From Our Past

Fun Facts from my research, This Week in History, etc.

ACFW New Releases July 2026

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

Contemporary Romance:
New Beginnings in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again? Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, and healing as two guarded hearts must decide whether love is worth trusting again. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)

Second Shot at Love by Carolyn Miller — Ten years ago Genevieve Rivas made a mistake that changed her entire family. Since that, she’s done all she can to make up for it and make them proud and is now working as a junior doctor in one of Seattle’s leading hospitals. Everything is finally tracking as it should be, until one day a blast from the past re-enters her life. Ten years ago, Kyle Tinkler thought he had it all. Until a night of celebration went too far and he lost the person he held most dear as he chased his NHL dream. Now he might be Seattle’s top player, but his hard shot and skills on the ice aren’t enough to dodge the guilt now he’s returned to his old stomping ground. When injury reunites these two, regrets soar and secrets become increasingly hard to hide, threatening to fracture two families. And while God is a healer and redeemer of broken pasts, can they learn the power of forgiveness to find a way forward? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler — Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow closer, Cassie’s heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled history threaten to keep them apart. Can they find the courage to face the past and create the family they’ve both been searching for? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Cozy Mystery: Dumpsters and Dragons by Susan Page Davis and Page M. Davis — They threw it away, and now they’ll kill to get it back. When garbage collector Cassie Willis finds coded documents in a dumpster, her routine route turns deadly. Chased by a sinister biker and pulled into a murder investigation, Cassie must follow hidden clues tied to an online game before the killer strikes again. Dumpsters and Dragons is a small-town suspense novel where faith, danger, and mystery collide. (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)

Crime Thriller/Suspense: When Daylight is Gone by Georgia Curtis Ling — The Pastors’ Wives Club is back! From #1 Amazon bestselling author Georgia Curtis Ling comes When Daylight Is Gone a new standalone novel in the Pastors’ Wives Club Suspense series. When a child is left for dead in the Appalachian wilderness, four pastors’ wives hunt a monstrous predator through a dark forest of buried sins. These unlikely warriors, armed with unshakable faith and a refusal to yield, are determined stop him before another child vanishes into the darkness. (Crime Thriller/Suspense, Independently Published)

General Historical:
The Amazing Crab Alley Revival by Sharon Wilharm — The year is 1897 and wealthy widow Lydia Culpepper is evaluating her mundane existence. For sixty-three years, she’s faithfully gone through the motions of fulfilling everyone else’s expectations for her life, but nothing she does is ever enough. She longs for something more. When a young boy comes to her house in search of his missing coon dog, she gets her wish. She meets Emily Reed, a young finishing school instructor, and Opal Jackson, an Irish single mother, and the three women join together on a mission that turns the First Baptist Church on its head. Suddenly, the town is in an uproar as lives are being changed. When Yellow Fever hits, it looks like their efforts may have been in vain, but the epidemic isn’t enough to thwart the fruits of the Crab Alley Revival. (General Historical from Elk Lake Publishing)

Historical Romance:

Beyond the Melody by Amanda Cabot — By the spring of 1946, life in Sweetwater Crossing is almost back to normal after the war. Not Anna Finley’s. She lost her chance at happily-ever-after when the man she loved was killed in France. Anna does her best to hide her sorrow and a secret that haunts her as she works on the jukeboxes she inherited when her brother died in combat. There’s no point in dreaming about what might have been. Jim Smythe is also grieving a shattered life. His fiancee broke their engagement, reminding him that a respected magazine said it should take no more than three weeks for a veteran to forget the war. But Jim cannot forget the men in his platoon who didn’t return home, and he’s made it his mission to visit each of the fallen soldiers’ families, hoping to give them some small measure of comfort. Sweetwater Crossing is his final stop. After that, he’ll have to return to Boston and the life that holds no appeal. If only he could find an alternative, one where people saw him for himself, not his family’s name. He’s given up hope that anyone will understand what his parents and fiancee did not, but everything changes when he enters a small cafe and sees a woman whose eyes reflect his own pain standing next to a jukebox. Jim knows he’ll never see her again, yet it somehow feels right to extend his hand and say, “May I have this dance?” It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for two wounded people unless they can overcome their fears and find the courage to love again. (Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)


