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.
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 of Elegance, book 3 in the Paradise PA Mystery series.
What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels?
In book 2 of the Paradise, PA Mystery series, someone dies from vitamin D analog poisoning. I believe it’s the first such case in a suspense novel.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
As a biochemist, meticulous research is second nature to me, whether I’m working on a scientific book or integrating creative concepts into a fictional narrative. Before beginning a book, I spend a considerable amount of time delving into relevant literature, both scientific and creative, to ensure a well-rounded understanding. The length of the research phase varies depending on the complexity of the topic, but it often spans several weeks. I also enjoy speaking with friends in different fields, which can offer new perspectives and enrich my work.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
During my student days, I dedicated a summer to serving as a volunteer at Ambassadors for Christ (AFC, a Christian organization) in the picturesque town of Paradise, Pennsylvania. Immersed in the serene beauty of this idyllic location, I often walked to nearby Amish farms to engage with their unique way of life and procure fresh eggs and various other necessities. I also discovered that the vast tract of land on which AFC now stands was originally owned by the Leaman family. In 1874, Charles Leaman and his wife answered the Lord’s calling and went to China to serve as missionaries. Charles’s two daughters, Mary and Lucy, later also served as missionaries in Nanjing.
Now, many years later, I serve as a board member at AFC and visit Paradise every year for the board meetings. I’m still in awe today about God’s wonderful work in the formation of AFC and the Leaman family’s legacy. They inspired me to write a book series set in Paradise. This book, the third in the series, sheds light on luxury goods in our world and how ordinary Christians deal with temptations.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
I always wanted to be a scientist. By God’s grace, the dream did come true for me.
About Ruth
Ruth Wuwong has published 120-plus scientific books/papers (under her legal name) and several Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. The Minnesota Anoka County Library has chosen her as a 2025 Featured Author. Her book, Echoes over Stormy Sea, won several awards, including the HOLT Medallion Contest.
Allure of Elegance by R.F. Whong
In tribute to Agatha Christie, this modern mystery series weaves together atypical tales set in the idyllic Amish country of Paradise, Pa.
Two years ago, still haunted by the tragic events of September 11, Tina Sheng reluctantly served as a Christian summer camp counselor in Paradise. Now, she works as an insurance fraud investigator in nearby Lancaster and is pulled into a web of lies and luxury when a bold theft targets expensive designer items. Despite her training, she struggles with self-doubt and is swayed by the allure of the opulent world.
Tina’s company assigns her to look into the insurance claim. While she navigates the treacherous path between justice and desire, temptations taunt her. After a tragedy strikes a friend with whom she tries to share the gospel, her intensified search traps her in a secret network involving the mysterious Baroness Hermès, who specializes in procuring Birkin bags for wealthy clients.
Facing tough choices, can Tina break into a dangerous underground operation and emerge as a beacon of resilience?
Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller — What happens when history teacher Olivia Bennett travels to an English village and encounters a surly gardener at the nearby ailing Hartbury Hall? Can she find a way to thaw his heart and restore the Hall’s fortunes? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Gift of Mercy by Rena Bell Yeager — He’s the new wrangler, with a lot to lose. She’s the boss’s sister, with everything to gain. Will he win her love or lose it all – again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone — They are so close… Can Christmas Dreams Come True? With conflicting dreams, and a wedding countdown ticking, can their love survive the season? (Contemporary Romance Novella from Iron Stream Media)
A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller — He’s running from his past. She’s seeking a better future. Love in Time is a tender love story that reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Love in Time by Penny Zeller — When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there’s a real possibility he’ll again see the woman who broke his heart. Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis’s proposal, but it still hasn’t lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
A Killer in Texas by Jessica R. Patch — In the search for a murderer, the hunter becomes the prey… While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Hooked by Stephanie Sanders — What begins as a family trip to the Outer Banks spirals into fear as a stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Lexi Martin to face her anxiety, navigate a complicated secret relationship, and find her way back to a faith she’s long abandoned. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Prodigal by L.D. Baldwin — Frank Martin searches for his estranged son while confronting his own war with God. (Historical Mystery)
Mail-Order Duchess by Misty M. Beller — A marriage born of duty. A love neither expected. (Historical Romance)
Fields of Shadow and Glory: 1863 by Elizabeth Ann Boyles — Held captive in the shadows of the American Civil War, Tom, Terry, and Sara must exercise faith and courage if they are ever to arrive at their journey’s end. (Historical Romance)
The Basement Angel by LeeAnn Christian — A desperate man and a curious young girl form an unlikely friendship within the walls of a forbidden basement. (Contemporary Suspense)
The Songbird and the Surveyor by Denise Farnsworth — A marriage of protection. A past full of pain. In Georgia’s wild gold country, love might strike when it’s least expected. (Historical Romance)
Charlie’s Trip by David Hollenstein — He needs to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and definitely wants to find a way back into God’s embrace. (Biblical Suspense)
