ACFW New Releases September 2024

August 2024 New ReleasesMore 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)

 

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

Rose by Another Name by Lee Carver — A Depression-era newspaper typesetter secretly creates the character she would like to be and dares to hope for the life she may have missed. (Contemporary)

Closer Than Brothers by Mary Connealy — Prequel to Trouble in Texas Series and Kincaid Brides Series. (Western)

Broken Trust by Jane Daly — Two women face unexpected challenges with the ones they trust the most, and must also learn to trust themselves and each other in order to find happiness and love amidst chaos. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

The Pastor’s Perfect Wife by Jane Daly — Former Mean Girl Mariah and Pastor Ethan Walsh shouldn’t have fallen in love. But they did. Together, they must weather the storms of their pasts and find strength in each other to overcome the challenges before them. (Contemporary Romance)

Rumors are Flying by Jeanette Hanscome — Plans to turn and historic Victorian home turning into a museum and upended when Janet and Debbie delve into WWII mysteries surrounding the Townsend family, revealing secrets that revive a Dennison landmark. (Cozy Mystery)

Molly by Shanna Hatfield — Their romance began while wearing gas masks and uniforms. Will their love survive returning to civilian life? Inspired by the Hello Girls, America’s first women soldiers who helped win World War I. (Historical Romance)

Matters of the Heart by Kelly S Irvin — He’s the community’s jokester auctioneer. She’s the serious caregiver for her siblings who also works at the local plant nursery. What future could they have together? (Amish Romance)

Stitched on My Heart: Delphina’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — When a chance at love and a new life presents itself, will Delphina have the courage to seize it? (Historical Romance)

The Wise Guy and the Star by Shannon McNear — Can a chance encounter be the connection they have always needed? (Historical Romance)

Healer by Ava Murbarger — Old rivalries rise to the surface. Each of the planets has its own story to tell. Will the Phoenix remain silent? (Speculative Fiction)

Covering Grace by Davalynn Spencer — When her trick-riding ways put her in danger while filming a local flicker, he risks more than his time intervening. He risks his heart. (Western Romance)

Behind Love’s Wall by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Doors to the Past, Book 5

The author skillfully weaves together the stories of two women living in two time periods in this novel.

In 1895, Lily is singing at The Grand on Mackinac Island. Her piano accompanist is her cousin, who has often protected her from unwanted male attention in the past. However, she’d welcome Dr. Stephen DuBlanc’s courtship if not for a terrible secret in her past, one that prompts her to change her name to hide from the Pinkertons.

In 2020, Willa has made a name for herself as an interior decorator, a reputation that lands her at the Grand Hotel to consult for a redesign. She wants to work with Michael, a gifted landscape artist, but must protect her heart. She has too much baggage from her childhood to pursue a relationship.

Then she finds a journal written by a singer at The Grand in 1895 that opens a slew of questions…and secrets.

Lovable, believable characters drew me into their story. Their heartache tugged at my emotions. Many twists kept me turning pages as the story progressed.

Story complexities increase with each chapter with lots of names in common between time periods. For that reason, I’d suggest reading the novel within a week or so to remember the details.

I enjoyed this well-written dual timeline mystery.  

Amazon   

The Case of the Stolen Memories by Deborah Sprinkle

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Mac & Sam Mystery Series, Book 3

Private Investigator Mackenzie Love witnesses a thief running away from a robbery in a park. A body is found that same day. She and fellow investigator Sam are hired to recover items stolen from a time capsule. They need customers to keep their business afloat so they agree, little knowing the danger.

Detective Jake Sanders is assigned to the case and then learns his feisty girlfriend Mac is a witness. Since she’s investigating the crime for a client, the two work separately and share findings with one another.

Escalating mystery and danger at every turn kept me turning pages. Many twists and turns held my interest. Danger faced by multiple characters that I’d grown to love had me on the edge of my seat.

I received an advanced copy from the author and happily endorsed the book. All opinions are my own.

This suspenseful story will keep readers turning pages. Recommended for those who enjoy mystery and suspense novels!

The American Gilded Age

by Susan G. Mathis

Welcome back to Susan G. Mathis, friend and fellow author at Wild Heart Books. Libby’s Lighthouse is her latest   Thousand Islands Gilded Age story. I loved it! Thanks for joining us today, Susan!

