Revolutionary War: Bryan’s Station, Kentucky

Though the surrender of Lord Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown ended the Revolutionary War in 1781, attacks on frontier outposts continued from Native American tribes led by British commander William Caldwell and Captain Alexander McKee. Sixty  Canadians and 300 Native Americans made up the force.

Another leader of the warrior forces was Simon Girty. He and his brothers, while teenagers, had been captured by the Seneca. Though his goal was to attack Bryan’s Station, Girty arranged a prior attack on Hoy’s Station as a decoy.

Before dawn on August 16, 1782, Caldwell’s forces surrounded a stockade settlement called Bryan’s Station, located on the Elkhorn River. Militiamen (known to tribes as ‘Long Knives’) inside the stockade saw them hiding in the woods and set couriers for reinforcements.

Families inside the stockade needed water, so the Long Knives devised a plan involving the women. The women listened to the plan, prayed together, and then gathered water pails. Chatting together, the ladies left the fort in groups of 2 or 3. They strolled to the river to fill their buckets as if nothing was wrong.

It worked.

Caldwell and Girty, thinking to attack Bryan’s Station after men left to aid those at Hoy Station, left the women alone.

When the militiamen didn’t leave, Girty ordered an attack, which was bravely fought off. Women loaded rifles for the shooters during the attack.

The 44 Long Knives inside Bryan’s Station were reinforced within a few hours with 16 men who entered the stockade under musket fire.

Girty shouted for them to surrender and live or die later. Remembering an earlier battle where settlers were killed as soon as they surrendered, the Long Knives chose to fight.

Girty ordered the crops around the stockade destroyed. Warriors killed livestock and burned outbuildings before leaving.

They’d soon meet again at the Battle of Blue Licks.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sources

Graves, James. “Battle of Blue Licks,” HistoryNet, 2018/02/25 http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-blue-licks.htm.

“Blue Licks Battlefield History,” Kentucky State Parks, 2018/02/25 http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/blue_licks/history.aspx.

“Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Historic Pocket Brochure Text,” Kentucky State Parks, 2018/02/25 http://parks.ky.gov/!userfiles/aParkBrochures/pocket-brochures/BlueLickspktbrochtext.pdf.

 

More Than Friends eBook Collection Special Sale!

More Than Friends, a collection of six historical romance eBooks, is on sale for just $.99 for a limited time!

When friendship deepens, love dares to follow.
Six unforgettable romances where bonds of loyalty deepen into lasting love, set against richly drawn historical backdrops of hidden identities, dangerous journeys, and heartfelt sacrifice.

The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch
A disgraced captain and a runaway heiress hide behind assumed names on a remote island, forming an unexpected friendship that soon blossoms into love. But when long-buried secrets come to light, their carefully crafted masquerade may cost them everything.

Mary’s Redemption by Lena Nelson Dooley
Burdened by family duty, Mary cannot abandon those who depend on her—even for the man who has loved her for years. As Daniel presses for a future together, both must confront whether love is strong enough to withstand sacrifice, loss, and God’s greater plan.

An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey
Best friends Leonora and Marcus set out on a perilous expedition in search of answers, each harboring fears and unspoken feelings. When betrayal leaves them stranded, their survival—and their hearts—depend on trusting each other and the faith that guides them.

Legacy of Honor by Renae Brumbaugh Green
Childhood friends Riley and Emma are bound by shared history but divided by expectation and status. As danger rises and loyalties are tested, they must choose between the lives they’ve been given and the love they can no longer deny.

His Grace’s Governess by Jackie Killelea
A reserved governess and a grieving duke form a quiet bond amid loss and responsibility. But as secrets from the past threaten to surface, they must decide if risking their hearts is worth the chance at healing—and love.

A Not So Convenient Marriage by Sandra Merville Hart
A lifelong friendship leads to a marriage of convenience between a grieving widower and the woman who has always loved him. As they navigate loss, family, and unspoken hopes, they must discover whether friendship can truly grow into the love they both need.


