Juni Jessup and her sisters have reopened the family record business, with a trendy coffee bar to draw people in. Before they can grow a steady income stream, the mayor is found dead—poisoned—holding a take-out cup of their coffee.
Rumours travel fast in a small town. With their livelihood—and reputations—on the line, the three sisters determine to find the killer.
A Fatal Groove is book 2 in the Record Shop mysteries (Book 1 is Vinyl Resting Place). The small-town extended family vibe is fun, the tone is light, and I appreciate the puns. It’s an easy read, not intense, and I like the characters.
If the mysteries will stop long enough, Juni needs to decide which side of the love triangle she’s on: with her childhood best friend, or with her ex? It’s only a 3-book series, so I guess book 3, Rhythm and Clues, will include the answer.
Olivia Blacke writes cozy mysteries with quirky characters. As well as the Record Shop Mysteries, her books include the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries and the paranormal Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries.
Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburne — Lida Mae Beiler and Tom Fisher, both feeling betrayed by their parents, find healing, acceptance and forgiveness, while forging a future together. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:
The Case of the Duct Tape Disaster by Becca Wierwille — A mess of duct tape. A missing dress. Can Scout and Barnaby bring the dress destroyer to justice? Along with her trusty canine sidekick, Barnaby, Scout is determined to crack the case—before the Camp Gala begins and the culprit gets away with it. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Fairest Inn All by Amy R. Anguish — Kari White never planned to rescue a historic inn—or risk her carefully guarded heart. Summoned to coastal Georgia by seven uncles she barely knows, Kari arrives with one goal: fix the failing Apple Inn and leave before old wounds or deeper feelings can surface. But with an aggressive developer closing in, deadlines looming, and the inn’s future hanging in the balance, walking away may cost more than she’s prepared to lose. (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
A Father’s Promise by Sandra Ardoin — Nothing has changed for him, but everything has changed between them. Years ago, Paige Matthews left Hidden Veil to escape her love for Sutton Vance and their opposing visions for the future. Now, struggling to relate to her adopted children, she returns to her hometown with the keys to the house she and Sutton always imagined would be theirs. But nothing in life has turned out as Paige expected. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
The Rancher’s Stolen Past by Tabitha Bouldin — Coming home isn’t easy for cowboy Zane Kingsley—but he’s eager to earn back the trust of the woman he never stopped loving. Single mom Molly Jacobs is still grieving the husband she lost six years ago, and the last person she wants to see is the man she blames for his death. When they’re forced to work together at a summer riding program for kids, Molly can’t help but notice the growing bond between Zane and her young son. Can Zane convince her that he’s a changed man and that he’s worthy of her forgiveness…and her love? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
The Police Chief’s Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus — Tumbleweed police chief Daniel Montgomery never understood why Emily Kent walked away from him back when they were high school sweethearts. But when tragedy makes them co-guardians of their siblings’ twin daughters, Emily and Daniel find themselves together again after years apart, facing the unexpected challenges of parenthood. As buried feelings rise to the surface, the spark between them becomes impossible to ignore. With old hurts and past secrets between them, will they ever get a chance at their long-awaited happily-ever-after? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
The Hidden Key of Brooke Sumner by Susan L. Tuttle — Brooke Sumner has been carefully avoiding Storm Whitlock ever since he betrayed her trust. When he also joins Caspar’s mysterious treasure-hunting group, she steps away to focus on her antique shop and keep herself busy rather than work alongside him. Then Caspar invites her back for one final assignment, and Brooke is torn. Returning to Halstead Manor to help the team she’s been a part of find the second half of a key sounds intriguing. It also means this time, she’d be working with Storm. (Contemporary Romance from Kregel Publications)
