. I saddle up and hit the trail. Or the water as I live a few miles from Lake Roosevelt. In the winter, I exercise or go for a walk. Or better, trek down to the barn and love on my horses. I also enjoy spending time with my grandkids.
About Carmen Award-winning author Carmen Peone lives with her tribal husband, Joe, on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation in Northeast Washington. She gathered cultural knowledge from family and elders and studied the language and various cultural traditions and legends under the late Marguerite Ensminger. She is a horse and photography enthusiast. With a degree in abnormal psychology, the thought of writing never entered her mind, until she married her husband and they moved to the reservation after college. She came to love the people and their heritage and desires to create a legacy for her family and loves to write inspirational stories of hope, healing, & horses that lead to happily ever after.
Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts.
Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch.
Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Joanna Davidson Politano, the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears, A Rumored Fortune, Finding Lady Enderly, The Love Note, A Midnight Dance and The Lost Melody. She loves tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives and is eager to hear anyone’s story. She lives with her husband and their children in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.
“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.”
Connect w/Amanda
About Carmen
Can they find her son in time?
Connect w/Joanna
