From Our Past

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

Announcing the Release of Make-Believe Matrimony!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

I’m excited to announce Wild Heart Books’s release of Make-Believe Matrimony!

Wild Heart Books selected my book, A Musket in My Hands, to be part of this 4-book eBook collection. What a thrill it is for my book to be in a collection with Susan Pope Sloan, Denise Weimer, and Misty Beller!

Four fake marriages. Four chances to discover true love in the face of danger.


From the frontier to the battlefield, witness the transformative power of love and faith in these four captivating pretend marriage historical romances.

Here are blurbs about each story:

Seeking Simon by Susan Pope Sloan
When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, Daviana Spalding’s fight to save her family’s land turns into a battle for her heart. Simon McNeil, haunted by his past and the horrors of war, finds himself drawn to Daviana’s strength and beauty. But as their fake engagement becomes all too real, escalating threats—and an unexpected return from Simon’s past—could destroy everything they’ve built together.

A Conflicted Betrothal by Denise Weimer
Ansel Anderson, a King’s Ranger on Georgia’s frontier, is determined to win favor with a powerful ally by proposing to the aloof Temperance Scott. But Temperance hides a dangerous secret—her support of the Liberty Boys’ cause. As war looms and loyalties are tested, Ansel and Temperance must decide if love is worth risking everything they hold dear.

A Musket in My Hands by Sandra Merville Hart
Callie Jennings is desperate to escape an arranged marriage, but joining the Confederate army disguised as a man is a shocking alternative. Alongside her sister Louisa, Callie faces the harsh realities of war and must wrestle with her beliefs about honor, love, and loyalty. When the man she loves reappears, will their bond survive the battlefield, or will their secrets tear them apart?

Pretending to Be the Mountain Man’s Wife by Misty M. Beller
Jess McPharland is trapped in her father’s dangerous mining operation in the Montana wilderness. Desperate to escape, she convinces Gil Coulter, a stranger searching for his missing brother, to pose as her husband. As they navigate treacherous terrain and unravel deadly secrets, Jess and Gil must confront the growing love between them—and the deadly danger that threatens to tear them apart.

Four captivating fake marriage stories of love, courage, and second chances set against the backdrop of war, wilderness, and the fight for freedom.

Pick up your copy today!

ACFW New Releases February 2025

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February 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:


Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt — Faith, fame, and family collide as a Christian music power couple hides a secret discord. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Only You Can Love Me by Carolyn Miller — Dr. Jess Martin–Doc Martin to her local community–might be used to solving the veterinary problems of rural south east Washington, but she can’t solve the problems of her lonely heart. Cooper Reilly never pictured himself as finding his future or contentment on a ranch. But when a corporate reshuffle sees him kicked to the curb, he finds himself right back where he started. And right back to trying to convince a certain pretty vet to give him a second chance. But she’s not playing, convinced she’s found her Dream Match already. Can these two friends look past previous mistakes and find a future? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon — If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House Publishers)


Winning the Twin’s Heart by Rebecca Reed — College rodeo roper Yoani Alliegro can’t stop looking over her shoulder despite, or maybe because of, her recent success. She longs for family––the one she lost, and the one she hopes to have. When rejection shatters Yoani’s sense of belonging and sends her running in search of truth, will it lead to the family she’s dreamed of and freedom from her past, or will she discover she’s left all that in Montana? Bull rider Chantz Nannenga is caught between following his dream of teaching and upholding tradition by managing the family ranch. Should he settle for less than his dream or push forward when conquering his regrets could prevent him from winning Yoani’s heart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Where I Found You by Betsy St Amant — Will the treasure hunt lead them to find a prize worth more than gold, or will the longstanding family feud continue for yet another generation?⁠ (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)


