New Christian Fiction Releases in December!

Hey, friends! Looking for something to read this month? American Christian Fiction Writers has an online resource called Fiction Finder. Below are new and recent releases, with links. Read on!

December 2023 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website  Contemporary Romance:  Bidding on a Second Chance by Emily Conrad -- His bid for a second chance this Christmas might lead to her most disastrous fall yet. Police officer Graham Lockhart’s life is dangerous enough without accident-prone Piper Wells tripping around in it—at least that’s what she claimed when she declined his marriage proposal two years ago. But he can’t help but wonder if there is more to her refusal. Piper always cared for Graham, but she is incapable of giving him the one thing he wants more than anything—family. All her orphaned self knows about that is how much it hurts to lose. She’s better off focusing on caring for her nephew and running her business. Secondhand furniture doesn’t break hearts. When an injury sidelines Piper leading into the holidays, Graham steps up to help her keep her commitment to a Christmastime auction benefiting a local family. Can they overcome the hurdles between them, or will the past and their warring hopes and fears trip them up for good?? (Contemporary Romance from Hope Anchor LLC) Home from the Storm by Laurel M. Blount -- After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find. (Contemporary Romance from Berkley) The Care of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis -- In the sprawling landscape of Crossroads Creek, where the Texan sun paints golden dreams, Max Turner suddenly finds his dream of reclaiming his family’s lost ranch put on hold. To avoid draining his savings account, Max is desperately searching for a new job and a place to live, except ranch foreman jobs weren’t easy to come by. As the scorching summer unfolds, Max's path crosses with that of Lucy Carrington, a determined young woman whose dreams clash with the expectations of her traditional rancher father. When her father hires Max to secretly oversee the ranch because he doesn’t trust his daughter to handle a man’s job, Max is caught in a web of deceit. As Max and Lucy navigate the complexities of their new roles, including the surprise news that Max is guardian to Crystal…a twelve-year-old niece he never knew existed, they discover the power of love and resilience, and the true meaning of family. (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)  General Contemporary: 

Broken Spirit by Sheridan Lee -- The dream of motherhood eludes her. Can she find her way back to hope? Belinda Briggs’ life is shattered by losses and crises, shattering her faith and leading her on a quest for renewed hope, faith, and peace in this series finale contemporary Christian women's fiction tale. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Winged Publications)

  Chokecherry Valley Comfort by Jean Rezab -- One accident. Two devastated families. Paul Richmond's life changed in an instant when his wife and seven-year-old daughter die in a car accident. He struggles to move forward with this huge change. As his two-year sobriety anniversary approaches, he knows he's on the edge of a relapse. He takes a sabbatical from his work as a doctor and heads to his in-law's farm to get perspective and try to come to terms with his new life. Tyler Garvey is the only survivor of the two-vehicle accident in which his younger brother dies. He feels guilty because he should have been driving. His parents don’t blame him, but he blames himself, and so does Paul. Both families try to put their lives back together. It’s going to take time, a great deal of comfort, and forgiveness on all sides. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) Chokecherry Valley Joy by Jean Rezab -- Abby feels like everything is wrong with her life. She’s never dealt with the grief of losing her twin sister, Samantha, and niece, Amy, in an accident. Her marriage to Mark has fallen into the routine of his long hours of work and her erratic schedule as a nurse in a busy Houston hospital. Their failed attempt to have a child puts further strain on their relationship. Unhappy in her current job, she needs a break. She travels to Chokecherry Valley to spend two weeks with her parents at their farm. Mark plans to join her after he finishes his current work project, and she hopes to reconnect with him and discuss their future. (General Contemporary, Independently Published) The Year of Goodbyes and Hellos by Kelly S. Irvin -- Determined to save Sherri’s life, Kristen drops everything to guide her sister on the harrowing cancer treatment journey. When she’s unable to balance the strain of caring for her patients, being a wife and mother, and her frantic efforts to save her sister, Kristen’s carefully balanced life crumbles, starting with her marriage. Desperate to regain her footing, she vows to rebuild her broken relationships . . . as soon she’s sure Sherri will beat the odds stacked against her. Unlike her sister, Sherri Reynolds has worked to cultivate balance in her life. Her children, her job as a teacher, and her strong faith keep her grounded—until her diagnosis sends her spiraling into the scary world of what-ifs and unknown outcomes. Sherri faces the agonizing realization that family history may be about to repeat itself. With the clock ticking, she’s determined to use whatever time she has left to heal old wounds and restore relationships. Together, the sisters are forced to reexamine their priorities, address the still tender wounds of their childhood, and delve more deeply to discover what it means to live each day to its fullest.? (General Contemporary from HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Christmas in Ohio by Bettie Boswell, Tamera Lynn Kraft, Penny Frost McGinnis, and Michelle Levigne -- Come join us for a celebration of Christmas in the Buckeye State, with snow and mistletoe, a dash of suspense and danger, mystery and reunions, healing and hope. (General Contemporary from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

