On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Terry Toler, a best-selling and award-winning author who has written 17 nonfiction books and 32 novels, including the Jamie Austen and Alex Halee spy novels, Cliff Hangers, along with The Eden Stories. He won the 2020 American Bookfest Best Book Award for Religious Fiction. In 2021, he followed with two books that were finalists for the Best Book Awards in the categories of Thrillers and Adventure and Religious Fiction. Terry is a public speaker, counselor, and entrepreneur. Impacting the lives of people worldwide through storytelling has become one of his passions in life.
“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.”
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 anchored in God’s steadfast Love, timeless Word, and infinite Wisdom. (Biblical Adventure from hope*books)
Contemporary Romance:
The Triplets’ Summer Adventure by Laurel M. Blount — Back home for the summer, adventure-seeking Nick Marshall thinks his park ranger gig will be easy—until the children’s camp he’s overseeing is left without a cook. Desperate to fill the position, he offers his high school nemesis, Cara Andrews, the job. As the two work together, Nick can’t help but fall for the single mom and her triplet sons. But convincing her to take a chance on him might be Nick’s toughest challenge yet… (Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Mary’s Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne — Mary finds courage to face her fears about pursuing further treatment for serious injuries sustained as a child, and she and Reuben find a way to be together, with God’s help. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Love’s True Home by Lori DeJong — Born and raised on the foreign mission field, all Allyson Kincaid wants is home and hearth on American soil. Too bad the first guy who’s made her pulse skip dreams of a life spent in foreign missions. Although she supports him in his calling, knows his choice means she’ll be laying more broken dreams, and a newly shattered heart, at the feet of Jesus. When Zane Carpenter relocates to Arlington, Texas, his seventh move in thirteen years, his only thought is to meet his obligation with Becker Ministries in a few months then take a foreign mission assignment. But working so closely with Ally in student ministry has him feeling things he’s never experienced. He’s ready for a future with her, until he accepts an opportunity to work on foreign soil and Ally stays behind. He knows God put him at the mission for a reason, although his heart still longs for the girl back home. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
When the Ocean Roars by Charlsie Estess — Weeks before the Ultimate Fighting World Championship, Keane “The Golden Lion” Temple lands in Japan for the battle of his professional life, primed to take the win. But when his path collides with an intriguing woman, he gives in to impulse and asks her to spend his day off from training with him. Ami Ono cannot pass on the invitation but also hides her full identity. As their extraordinary day bleeds into night, both realize one day won’t be enough. Then the excursion ends in disaster when Keane discovers who Ami is. They part ways, but compelling circumstances and an undeniable attraction draw them back together. As the forbidden romance threatens to take down his principles, he struggles to honor his beliefs. Will The Golden Lion surrender his heart? Will Ami defy the domineering men in her life and accept it? Do they stand a chance against nature? (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)
A Midsummer Romance by Alyssa Schwarz — The meddling mothers of Wild Rose Ridge will do anything to match up friends Caleb Weaver and Jessica Daniels. Real life begins to mirror Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream a little too much when they are strategically cast as the main couple in the town’s summer play. Will the course of true love end in tragedy? With a touch of summer magic, anything can happen. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner — Cole and Laila have been inseparable since they could crawl. And they’ve never thought about each other that way. Except for when they have. Rarely. Once in a while, sure. But seriously . . . hardly ever. If When Harry Met Sally had a quippy literary love child with Gilmore Girls’ Luke and Lorelai, you’d get Cole and Laila. Just . . . don’t tell them that. (Contemporary Romance from Thomas Nelson Fiction [Harper Collins])
Western:
Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy — Two people marry for convenience then strike out to find happiness…and find danger instead. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the promise of love. (Western from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Romance:
Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M Beller — To fulfill a dying wish, Faith Collins masquerades as a man to find the woman who once saved her father’s life. On her journey through the Rockies, she teams up with a man in search of his brother, and together they must navigate the treacherous terrain while keeping Faith’s identity a secret and their growing affection at bay. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