To Fall in Love at Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher — Alice MacPherson came to Idaho with nothing but her nursing skills, her Bible, and a lifetime of rules that have left her weary in both body and soul. Color, beauty, and celebration feel frivolous to her, a distraction from the seriousness of faith and her nursing profession. She expects nothing more for her future than work and solitude. Reverend Truman Blankenship has spent five years tending his small flock in Gibeon. Shy by nature, but strong in faith, he delights in the joy of Christ—especially at Christmastime, when he fills the church and parsonage with greenery, candles, and celebration. Thrown together in the homes of the sick, in the bustle of the town’s Christmas preparations, and in the laughter of children rehearsing a nativity play, Truman and Alice discover unexpected attraction. Her rigid beliefs may clash with his merry faith, but in the glow of Christmas, both will find that God’s love can heal the past—and open their hearts to a future filled with hope and joy. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

To Chase the Stars by Tara Johnson — A sailor hiding a dark past, and a woman on the run… Will they find what their hearts are looking for? Isabelle Holland is trapped in a life she never wanted. When her tyrannical aunt plans her marriage to an odious man, and with no word from her family in Charleston, she feels her life is over…until she meets a sea captain who can offer her a way to flee Savannah and unravel the mystery of her family’s secrets. Captain Henry Kincaid is running from the demons of his past. His only solace? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


A Mess of Dreams by Jessie Mattis — In spring of 1943, seventeen-year-old Lorene Stewart isn’t looking for complications. She’s content on her parents’ Illinois farm, longing for the day she might travel beyond the cornfields of Potomac. But when Amos Alexander chooses her angel food cake at the town cakewalk, everything changes. For the first time since tragedy struck her family long ago, Lorene’s heart stirs with hope. Yet as quickly as their romance sparks, a world torn apart by war threatens to extinguish it. When Lorene befriends Dietrich, a German POW whose kindness and mysterious past captivate her, she begins to question everything. How can someone deemed “the enemy” side with all that’s right and good? And what if Amos has inherited his father’s deep prejudice, which he swore to resist? Amos seems to know what he wants, but when his father forbids him to court Lorene, it’s unclear if he will honor his parents’ wishes or pursue true love no matter the cost. Lorene must discern who she can trust if her dreams are to become reality. Her hope of a future spent changing the world with the right man at her side depends on it. (Historical Romance from Ashberry Lane)

Romantic Suspense:

Trapped by Jerusha Agen — Her lies keep her safe. Until the truth shows up. And it’s carrying a gun. Kristen Grant will do anything to protect her adopted teen daughter from the dangers of their past. No matter how many secrets it requires, Kristen will ensure Rosalia enjoys a happy life and promising future Kristen didn’t have. His childhood friend may have a different name, but that doesn’t change the way he feels. Security specialist Sean Kingston never expected to meet his childhood buddy in sleepy little Leben Falls. She’s changed, shrouded in mystery and secrets she doesn’t want to share. But when a shooter wakes up the small town, it seems those secrets are going to get Kristen killed. Freedom has a price, and the enemy of Kristen’s past has come to collect. Will Kristen have to pay with her life, or can Sean and his God set her free? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Overdrive by Taylor S. Newport — The mission looked simple. But the enemy is closer, faster, and deadlier than they imagined. Tyler Reid needs a break, but trouble finds him first. A call from London pulls him into a missing-person case linked to a powerful surveillance project that’s suddenly worth killing for. The deeper he digs, the more bodies he finds—and the more obvious it becomes that someone wants the entire system for themselves. Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is looking for an escape from Veritek and the weight waiting for her back home. A trip with Tyler should’ve been the break they both needed. But when the case escalates and puts her company in the crosshairs, she goes with him—trying to keep him grounded even as the danger forces him to speed up. The investigation spirals into a breakneck pursuit, ambushes snapping at their heels as their unknown enemy stays one move ahead. Someone is erasing anyone tied to the project, leaving bodies instead of answers. With the elusive threat closing fast, Tyler and Alex are fighting to get ahead long enough to expose who’s hunting them. (Romantic Suspense from Whitewater River Publishing)

Western/Historical:


Seeds of Hope by Teresa Wells — Blooming Grove, Texas, 1896- Deputy Rabb Truitt has sworn to protect Blooming Grove. But when a clerical error sets a criminal free, Rabb blames himself. He should’ve admitted he can’t read, and now he must resign. If he failed the town once, he could fail it again. A recent survivor of a devastating fire, Sallie Parker refuses to let Rabb give up the job he loves. She helps him make sense of letters on the page, and as his knowledge grows, so do their feelings for each other. When a series of mysterious events surround Sallie’s school, Rabb fears a connection to cattle rustlers he’s pursuing. Each day without arrest, the demands for mob justice increase. Rabb races to protect the town and the woman he loves. But is he too late? (Western Historical from Scrivenings Press)