The American Gilded Age was a time of rapid technical advances, industrialization, and thousands of new inventions from about 1870-1910. Mark Twain coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today that satirized the era of social problems that were masked by a layer of thin, gold gilding. It’s a fascinating time in history, especially in the Thousand Islands.

All of my books are set during the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, when the wealthy came and scooped up the islands and built lavish summer homes, mansions, and castles. It was an era of economic growth. Since wages were higher than Europe, massive immigration drew about twenty million to the U.S. shores.

Unfortunately, it was also a time of unequal distribution of wealth where the rich got richer and the poor working class suffered. Many young women worked as servants until they married, and that’s what my stories are about—those nameless, faithful women who cooked and cleaned and served tables for the rich and famous. These “downstairs” women had fascinating stories to tell, and I plan to tell many of them.

During the Gilded Age, America led the world in innovation. A half-million patents were issued for new inventions including hundreds by Thomas Edison, Westinghouse, and others. Thanks to inventions such as delivery of electric power, the world became lighter, safer, more convenient and comfortable, and all around better.

About Susan’s latest Thousand Islands Gilded Age story, Libby’s Lighthouse:

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. But secrets haunt Libby and may change her life forever. When Owen is ship wrecked, he accepts the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. His relationship with Libby turns into something more, but their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. As Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

Amazon

About Susan G Mathis:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has twelve in her fiction line including Libby’s Lighthouse. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction

A Certain Man by Linda Dindzans

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Certain Future Series, Book 1  

One finds it difficult to believe this is a Debut Novel. Dindzans has written a mesmerizing story that immerses readers into the dangerous New Testament days when a father’s whim held more sway over whom a woman would marry than she did herself.

Readers of the Bible will note specific events in the life of Jesus and even His parables are woven into this well-written story.

Mara, the daughter of a drunkard, is only important to her father for the money he will receive from the bridegroom. Mara wants to marry her neighbor Samuel in two years when he has saved the bride-price. She’ll be fifteen then. Yet events take a terrible turn.

Dindzans’s depth of research transports readers back to Biblical days. Jewish traditions and culture enrich the storytelling.

The book is edgier than I normally read. There is violence and rape but it’s not explicitly shown. There are characters readers will love and others they definitely will not.

I could not put the book down.

I highly recommend this novel to lovers of Biblical fiction.

ACFW New Releases July 2024

June 2024 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:


Renee by Sandra Ardoin — A bake-off competition can change widow Renee Burnette’s life and mend a frayed friendship. As the bake-off competition intensifies, Renee’s office relationships are strained, her sweet son becomes unruly, and the rift with her old friend widens. Can a decades-old cookbook help Renee restore the bonds every woman needs? (Romance from Corner Room Books)


Pointe, Shoots, and Scores by Carolyn Miller — When Bailey Donovan’s dance studio faces the risk of closure, she takes a God-given miracle of a gig training a complete non-dancer for a TV show. Only problem is, he’s a real grump, and for an athlete, seems to be lacking all the moves. Luc Blanchard loves hockey, God, and his family, with no time for more, until an unexpected promotion forces him to swallow his pride for the sake of his team. Sparks soon fly as these two opposites spend time together, and TV ratings push for their onscreen partnership to make a fake relationship real. But as they discover a certain magic under the spotlight, will issues from the past ever let them truly soar? (Contemporary Romance Independently Published [ACFW QIP])


Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler — The last person Valerie Williams expects to rescue her and her toddler twin brothers from a fiery blaze is Brett Richardson, her high school nemesis. But with her house burned down, Valerie is forced to stay at the same inn as Brett and work with him on the town festival. Now Brett has the chance to make things right, but can Valerie let go of the past to make way for a future together? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Historical:


Muldoon’s Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow — A poor widower who suffers from scoliosis loses his second family in Ireland from a typhus epidemic, and his sister convinces him to emigrate to the land of plenty, America. (Historical from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Historical Romance:


Into the Starlight by Amanda Cabot — Who would have guessed that a spinster’s desire to visit her fiancé’s grave would change the course of a young doctor and a lovely pianist’s lives and resolve a decades-old mystery? (Historical Romance from Revell)


War’s Unexpected Gift by Linda Shenton Matchett — Eager to do even more for the war effort, nurse Gwen Milford puts in for a transfer from a convalescent hospital outside of London to an evac hospital headed across Europe. Leap-frogging from one location to the next, nothing goes as expected from stolen supplies to overwhelming numbers of casualties. Then, there’s the handsome doctor who seems to be assigned to her every shift. As another Christmas approaches without the war’s end, can she find room in her heart for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)