Cozy Mystery:
One Rotten Apple by Penny Frost McGinnis — Lyndie Lavender expected apple pie and pumpkins, not murder. With her sister and her aunt’s handsome tenant, she sleuths through Seldom Seen to catch a festival killer. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
General Contemporary:
A Most Peculiar Providence by Angela Hunt — Joshua Donnelly has lived a careful, orderly life in the old house on Church Street, as his mama taught him. Then, on the coldest night of the year, a newborn baby appears in his care with no explanation and no instructions. Only a prayer answered in the most unexpected way. Heather Thomas arrives in Peculiar carrying her own heartbreak, running from mistakes she cannot undo. When her path crosses Josh’s, the two form a fragile, improbable unit built on kindness, faith, and more hope than sense. (General Contemporary from Hunt Haven Press)
Historical Literary:
Chasing the Wind by William Isley — Three young men, James an Epicurean, Freddy an atheist seeking knowledge, and Bart desiring wealth, make a pact in 1972 to meet 25 years later to see how their philosophy of life worked out only to discover that their dreams were not only unfulfilling, but deadly, without God. (Historical Literary, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
The Blacksmith’s Songbird by Kimberly Burkhardt — Beneath the glow of the gaslight lamps and smoky haze of the Big Blue Saloon, nineteen-year-old Laura Shining feels like a songbird trapped in a cage. She longs for freedom, a life away from the leering eyes of the drunken cowhands and controlling saloon owners. When one of the saloon owner’s simmering jealousy turns violent, Laura must rely on courage, friendship, and the love of a man who has forged his way into her heart, to escape the saloon life. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Eyewitness Sketch by Danielle Grandinetti — CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—CHICAGO, Ill., 1931—Gabriella Salatino, an illustrative journalist for the Di Stasio Giornaliste Agency, never planned to return to her island home at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. Nor did she plan to witness a murder. But when her life is threatened, she has no choice but to hide out under the protective care of the man she left behind. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Shetland Sunset by Linda Shenton Matchett — Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war? After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fisherman who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Listen For the Chickadees by Terri Wangard — John Walsh is a skilled aircraft carrier fighter pilot, but on December 7, 1941, he’s shot down over Pearl Harbor by American sailors. Taken to an aid station, he comes face to face with … Gloria Bloch? His friend Daniel’s cousin? She’s all grown up now and a navy nurse. And she’s gorgeous. Gloria’s thrilled to see John. She’s loved him her whole life. As a nurse aboard the USS Serenity, she follows the combat task force across the Pacific. John comes to the Serenity often because he’s frequently wounded. He’s always pleased to see her, but is she more than just a kid from home? (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)
Zenith of Tea by R F Whong — Tomb robber Wang Mijen survived the 1920s with her blade, but her heart remains guarded. When she saves Joseph Cheung, their journey leads from dangerous bandits to a Vancouver teahouse. Can faith and a fight for justice turn a hardened survivor into a woman of hope? (Historical Romance from Vidasym Publishing)
Romantic Suspense:
Unexpected Target by Penny Zeller — What if a random break-in isn’t as random as initially believed? That’s what Oaklee Newbold thinks when a series of forced entries shakes her quiet neighborhood. With seemingly nothing stolen and no obvious motive, the police are stumped. No one is prepared when the perpetrators strike again. Only, this time they aren’t targeting houses—they’re targeting Oaklee. (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)
Suspense:
Special Target by Jerusha Agen — For tough-as-nails Chicago social worker Ashley Sorenson, it’s nothing new to risk her life for hurting children. But Ashley faces a special challenge when Matthew Borden, a sixteen-year-old with Down syndrome, is orphaned. Finding a suitable foster home for the boy becomes the least of her problems when someone starts threatening her and Matthew. (Thriller/Suspense, Independently Published)
Suspense – Police Procedural:
Logan’s Way by Urcelia Teixeira — Logan’s Way is the long-awaited turning point of the Angus Reid Mysteries. What begins as a procedural investigation becomes a dangerous descent into family secrets, small-town corruption, and a system built to quietly erase inconvenient lives. The deeper Angus searches, the higher the cost. Because some truths don’t set you free. This isn’t just another investigation. This is the one that will shake his foundation. (Thriller/Suspense Police Procedural, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Hadley the Hippo is What She Eats by Kayla E Green — Hadley the Hippo is hungry, and she won’t rest until she finds something to eat. But as she walks through her jungle home, she finds that the snacks in the jungle have an odd effect on her-they change her color! (Children’s Picture Book)
Trading My Way To You by Elle Ann Brown — When a hopeful nurse barters her way toward a new home, the only thing more complicated than the trades is falling for the man she’s not allowed to love. (Contemporary Romance)
Frazzled Moms Play Matchmaker by Stephanie Paige King — Two moms play matchmaker to pair up their cantankerous colleagues only to find out the hard way that love can’t be managed or organized, no matter how hard you try. (General Contemporary)
Sunshine Alley by Gail Kittleson — Sunshine Alley is a sweeping, multi-generational saga set against the historical backdrop of rural Texas, the American home front, and the fractured battlefields of the War in the Pacific. (Historical Romance)
Shadows Over Hotel Grim by Robin Caroll — In the heart of Texarkana at the Texas/Arkansas state line in 1946, the Hotel Grim stands as a beacon of grandeur, but beneath its elegant facade lurks a shadow of fear. The Phantom Murderer, a cunning and elusive serial killer, haunts the areas teenagers like to use as a “lovers’ lane,” preying on unsuspecting victims. (Historical Suspense)
Shield of Fire by A L Evans — When Elizabeth’s supernatural special-ops team joins forces with local law enforcement to dismantle a human trafficking ring, they expect monsters of the mortal kind, but what they uncover is far darker. (Speculative Fiction/Romantic Fantasy)
“A forbidden romance, a fractured family, and one woman’s journey to piece it all together.” [from the back cover]
Desperate for a quiet space to recover from a traumatic experience, kindergarten teacher Ana heads to the Tennessee mountains to spend the summer with her great-aunt. Her hopes of getting to know Aunt Cora vanish when she discovers the invitation was actually a request for house-sitting while Cora travels with a friend.
Woven between the chapters of Ana’s experiences with the residents in the old mountain town of Bitter End are chapters of her grandmother’s story. That’s where the forbidden romance and fractured family come in.
This is an immersive, faith-filled novel with relatable (and sometimes quirky) characters who struggle to make sense of the hurts they carry. They stayed with me when I wasn’t reading.
The birding society doesn’t come in until almost halfway through the book, but birders will appreciate the group’s hikes and sightings. This is a group started by a local resident named Marilyn, who Ana’s aunt Cora had warned her to avoid. Naturally, Ana finds herself joining the group of misfits Marilyn has collected—and finds these times in nature to be part of the healing process she’s longed for.
I’ll say that one aspect of the grandmother’s plot bothered me (no spoilers!), but that doesn’t keep me from recommending the book to anyone who wants a reflective, heartfelt, and ultimately feel-good story. Especially to anyone who doesn’t feel like they’re “enough” or like they deserve a second chance.
Favourite line:
But now the spaces between who she was and who she’d like to be looked like opportunities for growth and grace instead of evidence of failure. [p. 301]
The Bitter End Birding Society is Christy-Award-winning author Amanda Cox’s fifth book. Her website tagline describes her fiction as “stories of hope, healing, and home.” For more about the author and her work, or to get a free short story prequel to her first novel, visit amandacoxwrites.com.
