Author Archives: Janet Sketchley

About Janet Sketchley

Janet Sketchley is an Atlantic Canadian writer whose Redemption’s Edge Christian suspense novels have each been finalists in The Word Awards. She's also the author of the devotional collection, A Year of Tenacity. Janet blogs about faith and books. She loves Jesus and her family, and enjoys reading, worship music, and tea. Fans of Christian suspense are invited to join her writing journey through her monthly newsletter: bit.ly/JanetSketchleyNews.

Review: What We Hide, by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker

Book cover: What We Hide, by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. Image: woman running toward an ornate stone building, passing benches and trees. Overcast sky suggesting an approaching storm.

What We Hide, by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker (Thomas Nelson, 2024)

A crumbling southern US university. A couple whose marriage shattered with the death of their toddler. A cache of artifacts that seem to be being sold with illegal provenance papers. And… a corpse.

Savannah and Hezekiah Webster might have survived losing their daughter—if he hadn’t turned to alcohol. Two years later, Hez claims to have changed. Savannah doesn’t dare risk her heart again, but when she becomes a person of interest in the on-campus death, she needs his help.

She’s a history professor looking for tenure in the university her father helped establish. He’s a top defense attorney with a new passion for helping the unjustly accused. Can working together reunite their hearts? Will they live long enough to find out?

Much of the story takes place on or near the university grounds, and fans of Colleen Coble’s Pelican Harbor series will recognize some of the nearby town’s residents.

What We Hide is a Tupelo Grove Novel, and the epilogue highlights an unanswered thread that’s begging for a sequel (Where Secrets Lie, releasing June 2025).

This writing duo has also released a stand-alone tech thriller, I Think I Was Murdered, with different characters and a different location. And no, it’s not a ghost story. It features a widow and an advanced AI chat feature. On my to-read list…

What We Hide comes with discussion questions, but don’t peek before you reach the end. Spoilers…

Colleen Coble is a bestselling author of over 75 Christian romantic suspense novels. Rick Acker is a Supervising Deputy Attorney General by day and a bestselling author of Christian legal thrillers by night. For more about the authors, visit colleencoble.com and rickacker.com

[Review copy from the public library.]

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16 Christian Books for Free

An inviting dirt path curving through tall trees, with text: "Joyful Journey Christian Reads, April 2025"

Load up your e-reader—or just take a few. For the month of April 2025, you can get up to 16 free Christian books from 16 authors in a variety of genres. (Psst: one of those books is mine!)

Check out the list here, and choose any that catch your interest. This is a “newsletter magnet” promotion, introducing readers to new-to-you authors by way of newsletter signups in exchange for a free ebook. You’re never obligated to keep the subscription, but I do suggest you check out the first few before making a decision to unsubscribe. Who knows what you might find? See the list of books here: Joyful Journey Christian Reads.

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Are You Aging or Maturing as a Writer? (Guest Post)

Photo credit: Pixabay

Are You Aging or Maturing as a Writer?

by Steph Beth Nickel

Last month (“Are You Aging or Maturing as a Reader?“) we discussed the choices we have as readers. Are we aging, which can be seen in the context of the challenges we face as we grow older, or are we maturing, learning from and applying what we discover with each passing year?

This month let’s ask the same question of ourselves as writers.

Below are some thoughts on what maturing as a writer could look like:

Tips for Writers

If you’ve been writing for years, I encourage you to keep at it. And if you think it’s too late to begin writing even though it’s still one of your dreams, I encourage you to pursue your goal—no mature your age.

While it’s good to expand our horizons, as loath as I am to admit it, it may be time to zero in on the one or two genres in which you would like to write and publish. This coming from an eclectically interested and eclectically involved individual . . .  <sigh>

Deciding on the genre(s) you want to focus on will increase your chances of completing and indie publishing your work or finding a traditional publisher.

Researching which publishing path you want to take will take time, but deciding which path best suits you will save time and energy in the long run. There is lots to learn whichever option you choose.

Note: The publishing path you choose for one project may not be the best for subsequent projects.

