Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Release Day: Ivy's Inheritance!

Release Day: Ivy's Inheritance



Has she fled one untrustworthy man only to be stuck with another?

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 Ms. Crenshaw, 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?

After emigrating to America to fight for the Union during their Civil War, 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?

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3Ca3xI6

Friday, April 4, 2025

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

April 2025 New Releases
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)

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Julie McDonald Zander

The Reluctant Pioneer 
by Julie McDonald Zander

Nearly two decades ago, while guiding schoolchildren on a tour of our local museum, I saw a small placard telling about the tragic loss suffered by a mother who crossed the Oregon Trail in 1847. My heart broke, imagining her pain and uncertainty, wondering what she would do. How could she survive?

During a lull between my personal history projects, a career through which I’ve published more than 75 nonfiction books, I decided to find out.

Thus began a five-year journey delving into the life of a pioneer who suffered horrific loss but held steadfastly to her faith in God. Through research at the Washington State Library and Oregon Historical Society, I discovered what the late radio personality Paul Harvey would refer to as “the rest of the story.”

This woman, known throughout the Pacific Northwest and even in Washington City for her gracious hospitality and good cooking, entertained Washington Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens and Generals Ulysses S. Grant, George B. McClelland, and Philip Sheridan.

Through my research, I also learned that all her direct descendants had died out, leaving nobody to share the story of this remarkable woman.

Nobody but me.

When I took early pages to Writers Weekend at the Beach, fellow authors told me I needed to add
dialogue. But this woman died in 1901, so how could I put words into her mouth and call the book nonfiction? My five-year labor of love culminated in October 2019 with the publication of Washington Territory’s Grand Lady: The Story of Matilda (Glover) Koontz Jackson, a 364-page book that was a finalist for the Western Writers of America Spur Award and the Will Rogers Medallion.

But Matilda’s story still niggled at me, and I wanted more people to hear it, so I spent the next five years attending two different critique groups to learn how to write fiction. Based on the factual framework of the nonfiction book, I dove into my character’s mind, traveled with her across the Oregon Trail, and suffered the pain of her losses and joy in her victories as I wrote my debut novel, The Reluctant Pioneer, released in September 2024 by St. Helens Press.

I was honored when the Western Writers of America in March declared the novel a finalist for the 2025 Best Western Historical Fiction Spur Award. Here’s the article about the recognition.

About The Reluctant Pioneer

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, she balks. But in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward. Fresh graves testify to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream. With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive? When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.

The Reluctant Pioneer is available from your favorite online retailer: https://books2read.com/u/bM87dX.

Because I retraced the Oregon Trail before publishing the nonfiction version of Matilda’s story, I had photos and artwork to complement the novel. The photo booklet, called Retracing the Oregon Trail in Pictures: Following the Journey of Matilda Koontz Jackson, is available on Amazon.com.

An ebook version of the abbreviated book (without spoilers for the novel readers) is available free to people who subscribe to my newsletter at https://mczander2024.ag-sites.net/index.htm. The entire ebook is available as a thank you gift to readers of the novel.

You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tiktok.

My second novel, Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence, is a dual-time novel also inspired by true events. It will be released this spring.

I’m a firm believer in what Rudyard Kipling said: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Talkshow Thursday: A Guest Post by Lorri Dudley

The Regency Underworld
by Lorri Dudley

Listed among the Regency underworld of housebreakers, Thames pirates, sneaks (pickpockets), Covent Garden nuns (prostitutes), vagrants, and ruffians are another class of evil-doers called resurrection men, also known as sack-‘em-up men or body snatchers. The dark industry of grave robbing blossomed in the early 1800s and was thrust into the public’s eye by the notorious Burke and Hare murders in 1831. While my story takes place earlier, in 1817, the laws and practices were already in place before Burke and his accomplice were arrested.

In the early 1800s, the academic field of anatomy and physiology started to break new ground with the invention of the stethoscope and the first open heart surgeries (not all successful). Many of these breakthroughs developed as a result of the dissection of human cadavers. Fresh bodies became a hot commodity, but by law, the only bodies legally designated for dissection were those of hung criminals. Demand outweighed the supply, and an underground market for grave robbing grew as academics handsomely paid resurrection men to dig up specimens. The fresher the body, the higher the earnings, which ultimately led to the ugly intent of murder.

