October Releases ~ Great Reads!
Biblical Fiction:
Providence: Hannah’s Journey by
Barbara M. Britton
— When the prophet of Israel refuses to heal her, Hannah flees
Jerusalem and is captured by an enemy with a curse all his own.
(Biblical from Harbourlight [Pelican])
Shadow of the Storm by
Connilyn Cossette
— In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart’s calling to
become an apprentice midwife. When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira
finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three
young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was
killed by Shira’s people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew
tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous
rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past
that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has
defined her to accept the love she’s denied herself and embrace who she
truly is? (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker])
Christmas Novella:
Christmas Lights by
Chautona Havig,
Vikki Kestell,
Cathe Swanson, and
April Hayman
— From historical romance to contemporary cozy mysteries and Christmas
wonder, these four “light” reads will warm your heart and ignite your
Christmas spirit! (Christmas Novella, Mixed Genres, Independently
Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Risking Love by
Brenda S. Anderson
— Can cautious bank employee Lissa Morgan risk falling in love with a
former thrill-seeker, a widowed single dad, when she may have to
foreclose on his house? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
A Mom for Christmas by
Lorraine Beatty
— Noah’s dream of a happy family and Beth’s dream of a continuing
ballet career are both dashed, but when they come together they discover
that the Lord might have a new dream for both of them. (Contemporary
Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Sleigh Bells Ring by
Sandra D. Bricker, Barbara J. Scott,
Lynette Sowell, and
Lenora Worth
— Santa Claus is coming to town, and so are the Tucker sisters. The
girls have inherited their father’s run-down horse farm for Christmas.
It needs some serious TLC in order to make it sell-ready. Joanna knows
that by recruiting her sisters and one handsome ranch hand they can fix
up the place and even celebrate one last Christmas while they’re at it.
However, to Isabella, returning to their home in Kentucky bluegrass
country for Christmas seems like an impossible hurdle. Can her Chicago
boyfriend make life merry and bright again? One thing’s for sure:
nothing is peace on earth for Sophia as a new beau brings up old wounds.
And when the fate of the horse farm is put in jeopardy because Amy
accidentally fraternizes with the enemy, tensions rise. But it’s not
like the land developer stole Christmas . . . just her heart. Can the
Tucker sisters have themselves a merry little Christmas? (Contemporary
Romance from Gilead Publishing)
Do You Hear What I Hear? by
Margaret Brownley
— Stranded at the old Star Inn until the road back to his cabin
reopens, lumber mill owner Rick Talbot suddenly comes face to face with
the past. The only woman he’s ever loved is standing in front of the
inn’s blazing fire trying to get warm. Both Rick and Sally regret what
happened between them years ago, but his family lumberyard clashes with
her tree-hugging ways and neither is willing to try again. It will take
the storm of the century, one stage-struck young boy, a certain meddling
“angel”–and even a cranky cat–to convince them that in matters of the
heart, sometimes the second time around is best. (Contemporary Romance
from St. Martin Press)
More Than a Tiara by
Valerie Comer
— Marisa Hiller abandoned her modeling career to nurse a broken heart
in Montana, far from the photographer who ruined everything. Her family
farm is now part of a CSA program teaching gardening and cooking to
single moms, but when the coordinator begs her to represent the program
in the Miss Snowflake Pageant, Marisa balks. God has forgiven Jase
Mackie but hasn’t answered his prayer to bring Marisa back into his
life… until Jase finds himself out West as the official photographer for
a beauty pageant, face to face with the woman he’s never forgotten.
