ACFW New Releases: May 2016

May 2016 New Releases

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


Amish Romance:

Amish Firefighter by Laura Hilton -- Banished from home and blamed for a barn fire at her new residence, Abigail Stutzman is desperate to prove her innocence. But God doesn't seem willing to help. Volunteer firefighter Sam Miller is determined to atone for his past. When local barn fires escalate, everyone suspects arson. And since the Miller family are among the victims, Sam means to see the perpetrators are brought to justice. When Abigail and Sam meet at the site of a barn burning, the emotional intensity rivals the warmth of the flames. Soon, they must decide whether this fire is one they should feed or extinguish. And they'll discover that the truth can prove more dangerous than a blazing inferno. (Amish Romance from Whitaker House)


Biblical Fiction:

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar -- Before Christ called her daughter . . .Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father's textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left. No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul? (Biblical from Tyndale House)


Contemporary Romance:

Kiss the Bride Novella Collection by Robin Lee Hatcher, Melissa McClone, and Kathryn Springer -- Picture Perfect Love by Melissa McClone: Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away, but he wrongly blamed wedding photographer Jenna Harrison for ruining his political aspirations. Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love? I Hope You Dance by Robin Lee Hatcher: Groomsman Grant Nichols and former rodeo queen Skye Foster are no match on paper. But when the male kitchen genius and the rodeo queen-turned-dance-tutor step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own. Love on a Deadline by Kathryn Springer MacKenzie: Newspaper social events writer "Mac" Davis is charged with covering the celebrity wedding of her high school nemesis. The only highlight of the job is spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride's older brother—and Mac's first crush. (Contemporary Romance from Zondervan)

An Informal Introduction by Heather Gray -- An ICU nurse and a state trooper find their lives crossing paths professionally and personally. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Cowboy's Twins by Deb Kastner -- Hardened cowboy Jax McKenna finds twin girls on his doorstep, and only new-to-the-area Faith Duggan, who needs horse-whispering Jax's assistance with her new mustang rescue, can help make Jax the daddy he longs to be. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Rescue Me by Sandy Nadeau -- First Responder Ronnie Spencer has a no-dating-firefighters rule. She lost her father to a fire, and won't risk the heartbreak of losing someone else. But when Steve McNeal returns, Ronnie's heart is tested. How can she swear off dating a firefighter when she has to work with the one man she used to love? When the unthinkable happens, Ronnie has doubts. How can a loving God allow tragedy to stalk her life again? As her faith wavers, Ronnie must decide. Will their blossoming relationship be quickly extinguished by the very thing she feared, or will Ronnie trust God and allow her heart to be rescued--even if that means giving it to a firefighter? (Contemporary Romance from Harbourlight Books [Pelican])

Falling for the Hometown Hero by Mindy Obenhaus -- After returning home wounded from an IED attack, former soldier Kaleb Palmer is hailed as a hero. But survivor's guilt makes him feel like a fraud. He hopes setting up a business in Ouray, Colorado, will give him a purpose and help him forget. But his new office manager has her own plans. Grace McAllen brings light and hope wherever she goes, and she's getting Kaleb to open up. As she helps him make Mountain View Jeep Tours a success, Kaleb realizes a happy ending is in reach, if he can convince Grace to stay in town--and his life--forever. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Her One and Only by Becky Wade -- When NFL super star Gray Fowler is threatened by a stalker, his team hires a professional bodyguard to ensure his safety. But when Gray's "protection" turns out to be a woman half his size, he's indignant. Will Dru Porter--a former Marine and expert markswoman--prove herself worthy of the job? And meanwhile, who's going to guard Gray's heart? (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker])


Historical Romance:

Sofi's Bridge by Christine Lindsay -- Can Sofi trust Neil, whose gentle manner brings such peace to her traumatized sister and such tumult to her own emotions, and can Neil, the gardener, continue to hide from Sofi that he is really Dr. Neil Galloway, a man wanted for murder? (Historical Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin -- For plucky Lillian Avery, America's entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new job but spurns the attention of society boy Ens. Archer Vandenberg. As Arch's destroyer battles U-boats along the East Coast, Lillian uncovers a black market drug ring. Arch and Lillian work together on the investigation, but can he ever earn her trust and affection? (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker])
   
