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 January 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now.
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 around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal. Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts. When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?? (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC)
Home from the Storm by Laurel M. Blount — After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he’s determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find. (Contemporary Romance from Berkley)
The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — In the sprawling landscape of Crossroads Creek, where the Texan sun paints golden dreams, Max Turner suddenly finds his dream of reclaiming his family’s lost ranch put on hold. To avoid draining his savings account, Max is desperately searching for a new job and a place to live, except ranch foreman jobs weren’t easy to come by. As the scorching summer unfolds, Max’s path crosses with that of Lucy Carrington, a determined young woman whose dreams clash with the expectations of her traditional rancher father. When her father hires Max to secretly oversee the ranch because he doesn’t trust his daughter to handle a man’s job, Max is caught in a web of deceit. As Max and Lucy navigate the complexities of their new roles, including the surprise news that Max is guardian to Crystal…a twelve-year-old niece he never knew existed, they discover the power of love and resilience, and the true meaning of family. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)
General Contemporary:
Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee — The dream of motherhood eludes her. Can she find her way back to hope? Belinda Briggs’ life is shattered by losses and crises, shattering her faith and leading her on a quest for renewed hope, faith, and peace in this series finale contemporary Christian women’s fiction tale. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)
Chokecherry Valley Comfort by Jean Rezab — One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond’s life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he’s on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and heads to his in-law’s farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. Tyler Garvey is the only survivor of the two-vehicle accident in which his younger brother dies. He feels guilty because he should have been driving. His parents don’t blame him, but he blames himself, and so does Paul. Both families try to put their lives back together. It’s going to take time, a great deal of comfort, and forgiveness on all sides. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Chokecherry Valley Joy by Jean Rezab — Abby feels like everything is wrong with her life. She’s never dealt with the grief of losing her twin sister, Samantha, and niece, Amy, in an accident. Her marriage to Mark has fallen into the routine of his long hours of work and her erratic schedule as a nurse in a busy Houston hospital. Their failed attempt to have a child puts further strain on their relationship. Unhappy in her current job, she needs a break. She travels to Chokecherry Valley to spend two weeks with her parents at their farm. Mark plans to join her after he finishes his current work project, and she hopes to reconnect with him and discuss their future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly S. Irvin — Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her. Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships. Together, the sisters are forced to reexamine their priorities, address the still tender wounds of their childhood, and delve more deeply to discover what it means to live each day to its fullest.? (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Christmas in Ohio by Bettie Boswell, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Penny Frost McGinnis, and Michelle Levigne — Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope. (General Contemporary from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
Historical Romance:
When Love Comes by Penny Zeller — A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it’s never too late for true love. When Charlotte’s and Tobias’s paths cross in Prune Creek, Wyoming, can they put aside their preconceived disdain for each other? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Cozy Mystery:
Deadly Burden by Janet Sketchley — Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer? Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead? The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss? Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L. Turner — Standing guard…with threats on all sides. When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer – A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. (Historical Romance)
Finding Baby Jesus by Lynn Weathington – Will Baby Jesus find his way back into the nativity in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)
Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey – When the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is. (Romance)
Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus – With love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all… (Contemporary Romance)
For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis – When he learns where the money probably came from, will it keep their two families apart? (Western)
Hope’s Hills by Ruth Kyser – Will they remain good friends, or has God got other plans for their futures? (Contemporary Romance)
Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas – Shootings, snow globes, and secrets abound when Alexis James witnesses the shooting of a British author outside the local bookstore. (Romantic Suspense Novella)
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 December 2023, with the book’s release date if not available now.
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 a consistent work schedule is important for me. Writing is my fulltime job, so I write Monday through Friday with an occasional Saturday. I’ve learned it’s really hard to get back into the groove of my story if I take any extended time off. Mornings are my most productive times too.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? Strangely, it happens when I’m not trying to make it happen. I travel a lot between Iowa and Nebraska, so being on the road in the middle of nowhere tends to help me ponder scenes and situations. This is especially true when it comes to plot holes or areas where I know the story needs adjusting. Sometimes it’s a 3 a.m. wake-me-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night AHA moment. I must admit, I don’t love those.
How do you connect with your characters? The biggest way for me to connect with my characters is to write their dark moment backstory. It’s the way they come alive for me, and it helps me understand their needs and motives best. I use the tools in OneStopForWriters to create a full character worksheet.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing? My favorite way is to read or listen (I love audiobooks) outside the genre that I write in. Typically, it’s historical or literary fiction that releases those creative juices. When I get lost in a story, it frees my mind to brainstorm ideas.
What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels? I once buried the heroine alive, which made for an intense opening. I enjoy taking a common fear most people have so they can relate with the character’s emotional state.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books? I use all sorts of resources. The internet of course, movies, books, true crime shows, and real life cases.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? I love when readers contact me because they’ve connected with one of my characters. It is so much fun to share the joy of my imaginary friends. When they come alive as much to the reader as they did to me, it’s a huge thrill.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? My husband is a recently retired state trooper with over 30 years of experience. I also have incredible friends in the law enforcement community, as well as experts in fields I have written about or have interest in. Those relationships are priceless because they help me to write accurately and keep the stories as true to life as possible.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? (i.e., a quiet space, classical music, cup of coffee) Quiet and cinnamon gum are essential writing tools for me. I’ve tried writing in coffee shops and other public spaces, and it just doesn’t work. I also need my large computer monitor to prevent headaches while I’m straining to see the screen.
Who’s your favorite romantic suspense writer and why? Irene Hannon is my favorite romantic suspense author because she balances the romance and suspense in such a phenomenal way. Her books are always a must-read for me.
Which of your books is your favorite and why? Cold Case Trail is the favorite of all my books (so far) because of K9 Magnum. He’s my hero dream dog. Smart, sweet, and brave. The perfect canine companion. Shhh don’t tell my German shepherd. LOL.
About Sharee Sharee Stover is an award winning, Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author, transplanted from Colorado to the Midwest, where she lives her happily ever after with her real-life-hero, children, and a ridiculously spoiled German shepherd. She writes Christian romantic suspense combining heart-racing, nail-biting suspense, and the delight of falling in love all in one.
Seeking Justice An agent and her K-9 partner risk their lives in the ultimate mission.
With her partner gravely injured in the line of duty, FBI agent Tiandra Daugherty has one shot to complete her mission. She’ll have to convince her partner’s twin brother, Officer Elijah Kenyon, to take his place undercover in a deadly drug ring. Together they must find justice for his brother and dismantle the gang. But the target is now on them, and the mission could prove fatal.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Laura Thomas, a published Christian author who writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul and is a hope*writers certified writing coach. Her Laura’s Christian romantic suspense books are published by Anaiah Press: The Glass Bottom Boat, The Lighthouse Baby, The Orphan Beach, and The Christmas Cabin. She also has a Christian teen fiction trilogy, marriage book, and middle-grade short novel published by Dancing With Bear Publishing, as well as several anthology books, devotionals, articles, Sunday school lessons, and stories published in magazines and online. She is represented for future romantic suspense novels by her literary agent at Credo Communications. Laura is a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they live in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, as audacious empty-nesters.
“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.”