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

Burns and Beauty – Philistines by Christine Dillon — Saphi has spent her life despising the mother who scarred her face and condemned her to obscurity as a temple sweeper in the house of Dagon. Scorned and friendless, she expects nothing from the Philistine gods except silence. Then the Philistines capture the ark of the God of Israel. (Contemporary Romance)

Dotty Makes a Difference by Jeni Jennings — What if what makes you different makes all the difference? Set against the stunning backdrop of gorgeous African landscapes, this heartwarming story of faith, courage, and friendship for readers 3-8 will inspire children to embrace their differences and see the beauty in all God’s creations. (Children’s/Picture Books)

Praying for Mr. Wright by Kimberly Kirkland Absher — A worship leader, a matchmaking scheme, and an unexpected love story. Praying for Mr. Wright is a warm, faith-filled contemporary Christian Romance about surrendering expectations, trusting God with your heart, and discovering that sometimes the answer to prayer looks nothing like the plan you imagined. (Contemporary Romance)

Diamonds & Dynamite by Jane Daly — When a stolen diamond, a deadly cartel, and a secretive mine collide, love might be the most explosive force of all. (Romantic Suspense)

Rainbow Valley by Cathe Swanson — The life they built is changing. The past they buried is calling. Rainbow Valley is a heartfelt story of marriage, faith, identity, and the courage to rediscover each other after a lifetime of becoming someone new. (Historical Romance)

Something New by Cathe Swanson — Coming home is the last thing Charlea wants—but it may be the beginning of everything she’s been searching for. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction)

America250: The Continental Congress Adopts the Declaration of Independence

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by Sandra Merville Hart

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall) in Philadelphia—but it wasn’t unanimous.

There were many discussions among delegates in the weeks leading up to the adoption. All thirteen colonies sent delegates, but not all were ready to commit treason and risk their lives by voting for independence in May and June of 1776.

In May, the colonies that did not support independence were New York, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, where the Continental Congress met.

Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, proposed that Congress declare independence from Great Britain, and prepare a possible plan of confederation.

Lee’s resolution was debated. The five colonies still weren’t authorized to vote in favor of independence. Some delegates were so against the resolution in early June that they threatened to leave the Continental Congress if it passed. On June 10th, in light of this opposition, Congress postponed discussions for three weeks.

Yet they continued forward in the meantime. A Committee of Five—John Adams of Massachusetts, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert R. Livingston of New York—were tasked with drafting a declaration on June 11, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document from June 11th to June 28th. The committee revised it for him to rewrite, and it was given to Congress on June 28th. The delegates edited the declaration for the next two days.

Delegates from Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Pennsylvania received authorization from their colonies to vote for independence in mid-June.

That left New York and Maryland.

Samuel Chase, a Maryland delegate, went to the Annapolis Convention to persuade them in favor of independence. It worked. Maryland now supported separating from Great Britain.

Unfortunately, the approach of British troops convinced the New York Provincial Congress’s to evacuate on June 30th, without first authorizing New York’s delegates to vote for independence.

The New York Provincial Congress didn’t meet again until after the Continental Congress voted on July 2, 1776, when twelve colonies voted for independence and one colony, New York, abstained.

Even though the vote was cast on July 2nd, the Continental Congress continued to tweak the declaration’s wording.

Congress was finally satisfied with the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and it was approved.

As President of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock signed his name in bold letters on July 4th, to ratify the document. He was the only delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence that day.

The heading of the original July 4th document sent to the printer read: “In Congress, July 4, 1776, A DECLARATION BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN GENERAL CONGRESS ASSEMBLED.”

The New York delegates weren’t authorized to declare independence until July 10th. Their vote changed from abstention to approval.

On July 19, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to insert the word “unanimous” into the heading. It now reads: “In Congress, July 4, 1776, The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,” because of New York’s changed vote.

John Adams, future second President of the United States and Signer of the Declaration, wrote to his wife after the vote for independence passed on July 2, 1776. He predicted that July 2nd would be celebrated by future generations as a great holiday to commemorate our country’s independence.

He envisioned it as a day that would be celebrated with parades, games, shows, bells, sports events, bonfires, guns, and illuminations all across the country.

Adams was right about the celebrations and the holiday. He just got the date wrong.

 Happy 250th birthday, America!

