Thursday, October 16, 2025

FaithBooks October Free Book Blast!

  

It's October 16, 2025, and that means over 60 Christian romance books are free! Click the graphic above to find a treasure trove of free e-books, 10/16/25 only. 

My book, A Christmas Duet, is included! For my followers, I've expanded the dates of my own book's sale to 10/15 - 10/17/2025 over on Amazon.

Check out all the books and grab as many as you want. No newsletter sign-up required. Just fun!   

Here's more information about my novella: 

Following a breakup, professional cellist Kate Fleming’s well of inspiration has run dry. Her musical ensemble is counting on her to write several cello and piano compositions for their next album. She’s rented a beautiful beach house on Whidbey Island for the Christmas season. But the atmosphere may not be inspiring enough.

Church music director Zach Tillmon would love to book a professional musician for the upcoming Christmas program. His number-one choice is out of reach. But perhaps the newcomer wouldn’t mind sharing her talents with the congregation. 
When these two perform together, sparks fly. But their lives aren’t settled, so a romance is out of the question. Or is it? 

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully musical love story.

Happy reading, friends! 

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Free ebook! A Christmas Duet!

 

 
It's that time of year where we can stock up on Christmas books to read anytime this fall! I'm running a freebie sale on my book A Christmas Duet. Grab your copy, and the next time you're looking for a holiday read you can curl up with a cup of cocoa and dive in!
 
Following a breakup, professional cellist Kate Fleming’s well of inspiration has run dry. Her musical ensemble is counting on her to write several cello and piano compositions for their next album. She’s rented a beautiful beach house on Whidbey Island for the Christmas season. But the atmosphere may not be inspiring enough.

Church music director Zach Tillmon would love to book a professional musician for the upcoming Christmas program. His number-one choice is out of reach. But perhaps the newcomer wouldn’t mind sharing her talents with the congregation. 
When these two perform together, sparks fly. But their lives aren’t settled, so a romance is out of the question. Or is it? 

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully musical love story.

 
Don't miss this freebie, and happy reading!

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Christmas on the Islands Boxed Set

 It's Release Day!

Now you can get all three Washington Island Christmas novellas in one collection.  

Curl up with a soft blanket, sip some hot cocoa, and dive into these beach-side Christmas stories!

 
Here's a bit more information:
 
A Christmas Duet

An uninspired composer.
A distressed pianist.
And the duet that brings them together.

A Christmas Romance

A wannabe novelist with writer's block.
A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.
And the romance they brainstorm together.

A Christmas Gift

A stateside farmer.
An international boy-next-door model.
And the Christmas reunion that brings them back together.

The novellas will still be available as stand-alones in paperback, e-book, and audiobook (limited). 

And the collection is free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. 

Also, did you know you can get a free e-copy of my book The Garden down the Beach if you sign up for my newsletter? Check it out here.  

 

 
Happy reading! 

New Releases by ACFW Authors -- October 2025

 

 

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. This is an exciting month because my boxed set released October 1, 2025! See below. I was able to add the cover for my own book. The rest of the post is shared from ACFW and was sent without covers this month due to a technical glitch. Happy reading, friends!

 

Biblical:

Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah by Angela Hunt -- A master of biblical research, Angela Hunt delivers a series starter that transports readers to the Old Testament world of Sarah and Abraham, making this novel a perfect read for those who love Francine Rivers, Mesu Andrews, Connilyn Cossette, and Jill Eileen Smith. (Biblical/Historical from Bethany House) Leading Philippi by Jenifer Jennings -- In the raging sea of fear, Epaphroditus finds his faith. (Biblical/Historical, Independently Published) 

Contemporary Romance:

The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter -- She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson]) Trying to Save Christmas by Dawn Kinzer -- A new teacher trying to save Christmas for a grieving student and his guardian brother risks losing her heart to them both. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) A Heart to Protect by Judith McNees -- Can two grieving hearts find healing with each other…and God? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Christmas in Granite Harbor by Candice Sue Patterson -- Small-town traditions, a Maine Coon, and a decades-old mystery knit hearts together this Christmas. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Who Stirs Up the Sea by Deborah Raney -- So many secrets between them. But when the truth comes out, will it drive them apart? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Two Hearts, One Piano by Catherine Richmond -- Ten years ago, rock star Alan Wolfe trashed Maren's life. Now his brother is on her doorstep, asking about the baby. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Cozy Mystery:

Troubled Truffles by Leslie Lantrip -- Ruby Starr breathes a sigh of relief that all is well in the whimsical town of Iris Cove, but while making a routine bakery delivery, she's shocked to discover a dead body inside the new bookshop. She assures everyone that she will never again be involved in sleuthing, but with clues all around, will her inquisitive mind be able to comply? (Cozy Mystery from Trilogy Christian Publishing) The Last Scam by Jean Rezab -- Courtney’s lifelong dream is finally within her grasp, but when a guest turns up dead during the inn’s very first week, her perfect plans turn into chaos. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) 

General Contemporary:

Tangled Roots by Jessica Brodie -- When newspaper editor Tiff Steadman's ex-convict brother returns seeking reconciliation, she must choose between protecting the respectable life she's built and risking everything to embrace the messy grace of family forgiveness. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group) The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield -- The fate of strangers intertwines when a man contemplating suicide commandeers a bridge on Christmas Eve, forcing everyone into an unexpected detour from their holiday plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) Every Life Treasured by Hannah Hood Lucero, Aubrey Reiss Taylor, and Jennifer Q. Hunt – Three Novellas about the value of life. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) The Song Awakens by Linda Sammaritan -- One moment of temptation. Years of separation. How much of the truth does she dare to confess? (General Contemporary/Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications) 

General Historical:

To Outwit Them All by Peggy Wirgau -- Inspired by a true story, "To Outwit Them All" is told from the perspective of the only woman in George Washington's Revolutionary group of citizen spies known as the Culper Ring. (General Historical from Iron Stream Media) 

Historical Romance:

A Heart To Treasure by Dienece Darling -- The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but with less than a fortnight to their wedding day, a coming storm will shatter everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) A Very English Christmas by Marguerite Gray, Carole Lehr Johnson, and Carrie Turansky -- Celebrate the Season with three timeless tales inspired by Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Beatrix Potter. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Love on the Horizon by Penny Zeller -- Return to Horizon, Idaho, for Timothy Shepherdson's story and meet newcomer, Mags, in this tender romance that reminds us that God is the author of new beginnings. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing) 

Military Suspense:

Tick, Tick, Tick … Boom by Felicia Ferguson -- With her marriage to clinical psychologist Matt in shambles, Army CID Officer Gabby Carmichael wakes up to a bomb threat. They reluctantly work together to find the bomber, but as pressure mounts, which will explode first? The bomb or their marriage? (Military Suspense from Salt & Light Publishing) 

 

Novella (Romance):




Christmas on the Islands
by Annette M. Irby -- Washington Island Christmas series novellas all in one place! Visit Puget Sound and the Salish Sea islands in this series of holiday novellas! Enjoy getting to know new characters, with some cameo visits from previous friends. Here you'll find heart-warming scenes, layered family dynamics, romance, and hope in Jesus. (Romance Novella from Prism Effect Publishing)  

 

 

 

A Christmas Inheritance by Myra Johnson, Delia Latham, and Tanya Stowe -- Three Christmas stories in one! "His Christmas Refuge:" He came home to leave it all behind. She's convinced he'll run again. "A Montana Christmas Promise:" He gave everything to the land. She came only to let it go. "The Prodigal Preacher's Christmas Homecoming:" A story of redemption, brotherhood, and love reborn under the gentle hand of grace. (Romance Novella, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Mistletoe and Malice by Lori DeJong -- He’s sworn to protect her life … but guarding his heart may be his biggest challenge. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press) Fatal Past by Sarah Hamaker -- When a pediatrician foils an attempted child abduction, she’s thrust into a dangerous game in which she must rely on the help of her former boyfriend to stay alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Defending You by Robin Patchen -- She stumbled onto a deadly secret, and the man she once wronged is the only one who can keep her alive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Texas Christmas Cover-Up by Terri Reed -- A widowed FBI profiler must turn to her ex, a commanding Police Chief to protect her child and solve a cold case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Dust and Ashes by Demi Griffin -- Even mistakes and failures were folded into the king's plan! (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)  