Sometimes, researching requires an author to have an iron stomach. If body snatching and resurrection men for wasn’t frightening enough, I needed a way in my most recent release, Relinquishing the Agent, to incapacitate someone before chloroform or anesthesia was invented, and the results from the Regency era were shocking. Surgeries were often performed while the patient was awake and tied down, with only a prior cordial or glass of wine to numb the pain, or if they protested spirits, a wooden stick to bite down on. 

Poisons were often used as sedatives, creating the paradox of what was worse, the injury or the
treatment? Dwale, an old English housewife’s anesthetic, was used to make a man sleep while under the knife or saw. It contained hemlock (a known poison), opium (a highly addictive drug), and mandrake (known to cause severe drowsiness and hallucinations). I can’t imagine how they survived the sedative, much less the surgery.

Why would a Christian author want to write about a horrific topic like body snatching?

While my story doesn’t go into any gory details (I get woozy at the sight of blood), Rebecca and Daniel’s story allowed me to dive into the concept that we all have intrinsic worth. The victims of Burke and Hare were people society had forgotten—people who were expected to go unnoticed if they disappeared. But those victims were image bearers of God. Jesus proved their value by dying for them on the cross. They are not forgotten because God knit them together in their mother’s womb, knows every hair on their heads, and has carved their names into the palms of His hands.

With mystery, espionage, and romance mixed in, Rebecca and Daniel's love story demonstrates how God’s power is made perfect in weakness. The house party hostess, Lady Coburn, her eccentric party guests, and the victims of the villainous resurrection men exemplify that worth isn’t based on works, popularity, or lineage but on the sacrifice Jesus made for them. Readers can learn more about me, my recent release, Relinquishing the Agent, and my other books at http://www.lorridudley.com or http://www.wildheartbooks.org. My books can be purchased from your favorite online retailer here: https://books2read.com/u/bPpyo7

Relinquishing the Agent

Can love bloom between a woman living a lie and a man sworn to uncover the truth?


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.

Photo Credits:
Author Photo and Book Image: Property Lorri Dudley
Bottles: Pixabay/Nathan Wright

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Wartime Wednesday: Factory Conversions

Wartime Wednesday: Factory Conversions

Much is said about the level of production that America achieved during World War II. However, few people realize that industrial manufacturing decreased during the early years of the war. Two prime issues were the cause: 1) plants had to be converted to handle potentially different sized items and new manufacturing processes; and 2) the availability of raw materials was challenging because multiple companies were competing for the same components.

Factories in the 1940s were not automated like today. Most had conveyor belts that moved parts along, with cranes for heavy pieces and stations along the way for manual labor. Seems simple enough to convert. However, every plant had some sort of supply chain, each with a potential for bottlenecks and delays. Material shortages were a common problem, and as manufacturers implemented new processes, efficiencies had to be worked out. Workers, many of whom had never worked in a factory, had to be trained; a time-consuming task for products such as complex aircraft or radar components.

One source indicated that the steel industry was one of the main supply issues. In 1941, production was
projected to fall short unless mills received thirty-two million tons of scrap, but the scrap was not making it was to mills because brokers had hoarded two million tons to force a rice in the price ceiling. Additionally, scrap metal was also being used in other industries. The government stepped in to “iron out a system for managing allocations strategically.” Import of raw materials such as oil, steel, and other metals from other countries also helped ease the burden.

Smaller manufacturers often converted to producing ammunition components. Cosmetic companies whose peacetime products were often small, sealed containers (lipstick, compacts, etc.) could be converted to manufacture similar products for holding ointments or ampules. In addition, their existing expertise in mixing chemicals allowed them to easily produce medical supplies like antiseptic creams and ointments.

