On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Ciara Knight, a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling and award-winning author. She’s known for her “Southern Grace to Western Embrace” stories. She has captivated more than a million readers with her 60-plus novels. Her heartwarming and inspirational romances are inspired by her husband, children, and dream of sailing the world.
“I’ve always been a prolific writer—nothing ever gets in my way. I’ve never had writer’s block,” Ciara said. “When I first moved onto the trawler, I did. I was writing sweet, small town romance among other genres, and I just was having problems [writing]. So I took all of my fears—if I’m scared of something, I go for it. I don’t hold back. I think part of [writing] was my therapy when we got onboard. It was learning to live on a boat with storms and … those first two books in my Harbor Secrets series were a kind of therapy.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Winter Harbor Secrets by Ciara Knight. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Would You Rather: Bible Attire Adventures by Jerah Alvarado — Would you rather wear a coat of many colors like Joseph? Or would you rather wear clothes made of camel fur like John the Baptist? Choose from thirteen different Bible clothing adventures, the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
Contemporary Romance:
Wildflower Heart by Tara Baisden — She didn’t come to Serenity Crossing to fall in love. She came to disappear. Tori Hamilton has spent nearly her entire life being managed by a powerful family who gave her everything except the one thing she actually wanted — to be loved for who she is. After a lottery win hands her the means to finally break free, she leaves Atlanta behind and drives to a small mountain town in Tennessee where nobody knows her name, her family, or the secret she’s carrying. She buys a house, purchases a building for the flower shop she’s always dreamed of, and begins building the ordinary, beautiful life her parents would call beneath her. But the fresh start she’s counting on has a crack running through it — because the truth she left out of her new story is the one thing that could cost her everything. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Cozy Mystery:
Gone with the Woodwinds by Jennifer Lamont Leo — January 1921 brings two arrivals to Timber Coulee, Idaho: the Idaho All-State Music Competition, and a killer. Amanda Parrish, proprietress of Mountain Melodies Music Shop and newly engaged to Sheriff James Holcomb, has pulled off a small coup for the local planning committee—convincing her old conservatory friend to come up from the University of Idaho to judge the woodwinds competition. Gerald arrives on the train charming, warm, and unchanged after twenty years. He is dead before the week is out. Suspicion settles immediately on Amanda’s co-manager, Callan MacTavish—a Scottish WWI veteran whose midnight walks and troubled silences make him an easy target. Amanda knows better. The clock is ticking on finding the real killer before they vanish forever…or strike again. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Dual Timeline:
Jane’s Secret by Jennifer E. Tirrell — Bound by blood, but separated by centuries, the two women unravel a hidden family secret in a thrilling quest for truth that could change everything. Jennifer E. Tirrell’s richly layered suspense story weaves between the Tudor period and present day, pulls readers into a world of hidden truths, historical intrigue, and modern-day discovery. (Dual Timeline from Ambassador International)
General Historical:
Shining Bright by Janet Joanou Weiner — How can a young woman with disability contribute to the French Resistance? Can she survive Nazi contempt? Jeanine Bourguet resides in a château in the south of France, but her life is no fairy tale. A repressive grandmother and a wheelchair have long impeded her desire to make significant contributions to her community. When those limitations threaten her determination to take in a young Jewish refugee, Jeanine’s lively mind and sharp sense of justice overrule her fragile body. Increasing deportations of Jewish families, food and clothing shortages, and a constant stream of Nazi propaganda present her opportunities to resist the tightening noose of Nazi control under the turncoat Vichy regime. (General Historical, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M Beller — When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want. Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister. Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Freed by the Frontier by Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan F. Craft — Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Uncharted Blessing by Keely Brooke Keith — When Charlotte’s caregiving leads her into Josiah’s home and an orphaned baby into her arms, two wounded hearts discover an unexpected blessing. Uncharted Blessing (Book Sixteen in the Uncharted series) weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. Prepare to be captivated by this timeless romance, brimming with mystery and suspense. Perfect for readers seeking traditional family values, faithful men who are true heroes, and clean, heartwarming courtships. If you enjoy the simplicity of frontier romance and the wholesomeness of Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Blessing. (Historical Romance, Independently Publish)