The Cowbird’s Truth by Erin Greneaux — What happens when the most dangerous enemy turns out to be yourself? Maya and Everly continue their quest to find the missing Virtue Gems, and this time, their greatest challenge may be each other. When the evil Deceptra offers them surprising help, including a powerful stone, the sisters must decide whether they can trust her. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Apple Butter Adventure by Jennifer E. Tirrell and Lisa M. Pritchard — Join four preteen cousins as they take their first steps toward becoming the kind of young men and women who can be trusted–brave, responsible, and ready to help–right here in the first book of a brand-new mystery series. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Turtledove Publishing)
The Case of the Midnight Mystery by Becca Wierwille — In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl and her canine sidekick must figure out why strange things keep happening at wilderness camp—in the middle of the night. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
Mesmerize by Darlene M. Corbett — She gave him up but hope to win him back through stories. Set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, Boston, and Dubai, a dazzling romance comes to life. Can a storyteller win back the love of her life through tales sprinkled with faith and love. (Contemporary Romance from WordCrafts Press)
A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus — After his marriage fails, single father Ryder Sinclair returns to his hometown with his young son to care for his ailing mother. He’s surprised to run into his teenage crush, Kendall Hunt, whose career as a professional chef has been shaken by scandal. As the two work together to save an Easter event usually hosted by Ryder’s mother, Kendall finds herself longing for this sense of family with Ryder and little Shepard. But when she has a chance to go back to the life she once knew, will she choose the dream she’s spent years chasing…or the new dream that has taken hold of her heart? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh — Jabari Hall has spent his entire life chasing victory on the ice–but one devastating hit leaves him benched, not just from hockey but from the future he thought he had. Now, as he struggles with deteriorating eyesight, his well-meaning teammates set him up on a date, hoping it will cheer him up–only the date they choose is none other than Val Elliott, his ex’s sister. Val never expected to be sitting across from Jabari, especially after the way he broke her sister’s heart. But when Jabari opens up about his diagnosis, Val’s guarded heart softens, and she offers him a listening ear. What begins as a simple friendship quickly turns into something more. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Biblical:
A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith — In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend, capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her beyond her appearance. But Nessa’s betrothal leads to Lavi’s departure, compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love. (Historical/Biblical from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Historical Romance:
Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller — Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Ambush of the Heart by Mary Connealy — As Owen Riley and his fellow Marshals escort Delaney Bridger, her brother, and an escaped prisoner to Fort Russell, a gang of outlaws ambushes them, bringing death and devastation to their party. With their lives on the line and the outlaws in pursuit, Owen directs the rest of his battered group to seek hiding at a remote ranch. After the attack leaves her brother Boone seriously injured, Delaney helps Owen, nursing Boone and a wounded Marshal back to health while danger looms ever closer. Despite the threat at their heels, romance sparks between Owen and Delaney as they fight for survival on their perilous trek to the fort. Can they overcome the obstacles and find a future together? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Undercover Wish by Danielle Grandinetti — CHICAGO, Ill., 1892—Stunt reporter Ali Di Stasio will risk anything to expose the truth and protect her fellow orphans, including rummaging through trash bins and putting herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous elite. After living on the streets, she knows every corner of her city, which means she can stay one step ahead of the cops, the powerful men who’d love to silence her before she can reveal their secrets, and the occasional wealthy bachelor wandering through her alleyways, lost and in danger of being mugged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
To Find Where She Belongs by Robin Lee Hatcher — Guilt followed her across an ocean. Grace called her home. Desperate to leave Hooke Manor, Keely Boyle does what she feels she must in order to flee England for America, hoping to make a new life with the help of a man who befriended her years before. But when she arrives at Eden’s Gate, a large cattle ranch in the shadows of the Tetons, it is William Overstreet who offers her a fresh start. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Risky Business by Kimberly Keagan — An American heiress. A British barrister with a need for speed. The London social season that changes everything. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee — Rose Rushing Water, an Oglala Sioux trained back East in nursing, is torn between two brothers–one who seeks to appease the government and one who fights to cling to the old ways at all costs. Tribal policeman Nathaniel Gray Cloud struggles to keep peace on the reservation and support his sister, who is also desperate to hold on to family traditions. Can Rose and Nathaniel find a peace that comes only from God, or will they lose their families and their lives as tensions reach a boiling point at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)
