Debut of the Month

Alexander, Johnnie. Where She Belongs. Revell. (Misty Willow, Bk. 1). 2016. 368p. ISBN 9780800726409. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781493401741. CF

After Shelby Kincaid’s husband’s death, the grieving widow buys the farmhouse where she grew up in order to give her young daughters a new start. She is shocked to find that the current owner, A.J. Sullivan, has allowed Misty Willow to fall into ruins. He also is a member of the family that had been feuding with Shelby’s for years. Despite her anger, A.J. is attracted, but Shelby instead allows herself to be courted by Brett, a wealthy attorney and A.J.’s cousin. She soon learns that Brett’s secrets could rip her home right out from under her. Trusting A.J. may be her only hope for keeping her house and her heart safe. VERDICT Alexander, author of the award-winning Where Treasure Hides, launches a promising trilogy that emphasizes the importance of home and the sense of belonging. An overarching theme of forgiveness for past sins runs throughout the novel. Friendship, romance, and a bit of family intrigue make this book impossible to put down. A terrific choice for readers of Debra Clopton’s “Four of Hearts Ranch” series. (See her Kissed by a Cowboy below.)

Amish Corner

Brunstetter, Wanda E. & Jean Brunstetter. The English Son. Shiloh Run. (Amish Millionaire, Bk. 1). Mar. 2016. 128p. ISBN 9781634092036. pap. $6.99; ebk. ISBN 9781634097604. CF

Joel, the youngest son of Eustace and Effie ­Byler, never cared for hard work. Leaving his Amish community, he quickly discovers that life as an Englischer is not as easy, nor as inexpensive as he thought. Splurging on a Corvette instead of paying his creditors, Joel is forced to return home to ask his father for a loan to keep his floundering construction business afloat. Knowing how irresponsible Joel is with money, his father refuses. Joel is desperate, but selling his Corvette is nowhere in his plan to bail himself out. With this title, Brunstetter (The Gift) and her daughter-in-law, Jean, launch a six–part serial novel that follows the Bylers and their wayward son; the first four books will be issued on a monthly basis. The tense tone and cliff-hanger ending is the perfect segue to the next release, The Stubborn Father. VERDICT Lovers of all things Amish and fans of the Brunstetters will delight in this quick read and look forward to the next release in the series. [Previewed in Julia M. Reffner’s “Trials and Tribulations” Genre Spotlight feature, LJ 11/15/15.]

Christner, Dianne. Covered Bridge Charm. Shiloh Run. Mar. 2016. 320p. ISBN 9781630588977. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781630589011. CF

A broken engagement and the resulting gossip plagues Carly Blosser in a small Mennonite community in Oregon. She devotes her life to the residents of the Sweet Life Retirement Home. While her ex-fiancé never appreciated Carly’s spiritedness, his cousin Adam enjoys her spunky personality right down to the bright pink bike that she rides all over town. He even gets involved with Carly’s efforts to reconnect a nursing home resident with an old flame. But when his cousin is injured in a work-related accident, Adam has to go to Nappanee to help. Carly fears that their fledgling relationship will not be enough to bring him back to her. VERDICT Christner’s (“Plain City Bridesmaids” series) well-crafted, small-town setting and endearingly quirky characters will engage fans of Amish fiction, particularly those who like Margaret Brownley (see her Calico Spy below). Readers in search of an enchanting romance will enjoy following the blossoming relationship between Carly and Adam.

Check these out

Brownley, Margaret. Calico Spy. Shiloh Run. (Undercover Ladies, Bk. 3). 2016. 320p. ISBN 9781628366280. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781634097314. CF

Pinkerton agent Katie Madison heads to Calico, KS, to investigate the murder of two waitresses at the Harvey House restaurant. Posing as one of the “Harvey Girls” allows her to talk casually with the customers, including regular patron and local sheriff Branch Whitman. For Katie, avoiding being discovered is easier than stilling her racing heart when Branch enters the dining room. One evening, when she leaves her accommodations to investigate, she runs into the sheriff, and the two form an uneasy partnership to find the killer while trying to keep their mutual attraction at bay. Meanwhile, Branch has his own secrets surrounding his young son. When the boy is threatened, even Kate may not be able to help him. ­VERDICT Brownley wraps up her entertaining series (Petticoat Detective; Undercover Bride) with this third and final installment. These lighthearted books are perfect for historical romance fans who enjoy a fast-paced story flavored with faith and humor.

