Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Diana Leagh Matthews

Talkshow Thursday: 

Welcome Diana Leagh Matthews

I'm pleased to welcome Diana Leagh Matthews to my blog for the first time. Take a few minutes to get to know this interesting author and her latest release.

Can you share a real life event that inspired your writing?

I divorced at a young age and never remarried. Not having a family has been a huge struggle at times and in many ways writing this book was part of my grief process and working through my unmet desire for a large family of my own.

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book?

When I begin to write, it often begins with a “what if” question.

For “Forever Changed”, the questions were “What would it be like to have an instant family” and “what if I had to raise someone else’s children.”

What was your inspiration for the story?

Two things inspired this story. The first was my relationship with my siblings and the longing for a closer relationship. I wondered “what if we were closer in age.” (We’re a decade apart.) The second question was a more personal question. “What would it be like to suddenly have a family depend on me.”

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

This book was originally written as a stand-alone. However, while working through edits, ideas have

come to follow several of the other characters in the series, as well as to write a prequel about Granny (Danielle’s 100 year old grandmother.)

If you were to write a spin-off book about one of your secondary characters, which one would you choose and why?

Sally’s story ended with a lot of unanswered questions. I think that I’d explore what happened to her and some of the decisions she makes.

How do you come up with story lines?

Ideas tumble faster than I will ever have time to write them. Sometimes an idea is a fleeting question of “what if.” Maybe I read something or saw or heard something that sparked the question. Then an idea will take hold and grow. Usually the main character(s) will take hold and not let go until I have no choice but to tell the story.

What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?

I’m a planster. Meaning that I write by the seat of my pants. Usually I begin with a starting point. Sometimes I know how the novel will end and other times, I have no idea. As I’m writing, ideas percolate and I keep note of events and situations that need to happen.

How do you celebrate when you finish a manuscript?

I probably need to find a way to celebrate when a manuscript is finished. However, once a book is published, I go out for a steak dinner to celebrate.

What is your advice to fledgling writers?

Keep persevering. Writing is not an easy career or path. Learn all you can and keep pressing forward. Use set backs to catch a breath and spend time with the Lord, asking Him about the next steps.

What is your next project?

I’m editing a very different novel that incorporates all the holidays into the storyline. I’m also looking forward to writing a prequel to “Forever Changed” about Granny’s life.

 
About Diana Leagh Matthews

Diana Leagh Matthews has a heart for the hurting and shares God’s love through the written word and song. Her debut novel, Carol of the Rooms, was published in 2023 and was a Realm Award finalist and her second novel, Forever Changed, will be published on April 15th. Leagh (pronounced L-e-e), who lives in South Carolina with her spunky Maltese. For more information, visit her at DianaLeaghMatthews.com.

About Forever Changed:

At the pinnacle of her Broadway career, Danielle Davis is savoring her success. Just as her dreams are now within grasp, tragedy forces her to return home to South Carolina. Following the untimely deaths of her sister and brother-in-law, Danielle discovers she’s now responsible for seven children, two grandmothers, and a farm she knows nothing about. When a young woman from the 1930s begins making mysterious appearances to her, Danielle embraces her as an unexpected confidant and encourager.

Can Danielle find the healing and support she desperately needs in her new roles?

Caleb Donovan put his soaring music career on hold after making a terrible mistake.

Following the loss of his best friends, he now guides Danielle as she learns about running a farm and caring for a family. Can Caleb find his own place amid the chaos? Will Danielle and Caleb be able to discover the career and relational paths meant for them? Can they learn how to let go of their painful pasts, and find it in their hearts to forgive, and move forward into an uncertain future?

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2DCBDQY

Social Media Links:
Website: https://dianaleaghmatthews.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Diana-Leagh-Matthews/e/B07C17QJJ
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/DiLeaghMatthews
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/994850748295488
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dianaleaghmatthews/
X: https://X.com/dileaghmatthews
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dileaghmatthews/
GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9773997-diana-leagh

Photo Credits:

Author Photo/Book cover image: Diana Leagh Matthews

Hands: Pixabay/CongerDesign

Laptop: Pixabay/StartUpStockPhotos

Traveling Tuesday: The Role of the Mt. Washington Hotel During WWII

Traveling Tuesday: 

The Role of the Mt. Washington Hotel During WWII

Last week, I shared about the four grand hotels that are still operating in New Hampshire. One of those, the Mt. Washington played a critical role at the end of World War II. Located deep in the White Mountains above Crawford Notch in Bretton Woods, the hotel was completed in 1902 and offered luxurious accommodations to anyone who could afford to stay. Sadly, the owner, Joseph Stickney, died of a heart attack the following year.