When Plans Go Awry by Denise M Colby Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to be the next schoolmarm in a small ranching community in California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life, alone, never to depend on anyone ever again. Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride, a necessity to help raise his two younger sisters, and the only way he knew to protect his heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to be near to make sure she stays safe. Along the way, neither feel much in control of their circumstances. Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn. Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected. Will Luke and Olivia learn to trust God’s plan for their lives? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Dreams on the Horizon by Penny Zeller — Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders and has assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he falls in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. When nefarious characters bent on seeing the railroad project succeed begin to threaten innocent lives, will Landon intervene and save the woman who has claimed his heart? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Romantic Suspense:
Hidden in the Night by Elizabeth Goddard — At the behest of her ailing mother, former FBI special agent Ivy Elliott arrives in Alaska to secure an unpublished Jack London manuscript kept secreted away for decades. But when she arrives, she learns the manuscript is gone–taken by the granddaughter of the woman who possessed it. Ivy sets off in pursuit, not just to save the manuscript but to save the vulnerable girl, who was previously trafficked and has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Joining forces with Alaska State Trooper Nolan Long, Ivy must battle a blizzard, sabotage, and the worst of an Alaskan winter as the search goes on. But every answer they find only raises more questions–and the danger to their lives and to the missing girl may only be the tip of the iceberg. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)
Suspicious Homicide by Elizabeth Goddard — When Finnley Wilbanks is run off a mountainside road, it confirms her worst fears—her father was murdered. With her life hanging in the balance, she turns to bodyguard and investigator Caine Honor for protection. As they work together to solve the mystery behind her father’s death, danger stalks their every move. And keeping Finnley alive long enough to find answers might be Caine’s hardest mission yet. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Celebrity Pastor by Creston Mapes — Pastor Neil Gentry embarked on his ministry with genuine intentions, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma. As his influence grew, so did his fame. Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers. Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface. As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question remains: can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? (Suspense from Rooftop Press)
Colorado Mountain Kidnapping by Cate Nolan — A cryptic phone call sends Isabelle Weaver running from armed intruders—with her daughter and best friend’s baby under her care. Nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted…except former army ranger Adam Dalton. Together, they must uncover a kidnapper’s motives while protecting the children. But as danger tracks them through the mountains, can they outwit a criminal mastermind before they all lose their lives? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Children’s Picture Books:
Would You Rather: Bible Water Adventures by Jerah Alvarado — Would you rather cruise on Noah’s Ark with stinky animals? Or would you rather be in a huge storm with Jesus asleep in your boat? Choose from fourteen different Bible water adventures the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Books from Mt Zion Ridge Press)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Filbert Ridge Miracle by Tamelia Aday — It was October 7, 1967. The festival in Filbert Ridge, Oregon came early. Town history and the lives of its citizens changed forever. That was the day little Stephen McMillan disappeared. (Literary Contemporary)
The Elder by Roger E Bruner — How can an elderly man regain his sense of worth once his one big success fades and God doesn’t seem to have other plans for him? (Contemporary General)
Bright Lights by Lisa Phillips, Rebecca Reed, Gina Conroy and Andrea Christenson — Four Christian Fiction Romance novels
from Christian fiction’s hottest contemporary romance authors. (Contemporary Romance)
Visible by Darlene M. Corbett — Rachel Karem, a 55-year-old widowed therapist, runs a group for five “stuck” professionals, and along the way, she explores obstacles interfering in life’s journey, ventures out to a Tango Dance Studio, and encounters an older, attractive gentleman. (Contemporary Romance)
Flat Deception by Paige Edwards — Falsely accused of equine doping, Lady Sophie Henderson must prove her innocence. In a world where people are willing to do anything to win, it’s impossible to know who to trust. (Romantic Suspense)
Justice Delayed by Sarah Hamaker — After serving her time, a convicted murderer tries to clear her name with the help of a washed-up investigative reporter. (Romantic Suspense)
Billionaire Sheriff on the Move by Bonita Y. McCoy — Bernadette has known Wade for years. Shoot, he even saved her life, once. So, when Wade moves back to town and wants more than just a simple friendship, Bernadette must face a new decision and an old fear. Can she overcome her past and open her heart to a new kind of love? (Contemporary Romance)
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 June 2024, with the book’s release date if not available now.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Sara Davison, who has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, including the Christy Award, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Michael. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.