The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh — Dr. Erykah Kennedy, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, finds herself at a crossroads in life. At forty, she’s achieved remarkable success in her career, yet when it comes to her love life, she is feeling fractured. But when she meets Christian Gamble, a passionate wildlife conservationist, an unexpected bond forms between them despite their contrasting worlds. Despite his passion for saving the planet, Chris has yet to find someone to share his adventures with. But as his friendship with Erykah begins to blossom, he finds himself falling for her in every way. When tragedy strikes and Erykah suddenly becomes guardian to her nieces, Chris helps her pick up the pieces. With their lives turned upside down, finding their way to a lasting love while putting their faith in God may be the biggest challenge they’ve ever faced. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])


Uneasy Street by Becky Wade — A wealthy, cynical CEO who has everything except love. An etiquette expert set on helping her niece solve the mystery of her birth. Equally matched in a battle of wills with their hearts on the line, they’ll have no choice but to confront their history – and the undeniable spark between them – while living side by side on uneasy street. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance Novella:


Pets Amore by Amy R Anguish, and Linda Fulkerson, and Heather Greery and Beth E Westcott — Four romantic comedy novellas with a bit of matchmaking help from the pets. (Contemporary Romance Novella from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction:


The Promise by Pat Nicols — For Erica, Wendy, And Amanda, there are old wounds, and new challenges. Will they have the courage to face them all? (General Contemporary from Armchair Press)

Biblical Historical:


Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith — Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary Magdalene walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same. Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new. (Biblical from Revell)

Historical Romance:


Heart of Beauty by Danielle Grandinetti — Discover the origin of Crooked Tooth Ranch in this 1870s western retelling of Beauty and the Beast. (Historical Romance from Hearth Spot Press)


Tides of Healing by Sandra Merville Hart — A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Mail-Order Hotelier by Edwina Kiernan — California, 1860. A disillusioned woman must gain a mail-order husband or lose her beloved hotel. (Historical Romance from Moliant Publishing)


Snow and the Seven Brothers’ Circus by Megan Miles — Upon her twenty-first birthday, Catherine Penner is set to inherit her late parents’ vast estate and thriving coal mines, if she can make it to her birthday. An undiagnosed wasting disease threatens to steal her life, leaving her parents’ legacy in the hands of her cold guardian. As Catherine wrestles with the hopeless meaning of her short life and her fragile health, it becomes clear that something sinister is playing with her future. Will she find enough hope to push through to a promising future? Or will her life fade away like her beautiful memories? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Redeeming Rupert by Susan Pope Sloan — Hannah and Rupert must navigate the challenges of a marriage of convenience and learn to fight for each other as they protect their family legacies. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin — Desperate to escape the occupied Netherlands in 1941, Cilla van der Zee agrees to become a spy in Britain. But her plans to betray the Germans and work for the Allied cause are derailed when a suspicious Royal Navy officer finds her on the shores of his Scottish home. (Historical Romance from Revell)


The Bandit’s Redemption by KyLee Woodley — A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Crime Mystery:


Chilled to the Bone: A Jake Sledge Mystery by BD Lawrence — A prominent attorney is found murdered outside his River City office. Jake Sledge and his partner, Bobo Johnson, are drawn into a case that quickly spirals out of control. They uncover chilling connections to frozen evidence, shadowy underworld figures, notorious neo-Nazis, and a dangerous game involving the high-stakes casino industry. The lawyer’s death is only the beginning. (Crime Mystery, Independently Published)

Western Romance:


Whispers of Fortune by Mary Connealy — In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at Two Hearts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he finds them thriving at the ranch’s school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure. With winter approaching, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. (Western Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Speculative Fiction/Allegory:


Whispers and Flame by Demi Griffin —
A new generation haunted by their parents’ legacy must find a way to save their world. A new generation was poised for leadership in Everlasting. Secrets kept by their parents hindered what should have been a seamless transition. When Everlasting faces destruction through a massive flood, the newly chosen Sentinels must decide how to respond. Would they transition into their destined roles or adapt to present circumstances? When the king of the water domain becomes a threat of epic proportions would the next generation be equipped to defend the foundations of Everlasting? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

 

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

A Hundred Magical Reasons by Laura DeNooyer — This split-time novel (early 1900s and 1980) is a whimsical and poignant story rooted in a girl’s childhood friendship with The Wizard of Oz Author, L. Frank Baum, and his influence across four generations. (Literary Historical)

