Author Amy Walsh recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
When do you find time to write? I work full-time as a fifth-grade writing teacher at a public middle school in Scranton, Pennsylvania, which keeps me wonderfully busy. After a full day of guiding energetic young writers and grading stacks of papers, I don’t always feel like tackling my own stories in the evening. One of the great perks of teaching, though, is having summers off—so most of my writing happens between June and September.
On summer mornings, you’ll usually find me on our front porch, which I’ve happily claimed as my outdoor office. With a notebook or laptop in hand, I write to the background music of chirping birds and the gentle mountain breezes that drift up the hill. There’s something about those quiet, sunlit hours that makes creativity come alive and stories flow a little more freely.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? I wanted to be so many things when I was young—a detective, for one. In third grade, I signed every letter to my pen pal, “Amelia, the Great Detective.” I also dreamed of becoming a singer, a National Geographic explorer, a spelunker, an artist, the owner of an orphanage… and, of course, an author.
In many ways, my life as a teacher has allowed those dreams to find their fulfillment. I use my creativity every day in the classroom. I sing with my students often. Being surrounded by children brings me genuine joy. And as for running an orphanage—well, raising the three children God blessed me with was adventure enough!
I’m especially grateful that God eventually opened the door for me to become an author. It’s been a gift to finally put to good use the imagination that once got me into trouble as a chronic daydreamer in school. Now those daydreams have become stories, and those stories have become one of the sweetest callings of my life.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? I truly enjoy connecting with readers in Facebook groups—especially during virtual celebrations and shared literary adventures. Over Valentine’s weekend, I had the pleasure of hosting a mystery tea party where readers concocted tea recipes inspired by book descriptions. We also solved a tea-themed whodunit that everyone seemed to delight in.
Through gatherings like these, I’ve formed some very dear friendships online. It’s a special gift to have friends all over the world who share a love of reading—and a love for God.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? I write in several different genres, though I tend to gravitate toward romantic comedy and historical fiction more than romantic suspense. For me, the greatest challenge in writing suspense is immersing myself in a world that feels gritty and a bit dark—especially when the real world already holds so much of that. My husband is a police officer, and at times he comes home with heartbreaking stories of real-life crime, which makes stepping into that atmosphere on the page even more sobering.
Still, there have been moments when God seemed to place more suspenseful stories on my heart—Voices in the Sanitorium and The Sisters’ Tour among them. I truly enjoyed writing both, yet I found myself missing the smiles and laughter that naturally accompany my lighter novels
So I’ve made a decision: my next romantic suspense will carry its share of intrigue and tension—but also a generous measure of warmth, humor, and hope.
About Amy
Amy Walsh is a fifth-grade teacher who loves bringing stories to life, whether she’s in the classroom, around a campfire, or at her keyboard. She’s a fan of kayaking, church singalongs, and family ping pong tournaments. Fueled by faith and a deep love of words, Amy writes to inspire joy and hope.
Grieving her father’s death, Natalie is stunned to discover Alexandra, the half-sister she never knew existed. Hoping to build a bridge, Natalie agrees to join her on a Lochs & Legends tour through Scotland. But amid misty castles and breathtaking glens, old wounds surface. Alexandra is charming, unpredictable… and hiding a lifetime of resentment. Before long, Natalie begins to wonder if she’s the villain in her sister’s story.
When Jonas—Natalie’s longtime friend and secret love—arrives unexpectedly, concerned about the “accidents” dogging her every step, buried emotions rise and tensions deepen. Then an eerie Scottish ballad about sisterly jealousy begins to mirror their journey with chilling accuracy.
Is Alexandra simply wounded… or truly dangerous?
Set in the rugged Highlands, this heartfelt Christian suspense novel weaves family secrets, unspoken love, and faith into a story where beauty and betrayal walk hand in hand—and where God’s grace may be the only path to healing.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Lori DeJong, a contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.
Lori’s debut novel, Love’s True Calling, released in 2023, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year. Love’s True Home, released in June 2024, was also a Selah finalist. Love’s True Measure released in June 2025. Lori’s Christmas novella, Jingle Bell Matchmakers, a part of “A Match Made at Christmas” novella collection, is also available and was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.