Texas Reclaimed by Sherry Shindelar — Cora Scott is determined to hold onto her family’s Texas ranch and provide a stable home for her young half-brother, Charlie, despite the mounting challenges of post-Civil War frontier life. But when a scheming creditor threatens to seize their land, she must accept help from Ben McKenzie, a former Yankee soldier sent by her late brother. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
Mists Over the Channel Islands by Sarah Sundin — In World War II, Dr. Ivy Picot risks her life to treat men who have escaped from the German forced labor camps in her native Jersey. But when Dutch engineer Gerrit van der Zee sneaks maps of fortifications off the island, it could cost them both everything they love. (Historical Romance from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Mining for Love by Candice Sue Patterson — Petite, fierce, and respected by the men who work for her, Daisy Connelly rules her rare watermelon tourmaline mine in Newry, Maine, with an iron will. When profits begin to vanish and the local sheriff refuses to intervene, Daisy realizes someone is stealing from her—and that remaining an unmarried woman may make her an easy target. So she does the unthinkable. Daisy proposes a marriage of convenience to private investigator Samson Gray, hoping a sudden husband will draw the culprit into the open. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Deadly Rodeo Threat by Sami A. Abrams — A trail of missing women…leads him right into a killer’s trap. When his twin sister disappears, Navy SEAL Logan Russell’s search for her leads him deep into the woods, where he finds her best friend in the clutches of a masked assailant. Sheriff Isabelle Sinclair is determined to solve Lisa’s mysterious disappearance the night of her last rodeo—and someone will do anything to keep her from digging too deep (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard — Investigative journalist Cressida arrives in Hidden Bay after a worldwide journey to finish her late father’s manuscript on shipwrecks. As she tries to discover the story behind the “ghost ship” Specter’s Bounty, her only lead is a name her father left behind–Evelyn Monroe. As Cressida uncovers more about the ship, she quickly realizes that her research has placed her in the crosshairs of dangerous forces. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])
Asher by Melanie D. Snitker — Nova Sheridan’s world is shattered when a corporate conference becomes a hunting ground. With two of her colleagues murdered and a mysterious package left in her care, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a ruthless killer. Unsure of who to trust, Nova turns to her old college friend, Asher Durham, a seasoned security specialist. As they navigate a web of deception and danger, Nova and Asher must rely on their wits and each other to survive. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
A Royal Request by Paige Edwards — A forged signature. A splintering romance. And a stalker who won’t quit until death do they part. Anabelle thought the flowers were from her boyfriend… She was wrong. (Romantic Suspense from Balquidder Books)
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin — When Emlyn DuLaine accidentally bridges multiple storyworlds, she must untangle their collapsing realities—and rescue her long-lost sister Camille from a storybook trap—before a plan seventeen years in the making shatters the universe for good. (Speculative/Fantasy from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman — An unexpected romance and the gift of two sons, James and John, leave Salome hopeful and resolved to prove herself as a mother. Salome’s dreams are challenged, however, when her sons answer the call to follow Jesus of Nazareth. (Biblical/Historical)
Threads of Grace by Tara Baisden — When a January storm sends her new landlord to her door because of a roof leak, quilt shop owner Melanie Harper has no idea that this quiet, guarded doctor will unravel every careful protection she has spent years stitching around her heart. (Contemporary Romance)
Katie’s Cowboy by Ruth Kyser — Following in his father’s footsteps, C.J. Morgan is an FBI agent. Growing up, that was all he ever wanted to be. But when his grandfather passes away and C.J. returns to Bluecreek Ranch, he’s filled with doubts about his future. Then C.J. meets Katie Jo MacAllister… (Contemporary Romance)
Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel — Meredith and Jace, who’ve guarded their hearts because of past hurts, find the greatest gift of love. (Contemporary Romance)
The Lies We Trade by Kristine Delano — A high-powered Wall Street career, a beautiful family in a quiet suburban neighborhood―she seems to have everything. Which means she has everything to lose. (Contemporary Suspense)
Severed Ties by Taylor S. Newport — He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door. (Military Suspense)
Where Men Stand by Charlene Amsden — On his first day out of prison, Martin “Kage” Kincaid has to decide if he is going to live up to the Biblical principles he learned, or choose to walk away and let injustice prevail. (Romantic Suspense)
Swan Song, by Edmund Crispin (Collins Crime Club, 2018; originally published 1947)
An offensive but popular opera singer. A cast who loathes him. And a new director he’s trying to ruin.