These six historical romances explore the tender, transformative journey from friendship to love, where faith, trials, and quiet devotion reveal that the strongest relationships are often built long before love is spoken.

Amazon

Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Harbor of Spies, Book 1

1773, Boston

Patience Abbott leaves England with her brother at their father’s urging after their mother’s death. The siblings board a ship to Boston to reunite with their father, whose job as a sailor had kept him from his wife and children for months and even years at a time. Patience learns the shocking news that her father has remarried. She and Will now have a stepmother and stepsister. Patience wonders if it’s possible to be close to her father again.

Blacksmith Josiah Wagner watches as the Eleanor pulls into the harbor with a cargo of tea. He has no family, yet his active, peaceful membership in the Sons of Liberty for the past four years has given him a greater purpose. He and the other patriots aren’t happy to see another boatload of tea, but meeting Patience searching for someone at the docks is a pleasant surprise. Her lost look reminds him of his arrival in Boston at the age of eleven, an orphan. He shows her the kindness no one showed him, something that impacts both of them.

Her brother soon decides to support the patriots’ cause while Patience struggles to understand all that is happening. Her loyalist father runs a shop that sells tea shipped from England. She believes Josiah sides with her brother. The man her father wants her to marry, Edward Cunningham, shares his views. Who is right?

Both the hero and heroine have suffered significant losses, which give them a deep yearning for family and belonging. I was drawn into their struggles and the gentle romance unfolding, and the story grew to become a page-turner for me.

The author does an excellent job of showing the escalating tensions that divided families and neighbors even before the American Revolutionary War. Readers learn a bit of history as a natural part of the story.

Recommended for readers who enjoy novels set in colonial times and for those who enjoy inspirational historical romances.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases May 2026

May 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical Historical:
Blaze of Honor by DM Griffin — Driven by a desire to please his father and caught in a dizzying storm of politics and family vendettas, Joram reluctantly accepts a fake marriage, meant to bring a young woman to Jerusalem so she could marry another man. Knowing how his father felt about women, a view he adopted as his own, Joram wasn’t prepared for the transformation that would take place once he began playing the role of a husband for all the wrong reasons. The treacherous journey, marked by near-death experiences, culminated with them arriving in Jerusalem amidst the vibrant Feast of Weeks. With his knowledge of God ringing hollow as a mere religious duty, Joram divorced his wife and surrendered her to another man, determined to honor his word. But when he stumbles upon the truth and feels the burning intensity of the Holy Spirit descend in a blaze of honor that illuminates far more than he could have ever imagined, Joram has to decide if he is willing to walk the path of love. (Biblical Historical, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Love in God’s Timing by Tara Baisden — Rebecca Hartwell is the woman everyone in Serenity Crossing counts on — the salon owner with the warm smile, the volunteer who never says no, the daughter and sister and friend who holds it all together. But beneath the life she has so carefully built lies a wound she refuses to name: the boy she loved at eighteen left to follow God’s call, and when she gave him the chance to fight for her, he didn’t. When Conner Delaney returns to Serenity Crossing as the new assistant pastor and walks straight back into her daily life, Rebecca discovers that a decade of distance hasn’t dulled a thing. He is steadier now. Kinder. And the way he looks at her tells her he came home carrying the same secret she did — that what they had at eighteen was never finished. When a decision looms that could separate them for good, they face the truest test of faith either has known — not whether God can restore what was lost, but whether they are brave enough to let Him. (Contemporary Romance from Sterling Ridge Press LLC)

On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad — If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies. Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don’t realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn’t recognize him as anything but an inconvenience. All but sworn enemies, they’d avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan’s animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


His Unexpected Joy by Elaine M Hunter — When Atlanta attorney Grant Edison returns to his hometown in coastal Georgia, he never expects to see ex-girlfriend Pier Parker. Now a devoted single mom to five-year old Olive, Pier is surprised that she and Grant are paired up to help plan the town’s Labor Day festival. As they spend time together, Grant grows more and more connected to her and her little girl. What began as a reluctant reunion may become the start of something lasting – as long as the secret Pier is keeping doesn’t get in the way… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