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

Unexpected by Kimberly Keagan -- The heirs of Denwall Department Stores find unexpected love In the glittering era of the Gilded Age. (Historical Romance) Where Secrets End by Rebecca Lake -- One man’s obsession. One woman’s past. One chance to survive. (Romantic Suspense) But There Were Signs by Georgia Curtis Ling -- When one of their own is found dead, four pastors’ wives–turned amateur sleuths are playing a deadly game of cat and mouse with a suspected killer in Appalachia. (Contemporary Suspense) The Dreamer by Jenny Marcelene -- To the Ends is an international adventure series helping children ages 6-10 cultivate a biblical worldview and spark prayer for the nations. (Children’s/Middle Grade Chapter Book) Escaping the Wilderness by Carrie Stuart Parks -- On the run through the mountains— with only each other to trust. (Romantic Suspense) The Realm: The Awakening Begins by K Ross -- In a world where dreams are more real than not, and harsh realities collide with visions of eternity, only one god can rule. (Supernatural Suspense)

Monday, September 1, 2025

New Releases by ACFW Authors -- September 2025

 


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

Contemporary Romance:

Building Hearts by Julie Arduini -- Evan Hart has always felt the odd one out in a family of thriving siblings. When his reality show pitch is greenlit and he's named co-producer, Evan sees a chance to finally belong within his family and the world watching them. Building with the Harts promises new beginnings and second chances until the network adds a wildcard: Shea Madden, a brooding co-producer with secrets of her own. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media) Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt -- Kezia Blair believes true talent shouldn’t need shortcuts. But after years of singing backup and recording anonymous jingles, her shot at a real music career is slipping away. When a last-ditch audition lands her on Starbound, TV’s biggest reality show, Kezia faces a painful choice: chase stardom on someone else’s terms—or walk away for good. Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain. In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Restoring Love by Dawn Kinzer -- A woman trying to revitalize a struggling candle shop and an apprentice learning to restore priceless instruments learn that sometimes it takes more than hard work and determination to fix matters of the heart. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published) Heart and Soul by Nancy Lavo -- Big city pastor makes an unwanted trip to small town Texas for a lesson in humility and finds an unexpected chance for love. (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media) An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller -- Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for, but she wonders if the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Until she meets Aidan Quinn—not the actor, but an Australian guest on a genealogical mission to discover his ancestry—and sparks fly. Aidan never thought his visit to Ireland’s west coast would result in meeting a redheaded firecracker with a bewitching smile and pixie-like laughter. But obviously God knew better. And his quest to find his kin brings him into the warm embrace of this loud and loving family has helped heal his heart and gives hope that his future might be different to what he’d imagined. Until a secret from the past threatens everything he holds dear… (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Their Texas Christmas Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus -- Back home at her family’s Texas ranch for the holidays, the last thing Audrey Caldwell expects to see is her ex-husband, Tyler, on her doorstep—with his orphaned niece. The sweet baby in his arms brings up painful memories that she’d rather forget, but when little Willow gets sick, Audrey can’t turn them away. She offers to care for the baby if Tyler agrees to do some construction projects on the ranch. As they work together on a community Christmas event, neither can deny their growing connection. Can they heal their deepest wounds and find their way back to the family they always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Framed with Love by Rebecca Reed -- Photographing people gives Olivia Perez the jitters, but she’s determined to prove her friends’ loyalty isn’t unfounded. This secret celebrity wedding is do or die for their business. When her videographer quits, Olivia needs a replacement––fast. The diving instructor is the last person she expects will fit the bill. If only she’d curbed her tongue at their first meeting. Stirling “Mac” MacAllister isn’t ready to come out of hiding––or is he? When his Labrador’s antics bring him face to face with a dark-haired spitfire and her pet rabbit, sparks fly, and he begins to wonder if he wants more than his solitary, beach bum lifestyle. When Olivia invites Mac to be her videographer for an upcoming wedding, he dusts off his equipment, but soon discovers she needs more than his technical skills. A flooded yard forces the wedding indoors, and Olivia’s insecurities undermine her confidence. With everything––including their hearts––on the line, Mac and Olivia must trust God and each other if they’re to frame a future together. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Rumors of Grace by Rena Bell Yeager -- Tyler Grant is the cowboy everyone likes to talk about. The Tall Black Hat Guy has a mysterious past and a scandalous present. He likes the ladies, the bars, and fun. Georgia Duncan is everyone’s favorite eighth grade teacher. Cute, girl next door, sings in her church choir. When Tyler asks Georgia out on a date, it is disastrous. As is the next. And the next. They should give up. But when a terrible wreck puts Tyler into the hospital, Georgia offers to let him stay in her spare room while he recuperates. Neighbors talk. Rumors fly. What is the truth? And what do they both learn as they navigate their strange relationship and the rumors surrounding them? Will they find their happily ever after? Do they even want to? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)
Dual/Split Time:

The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer -- Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide. In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: How far will a person go to help a loved one thrive? (Dual/Split Time from Scrivenings Press) 

 

General Historical:

Kate’s Crucible by Elmer Fuller -- Kate Collins never imagined her journey to the Kansas Territory in 1855 would be filled with such obstacles and challenges. As she arrives to teach at a New England Emigrant Aid Company settlement, she is met with constant problems—from nature's wrath to the pain of loss. But it's not just external forces that challenge Kate, who left a suitor and damaged relationships in Boston. She must confront the question: if God wants her to teach in Kansas, then why does he allow her to face such obstacles? (General Historical, Independently Published) The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee -- 1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation―one that comes at significant cost. 1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences. (General Historical from Tyndale House) 

 

Historical Romance:

As Far As the West by Barbara A. Curtis -- Revenge against Eliza and Caleb Morgan has been smoldering over twenty years in Benton Calloway's heart. Now the perfect plan to exact payment lands on the threshold of his tailor shop-in the arrival of their daughter, adventurous seamstress Lizzie Morgan. And what could play into his hands better than her interest in his worthless son, Josiah? Lizzie and Josiah struggle to overcome the obstacles hurled at them. Can Lizzie's love survive, though, when Josiah is accused of being a thief like his father? Is he her redeemed, wounded war hero-or a man following his father's past? Josiah's dream of ranching is as shattered as his leg. Even in the bustling city, working as an accountant, his memories from World War I hound him.Past legacies of bitterness are about to be resurrected. Will Lizzie and Josiah follow that path, or will they discover that God's accounting of grace and forgiveness is boundless-as far as the east is from the west? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books) The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti -- The Loch Ness Monster isn’t the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven. Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers. Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home. But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Discerning God’s Best Series Collection by Heidi Gray McGill -- Four faith-filled stories of love, hope, and healing set in 1800s America, featuring a marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance, found family, and an exclusive bonus story available only in this bundle. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Risking it All by Jeri Stockdale -- On the run and out of options, Rebecca takes the place of a mail-order bride and marries Jesse, a rancher grieving his wife and raising two children alone—neither of them ready for love, and both estranged from God, until their unexpected union sparks a journey toward redemption neither dared hope for. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) Christmas Mail Order Brides by Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough -- Marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. In these touching stories of faith and romance in the American West, three women seeking new beginnings find love in unexpected places. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Cozy Mystery:

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab -- When Courtney purchases a quaint house in the countryside, her dreams of transforming it into a cozy, inviting inn appear within reach. But beneath the charming exterior lurks a tangle of dark secrets. The previous owners vanished without a trace—eight years ago. Driven by curiosity and a sense of justice, Courtney and her husband Alex team up with Gary, the son of the missing couple, to unravel the mystery. The clock is ticking. The promise of treasure draws fortune hunters to dig up the tranquil backyard. When a fresh murder shatters the peace, Courtney realizes that the truth might be buried even deeper than she feared. As the stakes rise and the body count grows, Courtney must decide how much she’s willing to risk to bring the truth to light—and whether some dreams are worth dying for. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published) 

 

Romantic Suspense:

Girl Lost by Kate Angelo -- A LOST BABY - Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has--the teenage daughter she's never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl's identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood--the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured. AN INESCAPABLE PAST - Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone's willing to kill for. A DEADLY THREAT - But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group) Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills -- A survival expert and a Texas Ranger trek into an off-the-grid desolate area to free a seven-year-old little girl who’s held hostage to silence her Russian father from revealing terrorist information. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House) Unexpected Danger by Penny Zeller -- Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from--and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection. Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker's attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives...and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it's too late? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing) 

 

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

The Stolen Destinies by Demi Griffin -- Wren was accustomed to guiding others in shaping their fates in the grand tapestry of Everlasting’s history. However, the weight of the destinies resting solely on his shoulders was a novel sensation for him. As the Bookshelf of the Ages was desecrated by theft, the air thickened with tension, disrupting Wren’s peaceful repose. Tasked with safeguarding the Divine Territory and rescuing the stolen destinies, he embarked on a quest filled with mysterious clues and the palpable sense of urgency. Would his failure thwart the King’s plan toward The Illumination? (This interlude should be read after book five and before book six of the Illumination Chronicles) (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published) 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: Kage: The 6th Commandment by Charlene Amsden -- When wounded journalist Trina Vaughn’s life collides with that of ex-con pastor Kage Kincade, the two must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts—as they confront a conspiracy that tests the limits of faith, courage, and the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ (Romantic Suspense) This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel -- When her dreams fall apart, Madison believes it’s a sign from God she should commit to her atheist boyfriend and make a new dream, but once she realizes God would never send her a sign that would cause her to sin, how can she forgive herself for believing the lies of the world? (Young Adult) Surviving the Deal by Seralynn Lewis -- She’s not looking for love. He’s not looking for a wife. But a deal with eternal consequences is about to change everything. (Contemporary Romance) Her Secret Amish Admirer by Beth Wiseman -- Sadie Miller is content with her job as a schoolteacher in a small Amish community located in southern Indiana. She loves children, but her past keeps her from pursuing marriage and having a family of her own. (General Contemporary) The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York -- When her daughter's return sparks unexpected change, Sarah leaves routine behind for a cross-country journey-full of surprises, self-discovery, and a future she never imagined. (General Contemporary)

Saturday, August 9, 2025

You & Me for Real by Hayley Elliott

You & Me for Real by Hayley Elliott

This is Hayley’s debut novel, and I was thrilled when she included me in her early reader group. I’d read her novelette in the A New Year’s Kiss anthology and loved it! The book releases August 14, 2025, and you can find it on Amazon and other retailers. 

Let’s begin with the summary:

She swore she’d never be in front of the camera again, but now she’s falling for a Hollywood heartthrob with a tabloid-worthy secret.

Former child reality star Ashton Reid is done with fame and dreams of a quiet life and finally opening her own animal rescue. But establishing a non-profit requires funding and, therefore, publicity. For Ashton, this means facing her crippling anxiety anytime a camera is pointed in her direction. Despite her best efforts to avoid all things Hollywood, when celebrity Griffin Ford rushes into her shelter carrying an injured dog—with his impossibly muscled arms and notorious abs—she’s helpless against those almond eyes. The dog's eyes, that is.

Actor Griffin Ford is desperate for his first meaningful role. Tired of being seen as nothing more than washboard abs on an angsty teen drama, he’s agreed to a fake relationship with his co-star to guarantee the lead in her father’s next movie. But when the contract requires more than he’s bargained for, he begins to question the future he always imagined. To take back some ownership of his life, Griffin adopts a new dog—despite being clueless about pet ownership.

Drawn to Ashton’s authenticity, Griffin recruits her to train his new rescue. In return, Griffin helps her navigate publicity and social media for her foundation. Outside the glow of Hollywood, it doesn’t take long for Ashton to see that Griffin is more than the hunk he portrays on TV. As their professional and personal lives intertwine and their attraction grows stronger, their chemistry becomes undeniable. But when the heat of the spotlight threatens to expose Ashton’s past and Griffin’s secret, the two must decide: fight for what’s real between them, or risk becoming another casualty of fame.

And now, my review:

The author kept me hooked with the way she withheld information and slowly caught us up with the heroine’s backstory. 