Over the next decade his wife continued to improve the property, but Prohibition, the Great Depression, and the implementation of income tax put a damper on business. Mrs. Stickney’s nephew inherited the hotel in 1936, but six years later, shuttered the doors because of the war. He sold to a Boston syndicate in 1944 for $450,000 (a huge amount of money back then).

On July 1 of that year, the Bretton Woods Conference commenced with 730 delegates from all forty-

four Allied nations. Years of work preceded the conference, with a preliminary conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey held in mid-June 1944. No where in my research could I unearth who decided that a remote, luxury hotel in the mountains of New Hampshire was the perfect location for the conference, and I can’t imagine the logistics of getting everyone to the facility. Located more than 150 miles from the Boston airport, the hotel is accessed by one hilly, winding road (and it’s not an interstate) that passes through Crawford Notch, elevation 1,923 feet. There is nothing for miles around – no restaurants, no other hotels…nothing.

The conference adjourned three weeks after it started with the delegates signing the Final Act of the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference that established the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD – later part of the World Bank Group) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and implementing the “Bretton Woods system,” a system of economic order and international cooperation that would help countries recover from the war’s devastation and foster long-term global growth.

Some of the features of the system were an “adjustably pegged foreign exchange market tied to gold, that could only be altered to correct a fundamental disequilibrium,” pledges by member countries to make their currency convertible for trade-related and other current account transactions, and a requirement of member countries to subscribe to IMF’s capital.

The system ended in 1971.

__________________

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

Photo Credits:

Mt. Washington Hotel: By rickpilot_2000 from Hooksett, USA - Mt. Washington HotelUploaded by jbarta, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26447136 

Delegation: U.N. Monetary Conference (Photo: Associated Press; Photographer: Abe Fox)

New Zealand Report of the conference: By Archives New Zealand from New Zealand - International Monetary Fund formed 1945, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51249801

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Back, Matthew Elliott!

Talkshow Thursday: 

Welcome Back, Matthew Elliott

An Exclusive First Look 

at The Hope of Inheritance

I’m thrilled to share the first look at my upcoming novel, The Hope of Inheritance, here on Linda’s website. This book has held a special place in my heart for several reasons. I can’t wait to share more details as I promote this story. This story will take readers on a journey that will introduce them to several characters near and dear to my heart. While the fictional, yet biblical, World of Kedoshim has already introduced a few of them, there is so much more to their story. I can’t wait to share everything but for now, here is your first look.

The Hope of Inheritance has been on my heart to write since I began releasing Finding Philemon in 2023. When I wrote the prologue to the book, it was so intense that it honestly terrified me that I could imagine what I wrote. The Roman world was on fire. Believers were being tortured in the worst way possible, and Nero really was a dark and horrible man. Each attempt to return to the story brought a fresh wave of my characters’ pain and emotional intensity I hadn’t expected and still couldn’t fully grasp.

The beauty of giving my writing to God is that he knew this would be the case. So, He gave me The

Cyprus Journal to write for 2024 instead. Eventually, He brought me back to The Hope of Inheritance, and it could not have been a better time for Him to do so. At its core, the story conveys the unwavering hope found in Jesus Christ by early church believers. Amid the pain and suffering the early church experienced during the reign of Nero, light shined in the darkest moments and people witnessed the love of God in action.

Whether facing earthquakes, unexplained sickness, having to leave loved ones behind, and even death, the resilient faith of the founding fathers and their torch-bearers changed the very essence of how believers found joy in the midst of the unimaginable. Deep in the shadow of everything that was happening, four brothers in Christ will strive to learn and grow in their faith. In doing so, the question remains; Will they live up to the example of those who came before them? That is no simple task. Founding Fathers like Peter and Paul, or Matthew and John, were purposeful in the message they shared with the world.

Timothy was a man placed in an impossible ministry, only to be ignored because of his age. Silas was a man who was always stuck in the shadows, writing letters for those he served. Luke, the ever-loving physician, was a man who endured the same suffering as Paul without the acknowledgment to go along with it. John Mark was a man who let fear drive his purpose in life. Together, each of their stories offers a specific message that many need to hear. As they work together to rebuild what was lost, it is their experiences that produce a mysterious letter to believers everywhere.
_______________

About Matthew: 

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a dedicated writer with a strong passion for spreading the word of Christ. Matthew has spent 15 years serving in different types of ministries, both as a volunteer and a minister of the Gospel. Although he was never ordained, his experiences have given him a deep understanding of what ministry is all about and how it has evolved over time. His degree in Biblical Studies is from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and emphasizes Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is happily married to Traci and they have three delightful children: Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. Matthew's books aspire to minister to believers with love, equip them for service in God's glory, and nurture the body of Christ with edification through His work. He hopes that all who read his content will feel the loving touch of God's encouragement and guidance.

