Series Spotlight: Thorndike & Swann

 

The series: Thorndike and Swann Regency Mysteries by Erica Vetsch (The Debutante’s Code, Millstone of Doubt, and Children of the Shadows)   What it is: Adult regency mystery trilogy with a very strong romantic subplot The story: A high-society debutante and a Bow Street runner work together to solve crimes in Regency London.   What I loved: Historically set mysteries, a single romance arching over three books, cameos by characters from earlier series, the touch of espionage, the happily-ever-after ending

New Christian Fiction, October 2024

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

I’ll Be Home by Darlene L. Turner, by Sara Davison, Helena Smrcek, Melanie Stevenson -- With chaos and confusion all around them, can they find their way home this Christmas? The people in these four stories are all searching for something—an escaped convict, a job promotion from a love interest, connection to a lost parent, answers across time. Christmas should be a time of wonder and celebration, but the obstacles each faces seem insurmountable. Perhaps they will find what they are seeking during this season of miracles and hope. Or maybe, with God’s help, they will discover that the longing of their hearts takes them to places—and people—they didn’t even know they’d been searching for. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) 

Chokecherry Valley Collection by Jean Rezab -- One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond's life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he's on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and works on his in-law's farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. What if Paul could have the one thing he desires most? To see and speak to his daughter again. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:

   
A Match Made at Christmas by Amy R. Anguish, Sarah Anne Crouch, Lori DeJong, Heather Greer -- A mischievous little boy, an interfering friend, a committee of Christmas planners, and a quartet of teenage elves play matchmakers in this fun collection of Christmas romances. (Contemporary Romance, Scrivenings Press) 

The Warrior’s B&B by Jennie Atkins -- Is it possible for a man to fall in love with two different women and never suspect they are the same person? (Contemporary Romance from Amazon)

The Dream 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)

One Starry Christmas by Mary A. Felkins -- A pastor with a past faces his greatest challenge. Redemption. (Contemporary Romance from Gardenia Press)

Wild at Heart by Alyssa Schwarz -- She craves adventure. He's had enough adventure for a lifetime. But when these two friends find themselves searching the skies for an endangered hawk, they’ll find there’s more at stake than the future of Wild Rose Ridge. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Historical:

Brave by Mesu Andrews -- In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. (Historical from Bethany House Publishing)

All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee -- In the midst of pain and loss two women must come face-to-face with their own assumptions about what they thought they knew about themselves and others. What they discover will lead to a far greater appreciation of their own legacies and the love of those dearest to them. (Historical from Tyndale House)

     Historical Romance:
One Special Christmas by Amanda Cabot -- It will take a miracle to salvage her dreams, but Christmas is the season of miracles, isn’t it? (Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly -- Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Beyond Shattered Dreams by Cynthia Roemer -- After months in a Confederate prison camp, Private Will Everett boards the Sultana eager to return home and leave behind the horrors of war. One day into the voyage, the overcrowded steamboat explodes, rendering Will injured and unable to recall his identity. With only a pocket watch and the name Will E. etched inside to guide him, Will begins a relentless quest to find his forgotten past. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)

 
Healing Hearts by Sherida Stewart -- Two wounded hearts. His shattered by grief, hers burdened by guilt. Will these two hurting hearts be healed by love and faith? A frontier “Beauty and the Beast” tale set in New Mexico Territory. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

     Middle-grade Chapter books:
The Beastie of Brambly Bald by Amanda Cleary Eastep -- Jack Finch’s plan to gobble up tons of turkey over Thanksgiving Break and work on the Tree Street Kids’ fort has been foiled. Instead, the Finches are traveling to the mountains of North Carolina to visit grandparents Jack barely knows. Thank goodness his best friends Ellison and Roger are coming with him to the cabin on Brambly Bald mountain. But something is lurking in the forest, and soon Jack uncovers a secret bigger than Bigfoot. When the kids come face to face with a real threat, will Jack find a way to protect his friends? Jack braves danger, finds new branches on his family tree, and discovers what it means to be rooted in God’s great family. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Moody Publishers)

  Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
Time to Pay by Susan Page Davis -- A near miss for Tony throws the squad into high gear. Captain Harvey Larson is summoned by the mayor to help solve a crime she doesn’t want publicized. Was the caller threatening her or her husband? Meanwhile, the detectives in the Priority Unit are chasing down other criminals. (Mystery [Police Procedural] from Tea Tin Press)

 
70 North by Kimberley Woodhouse -- In this thrilling finale, mysteries deepen, faith is tested, and the pulse of cyber threats intensifies against the striking backdrop of Deadhorse, Alaska. (Contemporary Suspense from Kregel Publications)

  Romantic Suspense:
Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen -- When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