Eye of the Beholder by Linda Shenton Matchett — Left with physical and emotional scars after the Great War, Hank Drake has been shunned by polite society as the Ugly Duckling. Fine by him. He’d much rather be alone. Until he meets the kind proprietress of a tea stand at New York’s World’s Fair who isn’t repulsed by his appearance. Can he hope for acceptance…or even love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch — After being sent away on an orphan train and surviving years of hardship, nineteen year old Lily Mae Dodge is finally heading east, determined to find the mother she lost and a life shaped by hope rather than fear. On the journey she meets Francis Basnett, a kindhearted circus roustabout barred from the Great War by his failing vision and concealing deeper unworthiness behind a pair of dark glasses. Though branded a coward by strangers, Francis longs to prove his courage. Drawn to Lily’s quiet resilience, he offers friendship and refuge in the dazzling world of the traveling Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, as she begins her search. There, amid the sawdust and spangles, Lily allows her guarded heart to soften. But when a runaway train slams into the circus cars in the dead of night—igniting a catastrophic fire—her fragile new beginning collapses. Dozens are dead, hundreds injured. . .and Francis is missing. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Sarah’s Search by Jodie Wolfe — Can two searching hearts find the same path? All her life, Sarah McBride has gone along with whatever her guardian dictates. Now on the verge of graduating from the Shippensburg State Normal School, she questions her ability to teach in a classroom when her heart isn’t in the profession. What she wouldn’t give to pursue her heart’s desire of becoming a writer instead of following what’s expected. But how can Sarah defy her guardian’s plans? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
A Heart’s Hope by Penny Zeller — To what lengths will one woman go to rescue her sister? She’s from high society. He’s a humble rancher. Can an unorthodox marriage lead to love? A Heart’s Hope is a heartwarming marriage-of-convenience love story that reminds us that God has a way of working out even the most unconventional things. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Speculative Fiction Fantasy:
Scarlet Oak by Demi Griffin — With the fragrance of Cerulean roses filling the air, all seemed well in the kingdom at last. Dealing with guilt and fractured loyalty, Enris wasn’t prepared to embark on the quest his father asked him to take. With his newly restored relationship with the King of Cerulean redefining him as both a son and a prince, Enris couldn’t refuse the odd request to locate a twin brother he never knew he had. (Speculative Fiction Fantasy, Independently Published)
Speculative Fiction Romance Fantasy:
Canthany Rising by Kenneth Bliss — T’alla was a simple cat frolicking in Eden until the serpent came and changed everything. She and six other animals willingly ate the only fruit T’WA-O, the Three-Who-Are-One, had forbidden. Instead of just being expelled from the Garden, they awake in another world called Canthany with human-like forms. Strange rules govern this world, where health points, character levels and special abilities determine survival. And they’re not alone. The fallen angel, Ashtoreth, wants to steal them away from T’WA-O and make them and their future generations her slaves. Unsure of her place, T’alla must master her newfound psionic abilities and conquer her fears. Armed with a mysterious staff called Kolonos, every battle with Ashtoreth’s demonic minions brings new knowledge and new skills, but also a test of the Seven’s faith in T’WA-O. In a world where prayer is power and sacrifice unlocks miracles, some victories will require the ultimate price. (Speculative Fiction Romantic Fantasy, Independently)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Three Good Lies by Luana Ehrlich — When CIA operative Titus Ray arrives in Panama, he discovers the intel is false, the sources can’t be trusted, and the objective is a lie. With his team under fire and the secret police closing in, Titus must rely on his training—and his faith—to survive and uncover the truth. (Romantic Suspense)
A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter — In Big Sky Country, Sometimes forgiveness takes the most courage… For her son’s sake, widowed veterinarian Vicky Siden works hard to pretend all is well. But the arrival of game warden Nick Youngston at her family’s animal rescue—with a horse and donkey in tow—changes everything. (Contemporary Romance)
Callie’s Redemption by Tammie Edington Shaw — Can a pampered Eastern young woman, alone and betrayed, learn to trust and love again in the rugged West and a young man from the West pursue his calling to be a preacher and leave his love for a transplanted Eastern girl behind? (Historical Romance)
The Stained Glass Window by Crystal Walton — She’s fighting to heal him. He’s risking everything to protect her. In the line of fire, they’ll need a miracle to survive. (Contemporary Romantic Suspense)
During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from six authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for June 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now.
