On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Michelle Aleckson, who, after growing up on both the East and West coasts, now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80s music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name. She writes contemporary romance with plenty of suspense and a dash of sass.
“I love different genres in romance,” Michelle said. “Now I write both straight romance and romantic suspense. … But I do have suspense elements in my contemporary romance. … I feel like it enhances the romantic side of the story. … I really love playing in both worlds, so it’s been a good fit for me.”
A Christmas Bargain by Mindy Obenhaus — When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Roadtrip for Two by Amy R. Anguish — Dallas wasn’t in the plans when Bree Henley set out to use the nonrefundable honeymoon tickets from her canceled wedding. Nor was running into ex-fiancé Nathan Hart. But their mutual friends and the weather have other ideas. A hurricane cancels their cruise and Bree decides to turn the disaster into a roadtrip for one, never imagining Nathan would object. Nathan is furious when he uncovers the plot to get him back with Bree. But he can’t just let her go roaming around the big city of Dallas alone. Though he knows calling off their wedding was the right thing to do, he still cares for Bree. And before he knows what hits him, he’s volunteered to tag along. Suddenly, it’s a trip for two. Spending the week together might remind them of why they fell in love. But is it enough to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of ‘til death do us part”? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
General Contemporary:
The Amish Mother’s Secret by Diane Craver — Sometimes a miracle comes to you at exactly the wrong time… Lindsay is 40 and single when tragedy strikes. Diagnosed with stage 4, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, her instinct is to right the wrongs in her life. Driven to break free of her alcoholic mother at 17, she fell for Harris. Harris’ life was already planned out for him. Falling for Lindsay had been a dream. However, compelled to wed the woman his parents chose for him, he’d left her to endure a shaky marriage. Pregnant with identical triplets, Lindsay adopted two daughters to an Amish couple, the Yoders. In the years that followed, Mrs. Yoder worked hard to keep her away. When you let go of a miracle, can you ever capture it again? Revealing the truth may prove more devastating than the hurdles that came before…and all that will surely come after for a woman fighting for her life.. (General Contemporary from Vinspire Publishing)
General Historical:
The Wanderer Reborn by Natasha Woodcraft — Can hope triumph in the aftermath of murder? Reeling from the shock of Havel’s murder, Awan doesn’t know how she will ever recover. Kayin’s action torments her. As the years pass, and her younger siblings move on with their lives, she is left behind feeling bitter and lonely. Will she ever learn to forgive and find healing? Then Awan makes a terrible error which threatens to break up what remains of her fractured family. That same day, her God calls her to undertake a radical journey. A journey that will test her faith and force her to face all her darkest fears. (General Historical, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
All She Ever Dreamed by Robin Lee Hatcher — A dream sometimes comes at great cost. Betrothed in a sensible match, even if the man isn’t the love she’s always imagined, Sarah McNeal relies on the advice her late grandmother gave as well as her own common sense. Dreams of a mysterious European count who rides in and sweeps her off her feet are the stuff of girlhood. And she’s a woman now. But when her fiancé’s older brother, Jeremiah, returns to Boulder Creek, he unknowingly awakens that discarded dream. Nine years ago, Jeremiah West lost his wife and newborn son in an epidemic, and he’s been wandering ever since. A survivor of the Spanish-American War, he finally returns to Boulder Creek to settle on the farm he inherited from his father, an inheritance his younger brother still begrudges. When a blizzard threatens Sarah’s life—and her reputation—Jeremiah is there to rescue her. But the pain of his past remains a stumbling block. Then fate brings Jeremiah and Sarah to a crossroads, and love demands a decision that will change the course of their lives. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Defending Truth by Shannon McNear — Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor’s kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God too. Her roommate’s partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on—until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins. As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields. A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can’t do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love’s New Beginnings by Penny Zeller — Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason? Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly. When Lydie and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
The Seasoning of Elizabella: A Jamestown Bride Story by Tamera Lynn Kraft — Elizabella can’t imagine anything worse than being a Jamestown bride — but her sister is determined to do just that. On the way to the ship to stop her sister, she witnesses a brutal murder and must flee for her life. She takes refuge on the ship, pretending to be her sister, intending to leave as soon as she is safe. Before she knows it, she is headed for the New World, trapped by desperation and deception. Miles fled to Jamestown with his family to escape the shame from their father’s actions. Tragedy has tested his faith, including the loss of his wife and newborn son. His grief makes him more determined than ever to keep his one remaining brother from following in their father’s footsteps. Will God heal their pain? How can their love grow when Elizabella desires nothing more than to return to London, and Miles desires nothing more than to remain in Jamestown? (Historical Romance from Mt Zion Ridge Press LLC)
Romance: Amish:
Her Unlikely Amish Protector by Jocelynn McClay — He’s learned from his mistakes…But can he protect her from his past? Miriam Schrock has one rule in her quest for a respectable Amish life—stay away from troublemakers like Aaron Raber. That is, until their employers play matchmaker and Miriam sees a different side to the former rebel. Aaron promises his time with an Englischer gang is behind him. But when his past returns, will protecting Miriam from their threats mean losing her for good? (Romance: Amish from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Thriller/Suspense/Romance:
Found: An Almost Perfect Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson — When a young boy’s life is threatened, his dad will do anything to keep him safe, including eliciting the help of his single and beautiful school teacher. One of Hope Creek, Montana’s most desired single men has his hands full this Christmas with a new puppy litter, work, and a rambunctious young son. Now, someone has threatened to harm his son if he doesn’t reveal the location of a mystery woman. Second grade teacher, Bethany Evans, loves her job, but she wants more. Could Toby and his dad hold the key to making this Christmas extra special, or will the trouble they are facing not only ruin Christmas but destroy their lives in the process?. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)
Texas Smoke Screen by Jessica R. Patch — Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And where there’s fire, there’s a killer…FBI profiler Vera Gilmore has the scars—both outside and in—to remind her how deadly fire is. Now homicide detective Brooks Brawley—her once sweetheart—needs her help with a serial arsonist and murderer in his small Texas town. But almost immediately, Vera becomes a target. Will staying at Brooks’s ranch with him and his daughter keep them all safe…or put them right in the killer’s path. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired (Harlequin))
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris , Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a deadly conclusion. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)
Fractured Mind by Sheridan Lee, “Fractured Mind” is an edgy contemporary Christian women’s fiction story which depicts how a ‘baby Christian’ with a troubled past bumbles about trying to live up to the Biblical perspective she knows she needs to follow. (Contemporary)
Hope Again at Christmas by Cathe Swanson, Three heartwarming novels that will have you laughing and crying… and swooning over the sweet romances tied up with tinsel, carols, and hope for the future. (Contemporary Romance)
Kindred Star by M.D. House, Is the galaxy ready for a new set of storms? (Speculative Fiction/Military)
Lilly’s Promise by Terrie Todd, Will the truth she uncovers about her grandmother, Lilly, inspire her to let go of her fear and rise to the occasion? (General Contemporary/Split Time)
Where Dreams Reside by Heidi Chiavaroli, A shameful past, an orchard camp, and a kindling romance…not exactly Little Men, but Bronson Martin never liked being compared to the March family anyhow. (Contemporary Romance)
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m talking with Amy Schisler, a novelist, poet, children’s book author, spiritual writer, blogger, reader and avid traveler with years of professional experience in all manner of writing-related endeavors. Whether she’s writing novels filled with faith and inspiration, books that children will love, or her weekly blog devoted to family life and faith, she loves connecting and resonating with her readers. Amy’s first novel, A Place to Call Home, a romantic suspense, debuted in 2014, and her much-loved Chincoteague Island Trilogy has won numerous literary awards. Amy lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband, Ken, their daughters, Katie and Morgan (and sometimes their daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Anthony), and their dogs, Rosie and Luna. When she’s not writing, Amy can usually be found on a boat in the Chesapeake Bay or hiking in the Rocky Mountains, most often with a good book in her hand.
“My writing has evolved over my lifetime,” Amy said. “From when I was a little girl and up through college, I wrote poetry and short stories. … But I’ve always loved fiction—it’s been my escape from everything. … When I decided I was going to write a book, … I just naturally went to fiction.”
Bestselling author Jessica R. Patch recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
What’s the weirdest way someone has died or been killed in your novels? I used a tornado to rip up a tree and impale my villain into another tree. So…that was fun. J
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Believe it or not 98% of my plot ideas come from my Bible reading. A Scripture will spark an idea or a truth and the rest just rolls on in. I often like to take a Scripture and use a villain to twist it, then unravel it as the story progresses to reveal truth.
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers?
I’d say my monthly newsletter but really that’s to celebrate my readers. I connect most through my Facebook author page. I post lots of fun memes, and we laugh and cut up a bunch over there.
What do you wish readers knew about the romantic suspense genre?
That just because we write about dark heinous things doesn’t mean we necessarily immerse ourselves in darkness. Yes, we research. We talk to professionals who immerse themselves in darkness every day—hello, law enforcement, we appreciate you. Jesus says in Luke 22:53 when he’s arrested, “But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.” Darkness gets its moment in romantic suspense and thrillers. It can be graphic and violent. But it’s just a moment in time until the Light of the World bursts onto the scene and real victory happens vanquishing darkness, bringing the wicked to justice!
What do readers ask you when they meet you?
How can someone so sweet write what you do? LOL. My answer: “You just met me. You don’t know I’m sweet.” Hahaha.
About Jessica R. Patch Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jessica is known for her dry wit and signature twists whether she’s penned a romantic suspense, a cold case thriller, or a small-town romance. When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, watching movies with her family, and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.
Her Darkest Secret The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly’s blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister’s body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he’s back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona.
Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that’s fueled Fiona’s career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is D.L. Wood, a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author who writes thrilling suspense laced with romance and faith. Her books have won multiple awards and her novel Unintended Target was selected as the May 2019 American Christian Fiction Writers Book Club book. D.L. writes CleanCaptivatingFiction™- fiction that entertains and uplifts. In her novels she tries to give readers the same thing that she wants: a “can’t-put-it-down-stay-up-till-3am” character-driven story full of heart, believability, and adrenaline. She lives in North Alabama, where, if she’s not writing, you’ll probably catch her curled up with a cup of Earl Grey (light milk, one sugar) bingeing the latest BBC mystery series.
“As a child, I wanted to be a teacher, and I ended up being a lawyer, but what has been consistent throughout my life is my love of books and my love of story,” D said. “I read a lot as a kid. … I think I really had a dream of having one of my books in the library one day.”