 
Finding Amanda by Robin Patchen -- A gripping tale of trauma, justice, and the extraordinary strength of a man who’ll do anything to protect the woman he loves. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Search and Detect by Terri Reed -- When her home is destroyed by a bomb, Zoe and her little girl need protection and FBI agent Chase Rawlston takes on the job while determining if the bombing is related to the serial killer he's tracking. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Assigned to Protect by Melanie D. Snitker -- Police Officer Jenny Durant and FBI Agent Blake Patterson are assigned to protect a witness who is testifying in a high-profile case. Before she can testify, a bomb goes off at the courthouse, throwing everything into chaos. With multiple casualties and another missing defendant, it's impossible to know for sure who the actual target was, and whether this attack is only the beginning… (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Guarding Truth by Kelly Underwood -- The one thing that Former Army Ranger turned elite bodyguard Juliette Montgomery regrets is never telling fellow solider Caleb Styles her true feelings. But how could she? They were co-workers, and then the guy went and saved her life. And that turned out to be the one thing that cost them their relationship. So Juliette has moved on, trying to forget Caleb—and her feelings. Caleb hasn’t forgotten her either. But he has no idea she now lives in Savannah, Georgia…especially since his life is full as guardian of his niece, Ivy, after her parents were killed.… (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Unexpected Witness by Penny Zeller -- Nurse Mila Casey did not expect to witness a murder in the clinic’s parking lot. Nor did she imagine seeking protection from the at-large killer would land her on a secluded ranch owned by handsome, but standoffish, Roarke Brenneman. Mila finds herself in the center of ever-growing danger as the police are unable to locate the suspect. When the protection of the ranch is compromised and Mila’s location is discovered, can she, with Roarke’s aid, stay one step ahead of a crazed murderer who intends to silence her… (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction:
The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger -- Bastian Roux lived and died a hundred years ago. Kind of. He certainly feels like nothing more than a ghost as he haunts the abandoned Castle Rose Theatre, his only solace found in the notes of his piano. That is until Odette arrives. (Speculative Urban Fantasy from Blue Ink Press)

  Western:
Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy -- To finally escape the clutches of her controlling husband and the threat of being recommitted to an asylum, Ginny Rutledge enlists the help of her friends, Maeve O'Toole and Dakota Harlan. Fleeing their own tumultuous pasts, the group embarks on a journey to prove Ginny's sanity. However, as they confront the shadows they wish they could forget, danger looms from unexpected places. (Western from Bethany House)   

Cover Reveal: Illuminary

 Time for a Cover Reveal!

 

We have finally reached the time where I can share with you the cover of the first book of my new fantasy trilogy:

Isn’t it beautiful? While this isn’t what I had initially envisioned for the cover, what Enclave (the publisher) and cover designer Emilie Haney came up with is quite eye-catching and captures the essence of the story. I especially love all the vibrant colors. And what is this story I keep talking about? Here’s the backcover copy: Glimpse the past, illuminate the future. 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. Now while the book will be releasing next spring, the hardcover is already up for pre-order. Just click the picture below.

New Christian Fiction, September 2024

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

Kristen by Dawn M Klinge -- In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one's heart to the unanticipated blessings of life's sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

  Contemporary Romance:
  
Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton -- Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter -- A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Farmer and Adele by Candice Sue Patterson -- Second chances aren't for the faint of heart. (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

  Historical:
 
Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas -- With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published) 

New Star by Lana Christian -- You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)

  Historical Romance:
   

The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin -- She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett -- She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press) 

 
Virginia by Shannon McNear -- Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare--the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky -- In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

  Middle-grade Chapter books:
 

Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen -- Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)

Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille -- A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

  Romance:

A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver -- As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)

  Romance - Amish:

A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne Blackburne, Amy Clipston, Amy Lillard and Mindy Steele -- Four Stories of Romance by Four Authors set in the Heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania's Amish Country. (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)

  Romantic Suspense:
  

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills -- A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner -- Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

 
No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer -- Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)

  Western:

Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst -- God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western from Independently Published)

 
Young Adult:

The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs -- Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a starpalm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])   

Series Spotlight: Skyworld

The series: Skyworld by Morgan Busse (Secrets in the Mist, Blood Secrets)

What it is: A YA (14+ years) steampunk duology with a few zombies thrown in

The story: A high-class university student and a low-class diver search for a cure to a plague.

What I loved: The gadgets/steampunk elements, the likeable characters and their struggles with their positions in society, the mash up of steampunk with zombies, and the beautiful interwoven faith elements.

Imagination Investigation Reboot

I love books.

You don’t have to spend much time around me to know that. After all, I am a novelist. That would be a rather poor career choice if I didn’t love books.

But I am more than a novelist. For over a decade now, I have also operated a bookstore called Imagination Investigation.