Darlene L. Turner/Scent of Peril (5/26)
Jennifer Chastain/Guardian (6/16)
Megan Short/Alaskan Abduction Target (5/26)
Virginia Vaughn/Deadly Homecoming Threat in Critical Threat, Volume Two of the Honor Bound Hearts Collection(6/26)
Elle E Kay/Blast Radius in Critical Threat, Volume Two of the Honor Bound Hearts Collection(6/26)
Sarah Hamaker/Fatal Recall in Critical Threat, Volume Two of the Honor Bound Hearts Collection(6/26)
Award-winning author Elle E Kay recently stopped by my newsletter to share some about her writing life.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? I write romantic suspense and thrillers because that’s what I most like to read, so they feel the most natural to me. I enjoy crafting gripping stories that keep readers flipping pages to find out how the hero and heroine achieve their happily-ever-after.
Where do you get the inspiration for your plots? Inspiration often starts with the setting. For the Pennsylvania Parks series, I drew inspiration from family camping trips to state parks like Hickory Run, Worlds End, Ricketts Glen, and Promised Land. I knew I wanted to write romantic suspense set in these beautiful locations even before I had characters or a suspense plot in mind.
What is your favorite spot for reading or reflecting on your current work-in-progress? In the spring, summer, and fall, my favorite go-to place to write is my screened porch, where I can look out over the acres and enjoy the animals on our hobby farm. In the winter, I usually write from the couch.
How do you ensure your books are accurate? I research as I write. I establish the basics first and then hunt down specific details as I need them. For example, when I needed information about bomb-sniffing dogs and their handlers, I found most of what I needed on government websites and through videos. There are times when I get the details wrong and have to go back and fix them, though. I had to completely redo the beginning of Midnight Masquerade when I realized I’d misread the landscape of the area of Turkey where the opening was set.
Which of your books is your favorite and why? My favorite is The Bodyguard’s Fake Bride. I adore everything about this novel, which features a protective, kilt-wearing Scottish hero who brings the heroine to a fictional castle in Scotland for a family reunion.
About Elle Elle E. Kay is an Angel Award-winning author of 25 Christian fiction titles with 15 million page reads. Her recent release, Midnight Masquerade, delves into the dark world of human trafficking and finaled in the 2026 ACFW Carol Awards. Elle lives on a North Central Pennsylvania hobby farm, and serves in women and teen ministries.
CIA operative Dante Reyes has strict orders at the Turkish port: gather intelligence on the trafficking ring, do not intervene, and do not blow his six-month cover. Then the shipping container doors screech open. His former SEAL brother’s kidnapped sister stares at him through the darkness, and every order he was given means nothing.
He fails in his attempt to save her and carries the weight of that failure back to Virginia where his handlers ground him, reassign him to a domestic task force, and hand him the one case that puts him face to face with the woman he never stopped thinking about.
HSI analyst Lisa Harper has been following dirty money for weeks. Wire transfers. Shell companies. A charity called Liberation Trust connected to a polished anti-trafficking nonprofit hosting an annual masquerade gala in seven days. Every lead she pulls confirms the same ugly truth: the people profiting from human trafficking are hiding behind the cause of stopping it. And someone inside her investigation is leaking every move her task force makes.
When Lisa goes undercover on the dating apps the network uses to recruit victims, she walks deeper into the trap than anyone planned. Dante is the only backup she trusted enough to call. What they discover beneath the chandeliers of a Philadelphia ballroom will demand everything they have, including the faith neither of them is sure they can afford.
Dante carries his failures in a prayer journal and leans on scripture for strength. Lisa carries hers alone, because the last man she trusted with her faith used it against her family. Between them runs a mission that will cost everything, and a question neither can keep running from.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” I’m chatting with Marisa Masterson, the author of 65 books. She and her husband of 37 years make their home in Saginaw, Michigan. They have two grown children and a precious granddaughter, Hunny, who keeps Grandma happy and busy.
She is a retired high school English teacher and oversaw a high school writing center in partnership with the local university. In addition, she is a National Writing Project fellow and a regular contributor to the Sweet Americana Sweethearts blog. You will find Marisa hanging out in the Sweet Wild West Reads group on Facebook.
“I always wanted to be a teacher, and I did spend 22 years in the classroom before my spinal cord injury and other health issues sidelined me,” Marisa said. “But I also wanted to write. Oh, to be able to write a book—everyone will remember my name if I write a book. That was as a child. Of course, as an adult, I think ‘Lord, what do you have for me? And how can I use this gift of encouragement that I have and this gift of wanting to reach out to people?’ That’s what became more important than just having a name out there.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Limburger & Larceny by Marisa Masterson. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
About Elle
