romantic suspense

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:
Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan — After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a bombshell: he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

First Love, Second Draft by Becca Kinzer — She’s a romance writer burned out on love. He’s her famous baseball star ex-husband. The last man she wants to be forced to work with is the one who broke her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)

The Pastor’s Hope by Meghann Whistler — When pastor Nate Anderson says yes to being his father’s best man, he certainly doesn’t expect to be matched up with the maid of honor. The widowed single dad has been alone a long time but has never wanted to give his heart to anyone. Thankfully, recent widow Amanda Kobayashi feels the same way. But when Nate and Amanda are forced to take dance lessons before the wedding, there’s an undeniable connection between them. Can they ever overcome their losses and give love a second chance? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Her Amish Refuge by Pamela Desmond Wright — Caught in a blizzard pregnant and alone, former Amish woman Florene Schroder stumbles upon an unexpected sanctuary on an Amish farm. She never expects her rescuer to be Gil Kestler, a gentle giant from the community she left behind years ago. Forced together as they brave the storm, their wounded hearts slowly begin to warm toward one another. But as the snow starts to melt, can they conquer their fears to embrace love…or will the secrets they harbor keep them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary:
This Little Nowhere, Nothing Town by Sara Davison — Welcome to the little town of Elora, where everyone knows your name. And your business. Through the stories in this collection, you will meet the charming, eccentric, fumbling, flawed, wonderful people who live here. Journey with them as they experience grief and betrayal, watch their dreams crumble into dust, become hopelessly lost (literally and figuratively), and struggle to believe they can ever be forgiven—by those they love or by God—for their past actions.(General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Muskoka Miracle by Carolyn Miller — When tragedy strikes, the lessons learned in Muskoka several years ago are put to the test again, as the struggle to trust God proves only too real, putting strain on a relationship already tested by busyness and health challenges. Then, when family circumstances lead to a separation on the opposite side of the world, the depth of Sarah and Dan’s love for God and each other forces them to face the fire once more. God can do miracles anywhere, but there’s always been something special about Muskoka.(General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical Mystery:
The Victory Party by Emma Donovan — When the Great War ends, former cryptographer Lady Jill Morgan has only two things remaining: to host a house party for her brother and to decide her future. That changes when she receives a warning from her one-time employer that her guests may not be all they seem.
Captain Richard Darnaway comes to Huntingtower with his own plans – plans that don’t involve tracking traitors like he did during the war. But he finds he’ll need all his old skills when a perhaps not-so-former agent is murdered.
Now Richard and Jill have to navigate a guest list of war heroes and supposedly retired spies to find out which one is a murderer … and a traitor. (Historical Mystery, Independently Published)

Love and Order: A Three-Part Old West Romantic Mystery by Jennifer Uhlarik — Separated as children when they were adopted out to different families from an orphan train, the Braddock siblings have each grown up and taken on various jobs within law enforcement and criminal justice. Pinkertons Callie Wilson and Joe Trenamen come to Cambria Springs to stop a killer. But when evidence points to a ghost from Callie’s childhood, she must choose between two men she loves. Falsely accused, bounty hunter Rion Braddock vows to prove his innocence. Former flame Maya Fellows and dime novelist Lucinda Peters both offer help, but is either beauty truly on his side? In her first solo case, attorney Andi McGovern defends Rion, but the infuriating prosecutor, Daniel Littrick, outwits her. Following a hunch could win her case—or leave Andi dead. Can these couples stop the true culprit and right the greatest injustice of Callie, Andi, and Rion’s lives? (Historical Mystery from Barbour Publishing)