His Prairie Sweetheart by Erica Vetsch -- After being jilted at the altar, Southern belle Savannah Cox seeks a fresh start out West and accepts a teaching position in Minnesota. But between her students' lack of English, the rough surroundings and sheriff Elias Parker's doubts and distrust, Savannah's unprepared for both the job and the climate. However, she's determined to prove she can handle anything her new town throws her way. Elias gives it a week--or less--before the pretty schoolteacher packs her dainty dresses and hightails it back home. But no matter how many mishaps he has to rescue her from, Savannah doesn't give up. Yet the real test is to come--a brutal blizzard that could finally drive her away, taking his heart with her… (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Mystery/Thriller/Suspense:

Murder Comes by Mail by A. H. Gabhart -- Deputy Sheriff Michael Keane must desperately try to protect those he loves when a serial killer threatens all he holds dear in Hidden Springs. (Cozy Mystery from Revell [Baker])

The Progeny by Tosca Lee -- Emily Jacobs is the descendant of a killer. Now, she's become the hunted in a 400-year-old war between the offspring of "Blood Countess" Elizabeth Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of all time, and a secret society dedicated to erasing every one of her posterity. She's on a quest that will take her to the secret underground of Europe and the inner circles of three ancient orders--one determined to kill her, one devoted to keeping her alive, and one she must ultimately save. (Supernatural Thriller from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Medical Judgment by Richard L Mabry, MD -- Someone is after Dr. Sarah Gordon. They've stalked her, then set a fire at her home, and she has no idea what will come next. Her late husband's best friend and a recovering alcoholic detective are trying to solve the mystery before it's too late, but both appear to be vying for her affection as well. Sarah finds herself in constant fear as the process plays out. The questions keep mounting. Who is doing this? Why are they after her? What will they do to her? Will it mean her death? And, meanwhile, whom can she trust? (Medical Thriller from Abingdon Press)


Romantic Suspense:

Sins of the Past by Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson, and Dani Pettrey -- In Dee Henderson's "Missing," a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident and begin a race against the clock. In Dani Pettrey's "Shadowed," adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector. Lynette Eason's "Blackout" delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her? (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Medusa's Hands by Monica Mynk -- When Megan's friend goes missing, she has to team up with her alcoholic stepbrother to save her from a human trafficking scheme.  (Romantic Suspense from Mantle Rock Publishing)


Women's Fiction:

Home to Chapel Springs by Ane Mulligan -- Trouble comes to Chapel Springs in the form of a homeless author, a heartbroken daughter, and a theatre ghost. (Women's Fiction from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

All About Mercie by Sharon Srock -- Scottlyn Rich is sixty-seven days from her wedding to Grant Weber, but she feels more orphaned and adrift than ever. Until her mother walks through the door. Grant Weber has spent two years earning Scottlyn's trust and can't believe how easily she accepts her mom's excuses. There's something off about Jocelyn Rich and he's determined to find answers even if it costs him everything. Will Scottlyn allow deception to derail her future, or will she take hold of wisdom and realize that her life truly is all about Mercie? (Women's Fiction from A Blonde and a Prayer Books)

The Mercie Collection by Sharon Srock -- The Mercie Collection is three novellas in one. For Mercie's Sake: A teenage victim of rape is disowned by her family when she refuses to abort the child she carries. Determined to raise her baby, she finds refuge with a widowed school teacher harboring sorrows of her own. Begging for Mercie: College student Scottlyn Rich is about to celebrate her daughter's first birthday when she receives news that the young man who raped her has died in prison. His grieving mother wants custody of Scottlyn's child. Can God find a way to bring peace to both women, or will someone end up begging for Mercie? All About Mercie: Scottlyn Rich is weeks away from her wedding to Grant Weber, but she feels more orphaned and adrift than ever. Until her mother walks through the door. Grant Weber has spent two years earning Scottlyn's trust and can't believe how easily she accepts her mom's excuses. He's determined to find answers even if it costs him everything. Will Scottlyn allow deception to derail her future, or will she take hold of wisdom and realize that her life truly is all about Mercie? (Women's Fiction from A Blonde and a Prayer Books)