Almost everyone would be happy to see Edwin Shorthouse dead—but as the book’s back cover description asks, “Who amongst them has the fiendish ingenuity to kill him in his own locked dressing room?”
The time: post-war England. The town: Oxford. The tone: omniscient and gently old-fashioned, with some complex sentences and rare vocabulary. I read it as a paperback, and an ebook with digital dictionary would have been a plus.
This is one of those books to read slowly and appreciate the atmosphere—and the locked room puzzle. Readers familiar with Wagner’s Die Meistersinger will understand the references, but I didn’t bother to look them up and still followed the story. In places that was tricky, as there’s a full cast of characters and the names would get mixed up in my mind.
Swan Song is actually number 4 in the Gervase Fen series, Mr. Fen being an Oxford professor and amateur sleuth. Goodreads lists eleven books, and there may be more. Edmund Crispin is the pseudonym of composer Robert Bruce Montgomery. For more about his books and music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Crispin.
Fire Between Two Skies by R.F. Whong — Two eras. One relentless quest for truth amid desires and temptation. Across the centuries, two men are bound by parallel destinies that echo through time. Book 3 of this dual-time odyssey delves deep into the passions and struggles that connect their worlds. (Action/Adventure, Independently Published)
Amish (Contemporary and Romance):
Plain Jane’s Secret Admirer by Anne Blackburne — Jane must overcome her disappointment upon discovering that the man she’s loved since childhood is the same person who gave her a hated nickname in their school days; can she and Sam overcome her distrust and his guilt and shyness and find their way to a shared future? (Amish Romance from Barbour Publishing)
An Amish Second Chance by Beth Wiseman — Can Hope and Rueben share the secrets that they’ve held close to their hearts and have the second chance they long for? (Amish Contemporary, Independently Published)
Children’s Middle Grade /Chapter:
The Case of the Four-Legged Friend by Becca Wierwille — In this Christian mystery for kids, a girl must find a dog’s home before he’s sent to the animal shelter. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
General Historical:
What Loyalty Demands by Carol Ashby — When rebellion breaks out in Roman Britain, the protective British cousin of a Christian woman and the Roman tribune who wants a future with her discover how enmity born of conflicting loyalties can be overcome when believers serve as the peacemakers Jesus commanded them to be. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)
Historical Romance:
Far Grander Than Paradise by Barbara Blythe — She needs to find her father. He needs to atone for his dead brother’s sins. Can they find what they seek on a voyage that takes them halfway around the world? (Historical Romance from Elk Lake Publishing)
Whispers in the Valley by Amanda Cabot — A woman whose life is in shambles. A man who’s fighting for his future. A decades-old mystery. Carr Valley will never be the same. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Love Under Construction by Linda Shenton Matchett — Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt after her father’s death. Business has gone well, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job – the only man in town willing to work for a woman – sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Romantic Suspense:
Hidden Talent by Bettie Boswell — When author Leah Beach is threated because of a new rescue mule she’s modeled one of her comic characters after, she seeks help from a reluctant body guard, Carlton Marsh, who soon discovers the threat is real. (Romantic Suspense from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)