 

Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer — Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost. Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him. With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Not Precisely Mr Knightley by Carolyn Miller — Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)


Blueprint for Love by Penny Zeller — He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Contemporary Suspense:
Crossbones by C.C. Warrens –“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.” Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him. Even her life. But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends? Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden. He doesn’t want to be found. He doesn’t want to be known. And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies. (Contemporary Suspense, Independently Published)

General Contemporary and Contemporary Women’s Fiction:
Hidden Seeds by Jessica Brodie — When tragedy sends Natalie home, she finds betrayal, healing—and a new friend, whose shadowy past may be the only thing standing between her sister and a darkness neither woman was meant to face. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group)


Off the Beaten Path by Sara Davison, Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Deb Elkink, and Johnnie Alexander — If only the journey of life came with a compass . . . As the people in these stories struggle to find their way, they must navigate wedding plans overshadowed by family drama, witty banter culminating in a motorcycle ride through the mountains, a job loss that opens the door to a sweet future, language barriers complicating an emergency delivery, and a small-town festival tainted by betrayal. Off the Beaten Path is a collection of five short stories that sweep the reader off on tales of adventures. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle — Nina is at her wit’s end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk’s Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island’s charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life. Kendra’s reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy. As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn’t follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Pridham — Alison, now a happy mother of two, recalls her teen years when a mistake of love led to unfathomable distress. Faced with pregnancy at the age of fourteen, she deals with shame, her father’s rage, choices, and decisions that jerk her into adulthood. But, leaning into her faith, with her sister as her biggest supporter, along with her mother, friends, a counselor, and a school program for pregnant teens, she finds what is truly important in life to her and succeeds in fulfilling her dreams. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

General Historical:
A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H Gabhart — Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal. After Kallie’s father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods–their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she’s worked to protect. (General Historical from Revell)


The Design of Providence by Shannon McNear, Jayna Baas, Avellina Balestri, John M Cunninham Jr, Lynn Dean, Ted Lamb, Patience O’Brien, Nathan Stone, Richard Tucker, and Lynne Tagawa — Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices. Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all. (General Historical from Blue Rock Press)

Historical Romance:

A Whole New Plan by Denise M. Colby — California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)


The Schoolmarm and the Miner by Denise Farnsworth — Adelaide Duncan’s dream of teaching is within reach until her father’s drinking and gambling force her to start over. Taking a position in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town of Dahlonega, she’s determined to prove herself. But unruly students, strict rules against teachers courting, and her growing feelings for a certain widowed father threaten the independence she’s fought so hard to claim. Wade Coulter walked away from the law after he lost his wife and unborn son. Raising his daughter alone is safer than letting anyone else in. But Lotty’s beautiful new teacher makes him question everything. Just as he begins to trust again, a dangerous man from Wade’s past threatens both the women he loves. A gold strike on Wade’s property promises security…but also revives old dangers. Scarred by her father’s choices, Addie fears any man who might put selfish desires before love. As deadly threats close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Wade must prove he’s changed or risk losing his chance at happiness forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Dutch Dawn by Linda Shenton Matchett — Isak Westgard is only six missions short to be rotated stateside. Then the unthinkable happens, and he crashes in the occupied Netherlands where the chances of him making it back to England are slim to none. A beautiful and tough-as-nails resistance courier begs to differ and claims she hasn’t lost anyone yet. The problem is the longer they’re together, the less he wants to escape. Annaliese Claasen has escorted her fair share of refugees and downed Allied pilots to safety – too numerous to remember. Until now. There’s something different about the Norwegian-American lieutenant, and it’s more than his good looks. Can she get him out of the country before losing her heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle — Rome, AD 403. As a loyal daughter of the Visigoth tribe, Adelgard followed her father to war, hoping to win back her family’s approval. But after a clash with the Roman army, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. Now she is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome, determined to keep the fickle love of the crowd and never again rely on anyone but herself for her own security. But beneath the fame lies a darkness and pain that holds her captive. Felix despises Rome’s fascination with violence. But after returning from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he had little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. He finds a kindred spirit in Adel and does what he can to preserve the humanity of the rebel fighters, but when he receives orders that further compromise his beliefs, he arrives at a crossroads. Then Telemachus, a Christian leader, approaches Felix with an urgent message: if the Visigoth captives are not released, their army will invade Rome. Despite the risk, the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning, deadly day of gladiatorial games. As Telemachus seeks to save the Visigoth fighters, Felix and Adel join forces in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)


Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone — North Louisiana 1934 – In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:
Silent Menace by Angela Carlisle — After the exposure of her deceased husband’s criminal activity, CPA Hailey Nieland struggles to move on with life as a single mother raising a hearing-impaired toddler in a hostile small town. When she gains a major client, she hopes the extra income will be just what they need . . . until she begins finding anomalies in the accounts. No one should trust their life to a bodyguard who can’t protect himself, much less his client. At least, that’s what Peter Lewis believes after his failed mission. But leaving his former career behind is much harder than he expected–especially when someone begins targeting an accountant who works in the office building he’s now responsible for. As threats against her escalate, Peter and Hailey must work together to overcome their fears and expose a complex cover-up before she becomes the next victim.  (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])


Vinny by MaryAnn Diorio — Vinny Morello is on track for a promising career in the fine arts. But when tragedy suddenly hurls him headlong into a life-altering crisis, he faces a frightening fork in the road. Which one will he take? The road that leads to life or the road that leads to death? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

The Escape Game by Gina Holder — Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks — Rescuing a woman from a burning car crash near his mountain cabin immerses undercover Fish and Game officer Joshua McGregor in a dangerous plot. But all Bethany can remember is being deliberately run off the road. Soon killers are hunting both of them through the unforgiving Idaho wilderness, and the discovery that Bethany’s identity has been erased has them grasping for answers. Now they must avoid treacherous traps and unexpected enemies…while trying to trust each other. But when the truth about Bethany’s past proves even more dangerous than they imagined, can she and Joshua protect innocent lives—and save their own? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short — When Phoebe Tait suspects her husband’s death was no accident, she heads to Alaska searching for answers—only for her young son to narrowly escape a kidnapping. Officer Jock O’Halloran intervenes just in time, but it soon becomes clear that Phoebe’s investigation has made them a target. Now, with danger closing in, Jock must protect Phoebe and her son while they race to uncover a deadly truth. But can he keep them safe from a threat that will stop at nothing to bury the past—no matter the cost?(Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Scent of Peril by Darlene L Turner — Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative/Time Travel:
Mending Time by Pamela G. Baker — Jen believes she’s finally in control when she rips the remote from Lydia’s hand, steals the time machine, and is thrust from 1873 into 2020. But her confidence shatters when the machine vanishes. Alone, with no ID or money, and conspicuous in a Victorian-era gown, she pursues the one person who might be able to help—the time machine’s inventor. Instead, she meets Jamal, who has briefly experienced time travel and believes her story. When he offers help, she’s suspicious of his motives but desperate enough to accept his assistance. Can Jen build a time machine that will return to the time before she and her boyfriend accidentally erased her family and enabled Lydia’s birth?
Jen changed time once. She can do it again. But should she? (Romantic Suspense from Winged Publications)

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

Stronger Than Shifting Sands by Barbara Blythe — A new job. A promotion denied. And a hurricane threatening the tracks and their attraction. (Historical Romance)

The Sugarplum Inn by Jenna Hendricks — Because sometimes, the greatest Christmas gift is a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)

Keeper of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill — What happens when the very traits that kept you alive are the ones God asks you to lay down? (Historical Romance)

Weighing a Miracle by Steven A Nimocks — What do you do when the world you trusted no longer adds up? (General Historical)

Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder — As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Awakening the Light by Natasha Woodcraft — Will Shay embrace the light, or lose everyone he loves to the shadows? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald

Version 1.0.0

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

At thirteen, Roxi McKay never wanted to sail around the world with her grandparents. This is her mother’s choice to send her daughter away for two years so she can concentrate on her acting career. Roxi will call her mother at the end of the first year to tell her if she’s ready to come home. Will Mom want her? Roxi has overheard people talking about her rotten attitude—she can’t seem to help herself.