ACFW New Releases: April 2016

April 2016 New Releases

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

Contemporary Romance:

A Twist of Faith by Pepper Basham -- A high class speech language pathologist and an unrefined cattle farmer cause sparks in this modern retelling of the beloved classic My Fair Lady. (Contemporary Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

Coast Guard Sweetheart by Lisa Carter -- Second Chance Sailor When coast guard officer Sawyer Kole is stationed again in Kiptohanock, Virginia, he's ready to prove to Honey Duer that he's a changed man--and the right man for her. But it's not smooth sailing when a hurricane blows their way. To save the family inn she's restored to perfection, Honey will ride out the storm. But can she handle the turbulence of seeing Sawyer again? Years ago he walked away, taking her dreams of love. Now as Hurricane Zelda barrels down, Honey may have no choice but to trust Sawyer to save her life and--just maybe--her heart. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Better than Fiction by April W Gardner and Michelle Massaro -- While creating a fictional romance, a novelist dissatisfied with her marriage falls prey to an emotional affair with her spiritual, sensitive friend, Curtis, who inspires her handsome hero. Meghan Townsend imagines the whole thing as harmless...until it isn't. Under Meghan's skillful pen, her characters, a 1916 heroine and a reckless racecar driver, embark on a thrilling, adventurous romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis's face in mind takes her heart places it shouldn't go. Will she realize in time that real life can be better than fiction? (Contemporary Romance from Plaited Press)

Close to You by Kara Isaac -- A disgraced scholar running from her past and an entrepreneur chasing his future find themselves thrown together--and fall in love--on a Tolkien tour of New Zealand. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

              

Historical:

Counted With the Stars by Connilyn Cossette -- Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all. To save her older brother and escape the bonds of slavery, Kiya flees with the Hebrews during the Great Exodus. She finds herself utterly dependent on a fearsome God she's only just beginning to learn about, and in love with a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away, will Kiya turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh? (Historical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

Historical Romance:

Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow by Gerri Bauer -- Living with her aunt and uncle, housekeeper Josefa longs for the glamorous life of a fashion designer far beyond her small town. But her dreams alarm her Tia Lupita, who fears Josefa's ambitions are unrealistic for a girl of her station. When Lupita announces a plan for Josefa to move away from Persimmon Hollow to live with distant relatives in Texas and prepare for an arranged marriage, the headstrong beauty knows she has to make an audacious choice. And when a decision arises between two suitors, will she choose a rich man who could give her all the outward trappings she desires, or a quiet carpenter who has fewer material goods but a bigger heart? (Historical Romance from Franciscan Media)

The Lady and the Mountain Call by Misty M. Beller -- Trapper Reuben Scott planned only a quick visit to his parents' homestead to tan his winter hides, but the strange woman standing at his mother's stove is a shock. And then this Cathleen Donaghue tells him his father's dead and his mother is losing her mind. The sad news may bring an end to the life he's loved--trapping, living in the wild freedom of these mountains, no one demanding he measure up. But he'll do anything for his family, even deal with this city woman since she seems to connect with his confused mother. When tragedy strikes Cathleen's family, this impassive mountain man may be the only one with the skills to save her. But can she trust him with her heart, too? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

                                                                                                                                    

