On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Julie Arnold, who is a French speaker, slow runner, and coffee lover who cannot help but make up stories. She grew up in Michigan but currently resides in Northwest Ohio with her husband and three children. The Lord has blessed her with a love for storytelling, so when she’s not writing a book, she’s probably curled up on the couch reading one.
“Like every author, I’ve always been a reader,” Julie said. “Reading a lot through high school and college, and at a certain point, I sat down and thought, ‘I’m going to write a story.’ … I found that I love it. I love escaping into a story.”
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Montana Ranch Hideout by Julie Arnold. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Award-winning author Lori DeJong recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
Why did you start writing romantic suspense novels? It was kind of by accident after my first three novels were straight-up contemporary romance. I needed to pitch something new to my publisher, and I had a manuscript I’d written many years ago that I’d kept coming back to over the years to tweak. What I didn’t consider was that it had a suspense element. I didn’t realize it was entirely different genre until I got the contract and it said it was a romantic suspense. That’s how I stumbled into the genre, I guess you could say. Looking back, though, I can understand why I wrote some of my old manuscripts with a suspense element. I’ve always loved mystery novels, and if there was some romance in them, all the better.
What’s the hardest part of writing romantic suspense? The suspense thread. Which is probably why my books lean more into romance than high-octane suspense. I like to think I still keep my reader on the edge of their chair wondering what happens next, but for the romance as well as the suspense.
How do you connect with your characters? I love character development. It’s my favorite thing to do. I first find inspiration photos of them. I usually make them in Canva AI so I’m not using any copyrighted photos. Then I identify their job, Enneagram, birth order, love language. What does their home and home décor look like, what do they drive. I determine how they like to dress and why, where they hang out, what their favorites are (food, color, songs/genre, etc.), if they have a strong faith, one in crisis, or none at all, in what environment they were raised. There’s a ton more than that but it would probably be a class instead of a short answer. Haha! Most of what I know about them never makes it onto the page. But it all helps me know how they would respond, speak, think, pray, etc.
Why do you like writing romantic suspense? Ironically, for the suspense. Which sounds odd since I’ve already said that’s what I find the most difficult to write. But I love the tension it organically creates and gives my protagonists something to either work toward together, or something that keeps them apart. So fun!
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels? Texas is my brand because I love the Lone Star State, my adopted home. For each series, I have a “main” home base – Arlington/Dallas/Ft Worth in the True Calling Series, Houston-based Petersen Security International in the Guarded Hearts Series. Then I do all the research I can about wherever that might be. The next series I hope to write is set in the country north of Texas, toward the Oklahoma border. I had to make up my own little town for that one, and that was a kick. I love world-building!
What is one of your favorite ways to connect with readers? I absolutely love speaking events – book talks, book club appearances (in person or virtual), women’s ministries and events – anywhere I can share my love of God and writing and how they work together.
What do readers ask you when they meet you? How do I come up with my ideas? How long have I been writing? Have I always wanted to write? I love it when folks feel free to ask me questions. It’s just another door to ministry.
Which of your books is your favorite and why? Usually the last one I wrote, until I fall in love with my work in progress. Right now, Sanctuary and Sabotage is my favorite because I adored Trevor from the moment he popped up in book one, Mistletoe and Malice. I knew long before that one was finished that Trevor would be my next. And Kinsley was the perfect romantic interest for him. I’m just starting Legacy and Lies, which comes out September 2027, and I’m sure before long, that one will be my favorite.
About Lori Award-winning author Lori DeJong enjoys penning contemporary stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love. About romance with a touch of suspense, and a firm foundation of faith. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies, with a daughter and son-in-law in DFW.
Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future.
When Kinsley’s clinic is sabotaged and her barn goes up in flames, Trevor’s instincts tell him she’s in danger. But Kinsley refuses his help, determined to protect her family’s legacy without revealing the secret that could bring it all down.
As threats close in and old feelings rekindle, Trevor makes a quiet choice that could cost him her trust. To save Kinsley, he’ll have to expose his own subterfuge—and convince her that love sometimes means standing guard, even from the shadows.
On this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” my guest is Donnie Stevens, who was born and raised in Bassett, Virginia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. His career centers around being a self-employed businessman where he started and sold three successful businesses. Now in retirement at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, he spends time with his wife, Jackie, son Justin and his spouse, and three granddaughters he admits to spoiling along with their family dogs.
Donnie’s desire to write began when he was a child and living with his grandparents. The image of his grandfather sitting beside the coal-fed, pot-bellied stove late in the evenings reading stories to him from his Reader’s Digest or Life Magazine etched a yearning in him at a young age to write.