A Word of Warning

There are many individuals claiming to be experts in the writing and publishing fields. Do your homework before following anyone’s advice (especially if there is a fee involved). Sadly, there are many who are either deliberately or unintentionally doling out incomplete or entirely false information. Some even charge for services that are free, something I warned a friend about recently. I’m SO GLAD she asked my opinion before forwarding this individual $500 for something that doesn’t cost a dime.

The information we learned a decade ago, last year, or even last week, may not be particularly relevant today. Ours is a twofold responsibility: 1) keep learning and 2) recognize the fact that, at some point, we have to go ahead and press Publish or fire off our manuscript to potential agents, editors, and/or publishers. While we should expand our knowledge, we must realize publishing is in a constant state of flux.

It will be difficult for some of us to hear this, but taking into account the ever-changing writing and publishing landscape and the fact that perfection is subjective and we will never achieve it means we must muster up the courage to recognize when good enough is good enough. I recently heard that there are those who advise writers to publish their work if they consider it 70 percent of what it could be. Seventy percent!

For perfectionists, the idea of publishing at 70 or even 80 percent is inconceivable. For those of us who aren’t particularly perfectionistic, this concept may make us want to cheer.

What This Does Not Mean

Publishing a book that we feel is only at 70 percent does not mean that we shouldn’t send it to beta readers and consider their input. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t get our manuscript professionally edited. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t keep developing and applying our writing and self-editing skills.

But there comes a point when we must realize that as we learn and grow and go over our manuscript “just one more time,” the changes we might make will not make all that much difference. And if we want to publish more than one book, we have to take a deep breath and send our current work out into the world.

My take: Aging can make us more rigid, less likely to consider publishing something we feel isn’t the absolute best we can make it. While maturing is realizing perfection is not attainable and we can be a blessing to readers even if our writing isn’t flawless, whatever that means to us.

In what ways are you maturing as a writer?


Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

Review: How to Hear God: a simple guide for normal people, by Pete Greig

How to Hear God: a simple guide for normal people, by Pete Greig (Zondervan Reflective, 2022)

Can humans today hear from the God of the Bible? Not necessarily audibly, but can we know what He’s saying to us? If you’re curious, I highly recommend this book as an excellent, inspiring resource.

You can tell from the subtitle that it’s not a dry theological work. Instead, it’s a refreshing, accessible, and practical look at various ways Christians can “hear” God (and how to discern A: is it God, and B: am I hearing clearly?).

The key Scriptural passage acting as a framework for the book is the two travellers on the Emmaus Road from Luke 24, where the risen Christ walks with them and teaches them. And the emphasis is on hearing as a natural part of a conversational relationship with God.

While acknowledging Jesus as the Living Word, the book also addresses hearing God’s external word through the Bible, prayer, and prophecy, and His internal word in our spirits, in dreams, and in community, creation, and culture.

Chapters include examples from the Bible, personal experience, quotations from other works on the subject, and mini bio features of Christians both contemporary and historical.

Pete Greig is an excellent speaker, and by narrating his own book in audio form he makes it feel like hearers are listening to him on a podcast or at a conference. Now I want to buy a print copy to study in more depth. The questions for individual and group discussion will be helpful, as will the recommendations for further reading.

The author is also one of the founders of the 24/7 Prayer movement, which brings us, among other resources, the Lectio365 app and the Inner Room prayer app. You can read his bio at dirtyglory.org or at 24-7prayer.com/team/pete-greig.

[Review copy from the public library—but it’s on my to-buy list!]

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New Releases in Christian Fiction (March 2025)

March 2025 New Releases

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

 

Biblical:


The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt — In Nero’s Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians–unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world. When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death. (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Amish Romance:


Green Pastures by Patricia Johns — When Tabitha Schrock returns to her Amish faith after a painful divorce, she and her sisters must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to stay true to their own personal dreams and their Amish faith. (Amish Romance from Bethany House Publishers)

Contemporary Romance:


A Hero’s Nature by Sandra Ardoin — Veterinarian Trey Abbott can’t measure up to his vet tech’s late fiancé, a military hero, so he’s settled for being Reagan’s boss and friend. He’s watched as she’s dated and dumped a long line of guys. After nearly losing her in an accident, though, Trey realizes it’s time to man up and take a chance on love before time runs out. She ends her relationships before emotions become involved and lives ruined. Reagan Hartwell’s friends wrongly believe she spends each anniversary of her fiancé’s death mourning him. This year, sick of her pity parties, she chooses to honor his memory and, maybe, ease some of her guilt. But Trey stands in the way of both her goal and her determination to avoid another love that could end in disaster. As they help a grieving show dog breeder, their good, yet conflicting, intentions for his rundown kennel pit them against one another. But will secrets they each hold tear them apart? Get to know the couples who navigate the joys and pitfalls of life and love in their quaint and tight-knit southern hometown of Hidden Veil, North Carolina. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Tears of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — Cowboys who deserve a second chance at love and happiness and the women strong enough to show them the way…Texas style! (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing)


The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main — They agreed to a practical marriage. But love never goes as planned…Raising three children alone was never part of the plan, but after losing her husband, Emma Bailey is doing the best she can. Until she discovers that she can’t afford the medication her youngest child needs. Suddenly, her late husband’s best friend comes to the rescue. Carter McCaw promised he’d always watch over the family and the farm. But when he proposes a marriage of convenience, Emma’s not so sure. It seems like the perfect solution…until loves blooms between them and complicates everything. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus — With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

General Contemporary:


The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L Tuttle With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she’s ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll’s handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed–this is the perfect distraction. But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren’t the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications)

Historical Romance:


The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm by Kimberly Burkhardt — She’s running from her future. He’s hiding from his past. Forced into an arranged marriage by her father, Samantha Baxter flees from the clutches of her fiancé and finds sanctuary in the small town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Although she attracts the attention of some of the single men in town, Samantha remains cautious, knowing any romantic relationship could put that man in danger of her fiancé and his fury if he ever tracks her down. Michael Brooks finally has enough money to purchase the land where he will build his future home. He can put his criminal past behind him and find peace in the solitary life of crafting furniture for the people of Cooperton. That is, until he meets the new schoolmarm. She stirs a dream inside him he didn’t know he wanted. A wife and family to call his own. Despite her efforts, Samantha finds herself drawn to Michael, unable to deny her growing love for the handsome carpenter. But when his past and her future collide, will the two be able to trust in each other and in God’s plan? Or will their secrets keep them apart? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Echoes of Sunrise by Amanda Cabot — Sophia Carr knows her recurring dreams of an identical twin sister are just that – dreams. She also knows that eventually she will inherit the hotel her grandfather built. When a fire at the hotel kills her mother, Sophia returns to Carr Valley to rebuild and ensure that a planned railroad line chooses a route that will keep the town alive. But her grandfather’s will states that she must be married to inherit, and the only man she can imagine marrying seems to have forgotten her. Up-and-coming architect Gideon Spencer couldn’t say no when his dying friend begged him to marry his widow and raise their baby as his own rather than let a cruel grandfather gain custody. But when the young mother dies, leaving Gideon a single parent, the grandfather poses a new threat unless Gideon manages to marry again. Sadly, the only woman he’s interested in is the one he’s ignored for six months: Sophia.
Knowing he needs to protect the baby, Gideon heads to Carr Valley. When he discovers that Sophia needs a husband as much as he needs a wife, he proposes a six-month marriage of convenience. Sophia agrees but adds a stipulation of her own, one that will test his resolve, even as their wedding day reveals that Sophia’s dreams of a twin sister might be more than dreams.

(Historical Romance from ByDand Publishing)


Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill — In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history. What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too. (Historical Romance from Kregel Publications)


Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith — Lonely bachelor Noah Vestal longs for a family of his own. His inherited farmhouse feels empty, until he befriends his lovely neighbor, widow Bette Owens. When Bette’s in-laws try to separate her from her children, Noah offers to marry her in a quick and convenient arrangement. However, their marriage is soon put to the test when someone contests Noah’s inheritance and threatens to tear their newfound family apart. Set in the idyllic village of Good Springs, this heartwarming tale follows Noah and Bette as they navigate the challenges of marriage, parenthood, and standing up to the powerful village council. As Noah’s dreams of family and community slip away, Bette is faced with an unimaginable fight for her family—and for love. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)