(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Room at the Inn for Christmas by
Mary Connealy
— Ambitious hotel executive Amanda Star’s has got her sights set on the
CEO job at the multi-national Halston hotel chain. But then she
inherits the Star Inn, a place her father had always wanted her to run
alongside him. With no time to be away from her job, she rushes home to
put the inn up for sale. Once there, she’s struggles against keen
regret, sweet memories, and the longing to return, which grows stronger
when she is reunited with an old classmate: Anthony Carter, a handyman
with a guarded heart. (Contemporary Romance from St. Martin Press)
Can’t Help Falling by
Kara Isaac
— A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and
a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and
picturesque Oxford, England. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon
& Schuster])
A Christmas Homecoming by
Kimberly Rose Johnson
— Interior design assistant Bailey Calderwood suspects the mysterious
admirer sending her cards and flowers is none other than the son of her
unpleasable, bed-ridden boss. When Stephen Belafonte’s mom demands he
fire Bailey, can he find a way to heal the rift in his family as well
his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go? (Contemporary
Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)
Where Two Hearts Meet by
Liz Johnson
— When Caden Holt’s boss asks her to show off their own beautiful
Prince Edward Island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the
Red Door Inn, the reclusive executive chef is forced to face a world
much bigger than her kitchen–and a man who makes her wish she was
beautiful. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [A Division of Baker
Publishing Group])
Trust My Heart by
Carol J. Post
— Grant McAllister, a jaded big-city lawyer and small-town reporter
Jami Carlisle have no hope for finding true love–except for a zany old
matchmaker who won’t give up. In the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky
Mountains, there’s healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant,
this unplanned detour may be just what’s needed to finally guide him
home. (Contemporary Romance from Waterfall Press)
Insight by
Deborah Raney
— She’s having a baby. It’s a blessing that brings comfort to newly
widowed Olivia Cline. Yet with no insurance, no job and precious little
money, how will Olivia care for herself and her child? The answer is a
handsome and brooding artist seeking an assistant. Reed Vincent has
recently regained his eyesight thanks to a donor. And through his eyes,
Olivia begins to see all the possibilities before her. Before them.
Until, in a flash of insight, she knows why his signature is so
hauntingly familiar. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)
Silver Bells by
Deborah Raney
— As Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small
Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. (Contemporary Romance
from Raney Day Press)
A Family Under the Christmas Tree by
Terri Reed
— In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single
father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy
and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog–but first they must learn to set
aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship
bloom. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])
Third Strand of the Cord by
Catherine Richmond
— Caroline will do anything to keep her ex-husband from putting her son
with Down syndrome in an institution–even enroll the boy in a class
taught by a know-it-all karate instructor. Lee Marivaux is an expert at
reading people. He knows his feisty new student will thrive with firm
guidance – and he’s right. He pegs the boy’s mother as a clueless
socialite who loafs at the country club – and he’s never been so wrong.
When Caroline’s abusive ex shows up, demanding custody, Lee and Caroline
must join forces to keep the boy safe. (Contemporary Romance,
Independently Published)
Buying Love by
Toni Shiloh
— Impatient for marriage, Nina Warrenton places an ad in the newspaper
for a husband–attaching a monetary reward. But when she begins to fall
for the small-town chef who answers her add, she realizes how much she
wants him to love her and not her money. Dwight Williams needs fast cash
to save the family restaurant, but can he let it go to prove his love
for Nina? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)
Moonlight Over Manahttan by
Carrie Turansky
— Professional organizer Sarah Montgomery is hired to organize her
elderly neighbor’s cluttered apartment by Justin Latimer, her neighbor’s
grandson. Sarah believes free-spirited Justin is a lazy, unemployed
poet who is taking advantage of his grandmother’s generosity. Though
attracted to him, she guards her heart against her growing feelings. As
Sarah and Justin work together to help his grandmother and enjoy
Christmas events in NYC, romantic sparks fly. When Sarah discovers who
Justin really is, she must decide if she will continue to hide behind
her protective wall or open her heart and embrace love. (Contemporary
Romance, Independently Published)
Love Bears All Things by
Beth Wiseman
— Charlotte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her
boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in
Texas, she’s forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish
friends in Lancaster County. Daniel Byler struggles each day in his
Amish community to heal from his fiancée’s betrayal. When he discovers
that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain
turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlotte, a
woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before.
(Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
General Contemporary (includes Women’s Fiction):
Paint The Storm by
Dawn V. Cahill
— When Meg is challenged to love her lesbian daughter as Christ would,
she struggles to live out God’s command, and when her daughter goes
missing, she finds herself joined with the unlikeliest of allies in her
search for Linzee, and finally learns of God’s unconditional grace for
sinners. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Spring Mountain Publishing)
Restoration Road by
Elise Phillips
— Mallory Andrews’s short trip back to Texas for her mother’s funeral
quickly becomes a move home to help her grieving father with his
contracting business. When her old crush, Tres, hires them for a
restoration project Mallory falls in love with the crumbling old house.