The hero is at war with himself. Should he sell out? Or stand up? There were times Griffin came across as rather immature in his business dealings, and he was rather talkative, open, and self-aware for the usual male POV. Then there were very solid moments of male POV that made Griffin breathe on the page. 

I liked the inclusion of the dogs, and the heroine’s competence with them will make readers respect her. One of the heroine’s challenges is she’s used to hiding. She prefers it. Now it’s time for her to come out of hiding. But as a child she wasn't permitted to set boundaries, and she didn’t have a voice. Moving forward into the kind of future she wants means overcoming all of that. 

Readers will root for this heroine as she works to face her past to make a more desirable future. And they’ll root for the hero to find his own strength and path. 

Overall, this is a strong debut and I recommend it for readers who are looking for a feel-good romance that includes celebrities and a Hollywood connection. 

Friday, August 1, 2025

New Releases from ACFW authors - August 2025

Here are the August 2025 new releases from American Christian Fiction Writers authors. Enjoy! 

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

Children’s Middle Grade:

Jack and the Red Giant by Amanda Cleary Eastep -- Snowball wars are being waged against the Tree Street Kids, and Jack Finch is building his greatest invention yet--the Abominable Snowman-ator. But his biggest battle will be against his distrust of Buzz Rublatz, the neighborhood bully. (Children’s Middle Grade from Moody Publishers)  

 

Children’s Picture Book:

Otto and Ollie by Penny Frost McGinnis and Hannah L Wickline -- Otto and Ollie are best buddies. They live next door to each other and spend their days playing and pretending what they’ll be someday. When they have a disagreement, they discover it’s not what they’ll be, but who they’ll be that counts. (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press) 

 

Contemporary:

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom -- In the beautiful Pacific Northwest, a young woman’s discovery of her hidden past illuminates her present in this new novel from the award-winning author of Sugar Birds, “an engrossing tale” (Kirkus Reviews), and Leaning on Air, “an exquisitely nuanced love story” (BookTrib). (Contemporary General from Tyndale House) 

 

Contemporary Romance:

A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter -- Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) Meant For Me by Betsy St Amant -- He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)

A Matter of Trust by Rena Bell Yeager -- Rachel Wilson is a divorcee who has devoted her life to her daughter and her career. But when her employer is shut down by the FBI for fraud, she is encouraged by her daughter to take a long-overdue vacation to Texas. Randall Hudson is a widowed resort ranch owner and corporate tycoon, as at home in his blue denim shirts as he is in the boardroom. When he meets Rachel, he is smitten. But when he begins manipulating things in her life to make her want to stay in Texas, her mistrust of men grows. When Rachel's ex shows up demanding money, she has no choice but to turn to Randall for help. But can she trust him? Will they find a way to overcome their obstacles and forge a new path together? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press) 

 

Historical Romance:

A Lady Divided by Sandra Ardoin -- A bitter and unconventional southern widow joins forces with a former enemy to battle accusations of murder . . . twelve years after taking lives in the War Between the States. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn -- Henrietta “Etta” Maxwell, heiress to the Maxwell fortune, is a hard-hitting investigative reporter for The Enterprise Daily. The catch? Etta must pen her columns under the nom de plume, Henry Mason—a fact that routinely puts a knot in her knickerbockers. Leo Eriksson is a second-generation firefighter with a passion for rendering aid to those in need. When Leo discovers that Henry Mason is really Henrietta Maxwell, the fire department’s wealthy benefactress, he agrees to keep her identity secret. After a sudden blast rocks the Grover Shoe Factory, Leo and Etta team up to determine if the explosion is related to a series of suspicious fires in the area. When an unnamed source reveals Etta’s secret identity to a rival reporter, she falsely accuses Leo of being the informant. As the truth comes to light, Etta must persuade Leo to give her a second chance or lose the only man she’s ever loved. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing) 

 

Crime Suspense:

Martha’s Veil by Urcelia Teixeira -- In the fog-shrouded coastal town of Weyport, head baker Martha Porter lives a life of quiet control—perfect cakes, polite smiles, and a heart safely tucked behind emotional walls. But when a charming man begins messaging her through an online Christian forum, Martha dares to hope again… until she vanishes on the very night she agrees to meet him. The missing-person case falls to Sheriff Angus Reid, whose investigation takes a dark turn when another woman’s body washes ashore—another victim who’d been speaking to a mysterious online suitor. As Angus uncovers a chilling network of digital manipulation, stolen identities, and religious deceit, the race to find Martha becomes more urgent. Can Angus unmask the predator before Martha becomes his next victim? Or will the fog that shrouds Weyport's coast hide another tragedy forever? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published) 