Libby’s Lighthouse by Susan G Mathis — When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


The Highlander’s Charity by Z Peabody — From the halls of the royal palace of Oge-chukwukama, to the lush oasis of Shushara, Sani and Teagan will travel the golden dunes to their destinies together. (Historical Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Romantic Suspense:


Four Doubt: A Silas McKay Suspense by Luana Ehrlich — Silas investigates the murder of a cybersecurity executive. Was it a random shooting or a targeted killing? (Independently Published [ACFW QIP])


When Secrets Come Calling by Felicia Ferguson — Two ex’s once headed to the altar are reunited by a cold case robbery and murder. His dad is the accused, and she’s the investigator. Will the case’s fallout bury their love forever or rekindle a life they only dreamed of? (Romantic Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing)


Sunset Over Swaziland by Shirley E. Gould — A former military hero rescues a beautiful grant writer when riots erupt in a third-world country and becomes her bodyguard as she completes her assignment losing his heart to her as they work to save orphans being trafficked. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)


Vengeance in Vienna by Sara L. Jameson — A moonlight sail, a sniper on the shore, and a terrorist financier determined to kill Interpol agent Jacob Coulter and everyone he holds dear. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)


Chasing Amanda: Expanded Edition by Robin Patchen — Now with a brand-new bonus epilogue… In the tense months following 9/11, a chance encounter sparks an unlikely connection between two strangers—a young college student and a marine on his way to Afghanistan, but once he says goodbye, there’ll be nobody there to protect her from the stalker with sinister intentions… (Romantic Suspense from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

Speculative Fiction (Time Travel):
The Root of the Matter by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Geneva Fielding, an archivist in the Department of Applied History, is sent back in time with a colleague, Peter Donatelli, to investigate John Winthrop and Roger Williams in New England of the 1630s. (Speculative Fiction from Independently Published [ACFW QIP])

 

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

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli — When her mother’s vindictive fans threaten her grandmother’s livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing? (Literary Contemporary)

Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson — When a last minute change in his team brings John face to face with the feisty and alluring Adanne, will the flash of bright lights be stronger than the pull of their hearts? (Contemporary Romance)

Running from the Past by Melanie D Snitker — They must face their fears or risk losing everything. The investigation leads them right back to the scene of the crime. If they have any hope of identifying the killers, they’ll have to set aside their differences or risk facing their greatest fear: losing each other. (Romantic Suspense)

Julia’s Joy by Susan G. Mathis

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Love at a Lighthouse, Book 2

Terms in her grandmother’s will send Julia Collins to Sister Island on the St. Lawrence River. Julia is accustomed to an active social life. The island only has two residents when she arrives, the lightkeeper and his mother. Before she arrives, she is certain her grief won’t required this much solitude.

William Dodge, the lightkeeper, is recovering from his fiancé ending their engagement, who broke up with him over his occasional bouts with pleurisy. Julia’s lack of faith troubles him and he gives her room to make that journey.

Surprising twists kept me turning pages. Loveable, believable characters drew me into their story. Their heartache tugged at my emotions.  

This gentle, well-written love story is highly recommended for those who love to immerse themselves in another time with a great book!   

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required.

Amazon

Finding the Dog Groomer’s Soulmate by Cindy Ervin Huff

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Dog Groomer’s Love Stories, Book 2  

Former Air Force Captain Cassie Quinn lost her arm in a roadside IED. To escape her nightmares and panic attacks, she applies for a job at a Dog Groomer’s. She’s surprised when the family-run business hires her. She sees it as a step toward healing.

Aaron Willis is part owner of a thriving Dog Grooming business. The animal loving bachelor has a hard time saying no to anyone who needs him. Before long, Cassie has captured his attention. They begin dating but his need to help her overwhelms Cassie.

She’s getting more comfortable with her prosthetic arm physically but inside she feels emotionally broken. Who will want to marry her?

Believable, loveable characters had me rooting for them. The tension increased as the story went on, drawing me into the story. Some surprising twists caused me to wonder how the hero and heroine could resolve their conflict.

This novel will appeal to animal lovers and dog lovers. Cassie needs an emotional support dog and it was inspiring to see how her pet helped her deal with her nightmares and her panic attacks.