Maytag, famous for its clothes washing machines turned to making aircraft parts. Chrysler made fuselages. General Motors made airplane engines, guns, trucks, and tanks. Packard produced Rolls-Royce engines for the British air force. Ford Motor Company manufactured B-24 Liberator long-range bombers. Mattatuck Manufacturing in Waterbury, CT switched from upholstery nails to cartridge clips for Springfield rifles. The American Brass Company produced cartridge cases and mortar shells, billions of small caliber bullets, and toward the end of the war components for the atomic bomb.

One source indicated that Scovill Manufacturing “produced so many different military items, the Waterbury Republican reports that “there wasn’t an American or British fighting man…who wasn’t’ dependent on [the company] for some part of the food, clothing, shelter, and equipment that sustained [him] through the…struggle.””

Despite the time it took to ramp up production; production that didn’t peak until 1943, America out produced the enemy and provided almost two-thirds of the Allied military equipment during the war:

  • 297,000 aircraft 
  • 193,000 artillery pieces 
  • 86,000 tanks 
  • 2 million army truck
In four years, American industrial production, already the world’s largest, doubled in size.

__________________

The American WWII Home Front Told in 29 Objects

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Pre-Launch page (be sure to click “Notify me on launch”): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lindashentonmatchett/the-world-war-ii-home-front-in-29-objects-illustrated-book

Photo Credits:
Steel manufacturing: Pixabay
Assembly Line: Deposit Photos
Scovill Building: Library of Congress

Thursday, March 20, 2025

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back Donna Schlachter!

The Story Behind the Story . . . 
 New Hope Train By Donna Schlachter

The idea for this story came from a love of a movie and a friend with a great story to share.

The movie was “The Fugitive”, both the original series pilot and the more recent remake. I loved the idea of a train ride leading to a second chance.

My friend had taken a train ride from Denver to San Francisco, and she shared several delightful stories. I wondered if a train ride might be like a cruise in that it would provide an insulated environment where the travelers might do something they’d never done before. If so, this was perfect fodder for a romance, much like the old TV show, “The Love Boat”.

And then I saw “Murder on the Orient Express”, and as a lover of anything Agatha Christie, decided to incorporate a few of the details in my story.

The result? A chance meeting, two characters with integrity, and a way for God to reach both of them.

This is an example of how a couple of ideas gelled into a book. It seems like my mind is always racing, looking at the people and places around me, even snippets of conversation in a coffee shop or a couple kissing at the airport.

I have a friend who is a photographer, and everywhere he goes, he has a camera hanging around his
neck. I watched him at a party one night, studying the people around us. I tried to follow his eye to see what caught his eye, and even though he didn’t always have the camera up to take a shot, I soon realized he was taking pictures in his mind, imagining what the image would look like. Occasionally he actually clicked off a few. A teen girl sitting shyly on the sofa, her legs pulled up, her chin on her knees, picking at her fingernail polish. An older man dozing in a corner, his triple chins resting on his chest. The hostess—but not her really—the tray of appetizers she was carrying.

Where he looks around for film pictures, I look for word pictures. Where he looks for a way to tweak a focus, a focal point, a shadow, the hues, I look for a way to rearrange the events so they make more sense—or less. Perhaps today I’m studying people to combine several to make an interesting character. Tomorrow, maybe I’ll take a mountain from Arizona and set it in southern New Mexico in a fictitious town based loosely on a village I visited in Utah last summer.

And as for story ideas, well, those come from everywhere. Newspapers, magazines, diaries, letters, family stories handed down through the generations—a little here, a little there, and a lot of imagination. I tend to not use specific facts but rather I employ artistic license—because really, some of the things that really happen would be overboard for a book. Readers would protest: “that wouldn’t happen like that!”


1895, Train to California

John Stewart needs a wife. Mary Johannson needs a home. On her way west, Mary falls in love with another. Now both must choose between commitment and true love.

October 1895

Mary Johannson has scars on her body that can’t compare with the scars on her heart. She is alone in the world, with no family, no prospects, and no home.

John Stewart is at his wit’s end. His wife of three years died in childbirth, leaving him with a toddler and an infant, both girls. Theirs was the love of fairy tales, and while he has no illusions about finding another like her, his children need a mother.