And when feelings bloom between her and Tres, she finds herself on the
road to a brand new, unexpected life filled with faith, sweet tea, and
fresh paint. (General Contemporary from Desert Breeze Publishing)
Above All Things by
Deborah Raney
— Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled to
become parents. But the couple faces the ultimate test when Judd learns
he already has a child: a six-year-old mixed-race girl born amid secrets
and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child. She
thought she was open-minded–until hidden prejudices threaten the future
of an innocent little girl, Evette’s marriage and the very notion of who
she thinks she is. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Raney Day Press)
Restoring Christmas by
Cynthia Ruchti
— Alexis set out to restore a fieldstone farmhouse in need of repair.
She didn’t expect to restore a life in the process. (General
Contemporary from Worthy Inspired)
Strings of Faith by
Terry Stafford
— Darcy is a classically trained violinist who dreams of playing
bluegrass and winning The National Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Weiser,
Idaho. When tragedy strikes, Darcy lays her gift aside for her family
and faces unimaginable pain and loss, leading to dissension with her
husband, disappointing judgment from her church, and anger with God
Himself. Can her gift of music survive when her life is turned upside
down? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Historical:
The Lost Generation by
Erica Marie Hogan
— On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth
Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out
from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do
his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an
uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread
across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical
from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
Aboard Providence by
Keely Brooke Keith
— When an accident forces Jonah Ashton to serve as a ship’s physician,
he boards the Providence with the plan to escort a group of families to
their new settlement in South America and then return to Pennsylvania to
finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into
all-out war. What he doesn’t count on is getting lost at sea… and Marian
Foster. When the settlers finally reach land, Jonah makes a startling
discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?
(Historical from Crossriver Media Group)
Historical Romance:
The Rails to Love Romance Collection by
Diana Lesire Brandmeyer,
Amanda Cabot,
Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil,
Lynn A. Coleman,
Susanne Dietze,
Kim Vogel Sawyer,
Connie Stevens, and
Liz Tolsma
— Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely
couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling
the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports
toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances
develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel? (Historical
Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Cowboy Christmas Homecoming by
Mary Connealy,
Ruth Logan Herne,
Julie Lessman, and
Anna Schmidt
— For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call
him Hugh. She’d call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs
are met, June can’t help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart.
Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. And even if
Roy, her hired help for the holidays, does take care of her, that
doesn’t mean he cares for her or that he’ll stay past Christmas. Pastor
Colton McCabe is not sure he’ll make it through the holidays with his
new housekeeper. Grace can’t seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps
being a homekeeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart.
Connie Lancaster is determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can
change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will
see the homecoming she’s been longing for isn’t to a place but a person.
(Historical Romance from Gilead Publishing)
The Captive Heart by
Michelle Griep
— Stranded in a strange land, Eleanor Morgan faces starvation or
marriage . . . but who wants to marry a murderer? (Historical Romance
from Barbour Publishing)
The Rightful Heir by
Angel Moore
— Cowboy Jared Ivy must work with stranger Mary Lou Ellison until a
judge comes to town and determines which one of them is the rightful
heir to his family’s Texas newspaper. Intrepid reporter Mary Lou won’t
lose the Pine Haven Record–the legacy he left her–without a fight. But
when she and Jared stop sparring long enough to investigate a story
together, they become a force to be reckoned with. Will they let their
battle over the Record get in the way of something even more newsworthy:
true love? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Christmas at Stoney Creek by
Martha Rogers
— When newspaper reporter Tom Whiteman befriends a homeless man named
Joe, Tom decides to bring him home to Stoney Creek, Texas for Christmas.
