Tuesday, September 3, 2024

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])   

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

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.

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

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.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

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)   

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Writing Update: July 2024


This month I’ve returned to book one of my upcoming fantasy trilogy to work on the developmental edit. These are the changes requested by the publisher pertaining to the big picture, structural elements like plot and character. It also can deal with midlevel adjustments, like wording.

In my case, my edits included reworking a couple of small sections for sensitivity to cultural triggers, toning down the romance, and rewriting a middle chapter. Some of the wording also needed fine-tuned for consistency, so I didn’t sound formal in one sentence and colloquial in the next. And of course, there were plenty of overused words that needed more variety. (Apparently, I had much to “offer” in this book. J)

But now that’s all done, and the book is headed to the copy editor. Among other things, she will get rid of all the stupid mistakes that make me look like I flunked high school English. Meanwhile, I will be returning to work on book two, because there is still plenty more story to tell.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Series Spotlight: Song of Seare

The series: The Song of Seare by Carla Laureano

What is it: Adult fantasy trilogy with a strong Celtic vibe reminiscent of Stephen Lawhead’s style

The story: A harpist is forced to flee to a warrior brotherhood for refuge and become caught up in a war for his country.

What I loved about the series: The Celtic vibe, rich world building and complex characters, how the magic system (supernatural elements) is handled, the spiritual threads woven throughout, the reminder of the care needed when interpreting prophesy.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Multiplied Grace? : A Flash Fiction Piece

A few months ago, a writing friend challenged me to try writing flash fiction. Flash fiction is a very, very short story, often only a few hundred words meant to capture a moment in time.

I finally decided to give it a try.

The result? I won’t be writing flash fiction regularly anytime soon; I much prefer having thousands of words to work with, not hundreds. Nonetheless, story, like most art forms, are meant to be shared. So this month, here’s the odd (and for me, thought-provoking) flash fiction piece that resulted from my friend’s challenge:

 
Multiplied Grace?
By Chawna Schroeder
 
The top sheet of blank paper glared at me, my pen frozen above it. I was terrified to write these letters—petrified I’d get it all wrong—but I had to go through with this. My salvation could depend on it.
 
Lord, give me the right words. Then I began to write. Dear Quinn…
 
As simply and plainly as I could, I shared how I met Jesus and explained how Quinn could know Him too. The basic Gospel message, no frills, no embellishment. Yet my pen wobbled, leaving an unsightly streak at the end of a word. What if Quinn wouldn’t listen? What if I couldn’t convince her? Would I be damned to hell alongside her?
 
But that was a question too horrible to contemplate. One I hoped I never need answer. With a shudder, I pushed on, pouring every bit of earnest persuasion I could into my words. Please, God, let her listen.
 
I finished my note and folded it neatly into the envelope with Quinn’s name. One done. I started my second letter, this time to Petunia, with the same message in slightly different words meant to appeal to her hippie mentality. Letters to Maisy, Frankie, and Sarah-Jane followed that, all deviations of the first.
 
Collecting the envelopes, I placed them around my house where I knew each would find them. Sarah-Jane’s among her favorite kitchen gadgets. Frankie’s atop the tool bench in the garage. Maisy’s in her toy box. Petunia’s tucked beneath the strap of her yoga mat.
 
Quinn’s electric violin was last. Though I’d never heard her play it, just as I’d never seen Frankie banging away with the tools or Maisy playing with her Legos, I knew this was Quinn’s favorite object in the house. Would leaving my note here be enough to convince her of the seriousness of my plea? Or would she see it as a challenge to what she held most dear? I honestly didn’t know. I could only leave the note and hope—pray—that she would read it before trashing it.
 
“Please, Jesus, save me,” I whispered, “all of me.”
 
And I tucked the envelope into the violin case for the last of my multiple personalities.