Where the Heart is Romance Collection by Andrea Boeshaar, Carol Cox, Rhonda Gibson, Sally Laity, Claire Sanders, Connie Stevens, Pamela Kaye Tracy, Erica Vetsch, and Jane West  -- Journey along with nine women who find themselves on the move out of their comfortable lives and into the unknown as they set up new homes, take on new jobs, seek out loved ones, and encounter romance. Will their faith endure the hardships, and will love form when life is in transition? Written by nine inspirational romance authors who have a passion for American history and faith. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Mail Order Mix-Up by Christine Johnson -- When school teacher Pearl Lawson sees an ad for a mail-order bride, she leaps at the opportunity to find a husband for her best friend. Roland doesn't know how an ad seeking a wife for his brother found its way into print. But now he has to handle the hopeful applicants--women who think he's the future groom. Not to mention the feisty, matchmaking schoolteacher who is just as determined not to marry as he is. Will this mix-up push Roland and Pearl to forget their plans of staying single and allow love into their lives? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Losing Lincoln by Stephenia H. McGee -- Among the thousands of captured and hopeless Confederates in Elmira prison, Annabelle searches to find the one man who could be the key to saving her inheritance. Matthew will do everything in his power to protect the woman he loves--even if it means keeping her from the truth. Especially given his ties to a desperate madman seeking vengeance. In the final dark days of war, Matthew sets his hopes on Annabelle. She could be the lighthouse that guides him out of the ever encroaching sea of chaos. But first they must allow love and trust to overcome their prideful hearts. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Rumors and Promises by Kathleen Rouser -- Sophie Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow, seeks to start over in a small town that doesn't like secrets. Reverend Ian McCormick has come to Stone Creek to escape past mistakes and prove himself a worthy servant of God and his congregation. They are drawn together by their love for music and her child, Caira, who Sophie tries to pass off as her little sister. Will the scandals of her past destroy his hope for their future? (Historical Romance from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White -- Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough. After a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar. While Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never shied away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs right now is the distraction of Lady Rowena's desperate situation. When Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision. Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in dangerous business with a stolen treasure, she feels pushed directly into the path of everything she was trying to avoid. (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Romantic Suspense:

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley -- Two years ago, Bailey Adams broke off her engagement to Danny Maxwell and fled Logan Point for the mission field in Chihuahua, Mexico. Now she's about to return home to the States, but there's just one problem. After Bailey meets with the uncle of one of the mission children in the city, she barely escapes a sudden danger. Now she's on the run--she just doesn't know from whom. To make matters worse, people who help her along the way find themselves in danger too--including Danny. Who is after her? Will they ever let up? And in the midst of the chaos, can Bailey keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again? (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing])

Picture Perfect Murder by Rachel Dylan -- When photographer Lily Parker escapes an attack, she doesn't want any help from the FBI agent who is convinced she's a serial killer's latest obsession. But after one of her photographs is found at a murder scene, it's clear that Special Agent Rex Sullivan was right. Lily, a former CIA agent, isn't used to relying on others, but she won't survive without Rex at her side. And Rex quickly sees that Lily isn't a typical victim in need of his protection, but a valuable partner who can help him bring down a madman. With the murderer growing bolder, Rex has to convince Lily to trust him with her safety--or she could become the killer's next victim. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

What Happened on Beale Street by Mary Ellis -- When a talented musician is found dead in Memphis, Nate and Nicki are determined to find their friend's killer with a list of suspects longer than the Mississippi River. (Romantic Suspense from Harvest House)

Reunion Mission by Virginia Vaughan -- Lured into a dark classroom, high school teacher Claire Kendall stumbles over the body of a dead student--and into the clutches of the killer. Certain she's about to die, Claire is shocked when DEA agent Matt Ross bursts in and rescues her. The former army ranger who broke her heart ten years ago is back in town to bust a drug trafficking ring operating at the school. With Claire being framed for the young informant's murder, she has to put aside their past and trust her handsome ex to keep her safe. But someone is dead set on bringing their hometown reunion to a permanent end. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative:

Tainted by Morgan L Busse -- A young woman discovers she can control the laws of science, but every time she does, she kills a part of her soul. If she doesn't find a cure soon, her soul will die and she will become something else entirely. After a devastating personal loss, Stephen Grey leaves the World City Police Force to become a bounty hunter. He believes in justice and will stop at nothing to ensure criminals are caught and locked up. However, when Kat Bloodmayne shows up in his office seeking his help, his world is turned upside down. Together they search World City and beyond for a doctor who can cure Kat. But what they discover on the way goes beyond science and into the dark sphere of magic. (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

A Desperate Escape by JC Morrows -- The palace is scrambling to recover from a brutal assault . . . the country is in disarray . . . and the royal security team is on edge like never before. Kayden entered the palace under a lie . . . a lie that has now been exposed. Now Prince Dvarius has to decide what to do with his reluctant assassin. (Speculative from S&G Publishing)