Mama Carol prays this trip will draw her closer to her granddaughter—and draw Roxi closer to God. Sailing around the world is her and her husband’s dream to share with Roxi, but Roxi’s snarly attitude makes close quarters difficult. They all make friends among boaters on the same adventure.

This young adult novel is filled with sticky family relationships, beautiful scenery, island settings, and dangers inherent to sailing the ocean. Unexpected twists and the appeal of beautiful settings kept me turning pages. The story is told from the viewpoint of Roxi and Mama Carol.

Amazon

The Revolutionary War and George Washington’s Army in American History by Tom McGowen

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

An interest in our country’s 250th Anniversary has led me to read several books on the topic this year. I check out a variety of books to aid my understanding.

This nonfiction book is written for teens, yet it is also good for adults. The author chronicles the battles that began in April of 1775, and lead on to victory in Virginia.

The author’s explanations of customs and descriptions of battle locations deepen the reader’s understanding.

A timeline of events is especially helpful. Maps and a glossary are included.

Amazon  

More than a Fleeting Romance by Sandra Lou Taylor

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Hadley Hope Story

By 1852, Eleanor Foogleman’s family had lived in Indiana for months. Because her mother is bedridden while waiting for her baby’s birth, Eleanor has helped her father build the cabin as well as the household chores. There have been several miscarriages, making Pa angrier by the year. Only Eleanor and her five-year-old sister have survived. When Pa takes Eleanor to town for the first time, he warns her not to catch any man’s eye. Of course not. Pa’s not giving up her free labor for nothing.

The shy girl captures the attention of James Hadley, the town’s blacksmith, but it’s clear that her pa doesn’t approve.

Unbelievable tragedy awaits Eleanor.

The main character has difficulty trusting men because of her father. That is demonstrated very well in this novella. Tragedy, unexpected events, and sympathy for the main character kept me turning pages. Understandable themes are mentioned, yet are not fully developed, themes that would have deepened the story.  

The book can be read in about two hours.

Amazon

Revolutionary War: Battle of Blue Licks

Groups of militiamen came to the aid of Bryan’s Station, Kentucky, upon learning of an attack by British and Indian forces. The Revolutionary War had ended the year before, yet fighting in the frontiers continued.

Lt. Col. Stephen Trigg arrived with 130 men and Lt. Col. Daniel Boone brought around 45 men. They knew Colonel Benjamin Logan was bringing 400 men, but Colonel John Todd, went against fellow officer, Major McGary’s advice, and decided not to wait for them.

These troops, known as Long Knives, pursued the British and Indian forces under British commander William Caldwell’s leadership.

When in retreat, Native Americans hid their trails. Yet these tracks were easily followed, alarming Daniel Boone, who warned his fellow officers of a trap. They dismissed his advice.

Two days later on August 19, 1782, militiamen approached Upper Blue Licks and saw 2 warriors on a hilltop over the Licking River. Boone warned that the crest of the hill—which he knew well—was large enough to hide the retreating army. He advised his fellow officers to wait for Logan’s reinforcements.

Colonel Todd agreed.

Major McGary mounted his horse. Yelling, “Them that ain’t cowards, follow me,” he splashed into the Licking River.

The men followed and then formed into 3 columns on the other side of the river. They climbed the hill on foot. When Todd’s men reached the crest, warriors attacked.

McGary galloped over to Boone with news of a retreat. By then, there was hand-to-hand combat beside the river—where the horses waited.

Boone’s column was now under attack. With men falling around him, he ordered his troops into the dense woods to recross the Licking River further downstream. Boone stayed behind to cover them and ordered his son, Israel, to run.