Fighting for You by Robin Patchen — She’s running from her past. He’s protecting his future. Together, they must fight for what matters most. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier by Megan Short — Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Deadly Secrets by Penny Zeller — Betrayal has consequences… Harper Amerson loves her job as a real estate agent. That is, until it becomes clear that someone is watching her. What happens when she attempts to sell the land someone doesn’t want sold? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)
Speculative Fiction:
Cerulean Rose by Demi Griffin — A mysterious, in-depth re-telling of Cinderella. (Speculative/Romantic Fantasy, Independently Published)
Braving Fiery Waters by Sarah Hanks — Her husband died in a fire. Now she’s heading straight into one. Marina Stone planned an ideal family vacation, perfect for reconnecting with her two teenagers after their father’s death. But those plans go drastically away when she time sails to the White Cloud in the year 1849. Now she must face her greatest fears and complete a mystery mission before she can return to her life and children. (Speculative/Time Travel, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
Love & Cheer – Holidays in Hallbrook by Elsie Davis — Talia Hunter’s promotion is riding on one flawless New Year’s Eve company gala. But when her caterer cancels at the eleventh hour, her career is on the line. And with her six-year-old daughter, Nicole, on a holiday school break, everything is more complicated as Talia tries to juggle life. She needs a miracle, except the only chef available on such a big party night is a man from her past…one she would rather avoid. (Contemporary Romance)
Eye of the Mind by Sara Davison — After witnessing a murder, firefighter Jules Adler must work with police sketch artist Dante de Marco to come up with a likeness of the killer before he tracks her down and silences her forever. (Romantic Suspense)
A Certain Mercy by Linda Dindzans MD — From the opulent danger of Herod’s court to the quiet refuge of Bethany, from the shadow of the Cross to the glory of the Resurrection, A Certain Mercy weaves a powerful story of forbidden love, devastating betrayal, and the transforming grace of Christ. (General Historical)
Colors of the Ocean by Cheryl Fitzgerald — A multi-generational story that follows thirteen-year-old Roxi on a transformative journey as she sails across the Pacific Ocean with grandparents she barely knows. Along the way she must navigate stormy conflicts in several relationships and within herself. (General Contemporary/Young Adult)
Into the Promised Land by Sarah Heatwole — Into the Promised Land is a tale of courage to forge a new path, as Andy and Sylvia navigate the balance between Amish tradition and the compelling call of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus, until their Amish community demands a choice between faith and belonging. (General Historical)
Author of the year, fiction:Gigi Pandian. I’m enjoying all three of her series: The Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt, The Accidental Alchemist, and The Secret Staircase. Eight books read this year. I’m not rushing!
Author of the year, nonfiction:Pete Greig. five books read this year, with at least two on the list to read again. My best suggestion: listen to the audiobooks and read the print versions for highlighting and notes.
“Unsilent Nights” (Maple Syrup Mysteries) Lawyer and maple syrup farm owner Nicole Fitzhenry-Dawes can’t even go on her honeymoon without landing in a mystery that needs solving. Watch her stare down cruise ships officials in flip-flops and shorts.
“Ginger Dead Man” (Cupcake Truck Mysteries) Isabel Addington is on the run from her abusive ex, running a mobile food truck. She’s sleeping in the truck too, but that doesn’t make her homeless, right? She needs to keep off-grid, but she can’t walk away when a homeless man’s murder may go unsolved.
Emily James writes mysteries that are fast, clean, and funny in places. I appreciate the way she really understands her protagonists and the details in their lives.
As well as the Maple Syrup Mysteries and Cupcake Truck Mysteries, Emily James has also written the Cat and Mouse Whodunits. For more about the author and her work, visit authoremilyjames.com.
[Review copy from the public library via the Hoopla Digital app.]