“Character development is my favorite part of writing,” Lori says. “I love making people and living with them. I’ll live with them for a few weeks before I’ll actually start writing the story. … I know their birth order, their love language. I know what they drive, where they live and how they dress.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
The Cowbird’s Truth by Erin Greneaux — What happens when the most dangerous enemy turns out to be yourself? Maya and Everly continue their quest to find the missing Virtue Gems, and this time, their greatest challenge may be each other. When the evil Deceptra offers them surprising help, including a powerful stone, the sisters must decide whether they can trust her. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Apple Butter Adventure by Jennifer E. Tirrell and Lisa M. Pritchard — Join four preteen cousins as they take their first steps toward becoming the kind of young men and women who can be trusted–brave, responsible, and ready to help–right here in the first book of a brand-new mystery series. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Turtledove Publishing)
The Case of the Midnight Mystery by Becca Wierwille — In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl and her canine sidekick must figure out why strange things keep happening at wilderness camp—in the middle of the night. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Mesmerize by Darlene M. Corbett — She gave him up but hope to win him back through stories. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life. Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love. (Contemporary Romance from WordCrafts Press)
A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus — After his marriage fails, single father Ryder Sinclair returns to his hometown with his young son to care for his ailing mother. He’s surprised to run into his teenage crush, Kendall Hunt, whose career as a professional chef has been shaken by scandal. As the two work together to save an Easter event usually hosted by Ryder’s mother, Kendall finds herself longing for this sense of family with Ryder and little Shepard. But when she has a chance to go back to the life she once knew, will she choose the dream she’s spent years chasing…or the new dream that has taken hold of her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh — Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice–but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up–only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex’s sister. Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister’s heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val’s guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Biblical:
A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith — In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend, capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her beyond her appearance. But Nessa’s betrothal leads to Lavi’s departure, compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love. (Historical/Biblical from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Romance:
Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller — Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy — As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch. After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Undercover Wish by Danielle Grandinetti — CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who’d love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
To Find Where She Belongs by Robin Lee Hatcher — Guilt followed her across an ocean. Grace called her home. Desperate to leave Hooke Manor, Keely Boyle does what she feels she must in order to flee England for America, hoping to make a new life with the help of a man who befriended her years before. But when she arrives at Eden’s Gate, a large cattle ranch in the shadows of the Tetons, it is William Overstreet who offers her a fresh start. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Risky Business by Kimberly Keagan — An American heiress. A British barrister with a need for speed. The London social season that changes everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee — Rose Rushing Water, an Oglala Sioux trained back East in nursing, is torn between two brothers–one who seeks to appease the government and one who fights to cling to the old ways at all costs. Tribal policeman Nathaniel Gray Cloud struggles to keep peace on the reservation and support his sister, who is also desperate to hold on to family traditions. Can Rose and Nathaniel find a peace that comes only from God, or will they lose their families and their lives as tensions reach a boiling point at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Texas Reclaimed by Sherry Shindelar — Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family’s Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half-brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin — In World War II, Dr. Ivy Picot risks her life to treat men who have escaped from the German forced labor camps in her native Jersey. But when Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee sneaks maps of fortifications off the island, it could cost them both everything they love. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Mining for Love by Candice Sue Patterson — Petite, fierce, and respected by the men who work for her, Daisy Connelly rules her rare watermelon tourmaline mine in Newry, Maine, with an iron will. When profits begin to vanish and the local sheriff refuses to intervene, Daisy realizes someone is stealing from her—and that remaining an unmarried woman may make her an easy target. So she does the unthinkable. Daisy proposes a marriage of convenience to private investigator Samson Gray, hoping a sudden husband will draw the culprit into the open. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams — A trail of missing women…leads him right into a killer’s trap. When his twin sister disappears, Navy SEAL Logan Russell’s search for her leads him deep into the woods, where he finds her best friend in the clutches of a masked assailant. Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair is determined to solve Lisa’s mysterious disappearance the night of her last rodeo—and someone will do anything to keep her from digging too deep (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard — Investigative journalist Cressida arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind–Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Asher by Melanie D. Snitker — Nova Sheridan’s world is shattered when a corporate conference becomes a hunting ground. With two of her colleagues murdered and a mysterious package left in her care, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Unsure of who to trust, Nova turns to her old college friend, Asher Durham, a seasoned security specialist. As they navigate a web of deception and danger, Nova and Asher must rely on their wits and each other to survive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
A Royal Request by Paige Edwards — A forged signature. A splintering romance. And a stalker who won’t quit until death do they part. Anabelle thought the flowers were from her boyfriend… She was wrong. (Romantic Suspense from Balquidder Books)
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin — When Emlyn DuLaine accidentally bridges multiple storyworlds, she must untangle their collapsing realities—and rescue her long-lost sister Camille from a storybook trap—before a plan seventeen years in the making shatters the universe for good. (Speculative/Fantasy from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman — An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave Salome hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother. Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. (Biblical/Historical)
Threads of Grace by Tara Baisden — When a January storm sends her new landlord to her door because of a roof leak, quilt shop owner Melanie Harper has no idea that this quiet, guarded doctor will unravel every careful protection she has spent years stitching around her heart. (Contemporary Romance)
Katie’s Cowboy by Ruth Kyser — Following in his father’s footsteps, C.J. Morgan is an FBI agent. Growing up, that was all he ever wanted to be. But when his grandfather passes away and C.J. returns to Bluecreek Ranch, he’s filled with doubts about his future. Then C.J. meets Katie Jo MacAllister… (Contemporary Romance)
Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel — Meredith and Jace, who’ve guarded their hearts because of past hurts, find the greatest gift of love. (Contemporary Romance)
The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano — A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood―she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose. (Contemporary Suspense)
Severed Ties by Taylor S. Newport — He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door. (Military Suspense)
Where Men Stand by Charlene Amsden — On his first day out of prison, Martin “Kage” Kincaid has to decide if he is going to live up to the Biblical principles he learned, or choose to walk away and let injustice prevail. (Romantic Suspense)
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 February 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now.