 Historical Romance:  When Love Comes by Penny Zeller -- A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his brother and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it's never too late for true love. When Charlotte's and Tobias's paths cross in Prune Creek, Wyoming, can they put aside their preconceived disdain for each other? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl in search of someone to take the place of the parents she lost? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)  Cozy Mystery:  Deadly Burden by Janet Sketchley -- Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer? Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead? The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss? Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)  Romantic Suspense: 

Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L. Turner -- Standing guard…with threats on all sides. When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense/Harlequin)    

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

A Courageous Betrothal by Denise Weimer - A wounded lieutenant, a woman fierce enough to protect her family, and an American Revolution with everything at stake. (Historical Romance) Another Outer Banks Christmas by Christina Sinisi - She’s a role model for everything good, and he comes from a rough and broken home. (Contemporary Romance) Finding Baby Jesus by Lynn Weathington - Will Baby Jesus find his way back into the nativity in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance) Hilltop Christmas by Kathleen D. Bailey - When the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she's drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is. (Romance) Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus - With love, faith, a support dog and some Christmas spirit, maybe it’s not too late after all… (Contemporary Romance) For Love or Money by Susan Page Davis - When he learns where the money probably came from, will it keep their two families apart? (Western) Hope’s Hills by Ruth Kyser - Will they remain good friends, or has God got other plans for their futures? (Contemporary Romance) Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas - Shootings, snow globes, and secrets abound when Alexis James witnesses the shooting of a British author outside the local bookstore. (Romantic Suspense Novella) The Quilting Circle Box Set by Mary Davis - All four books from the Quilting Circle Series in one box set. (Historical Romance)

Starstruck by Amy Clipston

 

Starstruck by Amy Clipston

Let’s begin with the summary:

Can a small-town waitress capture the heart of a world-famous heartthrob?

For Heather Gordon, life in her small North Carolina town has always been simple and uneventful . . . until one night when a rowdy food fight breaks out in her family's restaurant where she works as a waitress. The culprits? The internationally famous rock band, Kirwan. And when Alex Kirwan, the charming and enigmatic lead singer, wants to make amends for his brothers' (and bandmates') behavior and invites her to attend one of their concerts as a guest of the band, Heather's world is turned upside down . . . and sparks fly.

Alex has always loved music, but his rock-star life isn't all glamorous people and parties. It's also paparazzi and online tabloids, a new city every week, and the loneliness of touring--even if he has his brothers with him. But with Heather things are different, and he's instantly smitten and determined to get to know the sweet, pretty woman who has absolutely no interest in his fame. If only he can convince her to take a chance on his crazy life.

Once Alex leaves on tour, he and Heather begin exchanging messages and calls. Despite the distance between them, they find themselves learning they have more in common than they ever could have imagined. But even while Heather and Alex's relationship deepens, they must face the harsh realities of fame and the pressures it puts on their personal lives. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that come with celebrity, or will the rigors of distance and Alex's life on the road tear them apart?

 

And now, my review:

As I read this book, I wondered if it were a YA (young-adult) novel. The characters are juvenile, unlikable, selfish, and rude.

The plot included a bit of a wish-fulfillment element in meeting a music star, but I couldn’t feel the intended excitement given the characters’ actions.

I found dull, redundant wording as the heroine seemed to have a one-track mind about her desserts for the family restaurant. In this way, she didn’t seem very layered or mature. I couldn’t find any nobility in the heroine’s character that would make me sympathize with her or root for her.

Unfortunately, this book wasn’t for me, though I love music. I think there was a lot of potential here, but I couldn’t enjoy the journey, nor experience it through these characters. They weren’t relatable or likable. I gave up at 8 percent into the novel.