As Tom and his childhood friend Faith Delmont set out to learn the
truth about the mysterious old man with the kind, sad eyes, they
discover that God’s love can turn tragedy and loss to triumph, and that
true love comes to those who wait. (Historical Romance from Realms
[Charisma Media])
Mystery:
Another Day, Another Dali by
Sandra Orchard
— In order to regain her grandmother’s favor FBI Special Agent Serena
Jones agrees to investigate a missing Salvador Dali painting. But when
the evidence points to members of the owner’s own household, it becomes
clear that Serena won’t be winning any popularity contests. Then Serena
stumbles upon links to her grandfather’s unsolved murder. (Mystery from
Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])
Romantic Suspense:
Tangled Webs by
Irene Hannon
— After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger
career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime in the woods. But when someone
threatens his neighbor, publishing executive Dana Lewis, Finn and Dana
must work together to discover who wants her to leave her lakeside cabin
before it costs both their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [A
Division of Baker Publishing Group])
Identity Unknown by
Terri Reed
— When a John Doe washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, no one knows
who he is—including him. But one thing’s instantly clear to deputy
sheriff Audrey Martin: the man’s marked for murder. And she’s the only
one who can protect him from the assassins who lurk at every turn. The
arrival of a team of men claiming he’s Canadian Border Services officer
Nathanial Longhorn only further complicates the matter. As his memories
slowly start drifting back, Nathanial and Audrey work to uncover who
wants him dead and why. If they don’t, this Christmas might be their
last. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative:
A Time to Rise by
Nadine Brandes
— What more can you sacrifice than your life? Parvin Blackwater is
dead. At least that’s what the Council and the world thinks. But her
sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and
rebellion in the people. Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious
clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once
and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology
in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical
and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world? (Speculative
Young Adult from Enclave Publishing)
Unblemished by
Sara Ella
— Eliyana can’t bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that
were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where
her blemish could become her strength? (Speculative Young Adult from
HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Beast by
Chawna Schroeder
— For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master’s
dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and
struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day
becoming her master’s favorite, earning bones with meat and a place
beside the fire. When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast
must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners. They are
so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she? (Speculative
Allegory from Enclave Publishing)
Accelerant by
Ronie Kendig
— He’ll destroy the world. But he must save it first. As the only
able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, Haegan, Prince of Seultrie must
return to the Nine Kingdoms and fight for his people. But there are
insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question,
Haegan struggles to know where to fight, who to trust. Caught between
duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly
enough to choose the right path to save his devastated world.
(Speculative High Fantasy from Enclave Publishing)
Thriller/Suspense:
Death in the Mind’s Eye by
Rick Acker
— It knows what you’re thinking. It knows when you’re lying. Does it
know how to kill? San Francisco attorney Mike Webster and Dr. Johanna
Anderson, a brilliant and beautiful psychologist, must clear Jo’s name
of a malpractice case before the controversial, technologically-assisted
Mind’s Eye therapy is seized by a shadowy finance firm and used as a
weapon. (Thriller/Suspense from Waterfall Press)
The Warrior’s Seal by
Ronie Kendig
— A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the
president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin. Special Forces
operative Cole “Tox” Russell and his team are tasked in a
search-and-rescue–the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a
goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact
and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and
the toxin to save the president. This is a free e-novella prequel!
(Thriller/Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])
Deadly Infiltration by
W. Richard Lawrence
— Infiltrators inside the American government are betraying undercover
agents while helping sneak weapons of mass destruction across our
borders. To keep their work hidden, they are willing to murder anyone
who gets in their way. Sara, a brilliant computer expert working for the
FBI, finds herself caught in the middle. Sara’s young faith in God is
gravely tested when she is framed for the murder of an FBI agent,
forcing her to go into hiding. Meanwhile, Sara’s fiancé Derry lives up
to a promise he made to her, and gives up his future to save her and
hopefully the country. (Thriller/Suspense from Boarding House
Publishing)
Western Historical:
Refining Fire by
Carol Cox
— Meet the Arizona Territory Brides. Four strong, independent
women–each determined to stand on her own two feet, and not one of them
looking for romance. But sometimes love shows up when you least expect
it… (Western, Pioneer/Prairie, Independently Published)
Check out these new reads by ACFW Authors ~ 
