Showing posts with label #christian fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #christian fiction. Show all posts

Friday, December 2, 2022

Fiction Friday: New Releases in Christian and Sweet-N-Clean Fiction

December 2022 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Christmas Bargain by Mindy Obenhaus -- When single mom Annalise Grant inherits a fledgling Christmas tree farm in Texas, she vows to do whatever it takes to make it a success. But when neighbor Hawkins Prescott claims some of her trees are on his property, the only option is a partnership. As Christmas draws closer, Annalise and Hawkins find themselves growing closer as well. Could a family by Christmas become part of the deal? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Roadtrip for Two by Amy R. Anguish -- Dallas wasn’t in the plans when Bree Henley set out to use the nonrefundable honeymoon tickets from her canceled wedding. Nor was running into ex-fiancĂ© Nathan Hart. But their mutual friends and the weather have other ideas. A hurricane cancels their cruise and Bree decides to turn the disaster into a roadtrip for one, never imagining Nathan would object. Nathan is furious when he uncovers the plot to get him back with Bree. But he can’t just let her go roaming around the big city of Dallas alone. Though he knows calling off their wedding was the right thing to do, he still cares for Bree. And before he knows what hits him, he’s volunteered to tag along. Suddenly, it’s a trip for two. Spending the week together might remind them of why they fell in love. But is it enough to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of ‘til death do us part”? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

General Contemporary:

The Amish Mother’s Secret by Diane Craver -- Sometimes a miracle comes to you at exactly the wrong time… Lindsay is 40 and single when tragedy strikes. Diagnosed with stage 4, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, her instinct is to right the wrongs in her life. Driven to break free of her alcoholic mother at 17, she fell for Harris. Harris' life was already planned out for him. Falling for Lindsay had been a dream. However, compelled to wed the woman his parents chose for him, he'd left her to endure a shaky marriage. Pregnant with identical triplets, Lindsay adopted two daughters to an Amish couple, the Yoders. In the years that followed, Mrs. Yoder worked hard to keep her away. When you let go of a miracle, can you ever capture it again? Revealing the truth may prove more devastating than the hurdles that came before…and all that will surely come after for a woman fighting for her life.. (General Contemporary from Vinspire Publishing)

General Historical:

The Wanderer Reborn by Natasha Woodcraft -- Can hope triumph in the aftermath of murder? Reeling from the shock of Havel’s murder, Awan doesn't know how she will ever recover. Kayin’s action torments her. As the years pass, and her younger siblings move on with their lives, she is left behind feeling bitter and lonely. Will she ever learn to forgive and find healing? Then Awan makes a terrible error which threatens to break up what remains of her fractured family. That same day, her God calls her to undertake a radical journey. A journey that will test her faith and force her to face all her darkest fears. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

All She Ever Dreamed by Robin Lee Hatcher -- A dream sometimes comes at great cost. Betrothed in a sensible match, even if the man isn’t the love she’s always imagined, Sarah McNeal relies on the advice her late grandmother gave as well as her own common sense. Dreams of a mysterious European count who rides in and sweeps her off her feet are the stuff of girlhood. And she’s a woman now. But when her fiancĂ©’s older brother, Jeremiah, returns to Boulder Creek, he unknowingly awakens that discarded dream. Nine years ago, Jeremiah West lost his wife and newborn son in an epidemic, and he’s been wandering ever since. A survivor of the Spanish-American War, he finally returns to Boulder Creek to settle on the farm he inherited from his father, an inheritance his younger brother still begrudges. When a blizzard threatens Sarah’s life—and her reputation—Jeremiah is there to rescue her. But the pain of his past remains a stumbling block. Then fate brings Jeremiah and Sarah to a crossroads, and love demands a decision that will change the course of their lives. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Defending Truth by Shannon McNear -- Ava Sanford longs to be known as more than the pastor’s kid. When the opportunity arises to study abroad in Scotland, she jumps at the chance to leave the Texas coast and the pressures of Grace Church behind. But she never meant to leave God too. Her roommate’s partying lifestyle promises the fun Ava has been missing out on—until a traumatic assault leaves her faith and pride in ruins. As her life in Scotland begins to crumble, rumors race back home, threatening her relationships with her family and friends, including Jack Shields. A former athlete, Jack keeps his head down, working through college and coasting through life. After losing both his mother and his scholarships, he knows the things you love can disappear at any moment. But when his best friend seems to be next, the nonchalance and security he carefully guards are broken. Fighting for Ava will mean risking it all, and he can’t do it alone. Only God can show them both how far grace can go. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Love’s New Beginnings by Penny Zeller -- Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason? Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly. When Lydie and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

The Seasoning of Elizabella: A Jamestown Bride Story by Tamera Lynn Kraft -- Elizabella can't imagine anything worse than being a Jamestown bride -- but her sister is determined to do just that. On the way to the ship to stop her sister, she witnesses a brutal murder and must flee for her life. She takes refuge on the ship, pretending to be her sister, intending to leave as soon as she is safe. Before she knows it, she is headed for the New World, trapped by desperation and deception. Miles fled to Jamestown with his family to escape the shame from their father's actions. Tragedy has tested his faith, including the loss of his wife and newborn son. His grief makes him more determined than ever to keep his one remaining brother from following in their father's footsteps. Will God heal their pain? How can their love grow when Elizabella desires nothing more than to return to London, and Miles desires nothing more than to remain in Jamestown? (Historical Romance from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Romance: Amish:

Her Unlikely Amish Protector by Jocelynn McClay -- He’s learned from his mistakes…But can he protect her from his past? Miriam Schrock has one rule in her quest for a respectable Amish life—stay away from troublemakers like Aaron Raber. That is, until their employers play matchmaker and Miriam sees a different side to the former rebel. Aaron promises his time with an Englischer gang is behind him. But when his past returns, will protecting Miriam from their threats mean losing her for good? (Romance: Amish from Love Inspired/Harlequin)

Thriller/Suspense/Romance:

Found: An Almost Perfect Christmas by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- When a young boy’s life is threatened, his dad will do anything to keep him safe, including eliciting the help of his single and beautiful school teacher. One of Hope Creek, Montana’s most desired single men has his hands full this Christmas with a new puppy litter, work, and a rambunctious young son. Now, someone has threatened to harm his son if he doesn’t reveal the location of a mystery woman. Second grade teacher, Bethany Evans, loves her job, but she wants more. Could Toby and his dad hold the key to making this Christmas extra special, or will the trouble they are facing not only ruin Christmas but destroy their lives in the process?. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance, Independently Published)

Texas Smoke Screen by Jessica R. Patch -- Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And where there’s fire, there’s a killer…FBI profiler Vera Gilmore has the scars—both outside and in—to remind her how deadly fire is. Now homicide detective Brooks Brawley—her once sweetheart—needs her help with a serial arsonist and murderer in his small Texas town. But almost immediately, Vera becomes a target. Will staying at Brooks’s ranch with him and his daughter keep them all safe…or put them right in the killer’s path. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance from Love Inspired/Harlequin)


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


 
 
A Christmas BlessingJudith McNees, Can two opposites look past appearances to see each other’s hearts? (Romance: Novella)

 
 
Deadly Conclusion Kathy Harris , Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a deadly conclusion. (Thriller/Suspense/Romance)

 
 
Hope Again at Christmas Cathe Swanson, Three heartwarming novels that will have you laughing and crying... and swooning over the sweet romances tied up with tinsel, carols, and hope for the future. (Contemporary Romance)

 
 
Kindred Star M.D. House, Is the galaxy ready for a new set of storms? (Speculative Fiction/Military)

 
 
Lilly’s Promise Terrie Todd, Will the truth she uncovers about her grandmother, Lilly, inspire her to let go of her fear and rise to the occasion? (General Contemporary/Split Time)

 
 
Where Dreams Reside Heidi Chiavaroli, A shameful past, an orchard camp, and a kindling romance…not exactly Little Men, but Bronson Martin never liked being compared to the March family anyhow. (Contemporary Romance)

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Melony Teague

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Melony Teague


Linda:  Welcome and thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on the release of your debut A Promise to Keep. What was your inspiration for the story?
Melony: Thank you Linda, that’s a good question. I asked myself what it would be like to attend a high school reunion with all its mixed emotions. And what if you were reunited with your high school crush? And what would happen if a promise led you to that reunion. What if opposites like a quirky librarian and an adrenaline junkie, technical rescuer spent time together, would sparks fly? How would each of them, in their own way, have to overcome their biggest fears or regrets? And the story evolved from there.
LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life?
Melony: I’m not sure exactly how I come up with my characters, they show up and reveal themselves to me in the first few chapter and then I run with it. All I know is that they make me fall in love with them, even with their flaws and all. And then I feel compelled to tell their story.
LM: Research is an important part of writing. What sort of research did you do for A Promise to Keep?
Melony: My research included technical rescue research, which I had a local firefighter and technical rescuer to call on for first-hand information and to check my scenarios were plausible and realistic. My fellow author and friend, Tara K Ross helped me with the climbing scenes because of her own experience. The fear of heights was based on my own climbing experience. For the medical research, my friend Dr. Etzkorn was my consultant. In all of these areas, any mistakes are my own fault. They all gave excellent feedback. A large inspiration for the story was watching as many documentaries on the Thai Cave rescue as I could cram in.
LM: You’ve written fiction and nonfiction (as a contributor to As the Ink Flows). How do you approach the two genres differently? The same?
Melony: The common thread between these two genres is the motivation with which I tackle them. My aim is to inspire and bring hope with my words, not matter whether those words are fiction or not. I really believe everyone has a story to tell, and we need stories to bring life, and nourishment to our creative souls. God made us to relate to stories. These stories, both fiction and non-fiction are powerful and an essential part of humanity. 
LM: If money were no object, where is your idea of the ultimate vacation?
Melony: That’s a hard one. Maybe Hawaii or some other tropical island.
LM: Quickies:
Favorite childhood book: I was a fan of Nancy Drew, Famous Five and Secret Seven and the Three Investigators. So basically all the budding sleuth books.
Drink of choice: Coffee, tea, or soft drink?
Coffee in the morning, tea after lunch. I prefer sparking water to soft drinks.
Would you rather walk, bicycle, or drive a car: That depends, if it’s in nature, walk, if it is in the city, then a car.
Melony:
LM: What is your next project?
Melony: I’m working on story and falling in love with these characters. It’s early days so I can’t say too much, but with the arrival of the pandemic the in-person research for the sequel to A Promise to Keep had to be put on hold. So while I wait, I am keeping myself busy with another story.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Melony: My website is http://www.melonyteague.com, and readers can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as BookBub and Goodreads. The links are below:
Newsletter signup: newsletter
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About A Promise to Keep
Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the decor to do it. 
Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he's back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah. Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure to uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3iX8nKh