For No Apparent Reason by SK Derban — A calloused murder, a chance discovery – two unplanned events become the catalyst that proves: “in all things, God works for good…” (Legal Mystery)

Bronze and Brokenness-Midianites by Christine Dillon — Reuel rejected all the gods, and Jael followed his lead. But is what she has all she’ll ever have? Why does her sister, Zura, find such hope in the God of Israel, even though she remains blind? All are broken, but can they, like bronze, be recast? (Biblical Historical)

The Seed’s Price by Erin Greneaux — A special seed might help Everly find her lost cat, but is she willing to pay the price? (Children’s/Middle-grade)

Uncovering the Truth by Carol J Post — When Alyssa Anderson stumbles upon her ex-boyfriend’s illegal art theft operation, she goes on the run—and narrowly escapes a drive-by shooting. With the help of her high school sweetheart, Spencer Cavanaugh, and his service dog, Apollo, Alyssa tries to stay one step ahead of her ex who will do anything to find her. (Romantic Suspense)

Mara: The Unseen Battle by Blossom Turner — Mara holds a secret she must bury…if she wants to survive. A story of faith and the power of the unseen.. (Supernatural Suspense)

The Vicksburg Part of the Spies of the Civil War Series is Complete!

/ sandramervillehart

by Sandra Merville Hart

For those who have been reading the series, you’ve met our three heroine friends living in Vicksburg, Mississippi, at the start of the Civil War in 1861.

Streams of Courage, Book 4, Julia and Ash fall in love against her mother wishes. Townspeople accuse Ash of cowardice because he doesn’t become a soldier in the Confederate army. He begins spying for the North in his Mississippi city, a dangerous undertaking that puts his family and Julia’s family at risk. The story starts before the first battle in early 1861 and goes to the fall of 1862.

River of Peril, Book 5, tells the story of Felicity and Luke. They started courting before the war began. She volunteers as a nurse to distract her worry for her soldier—then her worst nightmare happens. Luke has been wounded in battle. Worse, he doesn’t remember her…or why he was fighting for the Confederacy when his loyalty is with the North. It begins in December of 1862.

Tragedy strikes one of the friends, Savannah, in Streams of Courage, Book 4. This feisty, spirited Southern belle has been chomping at the bit to tell her story. She gets her chance as our heroine in Book 6.

Here’s the back cover blurb for Tides of Healing:

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? 

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home. 

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy. 

Pick up your copy today!

Announcing the Release of Tides of Healing!

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by Sandra Merville Hart

It’s Release Day for Tides of Healing!

Savannah’s and Travis’s story is the sixth and final book in the Spies of the Civil War Series. While writing it, I felt as if I’d written the entire series to tell this story—and reading each book in order will give readers the greatest impact.

Readers often wonder what inspired a book or series. The inspiration for Books 4-6, set in Vicksburg, has been a long time in the making. Huge, important battles in Gettysburg and Vicksburg ended in a Northern victory on the same day. I had studied the Battle of Gettysburg before writing A Rebel in My House.

A few years later, the Battle of Vicksburg captured my imagination.

The Confederate army lost both its army and the city at the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg. They surrendered on July 4, 1863. I learned that Vicksburg citizens didn’t celebrate Independence Day for about one hundred years.

What made that experience so terrible that the city couldn’t celebrate the independence of the United States for a century?

I had to discover what those citizens endured. It took three books to write their story. From 1861-1863, through mainly fictional—and a few historical—characters, Books 4 – 6 transport readers to a small Southern city on a bluff beside the Mississippi River, one that the Union was as determined to conquer as the Confederacy was to protect.  

I visited Vicksburg twice to discover its Civil War history. The battlefield there is beautifully maintained and well worth a visit!

Here’s the back cover blurb:

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? 

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home. 

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy. 