Though separated by thousands of miles, they commit to a mail-order marriage. But on their journey to New Hope, they meet another and realize the life they’d planned would be a lie. Can they find their way back from the precipice and into the love of God and each other, or are they destined to keep their word and deny their heart?

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BBQTD7M
Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BBVKY9W

About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers

www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Schlachter/author/B01180A2EE
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=donna+schlachter
The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

Photo Credits:
Author Photo/Book Image: Donna Schlachter
Man with Camera: Pixabay/No_Name_13
Diary: Pixabay/Dim Hou

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Traveling Tuesday: The History of Train Travel

Traveling Tuesday: 
The History of Train Travel

I love trains! While growing up I visited the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore on countless occasions with my paternal grandfather, and he was a wealth of knowledge. Over the years, I’ve taken numerous trips on scenic railroads with varying levels of luxury – from hard wooden seats and tiny windows to padded reclining seats with glass, domed roofs. I never tire of the clickety-clack as we zoom along the tracks.

Did you know that railways go back as early as the mid-1500s? I was stunned by that fact. Known as wagonways or tramway, they featured wooden rails and were horse-drawn. Steam engines were introduced in England during the mid-1750s and a few years later, plates of cast iron were affixed to the top of the wooden rails. Cast iron is brittle, so it was replaced by wrought iron, then steel. By the nineteen century further improvements were made to the steel and became the standard. (According to author/historian Murat Ozyuksel, the expansion of the railroad industry is one of the main reasons for the success of the steel industry.)

Railroads came to the US in the 1820s and played a large role in the Industrial Revolution. Wealthy
men such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, James J. Hill, Jay Gould, Edward Harriman, and Leland Stanford were among the first to see the possibilities and invest in this new mode of transportation making them even wealthier.

Unfortunately, the American Civil War halted progression of the transcontinental railway, and it would not be completed until 1869. The Panic of 1873 and the subsequent depression stalled growth for several years, but the industry rebounded, and tracks soon crisscrossed the nation carrying goods, immigrants, and travels by the hundreds of thousands.

Initially, there were three classes of travel:
  • First class offered upholstered seats, carpet, and curtains, with lots of space between seats. The décor used velvet, brass, and glass to convey luxury. Further luxury was available by purchasing seating in a Pullman sleeper or palace car. Some of the exceptionally rich, purchased a Pullman car and had it attached to the back of whatever train on which they were traveling.
  • Second class also had upholstered seats, but they were not as nice, and the cars held more passengers.
  • Third class, also known as emigrant class, had wooden benches and passengers were expected to bring their own food.

World War II saw a boom in railroad traffic with troop and hospital transports as well as good and war matériel. Afterwards many railroads were driven out of business with the advent of airlines, the increase in cars, and interstate highways. A rise in the trucking industry also impacted the railroads. Nowadays, passengers may choose first class or economy. According to Wikipedia, the US has approximately 160,000 miles of track and has the largest rail transport network in the world.

Have you ridden on a train?
___________________

The American WWII Home Front in 29 Objects

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Pre-launch page (Be sure to click notify me on launch): https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lindashentonmatchett/the-world-war-ii-home-front-in-29-objects-illustrated-book

Photo Credits:
Locomotive on Bridge: Pixabay
Cornelius Vanderbilt: Courtesy Vanderbilt University
Hospital Car: Courtesy Gold Coast Railroad Museum


Monday, March 10, 2025

Movie Monday: Hotel Berlin

Movie Monday: Hotel Berlin

As WWII progressed, Hollywood continued to release a combination of fluffy, “escapism” films and wartime dramas. Hotel Berlin is one of the latter and based upon the 1929 novel Menschen im Hotel (People at a Hotel) written by Austrian author Vicki Baum (no relation to L. Frank Baum of Oz fame) as a WWI story. The novel was published in English as Grand Hotel, then made into a film with the same name three years later starring Lionel Barrymore, Joan Crawford, and Wallace Beery.