He wrote and published his first indie novel in 2008, and since has published four others. He is now represented by an agent who believes in his talent and has five other manuscripts ready to place. Donnie writes fictional stories from experiences he’s encountered or from others, often with a romantic element that take place at historical places and settings, he and Jackie like to visit. When not writing, Donnie has chaired and served on several community boards along with various leadership roles in his church.
“A lot of times, I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep, … I’ll start thinking about my story. … Sometimes, my wife will [notice] me staring off into space and ask me what’s on my mind,” Donnie said. “I tell her I’m having a conversation with my characters, [which she thinks is so weird].”
Connect with Donnie Website: Donniestevensauthor
Facebook: Donniestevensauthor
Instagram: Donniestevensauthor
Listen to the podcast for more from our interview, plus an excerpt from Back To You by Donnie Stevens. Excerpt and back cover copy read by Janda Sample of Janda Sample Storytelling.
Her Amish Christmas Rescue by Amy Grochowski — For years, Rose Burkholder has lived in the shadow of a family tragedy. But one snowy day, she strays from her usual path and aids an injured deer in the woods. And comes face-to-face with a ferocious wolf! Forest steward Lukas Brenneman rescues her in the nick of time, just before a winter storm strands them at her family’s house. As Christmas approaches, Rose’s matchmaking grandmother and aunt conspire to push them together. And Rose and Lukas will have to find the courage to reach for the future they both truly want? An Amish Red Riding Hood retelling in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Contemporary Romance:
Lighting Up Christmas by Amy R.Anguish — Four Christmas romances. Four glowing displays. One season bright with hope. In Lighting Up Christmas, four heartwarming novellas shine with small-town charm, clean romance, and the gentle reminder that God can bring light to even the dimmest places. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Autumn’s Grace by Julie Arduini — A former teacher and a burned-out tech producer find healing, purpose, and unexpected love in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. A teacher without a classroom. A tech producer without a stage. A story about finding purpose again. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)
For the Love of a Child by Lee Carver — Celeste vowed never to marry again, but she would do anything to save the life of her child. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The One Who Felt Like Home by Tammy Karasek — The One Who Felt Like Home serves up humor, adventure, friendship, and obstacles aplenty keeping this couple apart and is a story showing us how God is always in the details, we only need to get out of His way. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)
The Mistletoe Baby by Heidi Main — They both long for a true home—can the holidays bring opposites together? Saving his family’s Texas ranch is former bull rider Reggie Evermore’s Christmas wish. And he’s sure socialite Natalie Patterson can help him plan the perfect event to bring in cash. Pregnant, recently divorced and ready to prove her independence, Natalie needs a paycheck and a place to stay. So she accepts Reggie’s job offer. But planning a fundraiser is harder than attending them! When Reggie learns the truth, he’s less than happy. Can they work through their differences to transform the ranch and give love a chance to grow? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
An Irish Hope by Carolyn Miller — Aisling Fairall has a big personality and a big heart. But lately she’s been feeling a little lost and wondering what to do with her life. Until a mysterious uninvited guest at a family wedding helps her see that maybe she’s not quite on her own, after all. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Who Names the Stars by Deborah Raney — Raised on neighboring ranches in the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas, Wrenlee Harper and August McClure are divided by shared tragedy and stubborn pride, both fighting to save the land their grandparents worked. When disaster strikes, an unexpected partnership seems their only hope—but risking unmended fences and wounded hearts could cost them everything. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)
Sing With Me by Rena Bell Yeager — Sledgehammer is on top of the charts with his crude music and finds Angela’s song on her streaming site and instantly wants her to sing with him. Angela is a small-town worship leader with no desire for fame and steadfastly says no. When their worlds collide, will they explode, or unite? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)
Cozy Mystery:
Murder Goes Flying by Malissa Chapin — She’d rather conduct a symphony than investigate sabotage. But when family loyalty takes flight, can she ground a killer before they strike again? (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
House of Wind by Laura DeNooyer — Not all abuse leaves bruises. Not all prisons have bars. Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands, and her captor holds the keys. Married to a respected pastor, Wendi lives a life others admire–with two children and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love. But behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one else can see–and no one would believe. How do you escape when no one thinks you need to? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
General Historical:
Birth of a Warrior by Elmer Fuller — In the rugged hills of ancient Judah, seventeen-year-old Benaiah lives under a cloud of shame. When Amalekite raiders attacked his village, he saved his sister but lost his mother and brothers. Now his father has abandoned him, and the village whispers that he’s a coward. The mockery of Natan, a powerful warrior, makes each day a fresh humiliation. When King Saul calls men to war against the Philistines, Benaiah sees his chance to silence the doubters. (General Historical, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
The Marquess’s Masked Archer by Abbey Downey — When Cleveland society parades debutante Sylvie Bryce before another string of unsuitable suitors, she secretly claims the one thing no one can arrange for her-a life of her own. Hidden beneath a green velvet hood and emerald mask, she becomes the mysterious Lady Robin, a daring trick-shot archer who captivates the crowds at Cedar Point resort. It’s the one place where Sylvie answers to no one. The last thing she needs is a charming English marquess threatening to unravel everything she has worked so hard to build. A richly atmospheric Gilded Age romance brimming with wit, hidden identities, and the tender courage it takes to love without pretense-a tale of a sharp-shooting socialite, a science-minded lord, and the summer of secrets that will change them both forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Every Given Day by Cathy Gohlke — Inspired by true events, Christy Hall of Fame author Cathy Gohlke delivers a powerful new historical novel weaving together the discovery of insulin—a breakthrough that revolutionized modern medicine—and one woman’s brave fight to cling to her family and hope against unspeakable odds. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)
Sabotage Games by Danielle Grandinetti — LAKE PLACID, N.Y., 1932—Sports journalist Emma Hancock can’t wait to highlight the female athletes at the III Olympic Winter Games, including the historic speed skating demonstration. However, she refuses to limit herself to fragile stereotypes—even when her male colleagues slam the press room door in her face. After a federal agent warns her of a plot brewing, she turns her gift for following a story thread toward uncovering a conspiracy that could turn the Winter Games into a tragedy. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Undercover Heir by Dawn Kinzer — A spirited heiress and a mysterious gardener work together to create a successful teahouse in 1920s Seattle, but more is at stake than serving a good cup of tea. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
A Whim and a Prayer by Julie Lessman — Former orphans who are best friends hit snags in their relationship when he falls in love with her and wants more than friendship. She’s a former orphan desperate to protect her heart. He’s a best friend who protects her from the start. Till prayer protects them both from a true love torn apart. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Swedish Sunrise by Linda Shenton Matchett — Espionage. Diplomacy. Resistance. Is there any room for love? Weeks after being accepted into America’s Office of Strategic Services, Birgit Westgard finds herself in Stockholm, Sweden – “Casablanca of the North.” The job is supposed to be easy: typing and filing. Then her handsome boss taps her to be his “plus-one” at social events where they collect intelligence, plant propaganda, and dance the nights away. How much longer can she remain impervious to his charm? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Whispering Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — An American journalist in WWII France risks her life to expose the truth and help Allied soldiers escape — and loses her heart to the daring man leading them to freedom. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Twelve Days and Twelfth Night by Sarah Sundin — World War II USO director Maggie Oliver must quickly organize a Christmas show, enlisting former Hollywood star Prescott Duke, who’s searching for new purpose after career-ending injuries. As they work together, Maggie and Prescott navigate their growing feelings while trying to reunite a young sailor with his lost love and save Maggie’s grandfather’s home. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
Shadowing You by Robin Patchen — When the wife he believed dead calls from China, an ER doctor races to find her before her enemies silence her forever. (Mystery/Suspense, Independently Published)
David’s Debt by Urcelia Teixeira — He came to collect. His final payment was murder. A smooth-talking salesman rolls into the small coastal town of Weyport with a coded list of debts and a long memory. Nobody gives him a second thought. Until the man turns up dead in a motel room. At first glance it looks like a heart that simply gave out. Then Sheriff Angus Reid hears the anonymous call that reported the body. And everything changes—he knows her voice. (Mystery/Suspense – Police Procedural, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Watched by Jerusha Agen — Robert Weston became a psychiatrist to heal people’s minds. He can’t lose his. But if the strange occurrences of forgetfulness and confusion continue, he may not be able to hide the truth much longer. When his psychological issues put his life in danger, he must face the reality that the genetic nightmare he fears inheriting has seized him. Attorney Monty Montgomery doesn’t trust Robert Weston. His expert testimony once ruined her client’s case. She didn’t realize the psychiatrist wasn’t only wrong but also completely unreliable. How can she defend him against a malpractice suit for the insurance company that hired her when he’s clearly incompetent? Robert and Monty have bigger problems than they know. Someone has a mission. A mission that won’t be stopped until somebody ends up dead. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Amish Country Witness by Meghan Carver — A woman on the run… An enemy on her trail. Halie Mae Hochstetler’s quiet life in witness protection falls apart when she witnesses her uncle’s murder by the mafia. Now she’s a loose end that the mob is determined to tie up. Forced to run, she puts her life in the hands of Amish widower Daniel Beiler. As Halie Mae unravels buried family secrets, Daniel helps her piece together a daring plan for justice in their fight to survive. But with merciless killers determined to make Halie Mae their next victim, staying alive may be just out of reach… (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Fatal Encore by Jennifer Chastain — A country music superstar. A K-9 officer with a haunted past. A stalker determined to silence the music forever. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Sanctuary and Sabotage by Lori DeJong — The greatest threat isn’t the enemy outside—it’s the secrets between them. Protection Specialist Trevor Paxton returns to his Texas hometown carrying the weight of a mission gone wrong. Seeking sanctuary at his family’s ranch, he never expects danger to follow him into the life of Dr. Kinsley Talbot, the once-freckled tomboy now fighting to save her family’s land and the veterinary clinic that is her future. (Romantic Suspense from Screenings Press)
Disguised Deception by Rebecca Lake — Ten years ago, Payton Donovan left Garnet Falls, Montana, with a broken heart and no intention of looking back. Her twin sister had severed their bond. Her boyfriend had chosen her best friend. Her dream internship had vanished. The town that once felt like home had become the place that took everything. But then that former best friend disappears, and Payton is pulled back to the town she’d spent a decade trying to forget A clean romantic suspense novel filled with small-town danger, deadly deception, shattered trust, and a second chance at love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Alaskan Survival Threat by Megan Short — Park Ranger Helena Nikolaou’s assignment takes a deadly turn when she sees a body drop from a helicopter — and she suddenly comes under fire. Ambushed on a remote Alaskan island, she’s saved by US Coast Guard rescue swimmer Cody Hannigan. Only, the assailants won’t give up easily. With danger trailing their every move, Helena and Cody are forced through unforgiving terrain to retrieve evidence linked to a sinister conspiracy. But as they fight to stay one step ahead of killers determined to silence them, one wrong move could cost them their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Deadly Schemes by Penny Zeller — An elaborate plan. A get-rich scheme. A deadly outcome. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)
Speculative/Romantic Fantasy:
A Peasant’s Sorrow by Demi Griffin — Ayris envisioned a refined existence, one befitting the daughter of a royal scribe. When death not only robbed her of her father but thrust her into a life of poverty, her dreams shattered. Condemned to a peasant’s existence, she had no say in the matter when asked to surrender her own future for that of the future king. Given the imminent danger of assassins targeting the Esilion royals, Prince Zarulias was compelled to obey the general. He had to disappear until the danger had passed. The situation worsened when the strategy demanded he masquerade as a husband. His chosen bride, the one they selected for him, was a simple peasant girl hardly worthy of the role. Forced to rely on one another, would Ayris and Zarulias expose a far-reaching conspiracy threatening the kingdom? Was their union a strategic move for their own survival, or was it orchestrated by the Holy One as part of a grander plan? (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)
Western Romance:
Clara’s Courage by Jill Dewhurst — When Clara’s mysterious disappearance leads to months of captivity aboard a bride ship, Josiah’s unwavering faith that she is still alive culminates in an unexpected reunion, a marriage of convenience, and a dangerous journey to protect a dying woman’s legacy and bring Clara safely home. (Western Romance, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Secret Exposure by B.A.Hawley — A cross-cultural teen begins a new life at boarding school, but old secrets—those of her mom and others—soon find her. (Reading age 10-14). (Children’s/Middle Grade)
Wait for Me by Roger E.Bruner — Wisconsin, 1931—Wait for Me is a novel within a novel about childhood sweethearts who, as adult lovers, are separated by a tragic event that only love and trust can bridge. (Contemporary Romance)
Treading Water: Barely Above Water by Gail Pallotta — Treading Water: Barely above Water, revised edition, which introduces promising treatments for Lyme disease, is as much about Suzie Morriss’s faith as the romance, illness and job that steals Suzie’s heart. (Contemporary Romance)
A King’s Dilemma by Demi Griffin — Torn from his opulent palace life as a child, Prince Coeden never envisioned a future as the ruler of Fragalia. The path laid out for him as the second-born son was one of quiet satisfaction and a life unburdened by great expectation. A foretold prophecy shifted Coeden’s path, positioning him as a significant threat to the sinister powers that loomed over Arland. (Speculative/Medieval Fantasy)
Goldie: A Wild Ridge Novella by Alyssa Schwarz — A disgraced actress on the run. A guarded rancher with everything to lose. And a mail-order bride who never meant to fall in love. (Western Romance)
During this episode of “The Romantic Side of Suspense” podcast, you’ll hear from three authors about their romantic suspense books available this month. Here’s the list of authors and books for September 2026, with the book’s release date if not available now.
About Lori