About The Hope of Inheritance

One Story Still Untold. Four Unlikely Authors. Together their Message will Speak to Many.

The city of Rome was a vast and beautiful place-- on the surface. That is until a great fire burned and destroyed most of it. Deep in a world hidden from those who would strike against them, four unlikely men work together to share a message of truth. This truth was spoken by those who were cut down because of the calling to go forth and peach. The message has always been clear; The hope of our inheritance is Christ living within each of us.

In the echoes of persecution, sorrow, and even death, this message still reigns supreme, but will the people listen? Only time will tell, but before anything, these four men must come together and unite a church separated by fear and suffering. Each one of these men has endured their own journey for such a time as this, and have been given a different message they were called to teach. Together, they must rebuild what has been lost as they face the painful circumstances of the world they have inherited from the founders of their faith.

Pre-Order Link: https://amzn.to/4llftIU

Photo Credits:

Cyprus - Pixabay/Dimitris Vetsikas

Dome of the Rock - Pixabay/Walkerssk

Traveling Tuesday: Grand Hotels of New Hampshire

Traveling Tuesday: 

Grand Hotels in New Hampshire

The Gilded Age brought prosperity to America, and during the era, hundreds of “grand hotels’ sprang up across the country offering luxury and service to the rich and famous. You may be familiar New York’s Waldorf Astoria, Washington, DC’s Willard InterContinental, and The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Tragically, some of the grand hotels were vacated and eventually fell into disrepair to be knocked down and forgotten.

Of the original twenty-four grand hotels in New Hampshire four are still in operation: Mt. Washington Hotel, The Wentworth Inn, Eagle Mountain House, and The Mountain View Grand. The Balsams, built in 1866, is currently closed with plans to reopen in the future. All the hotels are in the northern part of the state in the White Mountains.

The Mt. Washington Hotel was built in Bretton Woods between 1900 and 1902 by NH native Joseph Stickney whose wealth came from being a coal broker. With an eye toward creating a luxurious getaway for “city folks,” he spared no expense, spending $1.7 million (approximately $64 million in today’s dollars). According to Wikipedia, at its completed the hotel had more than 2,000 doors, 12,000 windows, and eleven miles of plumbing. Unfortunately for Stickney, he died of a heart attack the year after the hotel opened. His wife spent summers at the hotel and continued to expand the structure.

Constructed in 1869 in the town of Jackson by Joshua Trickey and originally names the Thorn

Mountain House, the Wentworth Inn was a wedding gift for his daughter, Georgia, and her husband, General Marshall Clark Wentworth. By the turn of the century the facility included a casino, multiple billiard parlors, and a ballroom. Eventually, the inn grew to its current size of sixty-one rooms. Not much is known about Trickey other than he had a successful farm, and built the Jackson Falls House (hotel) in 1858, then two years later, sold some of his property to the school district so they could build the schoolhouse.

Opening in 1879, Eagle Mountain House had rather humble beginnings. The original inn was a farmhouse style building that could accommodate twelve guests, and the owners worked the surrounding property as a farm, providing food for the guests from their fields. A golf course went in sometime prior to 1910 because the sport was all the rage by this time. Two more buildings were added allowing for up to 125 guests, but tragically a fire in 1915 destroyed the Main Inn. The new building with seventy-five rooms, most featuring private baths, was completed the following year. An elevator was also installed.

The Mountain View Grand was originally known as the Mountain View House and opened in 1866 by William and Mary Jane Dodge. Intriguingly, the hotel was not a hotel when the first guests arrived. The story goes that after a stagecoach overturned on a stormy night in 1865, the passengers made their way to the Dodge’s house and asked if they could stay the night. They were served a full breakfast the following morning and requested to stay longer. The Dodges agreed. Before leaving the guests asked if they could come back the following summer, and the Dodges realized they had something special. By the following year they had expanded the property and opened officially. Over the years, additions were made with a final total of 141 rooms. The guest book reads like a who’s who with seven presidents, writers such as Robert Frost, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Steven King, and film stars that included Betty Grable, Bette Davis, and the Marx Brothers.

Have you ever stayed in a “grand” hotel?

___________________

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

Photo Credits: 

Mountain Washington Hotel: By rickpilot_2000 from Hooksett, USA - Mt. Washington HotelUploaded by jbarta, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26447136 

Wentworth Inn: Courtesy of the Wentworth Inn

The Mountain View Grand: Courtesy of visitwhitemountains.com

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Karen Ferguson

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Karen Ferguson

I'm thrilled to welcome author Karen Ferguson to my blog for the first time. She has written children's books and a devotional. Grab a "cuppa" and get to know this fascinating author.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

I have written (and published) three books so far, with two in the same genre. My favorite by far are my children’s books. My first book, a wellness devotional, was a powerful experience for me as I learned so much about God and myself through that process; but writing kid’s books is just plain fun!