Israel refused. While stopping to shoot at the enemy, he was shot in the neck. Daniel realized his son was dying. He carried him to a cave before mounting a horse and leading his men across the river.

The militiamen lost about 70 men in a battle that lasted minutes. Kentucky lost prominent leaders when Todd and Trigg both died in battle.

Daniel Boone later called Israel’s death his hardest blow.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sources

Graves, James. “Battle of Blue Licks,” HistoryNet, 2018/02/25 http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-blue-licks.htm.

“Blue Licks Battlefield History,” Kentucky State Parks, 2018/02/25 http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/blue_licks/history.aspx.

“Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Historic Pocket Brochure Text,” Kentucky State Parks, 2018/02/25 http://parks.ky.gov/!userfiles/aParkBrochures/pocket-brochures/BlueLickspktbrochtext.pdf.

Listen to Your Heart by Ane Mulligan

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Spotlight Series, Book 2

Autumn Brown is thrilled to join the small staff at the SS Spotlight Theatre. She’s even happier to be hired without anyone knowing of her connection to her famous grandmother. Unlike the well-known actress whom she hasn’t seen in years, Autumn prefers spreadsheets over the bright lights. Her job as production manager is her dream.

She loves the team and longs to be part of the theater’s family, especially since her estranged grandmother is her only surviving relative. Then her grandmother pays an unexpected visit…

The lovable cast of characters, along with unexpected twists, made this book a page-turner. The love and friendship between the owners made the barn theater an appealing place to spend time. The story is told from the viewpoint of Autumn and one of the owners.

As a reader, I was quickly drawn into the world of the theater. The author’s understanding of the various jobs involved in putting on a production shines through in this book. A glossary of terms at the beginning was very helpful in understanding the lingo.

An enjoyable read! I want to spend more time with these characters and go back to read the first book in the series. Hopefully, there will be a Book 3!

Recommended for readers of contemporary women’s fiction.

Amazon

ACFW New Releases April 2026

April 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance:
A Secret Amish Arrangement by Amy Grochowski — After stumbling upon Reuben Bender’s hidden library in the woods, Nan Burkholder strikes a deal with the reclusive Amish farmer. She’ll keep his sanctuary secret if he’ll accompany her to an upcoming wedding to discourage an unwanted suitor. But when a natural disaster hits, their onetime arrangement turns into a partnership to save the community. Soon Nan discovers the courageous heart behind Reuben’s aloof demeanor, and feelings she never expected begin to bloom. But as Reuben withdraws to his isolated world, Nan will have to convince him to forgive his past for a chance at a life together after the storm. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary Romance:
More Than Friends by Denise Hunter — Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She’d expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they’d named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn’t expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she’s always sworn she’d never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there’s that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Art of Starting Over by Tara Baisden — Nicole Sullivan came to Serenity Crossing, Tennessee, to find herself again. After walking away from a two-year engagement—and a fiancé who loved the version of her that fit his plans—she’s determined to build a life on her own terms. Her new third-grade classroom is the fresh start she’s been praying for. But when her brightest student turns out to be a motherless little girl with sad eyes and matchmaking schemes, Nicole finds herself drawn to the one man who could make her repeat every old mistake: a grieving widower who might only see her as a solution to his daughter’s longing. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Hometown Second Chances by Megan Besing, Tabitha Bouldin, Andrea Christenson, and Rebecca Reed — Sky-diving, sled dogs, Russian photographs, and buried journals add up to 4 novels filled with sweet romance, excitement, and mystery enough to red-line your romantic adventure meter for days. (Contemporary Romance from Two Dogs Publishing)


The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden — They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer — McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right? Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)