“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.”
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 a deadline, in which case I write whenever I can). I would love to be an early morning writer, and I do when I’m on a tight deadline, but I’m still too much of a night owl to get up at 5 a.m. and write.
Which of your books is your favorite and why? That’s a tough one. I usually like all my stories once they’re completely written and revised and I’m bonded with the characters, but if I had to choose one, it would be my debut romantic suspense, Snowstorm Sabotage. My dad passed about two weeks after Snowstorm Sabotage released in the fall of 2021, and each book I’ve written since makes my chest ache because my dad hasn’t read it. He was an engineer-turned-librarian, and he loved books and read voraciously. I’m so thankful he was here to read Snowstorm Sabotage, and I think of him each time I get a new box of books.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? From a young age, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals. However, once I realized how nervous most animals become at vet appointments, plus all the blood, I decided that wasn’t for me. I’ve loved reading since I was little, and in elementary school I took to writing as well. Recently I uncovered a couple report cards and notes from my fifth grade teacher, Cathy Mazzariello. Cathy was incredibly encouraging about my writing, even at that young age, and I’m grateful she boosted my confidence and urged me to keep writing. So, I’d say yes, my dream of writing books did come true.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Boots on the ground! What that means is I do best if I’ve visited the location and connected to the area. My first book, Snowstorm Sabotage, was inspired by our family’s visit to a New England ski resort. My second, third and fourth books, Tunnel Creek Ambush, Christmas Forest Ambush, and Hidden Mountain Secrets, are all set in a fictional town in northwestern South Carolina called Tunnel Creek, based on an area my family and I visited several times called Walhalla. The series I’m currently writing, Allegheny Rangers, is set in northwestern Pennsylvania, where my husband’s parents have a cottage along the Allegheny River. We go up to Pennsylvania every summer and I’ve visited the places I’ll features in each of the four Allegheny Rangers books. In January, I traveled to Colorado with my younger son’s class for their senior trip, and story ideas were churning away in that gorgeous, cold, snow-capped mountainous landscape. No doubt I’ll mine those five days to write more stories in the future.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? My husband set up a nice, smallish desk area in our master bedroom, so it’s cut off from the rest of the (loud, busy) house. I don’t often shut the door when I’m writing, but it helps that I can if needed. It’s near a window, so that adds natural light and a splash of green from our backyard (green is creatively inspiring for me). I’m a tea drinker, so usually I make one or two cups of tea to sip while writing. Also, I turn Pandora music on and play Film Scores radio. I love drafting a story to rousing and vibrant movie scores, like Last of the Mohicans, Star Trek, various Marvel movies, and Titanic, etc. When I’m in editing mode, I go with Christian contemporary-type music. I can’t write with people talking to me, but I do enjoy music in the background.
Who’s your favorite romantic suspense author and why? I can’t really choose one! Right now, I’m totally engrossed in a series by Lynn Blackburn called Defend and Protect. Her characterization and dialogue are incredible! I’ve enjoyed the first two books in the series, Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, and I’m about to start the third, Under Fire. It’s been great and I adore these characters.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense? My older son is a bookworm, so he’s read all my books. At 19, he’s not overly fond of the romance part, but he suffers through it. He has helped quite a bit with plotting and talking through story ideas on our walks. My husband isn’t a big reader, but he’s encouraging in other ways. My middle son is more of a gamer, so he hasn’t read my stories, and my 12-year-old niece (who lives with us) would like to read them. I tell her, “Soon.”
About Kerry Kerry Johnson is an award-winning author who has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her husband, two sons, her niece, and way too many books. Their busy house also includes a loveable, lazy boxer, a temperamental sun conure, a stray cat that’s adopted their family, and a shy spotted leopard gecko. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and a hot cup of tea all hours of the day.
Hidden Mountain Secrets
A mysterious death. A secluded mansion. This investigation could be fatal…
Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.
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