The Xerxes Factor by Anna Zogg -- USF special agent Kelli Layne has one goal in life—find the girl who was abducted on her watch. Confident and self-sufficient, she doesn't need anyone. Including God. When she is nearly killed, she is forced to question her ideology. Only one person believes Kelli wasn't involved in the kidnapping, fellow agent Jayden Song. He risks his career to help her follow the clues to Xerxes IX, an alien planet with a humanoid population. To rescue the missing girl, Kelli and Jayden have no choice but to become fugitives from the law. Can they save the child without forfeiting their own lives? (Speculative from Next Step Books)

Thriller/Suspense:

The Tenth Plague by Adam Blumer -- Water turns to blood. Flies and gnats attack the innocent. Marc and Gillian Thayer's vacation resort becomes a grisly murder scene, with a killer using the ten plagues of Egypt as his playbook for revenge.

When their friend turns up dead, Marc and Gillian put their vacation on hold, enlist the help of a retired homicide detective, and take a closer look at the bizarre plagues as they escalate in intensity. Meanwhile, a stranger is after the Thayers' newly adopted baby. Will they uncover the truth behind the bitter agenda before the tenth plague, the death of the firstborn son? (Thriller/Suspense from Kirkdale Press)

When your day goes SPLAT!

Have you ever had a day like this?  Where everything has gone wrong?

 Or is there a time when you've just crumbled, like this bread?

Just the other day, I felt just like these loaves of Snickerdoodle bread, literally falling in a grocery store and going SPLAT!  Yep, I tripped with a bowl of fruit in one hand and a birthday card in another, and did the most magnificent belly flop ever! Not tripping and landing on my backside… No, that would've graceful in comparison. Instead I was completely laid out on my stomach, the fruit bowl and card flew ahead of me, while I flopped on the concrete floor of that grocery store. 

Talk about going splat! And in front of all the people in this very crowded store.

Before you even say something against the store, or lawsuit, or even get angry because I fell in a public place, I must say the two employees of the store were immediately by my side.  And a young man in his 20s who was at the nearest check-out line immediately reached for me, extending his hand and helping me to my feet. I think he knew instinctively that I wanted to get up as soon as possible. 

Of course, once on my feet, I realized how hard I had banged my knee.  But nothing was broken, I was standing. I'm sure I was a bright shade of red, so I chose not to have them write up an incident report.  Amazingly, the fruit bowl stayed in tact so it was thrust into my hands, again by the caring young man, and I was on my way.

It was only after I got into my car that the tears came. OUCH! And of course, I was a little in shock.  One second you're walking out of the store, on your way to your church life group meeting, and the next you're splayed at on the floor, having done what I'm sure was a spectacular belly flop.  I'm surprised my breast implants didn't break!

Once in the car, I wasn't sure what do next.  My hubby was home sick, and I was scheduled to facilitate our life group meeting that night. But I was happy to be in my car, away from all of the prying eyes of everyone in the store.

What about you? Have you had a day when everything goes wrong? When you're whole day takes a wildly different turn?

How many of us lash out in anger? How many lash out with tears? How many of us want to crawl in a hole and hide? 

Part of me wanted to stay on the ground (I immediately sat up from my belly-flopped, splayed out position), just to have a moment to collect myself. But there were too many people around. I can still hear the gasps of those who witnessed my great tumble.

But the other part of me wanted to run…rather limp…away as fast as I could. Being angry never really crossed my mind. Suing the grocery store seemed ridiculous –  nothing was broken, no permanent damage. So, I drove on to my life group meeting and my friends.

I turned to them, tears in my eyes, trembling, and feeling somewhat ridiculous. And they showered me with hugs, ice packs and Tylenol. And onward we went with our meeting. I have no idea what I said, or how well the meeting was facilitated, but I think I just wanted to keep pushing forward. To move on as quickly as I could from the spectacle of falling down.

Could I have done that had I chosen to stay on the floor? Or crawled inside a proverbial hole? As tempting as that was, I think it's always best to move forward from the days where we go splat.

I want to be the type of person who can put the past behind me.  If I had crawled into my shell or driven straight home, I would've missed that time with friends – embarrassed as I was to have them see my tears - just from a silly fall.

There's always something to learn from those tougher days – in the times when we stumble and even fall on our faces.  The beauty is, we don't have to stay in that place. We can find a way to limp out of there, and find healing with friends and loved ones, even during your most embarrassing day.