Award-winning author Melanie D. Snitker recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I really enjoy writing romantic suspense because I like to keep my readers on the edge of their seat. I also strive to throw in at least one curveball to keep them guessing. The funny thing is, sometimes the characters do the same to me as they come to life!
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? They come from a variety of places. Generally, I have way more ideas than time to write. For my novella, Fear the Shadows, the inspiration was a huge mansion in my town that has been empty for years. Every time I drove past it, I imagined different reasons for why it had been left behind and what might be hiding inside. That’s when I decided that my heroine was going to be an estate liquidator who is hired to inventory the contents of a mansion and uncovers a mystery that she and her friend, the chief of police, must solve together.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)? When I was a child, there were three things I wanted to be more than anything else. First and foremost, I knew I wanted to be a mom someday. Secondly, I wanted to write books and become a published author. Finally, I had hoped to be a marine biologist and swim with sharks to study them. Two out of three of those dreams came true! As far as diving with sharks, I took SCUBA diving lessons in college. While I never saw sharks, there was something about being out in the ocean and completely vulnerable that made me realize I was okay with letting that dream go. Ha!
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? My newsletter is my favorite way to connect with readers. I send one out weekly and always include news that isn’t directly related to my books. I’ve had a number of loyal readers who checked in with me when I had surgery last month or who ask how our special needs son is doing. It’s been such a wonderful community, and I’m so thankful for them! Many of them also follow me on Facebook, but I’ve found the newsletter is the best way to stay in touch.
What is absolutely essential for you to write? My house can be relatively chaotic. Regular time to write is hard to come by, which means I need to be able to focus quickly when I get it. I have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that I wear when I write. Partly because it signals to my family that I’m working, but also because it helps me focus on what I’m doing. I usually have music playing through the headphones. It’s almost always either my playlist that I created specifically for writing, or it’s This is Eli Young Band: Greatest Hits.
What has been most rewarding about writing romantic suspense? One of the most rewarding things is having readers reach out to tell me that they couldn’t figure out who the bad guy is in my books. That, even though they had multiple suspects and guesses, I still managed to surprise them in the best way. That’s what I’m going for!
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
Frozen Jeopardy, the second book in my Danger in Destiny series, is one of my favorites. Officer Gabe Harrison, along with his K-9 partner (who happens to be named after my own dog, Loki) finds out that his veterinarian friend, Paige Wade, is in danger. I absolutely love the characters (human and dog alike). What was fun about this book is that I got to do a lot of research on how the police and K-9 officers work together. I even got to go on a ride along with a local officer and his K-9 partner, Barco. It was an amazing experience, and I really think it helped bring even more details to the book to strengthen the story.
About Melanie Melanie D. Snitker is a USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romantic suspense. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children, four dogs, two frogs, and a toad. When she’s not writing, Melanie enjoys gaming, building Lego, and spending time with her family.
Christian singer Sedona Reeves shines under the spotlight—until a relentless stalker lurking in the shadows turns her tour into a nightmare. Determined not to let fear steal her voice, she hires private security specialist Mac Durham, whose quiet strength and steady focus make her feel safe in ways she didn’t expect.
Mac approaches every assignment with unwavering discipline and a single goal: protect his client at all costs. But Sedona’s courage and vulnerability stir something he thought he’d long buried—feelings that threaten the clear lines he’s always drawn between duty and emotion.
As danger closes in and secrets come to light, Mac must rely on every skill, instinct, and ounce of resolve he has to protect the woman he’s realizing he can’t live without.
The Sister’s Tour by Amy Walsh
Connect w/Lori
About Melanie