Born January 24, 1888, Ms. Baum had a difficult childhood with a mother who suffered from mental illness and a father, who according to Wikipedia was a “tyrannical, hypochondriac” man. She played harp and played in the Vienna Concert Society where she met and married Max Prels, a journalist. In addition to her music, she enjoyed writing and published her first short story under her married name. She continued to write and found a job as a journalist with the magazine Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung. The marriage didn’t last, and the couple divorced four years later, but she continued with her writing career, and married her second husband, conductor Richard Lert in 1916.

According to the Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women, Ms. Baum sold her harp after the
birth of first son in 1917 to concentrate on her writing career. She published her first novel in 1920 and subsequently published a book a year. Eight years later her book Stud. chem. Helene Willfüer, a story about “the New Woman,” did quite well and sold more than one hundred thousand copies in three years. Then came Menschen im Hotel, which brought her international success.

She traveled to the US in 1931 and remained for seven months. Upon her return to Germany, she realized what was happening, and after the 1932 elections for chancellor, she packed up her family and emigrated to America where they settled in Los Angeles. She found a job as a scriptwriter, and Richard was appointed conductor of the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra. Many of her novels written after this time involve the situation National-Socialist Germany.

Hotel Berlin was filmed between November 15, 1944 and January 15, 1945, then rushed into final production so it could be released on March 2, 1945 to coincide with the Russian and Allied drives in Berlin. The plot summarization from IMDb says it best, “in 1945, a strange mix of Germans, military personnel and civilians, pro-Nazi and anti-Nazi, celebrities and escaped prisoners, converges as a lavish hotel in heavily bombed Berlin.”

The movie features Faye Emerson, an actress who did well during the 1940s then transition to television in the 1950s; Helmut Dantine, an Austrian who spent three months in a concentration camp before being released and emigrating to the US; Raymond Massey, a Canadian actor who served in both WWI and WWII in the Canadian forces; and Peter Lorre, a Hungarian-Jew who left Germany after Hitler came to power and became a mainstay in mystery and crime films.

Earning nearly three million dollars on a $940,000 budget, Hotel Berlin received mixed reviews. A fun fact: Elliott Roosevelt (son of President Franklin Roosevelt) married Faye Emerson during the filming which supposedly led to a change giving her top billing. It’s all in who you know!

___________________

The American WWII Home Front in 29 Objects

Unlike Europe the American mainland escaped physical devastation during World War II as it was not subjected to full-scale invasions. However, that didn’t mean the United States wasn’t impacted by the war. The ramifications of large economic, cultural, and societal changes forced Americans to reconsider entrenched beliefs and traditions.

Artifacts collected from across the nation tell the stories of the American people whose lives were shaped by this second “war to end all wars,” World War II.

Project Link (Be sure to click "Notify me on launch": https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lindashentonmatchett/the-world-war-ii-home-front-in-29-objects-illustrated-book

Photo Credits:
Vicki Baum: By Max Fenichel - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Bilddatenbank., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42391177 
Movie Poster: Public Domain
Movie Scene: Courtesy IMDb/Warner Bros.

Friday, March 7, 2025

Fiction Friday: New Releases for March 2025

March 2025 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical:


The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt -- In Nero's Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians--unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world. When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death. (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Amish Romance:


Green Pastures by Patricia Johns -- When Tabitha Schrock returns to her Amish faith after a painful divorce, she and her sisters must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to stay true to their own personal dreams and their Amish faith. (Amish Romance from Bethany House Publishers)

Contemporary Romance:


A Hero’s Nature by Sandra Ardoin -- Veterinarian Trey Abbott can’t measure up to his vet tech’s late fiancé, a military hero, so he’s settled for being Reagan's boss and friend. He’s watched as she’s dated and dumped a long line of guys. After nearly losing her in an accident, though, Trey realizes it’s time to man up and take a chance on love before time runs out. She ends her relationships before emotions become involved and lives ruined. Reagan Hartwell’s friends wrongly believe she spends each anniversary of her fiancé’s death mourning him. This year, sick of her pity parties, she chooses to honor his memory and, maybe, ease some of her guilt. But Trey stands in the way of both her goal and her determination to avoid another love that could end in disaster. As they help a grieving show dog breeder, their good, yet conflicting, intentions for his rundown kennel pit them against one another. But will secrets they each hold tear them apart? Get to know the couples who navigate the joys and pitfalls of life and love in their quaint and tight-knit southern hometown of Hidden Veil, North Carolina. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Tears of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis -- Cowboys who deserve a second chance at love and happiness and the women strong enough to show them the way...Texas style! (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)