Historical Romance:
Saving the Mountain Man’s Legacy by Misty M Beller — In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune. In the gripping finale of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series, Sampson Coulter is deeply embedded in the mining empire of the ruthless Mick McPharland. After months of undercover work, he’s on the brink of dismantling the entire operation from within. But his plan is jeopardized when he encounters Jewel and her newborn baby, the family of McPharland’s right-hand man. As Sampson prepares to bring down the empire, he must choose between justice and the lives of innocent souls caught in the crossfire. Will he risk everything to protect them, or will his mission of redemption consume them all? From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, a secret identity, an instant family, and love that heals wounded hearts. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Relinquishing the Agent by Lorri Dudley — Bluestocking Rebecca Leah Prestcote would prefer to hide in a library, searching for a cure to her sister’s ailment, over participating in London’s Season. But when her wealthy cousin demands Rebecca attend a house party as her, Rebecca cannot refuse. Her cousin intends to win the affection of the Marquis of Wolston and Rebecca is, after all, a charity case. When the Marquis unexpectedly arrives at the wrong party, Rebecca must uphold the ruse or be caught in her cousin’s lie. Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, cannot let another target escape, not if he plans to catch the band of body snatchers and prove his worth as a spy. But when people at Lady Coburn’s house party go missing, his mission escalates to stopping a murderer. When he intercepts a letter meant to blackmail Lady Prestcote, he begins to wonder if the beguiling beauty may be involved in the conspiracy. Singled out for Lord Wolston’s affections, Rebecca must maintain her web of deception and evade the investigation of the captivating marquis even while he ensnares her heart.(Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Heart of Grace by Linda Hoover — As children, Adam Johnson wanted nothing to do with Lydia Bailey. When they meet again as adults, Adam’s opinion hasn’t changed. In the years apart, circumstances have caused Lydia’s faith to waver. It will take a touch from God to heal their hearts and open their eyes to see each other for who they are. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Ivy’s Inheritance by Linda Shenton Matchett — Ivy Cregg’s father is a gambler, but this time he’s gone too far. He loses his mining fortune and her along with it in a high-stakes poker game. Unwilling to go along with the deal, she hides out with a friend who tells her about the owner of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency, who is in town. The prospective groom is a wealthy man which seems like an answer to prayer until Ivy discovers he made his fortune in mining. Is he as untrustworthy as her father? Slade Pendleton moved West while working on the railroad, then headed to the plains of Nebraska to seek his fortune. He was one of the lucky ones and now has everything he could ever want. Except a wife. With the few women in the town already married, he sends for a mail-order bride. The woman arrives carrying the telegram that explains her need to flee, but now that she’s safe, she seems to have no interest in going through with the ceremony. Should he send her packing or try to convince her to stay? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano — It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she’s never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions–and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle’s death, the late master’s nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn. Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate’s butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master’s brilliance as well as his property–or someone else will. (Historical Romance from Revell – a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Embers of Truth by Avrie Swan — With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them-even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches. Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs-if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying? As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise-for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Romantic Novella:
From This Moment On by Robin Lee Hatcher — Return to Kings Meadow in this heartfelt two-novella collection. Originally published in 2015, I Hope You Dance introduced readers to Skye Foster. Now, in Bible and a .44, a brand-new story, Robin Lee Hatcher takes you back to 1932 to meet two of Skye’s ancestors. Experience love, faith, and resilience across generations in these captivating tales. (Historical Romance from RobinSong, Inc)

Martin’s Miracle Match: A Wild Rose Ridge Novella by Alyssa Schwarz — She needs a hero. He longs for purpose. Neither expects more than a charade. Angela Tambo can’t escape the meddling matchmakers of Wild Rose Ridge. All the journalist wants is to embrace her fresh start in the sleepy town after a rocky past. She never imagined her short-term solution would be ambushing a handsome stranger to pose as her fake boyfriend. Medically discharged after a Navy career-ending accident, Martin Watney has found contentment in simple acts of service. But playing pretend with a beautiful woman brings an unexpected ray of joy to his predictable life. After all, God does work in mysterious ways. As the boundaries between their make-believe bond and true connection blur, Angela and Martin’s past scars begin to heal. But when one of her ghosts threatens to resurface, their faith and fledgling relationship are put to the ultimate test. Can they overcome their own insecurities? Or will the very deception meant to make their lives easier become the thing that drives them apart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

General Split-time:

Whatever It Takes by Sarah Hanks — At the brink of the Civil War, Henrietta Frontenac is a fierce protector of her five younger sisters. As poverty and despair threaten their survival, Henrietta takes a bold step to protect her family. She disguises herself as a man to find work at the docks and is soon swept into the ranks of the Confederate army. Facing unimaginable risks, will she maintain her secret identity, or will unexpected love unravel all she’s worked for? In the present, Everly Moore, a former wild spirit turned compassionate chiropractor, has spent fifteen years trying to redeem her past. When her beloved sister Ivy faces the heart-wrenching challenge of infertility, Everly finds herself at a crossroads, unsure if she can confront her own trauma and step up as Ivy’s surrogate. After Everly and Ivy stumble upon the story of their brave relative Henrietta, they are inspired to confront their own fears. But will they make the difficult choices that could change their lives forever? Dive deep into this intertwined narrative where past and present collide, showcasing the unyielding strength of sisterhood. (General Split-Time, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction Fantasy:
Legend of the Light Blade by Demi Griffin — The Age of Mythic has arrived in Everlasting, and everything is far from normal. The citizens find themselves burdened by oppressive rules and regulations, which only serve to widen the gap between the noble class and the commoners. Trapped within the Hollows, the Enchantress’s dark power continues to grow. She lures unsuspecting victims into her web, aiming to create an army of umbrian, the unborn, made of shadows. Amidst the political unrest sparked by an unfair trial involving the much-admired and popular Librarian, a sinister plot unfolds to establish a regency in Everlasting. As the forces of evil gather to bring an end to the Age of Mythic, there exists only one savior who can protect the future of Everlasting from a grim destiny. The Light Blade, a legendary and prophetic artifact, was feared by many and doubted by few. Among those who disregarded it the most was Vandis, a humble orphan. Plagued by unanswered questions from his past, Vandis had lost faith in everything, especially himself. It seemed impossible for a man who believed in nothing to become something extraordinary. What would it take for the Realm Caster to realize his destiny? Who would help him transform into the man who could ultimately wield the Light Blade and defeat the Enchantress? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder — Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists. Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives. Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

Psychological Suspense:
The Other Sister by Jessica R Patch — Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption. Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there. (Psychological Suspense from Love Inspired [Halequin])