 

Romantic Suspense:

Gazing into Darkness by Heidi Glick -- Instead of moving closer to his girlfriend, Chance McPherson gets dumped and relocated to Cincinnati—farther from his dreams and closer to his shameful past. Stacey Sanderson is excited to finally secure a role in law enforcement, like the rest of her family, especially as an EPA CID agent, where she can protect God’s creation. On the job, Stacey’s perfectionism and faith rub Chance the wrong way, while his antics and wisecracks irritate Stacey. When federal employees who worked an old case with Stacey start dying, Chance becomes concerned, and not just because Stacey is his partner. Can Chance and Stacey stop the person who is out to kill her before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Danger in the Wilderness by Darlene L Turner -- Park warden Dekker Hoyt’s father-son camping trip turns into a nightmare when a serial killer abducts his father. With just seventy-two hours to find him, Dekker turns to criminal investigative analyst Blaire Tremblay to identify the Park Campfire Killer. As they follow his taunting clues and face increasingly violent threats, Dekker and Blaire know that one wrong step could be fatal. With the ruthless criminal following their every move, can they stop a killer in hiding…waiting to complete his deadly plan? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])  

Protecting the Texas Witness by Virginia Vaughan -- Deputy Drake Shaw rescues single mom Isabelle Morris from an assailant's attack, only to be mistaken for her late husband. After exposing the corruption at her health-care company, Isabelle fears danger has followed her and her daughter all the way to their remote cabin. Now Drake must keep them safe long enough for Isabelle to testify against her former boss. But when her child is taken, the stakes are raised. Can they survive to unravel the truth about the present…and the past? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

 

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

Dawn of the Elding by Demi Griffin -- The new Age unfolds with the sight of crumbling foundations in Everlasting, echoing with the deafening sounds of conflict and upheaval. The air thickens with the smell of tension and fear as history is misunderstood and old grudges resurface, disintegrating the bond holding the Realms together. Only the Realm Keeper possesses the power to unite them once more and bring back harmony to Everlasting. However, he cannot accomplish this task single-handedly. His alliance with the Timebender grants them both access to the only weapon that can combat death. Restoring balance, ending the perpetual chill, and returning the Elding to Everlasting all depend on each fulfilling their destinies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)  

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: Chasing Time by Pamela G Baker -- After embracing life in the 21st century, Lydia is catapulted to the 1870s of her youth to prevent unscrupulous scientists from disrupting the timeline—again. (Speculative Fiction/Time Travel) On the Brink by Michael E Cafferky -- A life-threatening illness leads corporate executive Gabriel Oliver to an epiphany about his faith; he adjusts the priorities of his life, but the change he makes increases his vulnerability by endangering his career and upsetting his relationship with his wife Sandra (Contemporary General) Morning on the Mesa by Jenny Fulton -- Navajo princess sisters Lillian and Zoe learn about God and Creation while herding sheep on their family's mesa. (Children’s Picture Book) Take The Sea by Jenny Powell -- Follow modern-day Hope Gerard & 18th-century Anglican priest John Wesley as they battle their fears through their faith. (Contemporary General) Forged by Fire by Melanie D Snitker -- Firefighter Leslie Granger and Police Officer Clint Baker stumble upon a motive that will test their courage and force them to confront not only the danger, but also the unexpected attraction growing between them (Romantic Suspense) BondKeeper by Colleen K Snyder -- Canna and Gentry are running for their lives from dragon hunters, slave traders, renegade dragons, and the Widow Swansworth who wants Gentry as a bride for her son Brody. Can Gentry learn to trust the Master? Or will she go her own way, and lose the best friend she’ll ever have? (Young Adult) What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells -- Though Clarence Parker doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws in his former gang, he fears his future with Delia Truitt is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together. Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past? (Historical Romance)