Sources

“An Overview of the Declaration of Independence,” National Park Service, 2026/06/24 https://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/education/classrooms/resources-declarationoverview.htm.

Biography.com writers. “John Hancock,” Biography.com, 2026/06/24 https://www.biography.com/political-figures/john-hancock.

“Declaration of Independence: A Transcription,” National Archives America’s Founding Documents, 2026/06/24 https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

“John Hancock,” Constitution Center, 2026/06/24 https://constitutioncenter.org/signers/john-hancock.

“John Hancock,” National Park Service, 2026/06/24 https://www.nps.gov/people/john-hancock.htm.

“John Hancock,” Wikipedia, 2026/06/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hancock.

“John Hancock and His Signature,” National Archives Pieces of History, 2026/06/24 https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2019/09/12/john-hancock-and-his-signature/.

“United States Declaration of Independence,” Wikipedia, 2026/06/24 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence.

These are the Times that Try Men’s Souls

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by Sandra Merville Hart

Thomas Paine lived in England until traveling to the colonies in 1774. He wrote articles about issues of the day, such as slavery and women’s rights, for the Pennsylvania Magazine.

It was a time of unrest in the colonies. There was growing dissatisfaction with Great Britain. After the Battle of Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, George Washington was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Though already at war with England, many colonists hesitated to split from England.

On January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine published an important pamphlet called Common Sense. Written in clear, easy-to-read language, it quickly sold about 500,000 copies, becoming an overnight best-seller. Many newspapers around the country reprinted quotes from this pamphlet.

 In Common Sense, Paine argued for separation from England and urged the colonists to declare independence. He also stated that he’d never met a man in America or England who didn’t believe the two countries would eventually part ways, but they couldn’t agree on the timing. Paine wrote that “the time hath found us.”

People praised his work, and it convinced many to act immediately. Paine volunteered for the army and served as aide-de-camp to General Nathanael Greene.

Washington’s army had been badly defeated in the Battle of Long Island in August of 1776. The soldiers’ confidence took a beating.

Paine noticed everyone’s dejected spirits. He sat beside a campfire near Newark, New Jersey, and wrote another article encouraging people not to lose their courage in this time of crisis. The Pennsylvania Journal published it on December 19, 1776. It was the first article in a series of writings that became known as The Crisis. This is part of his opening lines:

“These are the times that try men’s souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly.”

Impressed and encouraged by Paine’s article, General George Washington had it read to his soldiers. It inspired those brave men. They crossed the Delaware River during a snowstorm that turned to sleet on Christmas night in 1776. The American army surrounded the British forces at Trenton and won the battle, earning citizens’ trust in Washington’s leadership. Their victory restored the soldiers’ confidence.

Paine’s article stated his agreement that times were tough. As he said, the harder the fight, the happier we feel when we win.

His words encouraged the new nation.

 

Sources

“Ft. Washington Captured – Washington Retreats through N.J -1776,” History Central, 2015/07/27 http://www.historycentral.com/Revolt/Retreatnj.html.

Paine, Thomas. “The Crisis,” USHistory.org 2015/07/24 http://www.ushistory.org/paine/crisis/c-01.htm.

“Thomas Paine,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020/06/29 https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Paine.

“Thomas Paine,” USHistory.org 2015/07/24 http://www.ushistory.org/paine/.

“Thomas Paine Publishes American Crisis,” History.com, 2015/07/28 http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-american-crisis.

 

 

 