The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main -- They agreed to a practical marriage. But love never goes as planned…Raising three children alone was never part of the plan, but after losing her husband, Emma Bailey is doing the best she can. Until she discovers that she can’t afford the medication her youngest child needs. Suddenly, her late husband’s best friend comes to the rescue. Carter McCaw promised he’d always watch over the family and the farm. But when he proposes a marriage of convenience, Emma’s not so sure. It seems like the perfect solution…until loves blooms between them and complicates everything. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus -- With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary:


The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L Tuttle With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction. But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications)

Historical Romance:


The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm by Kimberly Burkhardt -- She’s running from her future. He’s hiding from his past. Forced into an arranged marriage by her father, Samantha Baxter flees from the clutches of her fiancé and finds sanctuary in the small town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Although she attracts the attention of some of the single men in town, Samantha remains cautious, knowing any romantic relationship could put that man in danger of her fiancé and his fury if he ever tracks her down. Michael Brooks finally has enough money to purchase the land where he will build his future home. He can put his criminal past behind him and find peace in the solitary life of crafting furniture for the people of Cooperton. That is, until he meets the new schoolmarm. She stirs a dream inside him he didn’t know he wanted. A wife and family to call his own. Despite her efforts, Samantha finds herself drawn to Michael, unable to deny her growing love for the handsome carpenter. But when his past and her future collide, will the two be able to trust in each other and in God’s plan? Or will their secrets keep them apart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Echoes of Sunrise by Amanda Cabot -- Sophia Carr knows her recurring dreams of an identical twin sister are just that - dreams. She also knows that eventually she will inherit the hotel her grandfather built. When a fire at the hotel kills her mother, Sophia returns to Carr Valley to rebuild and ensure that a planned railroad line chooses a route that will keep the town alive. But her grandfather’s will states that she must be married to inherit, and the only man she can imagine marrying seems to have forgotten her. Up-and-coming architect Gideon Spencer couldn’t say no when his dying friend begged him to marry his widow and raise their baby as his own rather than let a cruel grandfather gain custody. But when the young mother dies, leaving Gideon a single parent, the grandfather poses a new threat unless Gideon manages to marry again. Sadly, the only woman he’s interested in is the one he’s ignored for six months: Sophia. Knowing he needs to protect the baby, Gideon heads to Carr Valley. When he discovers that Sophia needs a husband as much as he needs a wife, he proposes a six-month marriage of convenience. Sophia agrees but adds a stipulation of her own, one that will test his resolve, even as their wedding day reveals that Sophia’s dreams of a twin sister might be more than dreams. (Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)

Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill -- In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history. What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too. (Historical Romance from Kregel Publications)

Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith -- Lonely bachelor Noah Vestal longs for a family of his own. His inherited farmhouse feels empty, until he befriends his lovely neighbor, widow Bette Owens. When Bette's in-laws try to separate her from her children, Noah offers to marry her in a quick and convenient arrangement. However, their marriage is soon put to the test when someone contests Noah's inheritance and threatens to tear their newfound family apart. Set in the idyllic village of Good Springs, this heartwarming tale follows Noah and Bette as they navigate the challenges of marriage, parenthood, and standing up to the powerful village council. As Noah’s dreams of family and community slip away, Bette is faced with an unimaginable fight for her family—and for love. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Texas Divided by Sherry Shindelar -- Driven by the looming expectation of becoming a suffocatingly proper lady, Morning Fawn is determined to escape the confines of her uncle’s plantation and return to her adoptive Comanche tribe. But with each failed attempt, her hopes dwindle, and she wonders if she'll ever find her way back home or if that world is forever lost to her. Devon Reynolds, disillusioned by the price of affluence and the horrors of war, leaves his privileged life to join the Texas Rangers and later the cavalry. In the military service, he finds purpose . . . until he loses his wife during childbirth while he is away. In an attempt to redeem himself, he takes one last fateful mission to rescue Morning Fawn from the Comanche. But the results force him to question the righteousness of his actions and the cause he serves. When Devon returns to Texas as a Yankee spy, his path crosses with Morning Fawn once more. Determined to save her from the prison of her uncle's house and to recover Texas from the Confederacy, Devon is drawn to her fierce spirit and unwavering resolve. But can two wounded souls, each fighting their own battles, find solace and love amidst the chaos of war? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja -- Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties. Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him. As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard -- Marie Foubert grew up in an orphanage and struggles with feelings of rejection. As a Red Cross recreation worker, she interacts with the American men based in Iceland during World War II. Her growing attraction to seaplane pilot Stefan Dabrowski excites and concerns her. Won’t he disappear from her life like everyone else? Stefan hears his commanding officer describe him as exciting as last night’s bathwater. One of his colleagues constantly berates him because of his Polish heritage and his superior flying skill. Despite being the squadron’s most productive pilot, he is threatened with court martial. A showdown approaches to prove who’s the better pilot and the better man. Marie’s cousin, passing through Iceland, tries to see her after spotting her photo in Life magazine. She declines to meet him, but Stefan encourages her to do so and learn why no one wanted her. She may gain a family after all (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller -- A new life awaits her...if she can find the courage. In the spring of 1885, LilyBeth Engel makes the courageous decision to run from everything she's known. She boards a train and goes as far as her meager funds will take her with her young son in tow. With nothing but the clothes on her back, the baby in her arms, her Bible, and a skill for sewing beautiful dresses, LilyBeth determines to succeed with the Lord's help and dogged determination. Barrett MacCallum owns one of the largest ranches in Hilltop in the Montana Territory. He also owns several of the businesses on the main street. When a woman asks to rent one of his businesses for her new dress shop, he's amenable, even if it means charging the woman less rent because she's obviously destitute. When Barrett begins to fall in love with LilyBeth, will she have the courage to allow herself to love again with so much at stake?(Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Cozy Mystery:


Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder -- The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge. The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him? Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs. Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:


Waylaid by Jerusha Agen -- Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job. Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead. Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again. Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late. If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Break My Fall by Lynn H Blackburn -- Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way. After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he’s left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered? (Romantic Suspense from Revell)

Traitor in the Scottish Isles by Paige Edwards -- To receive her inheritance and escape a scandal not of her making, wealthy socialite Cairstie Henderson moves to a small town in the Scottish Isles, far from the city lights and runways she frequents. There, she encounters the Irish spy responsible for the public breakup that made her the laughingstock of the Scottish Borders. Sheridan, a hardened MI6 agent, is on an undercover assignment to locate missing operatives and the mysterious traitor passing top-secret information to the Chinese. Unfortunately, there’s one Cairstie Henderson knows his true identity—and she detests him. But when Cairstie surprises an intruder, she seeks the one man who can protect her, Sheridan. Over time, these opposites give way to attraction that eventually blossoms into love, but with a dangerous criminal stalking their steps and intrigue around every corner, will Cairstie and Sheridan obtain their happily ever after, or will they end up dead? (Romantic Suspense from Balquhidder Books)

Two Good Deeds by Luana Ehrlich -- Titus accepts an assignment to get intel on an Egyptian terrorist by posing as an antiquities collector from Dubai, but when an old acquaintance turns up in Cairo, he suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin, and he must risk everything to stop him. Two Good Deeds is Book 11 in the Titus Ray Thriller Series, and it continues the story of covert operative Titus Ray as he seeks to perform his duties as a CIA officer while figuring out how to live the Christian life in the midst of chaos. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Justice Denied by Sarah Hamaker -- Jetta Ainsley’s life had been complicated enough as she navigates cleaning out the family home while her mother recovers from a car accident. When her dog is hurt, her next-door neighbor, Seth Whitman, offers his help. Seth would like to do more for Jetta but the walls she’s placed around her heart are unsurmountable. Then she learns her late father had been accused of embezzlement, drawing Jetta into a web of secrets that could prove his innocence—or destroy her. When digging into her father’s past brings danger to their doorstep, Jetta turns to Seth for assistance in uncovering who stole millions before someone gets hurt. Seth tries to protect Jetta and her mother from the increasing danger, while clues lead them ever deeper into a tangled conspiracy. Unraveling the sinister plot will require all their courage, faith, and trust in each other. But will uncovering the truth clear her father’s name—or destroy their growing love for one another? (Romantic Suspense from Seshva Press)