Amazon

Exploring the St. Lawrence River’s Rock Island Lighthouse

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I’m thrilled that fellow author and friend, Susan G. Mathis, is with us today. Susan is sharing historical background for her latest release, Emma’s Engagement. Welcome back to Historical Nibbles, Susan!

by Susan G Mathis

Nestled in the picturesque Thousand Islands, Rock Island Lighthouse stands as a historic lighthouse. Located near Fisher’s Landing, New York, the lighthouse has guided vessels through the St. Lawrence River since its construction in 1847. Though modern technology has replaced its traditional purpose, the lighthouse remains a symbol of resilience and dedication.

One of the most memorable stewards of this historic beacon is Michael Diepolder, who served as a lightkeeper during its operational years, the hero of my story and husband of Emma. Diepolder’s commitment to the lighthouse exemplifies the unwavering dedication required of keepers, often living in isolation and braving harsh winters, stormy waters, and the solitude of island life along with his wife. His vigilance ensured that mariners could safely navigate the treacherous currents and rocky shoals surrounding the islands.

Today, Rock Island Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. Visitors can climb its spiral staircase for breathtaking views, explore the renovated keeper’s quarters, and learn about the lives of those, like Diepolder, who maintained the light. The museum showcases artifacts and stories that bring history to life, allowing guests to appreciate the challenges and triumphs of lighthouse keepers.

For those who cherish history, faith, and the beauty of nature, Rock Island Lighthouse is more than a landmark—it’s a window into the past. The legacy of keepers like Michael Diepolder serves as an inspiring reminder of dedication, perseverance, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a scenic adventure, the story of Emma’s Engagement and a visit to Rock Island Lighthouse offers an unforgettable glimpse into the maritime heritage of the Thousand Islands.

About Emma’s Engagement (100 WORDS)

Emma Row marries the Rock Island Lightkeeper, but navigating the treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada, isn’t easy. Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated. As a storm brews on the horizon, Emma and Michael must confront the tempestuous waves of doubt, jealousy, and isolation that threaten to extinguish the light of their love. Can they weather the storm and find the strength to keep their family together, or will the darkness consume them all?

Amazon

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 fourteen in her fiction line including Emma’s Engagement. Find out more at www.SusanGMathis.com.

Tides of Healing Coffee Scene

/ sandramervillehart

by Sandra Merville Hart

The final book in the Spies of the Civil War Series, Tides of Healing, shows that everyone had difficulty adjusting to Union occupation in Vicksburg after surrender.

One of the lighter scenes early in the book has Savannah Adair and her mother unpacking a box of food that the Union army had provided. They find beans that smell like coffee. They’re not the brown color they’d have expected.

The green color confuses them but the two women who have never cooked or baked anything figure that coffee beans turn brown while boiling.

Adding to the urgency are the wounded Confederate soldiers in their parlor. The men need sustenance even more than Savannah and her mother.

Read Tides of Healing to discover how they fare with coffee making and so many other challenges following the city’s surrender.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? 

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home. 

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy. 

Amazon

ACFW New Releases January 2025

/ sandramervillehart

January 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Children/Middle-grade:


Feather by Susan Page Davis — Feather is snatched by a fierce tribe and forced to work for them. Her younger brother, Karsh, vows to find her. When Feather learns the arrows she makes will be used against her own people, she and her friend Tag decide to escape and warn the peaceful tribe of the coming attack. (Children/Middle-grade, Tea Tin Press)

Cozy Mystery:


The Edge of Knife by Marissa Shrock — The summer of ’88 in Wildcat Springs, Indiana, was supposed to be thoroughly boring. But when Bobbi Sue Baxter’s friend enters her into a sweepstakes (without her knowledge) to make a guest appearance on daytime drama, The Cute and the Cunning, and she wins, the season starts to get complicated. Then, her friendship with Hemingway “Hemi” Miller evolves into something more, and things slide toward complex. After filming, when the star of The Cute and the Cunning gets stabbed with a hunting knife? Life gets downright insane. Bobbi Sue tries to stay out of the chaos, but with her well-proven instincts for cracking hard-to-solve crimes, that’s highly unlikely. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Biblical Historical:


Before the King by Heather Kaufman — Joanna is a daughter of the Sadducees, born into privilege and taught to maintain her position at all costs—even if it means breaking her own heart. When she encounters Jesus, his message of the Kingdom compels her to embrace a new way of life. Dare Joanna risk everything for the sake of the Christ? (Historical Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

General Historical:


Finding Juniper by Cindy Thomson — Leaving his pregnant girlfriend behind, Patrick Doyle sails to America, the land of opportunity. Thirty years later, Patrick has moved on with his life, building a new family. A letter arrives, suggesting the child he’d assumed died may be alive. Juniper endured a childhood in institutions, and when she’s released, she moves on without the parents who left her. Operating an apothecary out of an inherited cottage, Juniper finally finds a home when her grandmother arrives. Just as she feels comfortable and content, her father shows up at her door, bringing shocking news about her mother. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Historical Romance:


Guarding the Mountain Man’s Secret by Misty M Beller — The Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune. Miles is the youngest of six brothers, and he’s spent most of his life helping guard the family’s secret: a sapphire mine hidden deep within the Montana mountains. With threats from a past enemy looming, a survey team’s arrival stirs suspicion—until he meets Clara Pendleton, whose presence captivates him. Clara Pendleton joins her uncle on a survey team tasked with mapping the coming railroad’s path, only to find herself entangled with the enigmatic Coulter family. When her uncle’s accident leads them to find refuge in the Coulter home, Clara is irresistibly drawn to Miles Coulter and his quiet strength. This feels like the haven she craves…until a series of mysterious attacks endanger everyone on the ranch. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Emma’s Engagement by Susan G Mathis — Emma Row yearns for a fresh start and a chance to build a loving family. But as she steps into her role as the Rock Island Lightkeeper’s wife, she finds herself navigating the treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada. Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, had hoped securing a companion would brighten his life and be a needed mother figure to his eleven-year-old daughter. Yet, as Emma struggles to adapt to the challenges of her new life, Michael realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Amish Romance:


With All Her Heart by Kelly Irvin — Bonnie is successful in her crafts shop but fears no man will see past her disability to her strong and loving heart. Elijah dreams of leaving the family business to focus on his carvings. Can they find a new path together? (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Romantic Novella:


His to Love by Z Peabody — Griffin T. Washington is one of only two detectives at the cody Police Department. After years of being retired from active duty, and with a fulfilling job, Griff is still alone. The loss of his wife ten years ago nearly broke Griff. While coming from a call, Griff’s life is turned upside down by a careless driver, and before he can get her insurance information, she speeds off, leaving Griff not just questioning who she is but also when he can see her again. (Romantic Novella from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)

Romantic Suspense:


Forgotten Identity by Penny Zeller — Mariah Holzman never imagined a whiteout blizzard would sever all communication from the outside world—communication desperately needed for the injured man Mariah finds near her home. Nor did she imagine helping nurse the man back to health would lead to threats and intimidation. As danger escalates and questions rise, Mariah is left to wonder what kind of person she has allowed into her home. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Young Adult:


Sarah’s Long Ride by Susan Page Davis — The Bandicoot 100 is coming up, and Sarah Piper and her horse Icicle are registered for the endurance race. But now that her mother has died, Sarah has no riding partner. Adjusting to a new home with Uncle Joe and far from her friends, Sarah realizes that endurance is something she needs not only for the race. (Young Adult from Tea Tin Press)

Speculative Fiction/Allegory:


Last Light of Everlasting by Demi Griffin — Everlasting is a world of peace and tranquility. At least it was before one of the King’s loyal servants rebelled. The ensuing battle between those who were loyal and those who rebelled required a strength even the warriors of the spirit realm did not have. Assistance came through the histories. The Ancients, flesh beings who sacrificed their own existence, became the one weapon that could defeat darkness – a luminaria. Will those who lost access to the perfect world created by the King find their way back out of the darkness? (Speculative Fiction/Allegory, Independently Published)