Texas Divided by Sherry Shindelar — Driven by the looming expectation of becoming a suffocatingly proper lady, Morning Fawn is determined to escape the confines of her uncle’s plantation and return to her adoptive Comanche tribe. But with each failed attempt, her hopes dwindle, and she wonders if she’ll ever find her way back home or if that world is forever lost to her. Devon Reynolds, disillusioned by the price of affluence and the horrors of war, leaves his privileged life to join the Texas Rangers and later the cavalry. In the military service, he finds purpose . . . until he loses his wife during childbirth while he is away. In an attempt to redeem himself, he takes one last fateful mission to rescue Morning Fawn from the Comanche. But the results force him to question the righteousness of his actions and the cause he serves. When Devon returns to Texas as a Yankee spy, his path crosses with Morning Fawn once more. Determined to save her from the prison of her uncle’s house and to recover Texas from the Confederacy, Devon is drawn to her fierce spirit and unwavering resolve. But can two wounded souls, each fighting their own battles, find solace and love amidst the chaos of war? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja — Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties. Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him. As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard — Marie Foubert grew up in an orphanage and struggles with feelings of rejection. As a Red Cross recreation worker, she interacts with the American men based in Iceland during World War II. Her growing attraction to seaplane pilot Stefan Dabrowski excites and concerns her. Won’t he disappear from her life like everyone else? Stefan hears his commanding officer describe him as exciting as last night’s bathwater. One of his colleagues constantly berates him because of his Polish heritage and his superior flying skill. Despite being the squadron’s most productive pilot, he is threatened with court martial. A showdown approaches to prove who’s the better pilot and the better man. Marie’s cousin, passing through Iceland, tries to see her after spotting her photo in Life magazine. She declines to meet him, but Stefan encourages her to do so and learn why no one wanted her. She may gain a family after all (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)


Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller — A new life awaits her…if she can find the courage. In the spring of 1885, LilyBeth Engel makes the courageous decision to run from everything she’s known. She boards a train and goes as far as her meager funds will take her with her young son in tow. With nothing but the clothes on her back, the baby in her arms, her Bible, and a skill for sewing beautiful dresses, LilyBeth determines to succeed with the Lord’s help and dogged determination. Barrett MacCallum owns one of the largest ranches in Hilltop in the Montana Territory. He also owns several of the businesses on the main street. When a woman asks to rent one of his businesses for her new dress shop, he’s amenable, even if it means charging the woman less rent because she’s obviously destitute. When Barrett begins to fall in love with LilyBeth, will she have the courage to allow herself to love again with so much at stake?(Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Cozy Mystery:


Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder — The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge. The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him? Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs. Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:


Waylaid by Jerusha Agen — Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job. Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead. Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again. Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late. If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Break My Fall by Lynn H Blackburn — Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way. After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he’s left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered? (Romantic Suspense from Revell)


Traitor in the Scottish Isles by Paige Edwards — To receive her inheritance and escape a scandal not of her making, wealthy socialite Cairstie Henderson moves to a small town in the Scottish Isles, far from the city lights and runways she frequents. There, she encounters the Irish spy responsible for the public breakup that made her the laughingstock of the Scottish Borders. Sheridan, a hardened MI6 agent, is on an undercover assignment to locate missing operatives and the mysterious traitor passing top-secret information to the Chinese. Unfortunately, there’s one Cairstie Henderson knows his true identity—and she detests him. But when Cairstie surprises an intruder, she seeks the one man who can protect her, Sheridan. Over time, these opposites give way to attraction that eventually blossoms into love, but with a dangerous criminal stalking their steps and intrigue around every corner, will Cairstie and Sheridan obtain their happily ever after, or will they end up dead? (Romantic Suspense from Balquhidder Books)