The Mistaken Witness by Rebecca Lake -- When a near-fatal crash forces Harper Ashford and Alek Locke to confront their shared past, their only chance of survival lies in unraveling the deadly web her father wove—that is if they can manage to trust each other before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Discovering Elena: My Mother’s Secret by J. Carol Nemeth -- A tiny baby’s hat, old faded photos and a half of a metal medallion. What did the clues in the little wooden chest mean, and what will Kate find in Wyoming to shed light on her mother’s past? (Romantic Suspense from Winged Publications)

Young Adult Fiction/Allegory:


Liabetes by Shanna M Heath -- She’s got a dream school, a nightmare budget, and she’s headed for a doozy of a rude awakening...Olivia’s goal is within reach. She’s been accepted to her dream school, Vanderbilt University, alma mater of famed comic illustrator Paige O’Donnell. Despite gaining multiple scholarships and grants, Olivia’s just shy of tuition. Desperate, she applies for a $15,000 scholarship offered by the Wonderbrink Foundation, to be awarded to a high-achieving and athletic senior with diabetes. One little problem… Olivia doesn’t have diabetes. In her quest to pull off a whopper of a lie, Olivia attends a diabetes support group meeting, where she meets and befriends Paul Roberts, a smug yet handsome member of the Sugar Shatterers. Her best friends Xavier and Amber aren’t thrilled about Olivia’s new mysterious, one-sided friendship with superstitious, entitled Paul. Xavier may secretly be a *little* jealous, and the scholarship application deadline rapidly approaches. (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)

Between You and Me by Melissa Knight -- Meet Colton, the heartthrob of Rayburn High. With his charming smile and flirtatious nature, the girls are wrapped around his finger. As he spends more time with Mia, however - the friend he used to play with on the swings in second grade - he starts to recognize all the little ways she stands out. That girl can make him laugh! As for Mia, her schedule is jam-packed. Between looking out for her sister with special needs and juggling her interests in music, theater, and art, she barely has time for anything else. And romance? It’s a nice dream that has always seemed just out of reach. When Mia and Colton are thrown together in drama class, their relationship deepens, and sparks start to fly. Both begin to dream about something more than just friendship. But with insecurities and lies threatening to tear them apart, will they have the determination to sort out facts from fiction, and the courage to choose faith over fear? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)

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

Bravo by Jessica Ashley -- A pulse-pounding romantic suspense about trust, redemption, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the past threatens to destroy it. Will they survive the firestorm, or will her secrets bring everything crashing down? (Romantic Suspense)

Circumvent (2nd Edition) by SK Derban -- When perfection turns to panic an isolated couple must learn: “For we walk by faith, not by sight…” (Crime Mystery)

To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher -- Bound by circumstance and danger, Amanda and Isaiah must navigate the perils of poachers, rustlers, and a growing affection he is not ready to admit. A romance of courage, love, and an unbreakable bond forged in the wild. (Historical Romance)

A Nurse’s Ambush by Rebecca Hemlock -- How could she trust the police to catch someone they claimed didn’t exist? (Romantic Thriller)

Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure by Yvonne M Morgan -- Mary the Missionary by Yvonne M. Morgan is a heartwarming story that explores themes of compassion, cultural understanding, and faith. (Children’s Early Readers)

But For These Chains by Jenny Powell -- This fictionalized account of Paul’s journey with Christ highlights this important aspect of his ministry, taking us on a tour of the Roman empire in the first century AD, and brings us closer to the source of our joy and hope. (Biblical)