A Second Chance for a Dancer by Carolyn Miller — Poppy James is on the brink of attaining national fame, just like her friend and fellow dancer Bailey Donovan, when a blast from the past leads to a devastating injury. Jake Guillemette is used to being overshadowed by his NHL-playing younger brother. When a job opportunity leads him to start afresh somewhere new, he never thought he’d run into the person who made him second-guess everything, but who ultimately led him to become a better man. Horrified, Poppy is desperate to keep their past a secret, and it takes some time to learn to trust this different version of the man she’s long loved to loathe. Can Jake win her trust and prove he’s changed? And will Poppy learn to trust God with all her future? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction:
Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner — A troubled teen whose baby Providence is taken by CPS, a mother of three who takes baby Providence in, and a tenuous friendship that leaves the two very different women asking the same impossible question: Who is the best mother for Providence? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Kregel Publications)

Dual Timeline/Historical Mystery:
The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson — In 2006, searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a 1940 bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it. (Dual Timeline – Historical Mystery from Tyndale House)

General Contemporary:
Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams — In Stronger than the Storm, Kevin, a devoted pastor, and Beth, a parenting expert, are blindsided when their teenage daughter runs away and returns home pregnant. As they struggle to hold their family together, a long-buried secret from Beth’s past threatens to destroy all hope of reconciliation. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)

General Historical:
Sani – The German Medic by Aubrey Reiss Taylor — There are two sides to every story. Can he navigate between them? Frederick’s childhood was spent in America, helping care for his ailing grandparents. Now, he has come of age and craves the adventures he missed out on. It begins with a return to his family’s homeland, into the heart of a continent gearing up for war. His new friends say he can’t possibly understand. Can a German army chaplain help bridge the gap? Or does the man’s own past disqualify him from becoming Frederick’s confidant? (General Historical, Independently Published)


Norwegian Nights by Linda Shenton Matchett — The second anniversary of Germany’s occupation of Norway has passed with no end in sight, so Gustav Westgard and his wife are still exiled on Shetland. He’s convinced Oda’s miscarriage would have been prevented back in Norway and decides he must return to his homeland to do whatever possible to rid the country of its invaders. Will he live to see liberation? Grieving the loss of her baby, Oda turns toward her heavenly Father as Gustav retreats inside himself. Rather than try to stop him after she discovers he plans to join the Norwegian resistance, she stows away onboard the ship taking him home. Can she convince him that they are better united in a cause than apart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Psychological Suspense:

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R Patch — She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life. (Psychological Suspense from Love Inspired Trade [Harlequin])

Romantic Suspense:
Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J Post — When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative/Fantasy:

Paradise Unfallen by Chuck Richardson — What if Adam and Eve had resisted the serpent? Welcome to Erimea—Earth’s twin world, untouched by original sin. Solis and Livi, the first parents of Erimea, begin their lives in perfect fellowship with God. But their obedience does not end the war. Satan and his legions simply turn their fury upon the new world. As the population of Erimea rises, tensions crack the harmony of paradise. A powerful life-giving resource becomes scarce. Rumors spread. God is silent. And a restless humanity flirts with fear, force, and false gods. To save their descendants from repeating Earth’s tragedy, Solis and Livi must confront deception, division, and the relentless pressure of darkness. Their journey—from innocence to holiness—will determine the future of an unfallen world. (Speculative/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

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

Hearts Restored by Tara Baisden — She was the one thing he could never blueprint. He was the one man she couldn’t wall out. (Contemporary Romance)

Last to Fall by Lynn H Blackburn — She’s caught in a deadly game. He’s the only one who can help her win. They’ll have to risk everything–including their hearts–to expose the truth before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense)

Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer — Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. Some journeys test what you believe. Some reshape who you become. Anna’s does both. (Biblical Fiction)

Find Me in the Story by Lisa Jordan — He built walls. She brought sunshine. Something had to give. But trust doesn’t come easy for two people who’ve been hurt. And one misunderstanding could destroy everything—including their chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)

Lifekeeper by Colleen K Snyder — A girl and her dragon face life and death decisions not only for themselves but also for their enemies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Jackal by Michael Jack Webb — In a land where the dead speak and ancient gods walk in human skin, Kate Justice confronts a darkness older than civilization. (Supernatural Suspense)