Romantic Suspense:
Echo by Jessica Ashley — Elliot “Echo” Hunt carries the weight of his past, haunted by the one person he couldn’t save. When he finds an injured woman on his ranch, he rescues her without hesitation—only to realize she looks eerily like the one he couldn’t protect. “Jane Doe” wakes with no memory, no identity—just an overwhelming sense of connection to the man who saved her. The attraction between them is undeniable, yet Elliot, scarred by his past, keeps her at arm’s length, terrified of what a second chance at love could cost. As the danger surrounding Jane intensifies, so does their bond. With every passing day, their hearts grow closer, but secrets from her past threaten to tear them apart. As Elliot faces his greatest fears, he must decide if he’s willing to trust in God’s plan for a love that might heal them both—or risk losing it forever. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

The Accused by Cara C Putman — When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn’t believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer. Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he’s ready for an in-house corporate position. When Chase is assigned to Anneliese’s case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese. Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese’s innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder? (Romantic Suspense from Kregel Publications)

Supernatural Suspense:
Mara in the Face of Battle by Blossom Turner — Despite scars both seen and unseen from her unimaginable past, Mara returns to the home that once imprisoned her in secrets, lies, and abuse. She escaped the darkness once, but when the past resurfaces to threaten everything she loves, Mara must fight—with faith, love, and unshakable resilience—to survive it again. Can she trust God is good when life is not? Or will the shadows of her past pull her under once more? (Supernatural Suspense, Independently Published)

Young Adult Fiction/Allegory:
Proclaimer by Megan Schaulis — After winning her place as Chief Protector, Novalise is in more danger than ever. King Zadien seeks to destroy the Alphanites, and the only way Novalise can stop him is by winning a Request—one undeniable favor offered only to those who save the king from a deadly threat. With no imminent danger at hand, Novalise will have to commit treason to save her people. Zadien is finally stepping into his role as king. With his courageous new Chief Protector by his side, he’s determined to annihilate the traitors responsible for his father’s death. His romantic feelings for “Astra” haven’t faded but pursuing her could leave his kingdom without a monarch. Is their fledgling relationship worth violating the law and risking his crown? As the clock counts down for her people, Novalise must choose between manipulating the king’s affection and trusting the voice in her heart to lead her. When all her plans crumble, will she hide behind her new identity as a Protector or find a way to rise in such a time as this? (Young Adult Fiction from WhiteCrown Publishing)

Echoes of the Imperium by Angela D Shelton — In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, Lexi finds herself at the heart of the ultimate struggle—between peace and war, loyalty and betrayal. The Imperium, a totalitarian regime, has its talons sunk deep into society, and everyone must pick a side. But for Lexi, the choices aren’t so clear-cut. Is her mother a savior, or a power-hungry zealot? Is her arranged marriage to Reeves real, or is it just another chain to break? As alliances within the rebellion are forged and betrayals revealed, everyone around Lexi must decide if they are fighting for the city’s freedom or their own self-interest. But even among the rebels, not everyone is as they seem. Someone harbors secrets that could alter the course of the rebellion forever. In a battle between the might of the Imperium and the hope of the rebels, where does Lexi’s allegiance lie? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

A Homecoming in Shady Spring by Sarah Anne Crouch — Follow Henry and Catherine as they journey through love over the years and discover that life is better with someone by your side. (Contemporary Romance)

The Bloodstone Key (2nd Edition) by Demi Griffin — He was not prepared for the truth the adventure would reveal about him and his relationship with the King of Everlasting. What he thought was a simple adventure to achieve his desires proves to be so much more (Speculative Fiction Fantasy)

Death in Earthen Vessels by Shaen Layle — Retired police officer, John Hollingsworth, came to Mirror Basin to recover from a stroke, not to dig up buried secrets. But when a chance discovery pulls him into a decades-old cold case, recovery takes a backseat. Because in Mirror Basin, blood isn’t just thicker than water—it might be the only thing keeping him alive (Psychological Thriller)

Ghost of Christmas Past by Shaen Layle — On a snowy Christmas Eve, Lila Warden’s world shatters. Her son is missing, and all signs point to kidnapping by her dangerous ex-husband. Forced into a chilling scavenger hunt through the ghosts of her past, Lila must outwit a man who knows her every weakness before he disappears with their son forever. As time winds down, Lila will have to face not only the darkness of her past but the strength she never knew she had (Psychological Thriller)

Northargyle Abbie by Janelle Leonard — In this modern reimagining of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, the line between imagination and reality blurs, and every clue discovered could be the key to unlocking a royal legacy (Contemporary Romance)

Being Goldie (In a “just right” world) by Michele Olson — Can fresh eyes from new Mackinac Island friends steer them to truth and beauty, or are they part of a bigger plan to force continued servitude to Granny’s devious intentions? (Cozy Mystery)

Andromache by Laura Richmond — An infertile girl is chosen to go and bear children as the wife of a human lord in a robot-dominated society. (Speculative/Soft Science Fiction)

The Favored by Mikayla Robbins — Margaret unexpectedly becomes heiress of her estranged grandfather’s fortune and must be married before her 21st birthday, which is four weeks away. (Historical Romance)