Two Good Deeds by Luana Ehrlich — Titus accepts an assignment to get intel on an Egyptian terrorist by posing as an antiquities collector from Dubai, but when an old acquaintance turns up in Cairo, he suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin, and he must risk everything to stop him. Two Good Deeds is Book 11 in the Titus Ray Thriller Series, and it continues the story of covert operative Titus Ray as he seeks to perform his duties as a CIA officer while figuring out how to live the Christian life in the midst of chaos. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Justice Denied by Sarah Hamaker — Jetta Ainsley’s life had been complicated enough as she navigates cleaning out the family home while her mother recovers from a car accident. When her dog is hurt, her next-door neighbor, Seth Whitman, offers his help. Seth would like to do more for Jetta but the walls she’s placed around her heart are unsurmountable. Then she learns her late father had been accused of embezzlement, drawing Jetta into a web of secrets that could prove his innocence—or destroy her. When digging into her father’s past brings danger to their doorstep, Jetta turns to Seth for assistance in uncovering who stole millions before someone gets hurt. Seth tries to protect Jetta and her mother from the increasing danger, while clues lead them ever deeper into a tangled conspiracy. Unraveling the sinister plot will require all their courage, faith, and trust in each other. But will uncovering the truth clear her father’s name—or destroy their growing love for one another? (Romantic Suspense from Seshva Press)


The Mistaken Witness by Rebecca Lake — When a near-fatal crash forces Harper Ashford and Alek Locke to confront their shared past, their only chance of survival lies in unraveling the deadly web her father wove—that is if they can manage to trust each other before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)


Discovering Elena: My Mother’s Secret by J. Carol Nemeth — A tiny baby’s hat, old faded photos and a half of a metal medallion. What did the clues in the little wooden chest mean, and what will Kate find in Wyoming to shed light on her mother’s past? (Romantic Suspense from Winged Publications)

Young Adult Fiction/Allegory:


Liabetes by Shanna M Heath — She’s got a dream school, a nightmare budget, and she’s headed for a doozy of a rude awakening…Olivia’s goal is within reach. She’s been accepted to her dream school, Vanderbilt University, alma mater of famed comic illustrator Paige O’Donnell. Despite gaining multiple scholarships and grants, Olivia’s just shy of tuition. Desperate, she applies for a $15,000 scholarship offered by the Wonderbrink Foundation, to be awarded to a high-achieving and athletic senior with diabetes. One little problem… Olivia doesn’t have diabetes. In her quest to pull off a whopper of a lie, Olivia attends a diabetes support group meeting, where she meets and befriends Paul Roberts, a smug yet handsome member of the Sugar Shatterers. Her best friends Xavier and Amber aren’t thrilled about Olivia’s new mysterious, one-sided friendship with superstitious, entitled Paul. Xavier may secretly be a *little* jealous, and the scholarship application deadline rapidly approaches. (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)


Between You and Me by Melissa Knight — Meet Colton, the heartthrob of Rayburn High. With his charming smile and flirtatious nature, the girls are wrapped around his finger. As he spends more time with Mia, however – the friend he used to play with on the swings in second grade – he starts to recognize all the little ways she stands out. That girl can make him laugh! As for Mia, her schedule is jam-packed. Between looking out for her sister with special needs and juggling her interests in music, theater, and art, she barely has time for anything else. And romance? It’s a nice dream that has always seemed just out of reach. When Mia and Colton are thrown together in drama class, their relationship deepens, and sparks start to fly. Both begin to dream about something more than just friendship. But with insecurities and lies threatening to tear them apart, will they have the determination to sort out facts from fiction, and the courage to choose faith over fear? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)

 

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

Bravo by Jessica Ashley — A pulse-pounding romantic suspense about trust, redemption, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the past threatens to destroy it. Will they survive the firestorm, or will her secrets bring everything crashing down? (Romantic Suspense)

Circumvent (2nd Edition) by SK Derban — When perfection turns to panic an isolated couple must learn: “For we walk by faith, not by sight…” (Crime Mystery)

To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher — Bound by circumstance and danger, Amanda and Isaiah must navigate the perils of poachers, rustlers, and a growing affection he is not ready to admit. A romance of courage, love, and an unbreakable bond forged in the wild. (Historical Romance)

A Nurse’s Ambush by Rebecca Hemlock — How could she trust the police to catch someone they claimed didn’t exist? (Romantic Thriller)

Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure by Yvonne M Morgan — Mary the Missionary by Yvonne M. Morgan is a heartwarming story that explores themes of compassion, cultural understanding, and faith. (Children’s Early Readers)

But For These Chains by Jenny Powell — This fictionalized account of Paul’s journey with Christ highlights this important aspect of his ministry, taking us on a tour of the Roman empire in the first century AD, and brings us closer to the source of our joy and hope. (Biblical)

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Review: A Forboding of Petrels, by Steve Burrows

A Forboding of Petrels, by Steve Burrows (Point Blank, 2022)

If you like British-based police procedurals, unconventional detectives, down-to-earth characters, and plenty of bird sightings, the Birder Murder Mystery series is for you. This particular mystery will take you to rural England and to Antarctica.