Treat Yourself to Christmas Novellas!

 

Novellas: A Christmas Duet and A Christmas Romance

 

I enjoyed exploring artistic careers in these e-book novellas that are set on Puget Sound at Christmastime. 

A Christmas Duet  

Sequel to Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington

 

A professional cellist.
A widower pianist.
And the duet that brings them together.

 

A Christmas Romance

Sequel to Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington

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.

Though these novellas are each sequels to my full-length novels, they can be read as stand-alones.

They're free on Kindle Unlimited!

 

 

Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon

 

Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon

As I mentioned earlier this year on this blog, Sarah Monzon is on my authors to watch list. She’s very good!

Let’s begin with the summary:

Single mom Kaitlyn Stafford has never considered Christmas a balancing act, but when her sister calls with the news that she’s getting married in less than two weeks—on Christmas Day—that’s exactly what the holiday looks like becoming. Helping with the out-of-state wedding will be fun. The challenge will be doing so while accommodating her neurodivergent son’s need to keep every single one of their Christmas traditions while they’re away from home. It’ll be tricky, but she can do it.

At least, that’s what she thinks before her son’s favorite YouTuber, Beckett Walsh, shows up on the scene, knocking her world off-kilter with his speaking glances and knowing smiles. How on earth is she supposed to pull off her balancing act when her world’s just tilted on its axis?

And now, my review:

If you’ve experienced neurodiversity or lived with someone who is neurodivergent, you’ll resonate with this story’s descriptions of behaviors. I appreciated the heroine’s listing the behaviors, helping readers who can relate feel less alone. Also, showing us an example of how to navigate a world that is only just now beginning to understand neurodivergence.

There’s a belief by folks unfamiliar with neurodivergency that those affected can simply “get over it” or “change already” or “figure it out.” But that’s like saying, “Just have blue eyes and red hair. What are you waiting for?” Without tinted contacts and hair dye, we can’t will ourselves to be what’s expected if we aren’t wired/designed that way.

For these reasons and many more, this book really resonated with me.

The author mentions stimming, overstimulation, a need for routines, making noises, having tics, dissociation, and decompressing.

Now, for the story! It’s so much fun. We get to meet a very interesting hero who is thoughtful and not put off by the heroine’s son’s condition. While she teaches the hero, she’s educating readers, possibly, on the challenges she and her son face. But the prose doesn’t come across as preachy or bitter.

In fact, I felt the heroine handled the challenges of being misunderstood by others with a lot of grace. I yelled at the rude, impatient characters in the book, but she stayed calm. Heh!

Sarah’s prose is well done. She’s competent with the romance genre and in story telling. She’s very good at characterization. I loved how the hero and heroine were opposites in some ways. He was upbeat, she was burdened. His coming along lightened her burden. And all this against the backdrop of a Christmas setting.

Highly recommended!

Last Week for the Sale Price - 11/7 through 11/10!

 

It's been wonderful to share this new book with readers! 

If you haven't had a chance to pick up A Christmas Romance, my latest novella, now's the time to grab it at the new release price! Kindle Unlimited members read for free!

This is the sequel to my award-winning novel, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Here's a tip: though these stories are related by location, and you'll find a cameo of a favorite character in these pages, my current books are stand-alones. I recommend reading them in order, but it's not necessary. You won't be lost.

Here's a little more about this story:

Come to the island bookshop this Christmas!

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 Romance: a novella

Here's the summary:

Bookshop owner Peyton McKinley lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington. An inspired reader, she writes wholesome romance novels, dreaming of publication. Unfortunately, a past breakup has soured her on relationships. When a literary agent wants to see her manuscript as soon as she can finish it, writer’s block stalls her progress.

Best-selling picture book author and illustrator Eli Jaxon has relocated to Puget Sound to be nearer to his family. He’s on deadline for his next Prescott the Proper Peacock volume, but worry for his niece distracts him. Past mistakes keep him closed off to dating.

When Peyton needs help with her story, previously married Eli volunteers to help her brainstorm. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance?

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

If you get a chance to read either book, please leave a rating or review. Happy reading, friends!

