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 in the Woods (11/25)
Patricia Bradley/On the Edge of Trust (11/4)
Hannah Linder/The Red Cottage
Darlene L. Turner/Trail of Mountain Secrets (11/25)
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Charlene Amsden, who is a storyteller, coffee enthusiast, and devoted follower of Christ who calls a small island in the far Northwest home—where her neighbors include orca whales, bald eagles, and the occasional black fox. A former elementary school teacher of 18 years and children’s ministry leader for six, she now serves as an elder and newsletter editor for her local church.
Born in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Charlene’s life has been as varied as the settings in her books—she has taught school in the desert and on the beach, crossed the country in the cab of an 18-wheeler, and gathered stories in all seven states she’s called home. She is a wife, sister, aunt, and friend. Her writing reflects the faith, hope, and deep sense of community that have shaped her journey.
When she’s not writing Christian fiction, you’ll likely find her sipping coffee, watching the tide roll in, or dreaming up new tales that weave together suspense, redemption, and God’s grace.
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.]”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Kage by Charlene Amsden. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Award-winning USA Today bestselling PeggySue Wells recently stopped by my blog to share about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? I began my career as a news reporter and moved into nonfiction books. I’m embarrassed to say I imagined fiction writers as the folks who didn’t do reality. In a personal growth exercise, someone challenged me to write a novel. What a revelation to learn that fiction is the highly skilled art of making something up that is believable and so compelling that readers will suspend reality and dive into story with the author. I was hooked.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I’m drawn to stories, both fiction and real life, that showcase characters fighting for the relationships and people they love. This resonates deeply with me as a reflection of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating how much He values us.
The romantic suspense genre weaves together the intimacy of developing relationships with the heroic actions of people who put others before themselves. Romantic suspense allows me to explore characters at their most vulnerable and their most courageous, falling in love while facing danger, choosing sacrifice over safety, and discovering that the greatest strength often lies in fighting not just for survival, but for the people who matter most.
In romantic suspense, love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a decision made in the face of real risks and genuine danger. That’s the kind of story worth telling.
Have you ever regretted killing off a character? Why? In Chasing Sunrise, our hero tragically loses his mother and two young sisters, a scene that was deeply emotional to write. While this loss becomes pivotal to who he is and shapes every decision he makes going forward, I mourn the stories I can’t tell.
I imagine the conversations he might have had with his mom as an adult, the way his sisters would have teased him about his best friend, the holiday gatherings and everyday moments that will never happen. Instead of knowing how rich those present-day interactions could be, including the laughter, the conflicts, the growth, I’m confined to brief flashbacks within a narrow window of time.
The very event that defines my character also closes the door on countless future scenes that would be fun to explore.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? Most essential to my writing is learning about new people, places, and things. Each book takes readers where they have never been before and keeps the writing exciting for me. Secrecy Order mainly takes place in a kibbutz. I traveled to Israel to visit a kibbutz and go off-roading in the desert to accurately write about life in this unique community, as well as facing down gun runners in the Negev. Other books in the series include the only tea plantation in the United States, islands in the Sea Island chain, and a risky mission with a little-known community of fierce warriors called the Circassians.
How do you come up with titles for your books? Titles are a vital aspect of a romantic suspense novel. The words can draw a reader’s curiosity or cause them to scroll by without a second glance. I toss out ideas with fellow authors and readers. When I have a title or two that have potential, I ask my readers. I’m so grateful for the feedback they provide, letting me know how the title feels, and how they interpret the words. Once the title is reader-approved, we do the same process for the subtitle. Readers are my valuable resource.
About PeggySue Award-winning USA Today bestselling author of 45 books, including mystery suspense of the year, Unnatural Cause, PeggySue Wells is known for action and adventure, romantic suspense—Chasing Sunrise, Homeless for the Holidays, and The Patent. She empowers readers with nonfiction like The Ten Best Decisions A Single Mom Can Make.
Secrecy Order
Powerful nations hunt for Marc Wayne and his invention, which promises to redefine weapons and global warfare. Meanwhile, in a remote hiding place, Marc serves as bait in hopes of turning his predators into prey. When an illegal arms dealer leverages Marc for his own ends, will Marc ever see home and family again? As time runs out, can he trust the electro-physicist, Lei Quong, enough to escape with her?
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Megan Short, an Australian author of inspirational romantic suspense novels. She grew up in New Zealand where her favorite activity was watching bumblebees and day dreaming. A screenwriter by trade, she has writing qualifications from UCLA and has won screenwriting awards. Megan currently lives in Melbourne and loves learning new skills and meeting new people, many of which make their way into her stories! She still spends too much time day dreaming and is a recovering chocoholic.