Cantrell, Julie. The Feathered Bone. Thomas Nelson. 2016. 384p. ISBN 9780718037628. pap. $15.99; ebk. ISBN 9780718037635. CF

What starts off as a fun Halloween sixth-grade field trip to New Orleans for Ellie and Sarah turns into a terrifying odyssey for Amanda Salassi, the chaperone and Ellie’s mother, when Sarah vanishes. Initially, there is the expectation that the missing girl will be found. But as the search for Sarah extends from days to years, the strain of the guilt becomes too much for Amanda and her family. In a tale reminiscent of the story of Job, Amanda experiences losses that eventually rival those of the missing girl’s family. VERDICT Inspired by the real-life kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart, the author of the Christy Award–winning Into the Free and Carol Award winner When Mountains Move has written an excruciatingly dark and disturbing novel about the devastating impact of sex trafficking on two families. Although Cantrell inserts a grain of hope in the novel, her portrait of loss and heartbreak will leave readers reeling. This latest work is bound to be nominated for all the major CF literary awards. [Previewed in Julia M. Reffner’s “Trials and Tribulations” Genre Spotlight feature, LJ 11/15/15.]

Clopton, Debra. Kissed by a Cowboy. Thomas Nelson. (Four of Hearts Ranch Romance, Bk. 3). Feb. 2016. 320p. ISBN 9781401690533. pap. $12.99; ebk. ISBN 9781401690540. CF

With Jarrod Monahan’s hands full running his ranch, caring for his aging grandpa, and trying to outsmart a group of renegade cattle rustlers, the last thing he needs is more complications. However, sometimes God gives what is needed; in this case, the “one that got away” has just returned to run the family farm she inherited from her aunt. Jarrod’s feelings for Cassidy Starr have never disappeared, and this time he is determined to make love work. After repeatedly having her heart broken, Cassidy has no time for romance as she faces the challenges of restoring the farm—until she realizes who her neighbor is. VERDICT This lovely conclusion to Clopton’s trilogy (Betting on Hope; Counting on a Cowboy) about the Monahan brothers and the town of Wishing Springs, TX, will please series fans and devotees of Western romances. Who doesn’t love a cowboy?

Cossette, Connilyn. Counted with the Stars. Bethany House. (Out from Egypt, Bk. 1). Apr. 2016. 352p. ISBN 9780764214370. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441229410. CF

Sold into slavery by her wealthy Egyptian father to pay off his business debts and abandoned by her betrothed, Kiya endures the verbal abuse of her new mistress until plagues devastate the kingdom of Egypt, the result of the pharaoh’s refusal to free the Hebrew people. Kiya decides to escape the bonds of captivity and flee with the Hebrews during their great exodus. VERDICT Cossette’s debut won the 2013 Frasier Contest and was a semifinalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Her engrossing tale draws on the Book of Exodus and pays exquisite attention to the ancient setting, creating an exotic yet foreboding atmosphere. Biblical fiction buffs, especially those who follow Angela Hunt, Jill Eileen Smith, and Rebecca Kanner, are sure to be swept away by this promising new author.

Mason, Susan Anne. A Worthy Heart. Bethany House. (Courage To Dream, Bk. 2). 2016. 400p. ISBN 9780764217258. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441229403. CF

Rylan Montgomery’s sister, Maggie, leaves Ireland and travels to America to avoid an unwanted suitor and find her fortune. Arriving at the orphanage run by Rylan and his wife, Colleen, Maggie agrees to assist in the classroom. Her plans are threatened by the arrival of Neill Fitzgerald, who wants to take her back to Ireland and make her his wife—by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Adam O’Leary, Rylan’s brother-in-law who’s recently been released from prison, has returned home to a bittersweet reunion with his parents. He will do anything to be restored to his family’s good graces, but falling in love with Maggie is an unexpected surprise. VERDICT Fans of Irish Meadows will not be disappointed in this follow-up, which renders a skillful mix of tense family drama, historical romance, and memorable characters that will stay with readers.

Peterson, Tracie. A Treasure Concealed. Bethany House. (Sapphire Brides, Bk. 1). Mar. 2016. 336p. ISBN 9780764213243. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441265395. CF

Emily Carver, tired of leading her father’s gypsy life in the Montana mining camps, longs for a home of her own. Geologist ­Caeden Thibault arrives to catalog indigenous materials found in the area. The attraction is mutual, but after the misogynistic violence that Emily has witnessed and ­Caeden’s own family secrets of abuse, the couple will need divine intervention to overcome their issues and find love. ­VERDICT Peterson (“Brides of Seattle” series) produces a strong sense of the Wild West in this riveting story of life in the mining camps of 1890s ­Montana. With absorbing characters, a suspenseful plot, and foreboding tone, this new series is guaranteed to be one of her best.

Pettrey, Dani. Cold Shot. Bethany House. (Chesapeake Valor, Bk. 1). Feb. 2016. 336p. ISBN 9780764211973. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441229427. CF

SWAT team sniper–turned–Gettysburg park ranger Griffin McCray routinely catches treasure seekers illegally searching for a piece of Civil War history. However, when he surprises a pair of thieves digging in the park, he realizes that they have uncovered the remains of a recently murdered woman. An impromptu meeting arranged by forensic anthropologist ­Finley Scott reunites Griffin with his childhood friends, FBI agent Declan Gray and crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell. The relationship of the trio had been damaged by past secrets and things long left unsaid. When the investigation takes a violent turn, the friends realize that their survival hinges on their ability to forgive themselves and one another. ­VERDICT Fans of Pettrey (Sabotaged) will adore this new romantic suspense series. Dynamic protagonists and an increasingly tense narrative set the scene for a harrowing and thrilling ride. As the tension ratchets up, a growing romantic chemistry between Griffin and the charming Finley builds as well. The author provides just enough backstory to set up the rest of the series nicely. A solid pick for adrenaline fiction junkies and readers of Lis Wiehl and DiAnn Mills. [Previewed in Julia M. Reffner’s “Trials and Tribulations” Genre Spotlight feature, LJ 11/15/15.]