In England: A disciplinary suspension bars DCI Dominic Jejeune from involvement in any active cases. Not that there’s much going on except someone setting a few fires. Well, until they find a body.

In Antarctica: A research scientist is murdered.

Dominic gains access to the local research centre connected with the dead scientist. From the reports and sporadic contact with the expedition’s leader, he begins to trace the clues.

But when his findings become linked with arson at the local research centre, he’s skirting dangerously close to breaking the terms of his suspension.

This is book 7 in the Birder Murder Mystery series. Each novel’s mystery is complete. A reader new to the series starting here would be able to follow the plot but would miss the nuances that have built over time between the characters. It’s a series worth reading from the beginning, so I suggest you start with A Siege of Bitterns.

I love the loyalty that’s grown among these characters, and the descriptions of the natural settings. Like this one:

It had rained earlier that morning, a fine mist so gentle it had settled on the stalks of the grasses without bowing them. (p. 202, Chapter 29)

I also appreciate the way each book touches on details of environmental issues (in an organic way, never feeling like an agenda or a lesson).

Award-winning author Steve Burrows is a UK-born, Canadian-based writer with a long history of experience in the birding world. For more about the author and his work, visit steveburrows.org.

[Review copy from the public library.]

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Are You Aging or Maturing as a Reader? (Guest Post)

Are You Aging or Maturing as a Reader?

by Steph Beth Nickel

Over the next couple of months, I will be having cataract surgery on both eyes and may need corneal transplants in the years to come. I can no longer go as long between workouts and not get stiff—not the good kind that comes from beneficial exercise but the kind that comes from too much inactivity. My sleep patterns are wonky, admittedly because I often stay up too late.

Are these signs of maturing or aging? Easy answer, right?

Sadly, we often think of aging in negative terms and maturing in positive ones, but I truly believe we can combine the two—while acknowledging the challenges of the passing years.

Below are some tips for older readers. (If you haven’t felt the effects of aging as of yet, hopefully you’ll find a few tips that will benefit you as well.)

Tips for Readers

As we age, our bodies and minds often get less pliable, less flexible. Just as regular physical activity can be beneficial to our body, reading can help us continue to mature and reduce the mental signs of aging.

While we all have our favourite genre(s), there are many benefits to expanding our horizons. Why not pick up a book in a genre you don’t typically read?

Have you been wanting to develop your skills in an area you’re familiar with or learn an entirely new-to-you skill? Why not nab a book in your favourite format—or pull one off your shelves you’ve been meaning to (re)read?

Just as it’s beneficial to read a wide variety of genres, there are advantages to consuming books in multiple formats: physical books, e-books, and audiobooks. In recent years, I’ve consumed far more audiobooks than I’d ever imagined I would, being more of a visual learner than an auditory one. When I’m tired or busy doing something that doesn’t require my undivided attention, I enjoy having an audiobook playing.

You can use a library app and borrow audiobooks (and e-books) for free, make individual purchases from sites such as Chirp Books (their deals are phenomenal), or pay a monthly subscription rate to a service such as Rakuten Kobo and download as many e-books and audiobooks as you like.

True confessions: I have numerous apps on my phone for consuming books and hundreds of unread volumes.

How about joining (or starting) a book club? If you don’t have enough friends or family member to begin your own book club, you may want to join an in-person or online club that reads books in one of your preferred genres.

Happy reading, all!

And if you’re a writer—or thinking of becoming one—check out next month’s post, “Are You Aging or Maturing as a Writer?


Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

New Releases in Christian Fiction (February 2025)

February 2025 New Releases

More 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)

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Review: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

Orange book cover with no images. Simple text: John Mark Comer; The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (the word hurry is scratched out); Foreword by John Ortberg

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer (WaterBrook, 2019)

Subtitle: “How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World”

“The problem isn’t when you have a lot to do; it’s when you have too much to do and the only way to keep the quota up is to hurry.” (p, 21)

Can you relate? In this book, author John Mark Comer invites us to discover “what the way of Jesus has to say to the epidemic of hurry.” (p. 76)

He’s approaching the topic from a Christian perspective. However, there’s plenty of valuable content about the problem—and possible solutions—for people of other faiths or no faith.

Meticulously researched, quoting multiple sources and studies, the book is highly readable. Look at the endnotes too. Sometimes they expand on quoted material, and sometimes they’re funny. I found some other books I hope to read later.

There’s a link at the end to a digital workbook called How to Unhurry, which comes with brief teaching videos.

For me, this is a gateway book leading into his newer book, Practicing the Way, which I’m hoping will further expand on the principles I’ve just read.

Highly recommended. Thought provoking. And with practical suggestions on how to implement the practices of “Silence and Solitude, Sabbath, Simplicity, and Slowing.” Not everything will feel applicable, but if we gain only one or two things it will be a journey worth taking.

John Mark Comer is a teacher, speaker, and bestselling author with a refreshing delivery of longstanding truths we need to hear. For more about him and his work, including links to podcasts, his blog, and his newsletter signup, visit johnmarkcomer.com.

[Review copy from the public library.]

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Why Reading Can Be a Challenge (Guest Post)

Why Reading Can Be a Challenge

by Steph Beth Nickel

Don’t get me wrong. I love books. Physical books. eBooks. Audiobooks. All the books. But sometimes I do struggle to sit down and read a book from cover to cover.

Specific Challenges

When I’m tired, it can be difficult to focus on the words on a page. All of us have likely found ourselves reading and re-reading a paragraph because we complete it and wonder what on earth we’ve read.

Reining in my thoughts can prove challenging. I enjoy flitting from one thing to the next to the next. This is one reason I have multiple books on the go at all times—and ideas for books in multiple genres that I would like to write.

As an extrovert, I enjoy auditory input. I find both quiet and background music (especially with lyrics) distracting. This is why it requires more deliberate focus for me to read a physical or eBook.

Enter . . . the Audiobook

While you may not face the challenges I do when it comes to reading, you may be surprised at some of the advantages of listening to audiobooks. These are true even if you’re not an auditory learner.

For we who are extroverts, sometimes it’s nice to have someone keep us company, even if that someone is the narrator of the audiobook we’re listening to. (Of course, listening to some narrators is more pleasant than listening to others.)

It’s possible to do other tasks while listening to an audiobook: drive, wash dishes, tidy up, etc. And with the advent of Bluetooth earbuds, things like running water don’t have to interfere with the experience.

I prefer listening to fiction, but I do listen to some nonfiction books as well. If there are passages I want to make note of, I may purchase the eBook or physical book as well.

Cost-Prohibitive

One “problem” with audiobooks is the cost. However, that need not be the case any longer.

If you want to listen to audiobooks but don’t want to pay a monthly fee for only one book or pay the per book retail cost, there are options.

I was thrilled to discover Chirp | A Better Way to Audiobook. Chirp has phenomenal sales on audiobooks, both more recent releases and classics. Often the first audiobook in a series has a low price, under $5.00. This is a great way to discover new authors and see if we want to invest in the complete series.

And when it comes to subscriptions, you can’t beat Kobo Plus eBook & Audiobook Subscription | Rakuten Kobo Canada. For approximately $15.00 per month, you can download as many audiobooks (and eBooks) as you like for no extra cost. They will disappear, however, should you cancel your subscription, but they won’t disappear from your library if you haven’t read them by the end of the month you downloaded them. Not all books are available, but there are more new and recent releases than I could ever hope to read—even though I often listen to a book in one or two days.

While reading can be a challenge, I am thankful for audiobooks . . . and eBooks (after all, I can easily carry hundreds with me wherever I go) . . . and physical books.

What’s your preferred format? Have you found reading to be a challenge? If so, in what ways?


Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.

If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.