ACFW New Releases June 2026

/ sandramervillehart

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

Children’s Picture Books:
Would You Rather: Bible Attire Adventures by Jerah Alvarado — Would you rather wear a coat of many colors like Joseph? Or would you rather wear clothes made of camel fur like John the Baptist? Choose from thirteen different Bible clothing adventures, the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Contemporary Romance: Wildflower Heart by Tara Baisden — She didn’t come to Serenity Crossing to fall in love. She came to disappear. Tori Hamilton has spent nearly her entire life being managed by a powerful family who gave her everything except the one thing she actually wanted — to be loved for who she is. After a lottery win hands her the means to finally break free, she leaves Atlanta behind and drives to a small mountain town in Tennessee where nobody knows her name, her family, or the secret she’s carrying. She buys a house, purchases a building for the flower shop she’s always dreamed of, and begins building the ordinary, beautiful life her parents would call beneath her. But the fresh start she’s counting on has a crack running through it — because the truth she left out of her new story is the one thing that could cost her everything. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Cozy Mystery: Gone with the Woodwinds by Jennifer Lamont Leo — January 1921 brings two arrivals to Timber Coulee, Idaho: the Idaho All-State Music Competition, and a killer. Amanda Parrish, proprietress of Mountain Melodies Music Shop and newly engaged to Sheriff James Holcomb, has pulled off a small coup for the local planning committee—convincing her old conservatory friend to come up from the University of Idaho to judge the woodwinds competition. Gerald arrives on the train charming, warm, and unchanged after twenty years. He is dead before the week is out. Suspicion settles immediately on Amanda’s co-manager, Callan MacTavish—a Scottish WWI veteran whose midnight walks and troubled silences make him an easy target. Amanda knows better. The clock is ticking on finding the real killer before they vanish forever…or strike again. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Dual Timeline: Jane’s Secret by Jennifer E. Tirrell — Bound by blood, but separated by centuries, the two women unravel a hidden family secret in a thrilling quest for truth that could change everything. Jennifer E. Tirrell’s richly layered suspense story weaves between the Tudor period and present day, pulls readers into a world of hidden truths, historical intrigue, and modern-day discovery. (Dual Timeline from Ambassador International)

General Historical:
Shining Bright by Janet Joanou Weiner — How can a young woman with disability contribute to the French Resistance? Can she survive Nazi contempt? Jeanine Bourguet resides in a château in the south of France, but her life is no fairy tale. A repressive grandmother and a wheelchair have long impeded her desire to make significant contributions to her community. When those limitations threaten her determination to take in a young Jewish refugee, Jeanine’s lively mind and sharp sense of justice overrule her fragile body. Increasing deportations of Jewish families, food and clothing shortages, and a constant stream of Nazi propaganda present her opportunities to resist the tightening noose of Nazi control under the turncoat Vichy regime. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:

Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M Beller — When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want. Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister. Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Freed by the Frontier by Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan F. Craft — Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Uncharted Blessing by Keely Brooke Keith — When Charlotte’s caregiving leads her into Josiah’s home and an orphaned baby into her arms, two wounded hearts discover an unexpected blessing. Uncharted Blessing (Book Sixteen in the Uncharted series) weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. Prepare to be captivated by this timeless romance, brimming with mystery and suspense. Perfect for readers seeking traditional family values, faithful men who are true heroes, and clean, heartwarming courtships. If you enjoy the simplicity of frontier romance and the wholesomeness of Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Blessing. (Historical Romance, Independently Publish)


Eye of the Beholder by Linda Shenton Matchett — Left with physical and emotional scars after the Great War, Hank Drake has been shunned by polite society as the Ugly Duckling. Fine by him. He’d much rather be alone. Until he meets the kind proprietress of a tea stand at New York’s World’s Fair who isn’t repulsed by his appearance. Can he hope for acceptance…or even love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch — After being sent away on an orphan train and surviving years of hardship, nineteen year old Lily Mae Dodge is finally heading east, determined to find the mother she lost and a life shaped by hope rather than fear. On the journey she meets Francis Basnett, a kindhearted circus roustabout barred from the Great War by his failing vision and concealing deeper unworthiness behind a pair of dark glasses. Though branded a coward by strangers, Francis longs to prove his courage. Drawn to Lily’s quiet resilience, he offers friendship and refuge in the dazzling world of the traveling Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, as she begins her search. There, amid the sawdust and spangles, Lily allows her guarded heart to soften. But when a runaway train slams into the circus cars in the dead of night—igniting a catastrophic fire—her fragile new beginning collapses. Dozens are dead, hundreds injured. . .and Francis is missing. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)


Sarah’s Search by Jodie Wolfe — Can two searching hearts find the same path? All her life, Sarah McBride has gone along with whatever her guardian dictates. Now on the verge of graduating from the Shippensburg State Normal School, she questions her ability to teach in a classroom when her heart isn’t in the profession. What she wouldn’t give to pursue her heart’s desire of becoming a writer instead of following what’s expected. But how can Sarah defy her guardian’s plans? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


A Heart’s Hope by Penny Zeller — To what lengths will one woman go to rescue her sister? She’s from high society. He’s a humble rancher. Can an unorthodox marriage lead to love? A Heart’s Hope is a heartwarming marriage-of-convenience love story that reminds us that God has a way of working out even the most unconventional things. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction Fantasy:

Scarlet Oak by Demi Griffin — With the fragrance of Cerulean roses filling the air, all seemed well in the kingdom at last. Dealing with guilt and fractured loyalty, Enris wasn’t prepared to embark on the quest his father asked him to take. With his newly restored relationship with the King of Cerulean redefining him as both a son and a prince, Enris couldn’t refuse the odd request to locate a twin brother he never knew he had. (Speculative Fiction Fantasy, Independently Published)

Speculative Fiction Romance Fantasy:
Canthany Rising by Kenneth Bliss — T’alla was a simple cat frolicking in Eden until the serpent came and changed everything. She and six other animals willingly ate the only fruit T’WA-O, the Three-Who-Are-One, had forbidden. Instead of just being expelled from the Garden, they awake in another world called Canthany with human-like forms. Strange rules govern this world, where health points, character levels and special abilities determine survival. And they’re not alone. The fallen angel, Ashtoreth, wants to steal them away from T’WA-O and make them and their future generations her slaves. Unsure of her place, T’alla must master her newfound psionic abilities and conquer her fears. Armed with a mysterious staff called Kolonos, every battle with Ashtoreth’s demonic minions brings new knowledge and new skills, but also a test of the Seven’s faith in T’WA-O. In a world where prayer is power and sacrifice unlocks miracles, some victories will require the ultimate price. (Speculative Fiction Romantic Fantasy, Independently)

 

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

Find Me at the Table by Andrea Christenson — She ruined his career with one review. Now they have to cook together. (Contemporary Romance)

Three Good Lies by Luana Ehrlich — When CIA operative Titus Ray arrives in Panama, he discovers the intel is false, the sources can’t be trusted, and the objective is a lie. With his team under fire and the secret police closing in, Titus must rely on his training—and his faith—to survive and uncover the truth. (Romantic Suspense)

A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter — In Big Sky Country, Sometimes forgiveness takes the most courage… For her son’s sake, widowed veterinarian Vicky Siden works hard to pretend all is well. But the arrival of game warden Nick Youngston at her family’s animal rescue—with a horse and donkey in tow—changes everything. (Contemporary Romance)

Callie’s Redemption by Tammie Edington Shaw — Can a pampered Eastern young woman, alone and betrayed, learn to trust and love again in the rugged West and a young man from the West pursue his calling to be a preacher and leave his love for a transplanted Eastern girl behind? (Historical Romance)

The Stained Glass Window by Crystal Walton — She’s fighting to heal him. He’s risking everything to protect her. In the line of fire, they’ll need a miracle to survive. (Contemporary Romantic Suspense)

Revolutionary War: Bryan’s Station, Kentucky

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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!

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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

ACFW New Releases May 2026

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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)

Revolutionary War: Battle of Blue Licks

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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.

ACFW New Releases April 2026

/ sandramervillehart

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)

Revolutionary War: Washington Fights a Smallpox Epidemic

/ sandramervillehart / 4 Comments

General George Washington had a problem—besides his British enemy. This time it was a silent killer—a disease known as smallpox.

Washington was no stranger to the disease. While in Barbados in November, 1751, he’d suffered through a bout with the disease. After he recovered, he was immune to smallpox.

Variola—the smallpox virus—was brought in by British and German soldiers. The virus caused about 17% of deaths in the Continental Army. The disease also scared off potential recruits.

The practice of inoculations was widespread in Europe. Fearing contamination from the inoculation process, the Continental Congress prohibited army surgeons from doing them. Besides, soldiers would be too ill to fight for about a month after receiving a less-potent form of smallpox.

Yet soldiers were dying. Washington had to do something.

On January 6, 1777, General Washington ordered Dr. William Shippen, Jr. to inoculate all soldiers that came through Philadelphia. He wrote that he feared the disease more than “the Sword of the Enemy.”

Washington then ordered a mass inoculation on February 5, 1777. Though he did this in secret so the enemy wouldn’t know that his soldiers were incapacitated for a time, he did inform Congress of his decision.

Some reports state that deaths from smallpox dropped to 1% in the Continental Army. Isolated infections occurred in the southern campaign but were not the overwhelming problem as had occurred early in the war.

Washington’s decisive actions had saved the army.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Sources

“George Washington and the First Mass Military Inoculation,” The Library of Congress, 2018/03/11 https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/GW&smallpoxinoculation.html.

“Ten Facts about Washington and the Revolutionary War,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2018/03/11 http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/ten-facts-about-the-revolutionary-war/.

Thompson, Mary V. “Smallpox,” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 2018/03/11 http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/smallpox/.