Smith, Virginia. Renovating the Richardsons. Harvest House. (Tales from the Goose Creek B&B, Bk. 2). Feb. 2016. 224p. ISBN 9780736964791. pap. $9.99; ebk. ISBN 9780736964807. CF

Millie and Al Richardson are hard at work making their inn a reality and coaching the local softball team. Susan, the young veterinarian, finally finds acceptance in the small town of Goose Creek, KY. Unfortunately, her grim-faced father is not forthcoming, and it will take a miracle for this father and daughter to reconcile their differences, especially over her relationship with new beau Justin. To top it off, a massage parlor opens in town, much to the horror of its residents. VERDICT Smith has cooked up another hilarious and delightful story (after The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade) filled with lively characters, lots of love, and a thread of spirituality.

Turano, Jen. Playing the Part. Bethany House. (Class of Their Own, Bk. 3). Mar. 2016. 352p. ISBN 9780764212772. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441269607. CF

To escape her stepfather’s machinations involving his debt and the attentions of Silas Ruff, actress Lucetta Plum gives up a starring role and hides out at the estate of Bram Haverstein, the grandson of a friend. Bram is delighted to have Lucetta land on his doorstep since he has followed her career and admires her work. As Lucetta and Bram become acquainted, Lucetta notices his eccentricities and strange household. Fiercely independent, she has no desire to marry or become entangled in a relationship. However, when Silas shows up to collect his debt, she fears she may never have another chance to tell Bram how she really feels. VERDICT In her third series entry (After a Fashion; In Good Company), Turano has crafted another feisty female protagonist who defies the mores of her time, in this case 1882 New York. This provocative novel brims with the author’s trademark humor and subtle romantic style laced with faith. A pleasant selection for readers seeking a light historical romance.

Warren, Susan May. You’re the One That I Want. Tyndale House. (Christiansen Family, Bk. 4). Feb. 2016. 356p. ISBN 9781414378466. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781496412225. CF

After Owen Christiansen’s reckless behavior costs him his NHL career, he lands on a crabbing boat in Alaska where he meets Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter and a newly minted Anchorage police officer. The attraction is mutual, but Owen no longer believes and feels that his life is worth nothing, while Scotty is wary of relationships. When Owen’s brother, Caspar, arrives with the news that he is wanted for questioning in a murder in Minnesota, Owen, accompanied by Scotty, returns home with Caspar. As the Christiansens work through this family crisis with their Christian values in tact, Scotty’s defenses begin to crumble. VERDICT Warren concludes her family saga (The Wonder of You) with an entry that is guaranteed to become a fan favorite. Readers will appreciate the flawed protagonists who stumble on their path toward faith, the humorous tone, and the abounding love that the family members share.

Series Lineup

Coble, Colleen. Mermaid Moon. Thomas Nelson. (Sunset Cove, Bk. 2). 2016. 352p. ISBN 9781401690281. pap. $15.99; ebk. ISBN 9781401690298. CF

The second book (after The Inn at Ocean’s Edge) in Coble’s trilogy returns to the Maine island of Folly Shoals. The suspicious death of Edmond Blanchard brings his daughter Mallory back after 15 years of self-imposed exile. Mallory must find the killer before she and her teenage daughter become the next victims.

Deering, Julianna. Dressed for Death. Bethany House. (Drew Farthering, Bk. 4). Mar. 2016. 320p. ISBN 9780764214110. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441229397. CF

Drew Farthering and Madeline, his new bride, are attending a Regency-era costume party when tragedy strikes. Alice Henley, the fiancée of his friend Talbot Cummins, dies of a cocaine overdose. Drew is drawn into a sticky web of lies, secrets, and intrigue that hit close to home. Fans of the series (Murder at the Mikado) and Agatha Christie will want this one.

White, Roseanna M. The Reluctant Duchess. Bethany House. (Ladies of the Manor, Bk. 2). Apr. 2016. 400p. ISBN 9780764213519. pap. $14.99; ebk. ISBN 9781441229458. CF

Lady Rowena Kinnaird longs to escape Scotland, her abusive father, and an unwanted suitor. She enters into a marriage of convenience to the Duke of ­Nottingham but soon realizes that she may have traded one type of danger for another. The second volume in White’s Edwardian series (after The Lost Heiress) is a solid pick for Downton Abbey fans.

Christine Sharbrough is Head of Reader Services, Chelmsford Public Library, MA. She loves Christian fiction for the inspiration and hope it gives to readers