 

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

3 X 3 by Patrick E Craig — One by one, Jenny uncovers secrets hidden for forty years, secrets deeply connected to the Amish community. And as she brings them to light, Jenny finds the past can reveal much about the present—in terrifying ways (Crime Suspense)

Bronze Circle by Becky A. Little — Jaydon’s story is one of hope, acceptance, redemption and forgiveness as he discovers who he is before The Truth Master. (Speculative/Young Adult)

Heart of Faith by Tracey J Lyons — Two boys are left behind from the Orphan Train. When John Oliver decides to help Amy save two orphan boys from danger, will they become the family she has been praying for in time for Amy to get her Christmas wish? (Historical Romance)

Loving the Rodeo Queen by Rebecca Reed — Quinn and Tiago have a past, but can they have a future with her secret shadowing their relationship. (Contemporary Romance)

Death Under the Ice by Deborah Jean Sprinkle — Claire needs their help, but can she put past hurts behind her as she not only tries to find her brother, but stay alive? (Romantic Suspense)

What Happened on that First Christmas?

/ sandramervillehart

by Sandra Merville Hart

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee to a virgin pledged to be married to man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26-28)

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:19-21)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (Luke 2:1)

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:8-14)

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another: “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:15-16)

The shepherds returned, glorifying God for all the things they had heard and seen, which was just as they had been told. (Luke 2:20)

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

All Bible scriptures are from the New International Version.

Christmas Trees Become an American Holiday Tradition

/ sandramervillehart

by Sandra Merville Hart

The French and Germans hung evergreen trees upside down from the ceiling in the twelfth century, a practice that continued for about 200 years.

In December, fir trees, called “paradise trees,” were placed outside Catholic churches during medieval times in Europe’s Baltic region. Apples were hung on its branches for a play about Adam and Eve.

Fir trees were displayed on the ground in homes instead of the ceiling by late in the 16th century.

Martin Luther, after a walk in the forest on a moonlit night, is generally credited with placing the first lit candles on a Christmas tree. To him the evergreen tree represented God’s everlasting love for us. The hope that the birth of Jesus brought into the world was symbolized by the candles or lights on the tree.

Americans of German descent living in Pennsylvania in the 1820s are said to have brought the tradition of Christmas trees to the United States to stay. It took the marriage of Prince Albert of Germany to Queen Victoria of England for the tradition to really take hold in the United States.

Toys, candy, popcorn, and candles decorated those Victorian trees.

As an author of inspirational historical romances, I love discovering when holiday traditions began and incorporating them into my novels when possible.

For instance, part of A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in my Second Chances Series set in Ohio in 1877, takes place at Christmas. A nostalgic scene where the characters string popcorn and hang ribbons and bows on the tree is an example of historical traditions or events that add authenticity to my stories.

Sources

“Christmas Trees,” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2020/11/12 https://www.britannica.com/print/article/115737.

Collins, Ace. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, Zondervan, 2003.

Kennedy, Lesley. “How 25 Christmas Traditions Got Their Start,” History, 2020/11/12

https://www.history.com/news/christmas-traditions-history.

ACFW New Releases December 2024

/ sandramervillehart

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

Contemporary Romance:


Always In My Heart by Iola Goulton — Broke solo mother Maya Allen is raising her daughter, Sarah, as well as her dead best friend’s daughter … who just happens to be her own daughter’s half sister (thanks, cheating college boyfriend). When her lowlife landlord doubles her rent, she realizes it’s time to make a new plan and return to New Zealand with her children. First she has to do the unthinkable: make contact with her ex and compel him to relinquish his parental rights so they can legally leave the country … and not let her still-strong feelings for Trent get in the way. Trent Thomas is an intern competing for a role in a prestigious Seattle law firm known for their family values. He figures he’s got the job sewn up when his firm sends him to his hometown of Trinity Lakes to research a dodgy property deal under the guise of offering the townsfolk pro bono legal services. After all, no one will know the ins and outs of small-town Trinity Lakes gossip better than a lifelong resident. But he hadn’t bargained on Maya, Sarah, and Kacey stealing his chance to get his dream job, stealing his opportunity to leave Trinity Lakes behind forever, or stealing his heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Nutcracker Cottage by Stephanie Guerrero — Telling prima ballerina, Cynthia Andrews she could no longer dance haunted Dr. Zachary Newcomb, but when a surprise encounter pulls them together, her can-do attitude, hard work and faith in Christ cause him to lose his footing and his heart. (Contemporary Romance, BubbleBath Fiction)