I recommend this contemporary romance novel, and dog lovers will especially enjoy it.

Amazon

The Humble American Muffin

by Pegg Thomas

Welcome back to gifted author, Pegg Thomas! Pegg was the editor for three of my early books. Her latest release, Henri’s Regret, published on July 1st! To celebrate, she has an offer for a free book. Read on to discover the details. She’s sharing a recipe for delicious Orange Muffins with us. Thanks for joining us today, Pegg!

Prior to the invention of chemical leaveners—particularly baking powder—all breads were leavened by yeast. But once baking powder became popular in the mid-1800s, quick breads soared in popularity across America. Women didn’t have to plan the day before to have a yeast batter or dough ready for baking. Anyone could whip up a muffin batter or biscuit dough and have them out of the oven to serve within the hour. What a luxury!

I enjoy making muffins for breakfast, and these orange muffins are my favorite.

Orange Muffins

11oz can Mandarin oranges

1 egg

½ cup sugar

Milk

¼ cup oil

½ cup whole wheat flour

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

½ teas salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 12-slot muffin tin or use paper inserts. Drain liquid from oranges into a measuring cup. Add enough milk to measure 1 cup. (The milk will curdle.) Mix drained oranges with egg and sugar in a mixing bowl until orange segments break apart. Stir in liquid and oil. Add dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Distribute evenly into the 12 muffin slots. Bake for 15 – 18 minutes, until muffins are done. Remove immediately from the tin and cool on a wire rack.

Fun fact: the term English Muffin was coined in the U.S. by Samuel Bath Thomas in 1880.

To celebrate her newest release Pegg is offering a free eBook of Henri’s Regret, the prequel to her Forts of Refuge Series when you subscribe to her newsletter. https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/756469/109549774328301212/share

Henri’s Regret

Frenchman Henri Geroux can’t sign the oath of loyalty to the British after the end of the French and Indian War. He leaves his home behind and sets out on an adventure with his Ottawa friend, Dances Away. But heading west to trap beaver doesn’t mean he outruns his problems. Faced with a dangerous journey into an unknown land, he and Dances Away get caught up in more than they’d bargained for.

BIO:

Pegg Thomas lives in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. Besides writing, she enjoys a variety of crafts including spinning sheep’s wool into yarn and knitting her signature wool shawls. Together, she and Michael enjoy camping, fishing, gardening, boat-nerding (you have to be a Great Lakes person to know about that), and thoroughbred horse racing.

A life-long history geek, it’s no surprise that historical fiction is her genre. Colonial America and the Civil War era are favorite time periods to both read and write. She often takes inspiration from her own family tree, with 3 of her grandparents having lineage going back in America to the mid-1600s. Her favorite type of book centers on a great fiction story surrounded by factual historical events.

Massive Series Sale!

by Sandra Merville Hart

Great news! The Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series is having an eBook sale!

If you’ve waited to read my 1914 nostalgic story, A Spring at The Greenbrier, Book 7 in Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Series, now is your chance to take advantage of the sale price!

All the books in this series are stand-alones and can be read in any order.

It was such fun to join this series with other talented Wild Heart Books authors. Settings for the other books include Florida’s Hotel Belleview, Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks, Point Clear Resort, Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island, Jekyll Island Millionaire’s Club, and Newport.

A Spring at The Greenbrier is set in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where the historic, breathtakingly beautiful resort is located. It was such a joy to explore the grounds and history of The Greenbrier. Marilla, our heroine, works in the resort’s new Bath Wing in 1914.

Here’s a bit about the book:

Marilla will sacrifice anything for her family, so when her sister’s doctor suggests daily sulphur spring baths, an amenity her family could never afford, Marilla takes a job at The Greenbrier resort bathhouse in order to give her sister the care she needs.

When her sister befriends another girl staying at the resort with a similar health condition, Marilla finds herself crossing paths with the girl’s handsome, charming, older brother. And despite their growing attraction to each other, courting Wes must remain a dream. After all, resort staff cannot court guests and Marilla will not risk her sister’s health for her own happiness.

Wealthy resort guest, Wes Bakersfield, has dreams for a future and plans to make his family’s business his own. And while he finds himself drawn to Marilla, despite their differing social classes, he can’t help but wonder if she is really interested in him, or in his wealth.

Can the couple find the trust to help their love succeed, or will their differences pull them apart?

Don’t miss the sale today on Amazon!