Imagination Investigation has no brick-and-mortar home (unless you count my basement), but was developed primarily as a pop-up/mobile store that allowed me to travel to different locations, such as homeschool conferences or reader events.* Eventually, I added an online store so buyers could find the same selection of books as I shared in person.

Because I am not your typical bookstore. I don’t sell just the newest or most popular books. Rather, I have curated the collection I sell, with books hand-selected for their Christian worldview, excellence in craft, diversity in their content, and uniqueness in their storytelling. I have personally read about seventy-five percent of the books I sell, and those I haven’t are included because I have been led to believe that they meet the above criteria. 

Over the years, my bookstore has gone through many shifts, and I finally decided it was time to give the store a facelift. There are many changes planned for over the course of the next year, and I wanted to provide you all a sneak peek of what is coming, if all goes according to plan (which I admit, may be a big if):

• A new website dedicated to the bookstore, designed to encourage wandering among the digital shelves.
• Beautiful, specially designed book graphics with fun bookish Easter eggs.
• Information for connecting you with your favorite authors.
• A newsletter solely dedicated to book spotlights, new additions, and other bookish news.
• The addition of unique book merchandise.

Of course I tend to dream bigger than I can always implement, so it will be interesting to see how reality meshes with the vision inside my head. But I hope you will join me for the ride, because there are some fabulous stories out there, waiting to be discovered by you.

*Interested in my bookstore popping up at your event? Just contact me at imaginationinvestigation at yahoo dot com.

New Christian Fiction, August 2024

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Biblical: A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans -- Mara is a young Samaritan beginning to discover her love for Samuel—and his for her. Soon she will be deemed mature enough to marry. Her hopes are dashed when her greedy father brokers a match with the cruel son of the wealthy High Priest of Shechem. When her loathsome betrothed is killed, her beloved Samuel must run for his life. Mara and Samuel struggle to survive and reunite during the treacherous and scandalous times of the Bible under the merciless rule of Rome. (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary: Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox -- Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration. As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name. When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet. (Contemporary from Revell)

Contemporary Romance:
One Glance of Your Eyes by Myra Johnson -- With a heart for lifting men out of homelessness, Carl Anderson is a dedicated counselor-in-residence in a transitional home. When recent setbacks threaten the program’s continuation, he proposes an innovative plan to increase success by pairing at-risk residents with shelter dogs. One glance from Carl’s stunning new supervisor, and he’s convinced his proposal doesn’t stand a chance. Rae Caldwell admires Carl’s passion, but for her, every canine encounter is a heart-rending reminder of her late daughter’s final months and the loyal service dog who never left her side . . . and the tragic end of a marriage too shattered by grief to heal. As they collaborate on the pilot program, Carl catches glimpses of the vulnerable woman beneath Rae’s chilly façade. Reluctant smiles turn to stolen glances and unspoken hopes for something more—until their carefully guarded pasts intrude and everything goes awry. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP]) 

  Bonding with the Cowboy’s Daughter by Lisa Jordan -- After a broken engagement, Callie Morgan decides to move to Aspen Ridge, Colorado, to fix up her late grandmother’s gift shop. But the shop is in bad shape and Callie runs out of money faster than expected. Old childhood friend and single dad Wyatt Stone comes to the rescue, offering her a job at his family’s ranch, Stone River Ranch. While their friendship is rekindled, will Callie ever risk loving again…even as Wyatt’s little girl is already stealing her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main -- Training service dogs is Autumn McCaw’s passion. She won’t let anything jeopardize her business’s chance of success, including her former love Wyatt Nelson. But with a looming deadline to prove herself capable, she has no choice but to hire the one man who hurt her years ago. Relying on the single dad is tough—especially since he has trust issues of his own. But can Autumn and Wyatt overcome their past to save her business…and open their hearts to love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

  Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus -- In Hope Crossing, Texas, nurse practitioner Kirsten Reynolds has found her dream job. The only problem is that the tiny town also has Deputy Brady James…the father of her four-year-old sons. And he doesn’t know the boys are his. But as he steps into this new role he never planned for, Brady gets a hopeful glimpse into a life with children. Will he let the fear of the unknown keep him from a future he never imagined…or will an adorable pair of twins—and their mother—change his mind? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:
Unfit to Serve by Sandra Bretting -- When the United States military adopts a newfangled test from France called the “intelligence quotient test” during the first world war, no one expects the turmoil that follows. Thousands of immigrants fail it and are forced to return to homelands devastated by war, disease, and famine. For Josephine Pembrooke, the shy schoolmarm at Camp Travis in Texas, the problem quickly becomes apparent. How can soldiers pass a test they can’t even read? So, Jo labors in secret to create a better test. Knowing all along it can't save the one soldier she'd hoped to help. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing) 