A Very Chapel Falls Christmas by Amanda Lauer — An epic breakup finds a world-famous musician back in his hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée comes back home, making for a holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love—if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. (Contemporary Romance from Feminine Genius)

General Contemporary:


Kept for Her by Joy L. Melville — Two people clinging to secrets and plans, unaware how God will use both to further His plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

General Historical:


River of Life by Carol Ashby — When a young Roman and his Greek best friend travel up the Nile in pursuit of their dream career, a Christian Egyptian woman rescues them from certain death, and their time with her opens their eyes to more than they ever imagined. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)


Even If We Cry by Terrie Todd — Nina’s one task is to keep her family together while a world war threatens to rip them apart. (General Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)

Historical Romance:


Love in Store by Penny Zeller — In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)


Once Upon a Christmas by Penny Zeller — It’s Christmastime in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. Will Sheriff Ambrose Miller Eliason have the courage to ask the girl he’s always loved to court him? Take a break from the hustle and bustle and settle into this short heartwarming story. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Tracking the Missing by Sami A. Abrams — A search for three abducted teens…and a K-9 on the case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Corralling the Cowboy by Elle E. Kay — A widow placed into WITSEC gets to know a famous author while he masquerades as a cowboy to research his latest novel, but her past catches up with her endangering her newfound love. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Writes Publishing)


Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler — A cowboy deputy sheriff must safeguard an amnesia victim and her twin sister from an art thief who is murdering witnesses. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Young Adult:


The Mysterium by Jerry Schultz — Arthur Gilchrist travels to a prestigious island school, only to discover that students are being trained to suppress an ancient order whose beliefs and powers he shares. (Young Adult, Independently Published)

 

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

Lewis: The Beloved by Lauren H. Brandenburg — Lewisia Anna has returned to the Amharclann with a new chapter in her Story—a chapter she doesn’t want the citizens to hear. As Lewis tries to figure out how to delay the writing of her Story, she realizes a lot happened in the Amharclann while she was in the Mines. (Middle Grade Chapter Book)

A Civil Murder by Joan Hetzler — Derek and Megan, a married couple with a knack for solving mysteries are on the case again. An elderly law school professor and his wife go missing, unintentionally leaving their little Snickerdoodle dog with Megan and Derek. (Cozy Mystery)

Cornered by Lynn H. Blackburn, Lynette Eason, and Natalie Walters — Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense)

Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport — On the run from a relentless enemy, a mercenary must protect a life-saving narcotic coveted by a spy. (Military Suspense)

Who Touches that Mountains by Deborah Raney — How can you ever be sure if the one you’re falling in love with is the right one—the one God intends for you? (Contemporary Romance)

Powhatan’s Power by Ora Smith — From a friend helping Pocahontas establish peace to an indentured and orphaned nobody, Thomas Savage yearns to make his own way in the world. (General Historical)

Fragments by J.A. Webb — A thrilling Christian epic fantasy adventure- “They’d do anything to seek the truth . . . the Order will do anything to stop them.” (Speculative Fantasy)

An Amish Thanksgiving by Beth Wiseman — As two romances blossom, Catherine finds hope in her circumstances, and an opportunity to have the Thanksgiving she’s always wanted. (General Contemporary)

The Choice by DL Wood — When Sadie Miles receives a mysterious letter, she’s drawn into a high-stakes journey aboard a luxury yacht, where fortune and deadly secrets await—and she must survive the treacherous waters and dangerous company to uncover the truth about her past. (Psychological Suspense)