What does your writing space look like?

Since transplanting across the USA to Tennessee, it looks like a big cherry wood desk in our bedroom. My husband and I are empty nesters, so we didn’t think twice about downsizing our home in this move; and we gained more land, which is a blessing. Because my husband often works full-time from home, he got the office and I got the bedroom.

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym? Why or why not?

I’ve considered it for the adult biofiction piece I’ve slowly been working on over the last several years. But after talking with Francine Rivers at a writing conference, I won’t go that route. She advised against it for the reasons it could be confusing to loyal readers and make it more difficult to market effectively.

How do you develop your characters? (e.g. decide on their vocation, names, etc.)?

I rely heavily on what I know, or in this case, who I know ;) My characters have strong elements of real-life people. I have fun naming these characters, as I like to match names to significant personality traits and inherent meanings.

What sort of research did you do for your story, and was there an exceptionally interesting tidbit you knew you had to include?

For the books in my children's series, Questions for Kids, I begin with my own Bible study, going

deeper to learn about the people, places, and events of each Bible account. Then I Google what others say about it. How does mainstream Christianity view the subject? How are churches and Christian schools teaching it? This helps solidify my own understanding as well as illuminate real life lessons I can include in the story to help young readers make connections between the Bible account and their own lives. I also solicit feedback from others, including an apologetics ministry that I highly trust and recommend, Answers in Genesis.

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

Yes! I knew from the beginning this would need to be a series, because it’s impossible to include all the important Bible accounts into one picture book. There are many wonderful children’s Bibles out there, but that wasn’t what I set out to do. I wanted to create a story thread within the Bible story by including life lessons for the main character Lucy. Each book covers one main Bible account to help build biblical literacy, along with a relatable back story for Lucy that helps kids to engage with the text.

How are your characters like you? Different?

Questions for Kids has two main characters: Lucy Lu and her trusted advisor Papa Joe. Papa is modeled after my own dad who went home to be with the Lord in 2019. Down to the little red flag flying high on his scooter. I’d like to think I’m that wise, trusted advisor to my daughters and grandchildren, just like Papa Joe. Lucy is a combination of people, including myself. I may not have bright red hair and freckles, but I did have a lot of questions as a child, just like curious young Lucy.

Why do you write in your particular genre?

Influence. Picture books help children learn about the world around them and are often the beginning of a lifelong love of books. Books impact kids, teaching them important character qualities and helping them form an understanding of right and wrong. Some books help prepare kids for new stages, phases, and opportunities. My background in K-8 education and my faith in God drives me to write biblically based books for young readers. I want to make a difference in this next generation through colorful, creative books that point kids to Jesus!

What books are on your nightstand right now?

House of Honor, an award-winning fiction book by fellow Ambassador International author Margaret Ann Philbrick. The Beginner’s Guide to Backyard Homesteading by Lisa Lombardo, and Quantum Glory: The Science of Heaven Invading Earth by Phil Mason.

What is your next project?

I’m currently in the publishing process for the third book in the Questions for Kids picture book series. Much more on the topic and launch date soon! Here’s a teaser that just might give the topic away: you’ll find a rainbow in this book. 🌈

About Question for Kids

Follow the exciting adventures of curious young Lucy and her trusted advisor Papa Joe as they journey through the Bible to discover unique periods in biblical history, getting answers to life’s important questions and learning all about God’s never-changing, never-failing, never-ending love. In the Questions for Kids series young readers will encounter God the Creator and His marvelous, majestic creation; they’ll meet Adam, Eve and a sneaky serpent in the Garden, learn the power of God’s Word, why He made the rainbow and much more. Join Lucy and her Papa in this captivating series about God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.

About Karen Ferguson
Karen Ferguson is a writer, Host of the 5-Minute Parenting podcast, and the author of the Questions for Kids picture book series. A lover of words, family, animals, and Jesus, Karen is a passionate advocate for truth that transforms lives. Her faith in God and background in K-8 education inspires her mission to share God’s unchangeable truths and His unchanging love with the next generation. You can follow Karen on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her free newsletter to be the first to know about special events, book updates, freebies and giveaways.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminatecommunications.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenfergusonauthor/
Newsletter sign up: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/n5z4p0

Photo credits:

Bible: Pixabay/Pexels

Boys: Pixabay/Victoria

Other photos: Karen Ferguson

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

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian Fiction

April 2025 New ReleasesMore 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)