  The Farmer and Mrs. Lombardi by Maryann Diorio -- When a middle-aged mother of four delivers a child with Down syndrome, she faces the destruction of her marriage, her family, and her dream. (Historical, Independently Published)

Rise of the Outlander by Stephanie Guerrero -- As hard as Magnus Stewart MacDonald works to be worthy, someone blocks his every move. Already the clan runt and disappointment to his family, his loss in the Highland Games pushes him to the brink of despair. In a twist of good fortune, Magnus rescues an Earl’s daughter giving him a path to compete for glory and the lady’s hand. Even an Earl can’t change the Stewart blood running through his veins. When his bloodline pits Magnus against the newly crowned King James Stewart, he’s forced to decide between safety or fighting for his birthright and his lady. Will Magnus choose the refuge of the Glen or emerge to push back against a vengeful King after his Stewart blood? Surviving isn’t good enough anymore. It’s time to go beyond every obstacle and risk everything in a battle for the ages… (Historical from Winged Publications) 

New Creations by Sarah Hanks -- Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he's presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something. Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he's always been. Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived. (Historical from SonFlower Books)

  Historical Romance:
Redeeming the Rake by Lorri Dudley -- A rogue spy is bent on destroying everything a vicar's daughter values, stealing her heart in the process. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe -- How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom? Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems. Caleb Martin agrees to one final job as a deputy U.S. Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn' t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who' s determined to undermine his every step. Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together? (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

  Romantic Mystery:
Home at Last by Penny Frost McGinnis -- Lucy Grayson grew up on Abbott Island. At fifteen she worked at the General Store then bought the business at age twenty-four. Now nearing thirty, she finds herself at a crossroads. Tired of the grind at work and missing her free time, she considers selling the store, but what then? Owen Miller moved to the island after his short-lived professional baseball career ended. Now he wants to embrace his uncle’s farm and create a landscaping business. Bitter after his ex-girlfriend ditched him for someone with more money, he buries himself in his work. When mysterious holes are discovered on Abbott Island, Lucy wants answers. She also longs for a special someone in her life. Owen helps Lucy solve the mystery. As they dig into the island history and gather clues, will they find more than hidden treasure? Perhaps they’ll discover love? (Romance Mystery from Mt Zion Ridge Press)

  Romantic Suspense:
Witness Escape by Sami A. Abrams -- When witness Tabitha Wilson’s new identity is uncovered and she’s almost kidnapped, she finds herself on the run from a murderous drug lord. But her DEA contact has gone missing, forcing Tabitha to rely on Detective Doug Olsen—a man with his own secrets. It’s a race against time for Doug and Tabitha to uncover buried evidence before the cartel makes them disappear forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Fireline by Kate Angelo -- As the niece of a legendary smokejumper, Nova Burns is tough as nails. When their crew chief Tucker Newman breaks his leg, Nova longs for the opportunity to helm the team, ready to take risks and prove herself. But there's one risk she refuses to take-falling in love. Undercover Homeland agent Booth Wilder is seeking redemption. Scarred by a past explosion that took the life of his partner, Booth is hunting a rogue CIA faction known as the Brotherhood. Now, he's determined to uncover their secrets and find a hidden nuclear weapon that could turn the world to ash. Only problem...summer sparks have ignited between Booth and Nova. Then the wildfire threatens the home of the Jude County Firefighting team, and Nova doesn't care what secrets Booth might be hiding-she needs everyone to save the town. But when the Brotherhood discovers Booth and his goals, the fight becomes personal. Now, Booth must choose between accomplishing his mission and saving the woman he's come to love. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)

Sheltering You by Robin Patchen -- In the sleepy town of Shadow Cove, Maine, a woman’s desperate flight becomes a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. Join the Wright Heroes of Maine for an edge-of-your-seat international romantic suspense that takes you on the run with a heroine in hiding, a secret baby, and unrequited love. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

  Speculative:
Forged in Fire by A L Evans -- When Light and Dark collide something explosive is destined to happen. Born into a world of heartache, Elizabeth cannot fathom a life beyond the rejection that she has always known. Then, one day a chance encounter in the ER begins the unraveling of threads. A humble man ignites a fire long held dormant. Little do they know that this is only the beginning. The supernatural world has been watching her. Everything Elizabeth has ever known suddenly shifts, and she finds herself immersed in a fated supernatural prophecy. The armies of hell have been sent to destroy her. How can she survive if she doesn’t know who she was created to be? It will all come down to sacrifice–life & death. In the end someone will lose. Mystery, Betrayal, Angels, Demons, and a dash of Humor with a hint of Romance. (Speculative Fiction from A L Evans)

Young Adult:
Birds of Paradisum by Stan Lewis -- Birds of Paradisum is an allegorical tale of one man's struggle to find peace and freedom while being pulled in two directions by spiritual forces that are at war with each other. (Young Adult Action/Adventure from Morgan James)