“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.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Alaska Police Protector by Megan Short. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah by Angela Hunt — A master of biblical research, Angela Hunt delivers a series starter that transports readers to the Old Testament world of Sarah and Abraham, making this novel a perfect read for those who love Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, and Jill Eileen Smith. (Biblical/Historical from Bethany House)
Leading Philippi by Jenifer Jennings — In the raging sea of fear, Epaphroditus finds his faith. (Biblical/Historical, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter — She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson])
Trying to Save Christmas by Dawn Kinzer — A new teacher trying to save Christmas for a grieving student and his guardian brother risks losing her heart to them both. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees — Can two grieving hearts find healing with each other…and God? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Christmas in Granite Harbor by Candice Sue Patterson — Small-town traditions, a Maine Coon, and a decades-old mystery knit hearts together this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Who Stirs Up the Sea by Deborah Raney — So many secrets between them. But when the truth comes out, will it drive them apart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Two Hearts, One Piano by Catherine Richmond — Ten years ago, rock star Alan Wolfe trashed Maren’s life. Now his brother is on her doorstep, asking about the baby. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Cozy Mystery:
Troubled Truffles by Leslie Lantrip — Ruby Starr breathes a sigh of relief that all is well in the whimsical town of Iris Cove, but while making a routine bakery delivery, she’s shocked to discover a dead body inside the new bookshop. She assures everyone that she will never again be involved in sleuthing, but with clues all around, will her inquisitive mind be able to comply? (Cozy Mystery from Trilogy Christian Publishing)
The Last Scam by Jean Rezab — Courtney’s lifelong dream is finally within her grasp, but when a guest turns up dead during the inn’s very first week, her perfect plans turn into chaos. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
Tangled Roots by Jessica Brodie — When newspaper editor Tiff Steadman’s ex-convict brother returns seeking reconciliation, she must choose between protecting the respectable life she’s built and risking everything to embrace the messy grace of family forgiveness. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group)
The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield — The fate of strangers intertwines when a man contemplating suicide commandeers a bridge on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone into an unexpected detour from their holiday plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
The Song Awakens by Linda Sammaritan — One moment of temptation. Years of separation. How much of the truth does she dare to confess? (General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)
General Historical:
To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau — Inspired by a true story, “To Outwit Them All” is told from the perspective of the only woman in George Washington’s Revolutionary group of citizen spies known as the Culper Ring. (General Historical from Iron Stream Media)
Historical Romance:
A Heart To Treasure by Dienece Darling — The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but with less than a fortnight to their wedding day, a coming storm will shatter everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love on the Horizon by Penny Zeller — Return to Horizon, Idaho, for Timothy Shepherdson’s story and meet newcomer, Mags, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Military Suspense:
Tick, Tick, Tick … Boom by Felicia Ferguson — With her marriage to clinical psychologist Matt in shambles, Army CID Officer Gabby Carmichael wakes up to a bomb threat. They reluctantly work together to find the bomber, but as pressure mounts, which will explode first? The bomb or their marriage? (Military Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)
Novella (Romance):
Christmas on the Islands by Annette M. Irby — Washington Island Christmas series novellas all in one place! Visit Puget Sound and the Salish Sea islands in this series of holiday novellas! Enjoy getting to know new characters, with some cameo visits from previous friends. Here you’ll find heart-warming scenes, layered family dynamics, romance, and hope in Jesus. (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)
A Christmas Inheritance by Myra Johnson, Delia Latham, and Tanya Stowe — Three Christmas stories in one! “His Christmas Refuge:” He came home to leave it all behind. She’s convinced he’ll run again. “A Montana Christmas Promise:” He gave everything to the land. She came only to let it go. “The Prodigal Preacher’s Christmas Homecoming:” A story of redemption, brotherhood, and love reborn under the gentle hand of grace. (Romance Novella, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong — He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)
Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker — When a pediatrician foils an attempted child abduction, she’s thrust into a dangerous game in which she must rely on the help of her former boyfriend to stay alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Defending You by Robin Patchen — She stumbled onto a deadly secret, and the man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed — A widowed FBI profiler must turn to her ex, a commanding Police Chief to protect her child and solve a cold case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
Dust and Ashes by Demi Griffin — Even mistakes and failures were folded into the king’s plan! (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Unexpected by Kimberly Keagan — The heirs of Denwall Department Stores find unexpected love In the glittering era of the Gilded Age. (Historical Romance)
Where Secrets End by Rebecca Lake — One man’s obsession. One woman’s past. One chance to survive. (Romantic Suspense)
But There Were Signs by Georgia Curtis Ling — When one of their own is found dead, four pastors’ wives–turned amateur sleuths are playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with a suspected killer in Appalachia. (Contemporary Suspense)
The Dreamer by Jenny Marcelene — To the Ends is an international adventure series helping children ages 6-10 cultivate a biblical worldview and spark prayer for the nations. (Children’s/Middle Grade Chapter Book)
The Realm: The Awakening Begins by K Ross — In a world where dreams are more real than not, and harsh realities collide with visions of eternity, only one god can rule. (Supernatural Suspense)
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About PeggySue
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