Washington Island Romance Series: Boxed Set by Annette M. Irby — This set includes Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington; Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington. (Contemporary Romance)
Even in This by Dianna Lanser — With a chance at first love and a recording contract pending, sixteen-year-old Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. Weeks before 9/11, tragedy strikes in cruel succession, destroying her future and forcing her to make impossible choices. (General Contemporary)
Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas by Susan G. Mathis — This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite! (General Historical)
A Place to Belong: Josephine’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — A wounded Civil War veteran. An unwed mother with nowhere left to turn. In a town full of second chances, will a marriage of convenience become the love story neither dared hope for? (Historical Romance)
Haven for Love by Naomi Musch — A corporate marketer and camp owner find unexpected connection, while a landscaper and teacher navigate faith and forgiveness. (Contemporary Romance)
Dangerous Shadows by Gail Pallotta — A horrifying assault, a stalker, and a murdered gambler — is it possible to put the pieces together in Dangerous Shadows? (Romantic Suspense)
A Thorn in Winter’s Grasp by Davalynn Spencer — She deceived them. They love her. Is there hope for forgiveness by Christmas? (Contemporary Romance)
Fireman’s Lesson in Love by Mishael Austin Witty — A burned-out teacher and a smitten firefighter must uncover the truth behind a deadly arson before it destroys their nascent love. (Romantic Suspense)
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 to kill a character off than to get two of them together.
When do you find time to write?
With deadlines there is no “find time to write.” I have a daily word count for five days a week that I do before I do anything else. Unless there is something else I can’t avoid, like a doctor’s appointment. If I don’t have my weekly count on Friday, I work Saturday.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress?
On my deck, weather permitting. Otherwise, in my recliner in my great room.
How do you connect with your characters?
I’ll work on them for around a month before I start writing the story. I have to know some of their back story and what made them the person they are when the walk on the page. But I don’t truly connect with them until I start writing the story and put them into hot water. Then I find out who they really are.
What’s your go-to when you need a pick-me-up to keep writing?
Water. I drink lots of water. And an apple—it’s better than coffee to keep me alert.
How do you research ways to kill someone for your books?
I’ve researched poisons, arsenic in particular, and insulin as well as the kind of gun to use. I hope no one around me ever dies a suspicious death…
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
It’s funny, but I can’t remember ever wanting to be anything in particular. I was too busy playing Cowboys and Indians or imagining myself as Daniel Boone. I certainly never thought about being a writer—I was a reader, have been all my life.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
The wonder how I can have these evil thoughts and look so normal.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
My blog. I have a Mystery Question on Tuesday for them to solve. It is usually three true dumb criminal stories and one I made up. My readers guess which one I made up.
About Patricia
USA Today best-selling author Patricia Bradley has penned eighteen Inspirational Romantic Suspense books set in the South. She and her two rescue kitties call Corinth, Mississippi home, and when she’s not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel to see what comes out.
Connect w/Patricia
Website: https://ptbradley.com/
On the Edge of Trust
When decorated FBI undercover agent Scott Sinclair suffers a gunshot wound in his right arm, the injury threatens his future career in the field. He is determined to regain his former job by training himself to use his left hand, and failure is not an option—especially when he’s unofficially pulled into an investigation.
Tori Alexander is a passionate crime reporter and podcaster who has dedicated her life to seeking justice. Her relentless pursuit of the truth has freed a man from prison who was falsely convicted, making Tori an enemy of the killer. When her nephew is accused of murder, nothing can stop her from getting involved and clearing his name.
Soon after Tori and Scott reconnect on the case, shots are fired, leaving them to wonder which one of them has been targeted. As the investigation intensifies, so do the threats and the sparks between them, but Tori’s doubtful if she can extend grace and trust to Scott. They’ll have to combine their skills and rely on their growing relationship to outsmart the killer.
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 A Cuppa Mystery. These are sure to delight readers of all ages!
November
Clover Hill Craft Fair
Date/Time: November 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Clover Hill HS, 13301 Kelly Green Ln, Midlothian, VA
Robinson Marketplace
Date/Time: November 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Robinson Secondary School, 5035 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA
Special activities: Silent auction, free pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
St. Paul VI Annual Sip & Shop Holiday Vendor Open House
Date/Time: November 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: St. Paul VI HS, 42341 Braddock Rd, Chantilly, VA
Special activities: Free wine and snacks
Woodbridge HS 2025 Holiday Craft Show and Vendor Fair
Date/Time: November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Woodbridge HS, 3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
December
Patriot HS PTSA’s Annual Holiday Market
Date/Time: December 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Patriot HS, 10504 Kettle Run Rd, Nokesville, VA
McLean High School Holiday Bazaar
Date/Time: December 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Rd, McLean, V
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