 

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Wildflower Falls by Denise Hunter

Let’s begin with the summary: 

He’s here to train her horses, and then he’s moving on. She’s keeping her true identity a secret. But their spark complicates both of their plans. When her mother’s death leaves Charlotte Simpson bereft, she hopes the Robinson clan will accept her as one of their own and help fill the void. But a startling discovery dashes her hopes and leaves her wondering if she will ever know the father she’s always longed for. 

Horse trainer Gunner Dawson has experienced profound loss and intends to avoid it. So he lives on the move without forming close bonds or putting down roots. When Charlotte hires him to work with her horses and help expand her ranch, he commits to staying for a few months. But he doesn’t count on getting caught up in Charlotte’s search for her biological father. Or on falling in love—with Riverbend Gap or with Charlotte. This time, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to move on—or if he even wants to. 

And now, my review: 

The author’s research was extensive and impressive in this story. Lots of horse-care jargon and practices. I liked the hero’s way with horses. I liked the heroine’s commitment to the promise she made her mother. She has looked into her genealogy, and I love seeing that aspect in fiction. 

The heroine is determined to expand her ranch and build her family’s legacy, despite her obstacles. What set this book apart for me, since that in itself isn’t necessarily original, was the in-depth equestrian terminology and exploration. 

Two tropes that don’t sit well with me are that she’s petite but he’s tall, and she’s eight years younger. Both of those tropes reduce the female and elevate the male. That’s a built-in infantilization of the otherwise competent, respectable, competent adult FMC. 

Unfortunately this story didn’t hold my interest past 40 percent. Maybe it’s because this setup is familiar—save the ranch. I needed some sort of overlapping element or a faster moving romance to keep me engaged.

Any romance reader who loves horses will enjoy this book.  

All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

 

All's Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Don’t you just love a Christmas story?

Let’s begin with the summary:

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham—Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they’ll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she’d be a contender in her company’s holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher’s life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year’s promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she’s his rival, he can’t stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he’s afraid that if he can’t get his head on straight, the promotion isn’t the only thing he’ll end up losing to Mackenzie.

And now, my review:

Overall, I enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the snarky first-person female protag’s voice. Loved the humor sprinkled throughout the story.

Our pour heroine is stuck in insecurity. She overthinks everything—what Meyers Briggs’ updated personality charts calls “turbulent.” She habitually rejects herself, undervalues her own strengths and positive traits, and fears she’ll fail in social situations. She has difficulty communicating her thoughts due to paralysis of social anxiety.

Her bff will help her overcome her tendencies, and the heroine will use interesting strategies to do so.

I felt the author did a fantastic job with the heroine’s characterization and her hang-ups. Her story line resonated with me as genuine, flawed, and relatable. I cheered for this heroine to overcome. Hooked, I was curious how she would.

The faith element was interesting here too. The heroine prayed for deliverance, but it didn’t come the way she expected. I loved this subtle thread. The flawed hero has some growth ahead of him too. He’s confident, but perhaps teetering on cocky. He doesn’t always have compassion on others, he blurts things out to his buddies, and he overlooks the underdog at work. His nobility is in his guardianship of his sister’s orphaned children. So we don’t dislike him for long. It was satisfying to watch him grow as well.

I liked that the male protag was the planner. This is a welcome twist on the usual trope. Another helpful author choice was putting the female MC’s voice in first-person narrative, and the male MC’s voice in third person. That helps readers track whose POV we’re in as we come back to the story. Watching the heroine find her voice, celebrate her strengths, and overcome her fear kept me engaged. The simple answers didn’t solve it. I loved that! God often takes us through a process to find healing or breakthrough. He overcomes our misguided attempts or beliefs while teaching us the truths that set us free. He answers our prayers over time. I loved that part of the book. Kudos to the author for going deeper than a surface, pat answer.

I love the competition and the aptly chosen title wording. They’re at war, after all.

My only drawback was with Frank. Not that the author included him, but that, at first, the hero’s pursuit didn’t feel any different than Frank’s. This is a fine line—not to let heroes come across as creepers as they back heroines against walls. Otherwise, this book is very, very well written.

I also read her book Kiss Me on Christmas and appreciated her inclusion of an autistic child. See my review on this blog for that book as well! Sarah is making a name for herself (at least with me) of competently writing about autism and anxiety disorders. I appreciate these deeper layers and tougher topics, especially since she doesn’t gloss over these challenging issues nor does she offer easy answers. Her work feels authentic because of her approach. She’s on my list of authors to watch!