Key’s Secret by Jennifer Arrington and Albrey Arrington — A strange blue envelope greets the kids of Coral Canal right before Labor Day weekend. Inside it contains a riddle and a set of instructions. Nobody, not even their parents, seems to know who sent the riddle, and the children only have five days to solve it and send photographic proof. (Children’s/Middle Grade, Independently Published)
Contemporary Romance:
An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main — After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller — What happens when history teacher Olivia Bennett travels to an English village and encounters a surly gardener at the nearby ailing Hartbury Hall? Can she find a way to thaw his heart and restore the Hall’s fortunes? (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)
The Gift of Mercy by Rena Bell Yeager — He’s the new wrangler, with a lot to lose. She’s the boss’s sister, with everything to gain. Will he win her love or lose it all – again? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Christmas Wishes by Carmen Peone — They are so close… Can Christmas Dreams Come True? With conflicting dreams, and a wedding countdown ticking, can their love survive the season? (Contemporary Romance Novella from Iron Stream Media)
General Contemporary:
Every Voice Heard by Sarah Hanks, N.Y. Dunlap, and D.T. Powell — Three novellas about Church hurt and abuse. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)
Historical Romance:
Courting Love: Three-in-One Collection by Jodie Wolfe — Courting the Love sisters should be easy. With their surname, they should be primed for romance. But the three men tasked with wooing them have their hands full. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
A Christmas to Remember by Penny Zeller — He’s running from his past. She’s seeking a better future. Love in Time is a tender love story that reminds us that God’s timing is always perfect. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Love in Time by Penny Zeller — When Otis MacCallum agrees to deliver much-needed food and medicine to the remote town of Hawthorne, Montana, he knows there’s a real possibility he’ll again see the woman who broke his heart. Belinda Finnigan had reasons for declining Otis’s proposal, but it still hasn’t lessened the pain of losing his friendship. When Otis arrives on her doorstep one wintry December day with food and medicine in hand, can two broken hearts be reconciled? Will theirs be a Christmas to remember? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Romantic Suspense:
Mine by Sami A. Abrams — Escaping her past…means risking everything to stop a twisted obsession. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
A Killer in Texas by Jessica R. Patch — In the search for a murderer, the hunter becomes the prey… While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Hooked by Stephanie Sanders — What begins as a family trip to the Outer Banks spirals into fear as a stalker emerges from the shadows, forcing Lexi Martin to face her anxiety, navigate a complicated secret relationship, and find her way back to a faith she’s long abandoned. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)
Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:
Reyuul’s Redemption by David Liberto — Joern was once the Scourge of Cordiae—a reyuul whose dark magic was so terrifying that the god, Lohem, forged new weapons to stop him. After 400 years of evil, Joern’s now a deformed cleric confessing his sins before the very people he once terrorized. (Speculative Fiction/High Fantasy, Independently Published)
Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:
The Prodigal by L.D. Baldwin — Frank Martin searches for his estranged son while confronting his own war with God. (Historical Mystery)
Fields of Shadow and Glory: 1863 by Elizabeth Ann Boyles — Held captive in the shadows of the American Civil War, Tom, Terry, and Sara must exercise faith and courage if they are ever to arrive at their journey’s end. (Historical Romance)
The Basement Angel by LeeAnn Christian — A desperate man and a curious young girl form an unlikely friendship within the walls of a forbidden basement. (Contemporary Suspense)
The Songbird and the Surveyor by Denise Farnsworth — A marriage of protection. A past full of pain. In Georgia’s wild gold country, love might strike when it’s least expected. (Historical Romance)
Charlie’s Trip by David Hollenstein — He needs to prove his innocence, save his marriage, and definitely wants to find a way back into God’s embrace. (Biblical Suspense)
Washington Island Romance Series: Boxed Set by Annette M. Irby — This set includes Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington; Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington. (Contemporary Romance)
Even in This by Dianna Lanser — With a chance at first love and a recording contract pending, sixteen-year-old Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. Weeks before 9/11, tragedy strikes in cruel succession, destroying her future and forcing her to make impossible choices. (General Contemporary)
Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas by Susan G. Mathis — This heartwarming prequel sets the stage for the upcoming Irish Rose Orphans: A Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series, where seven spirited young women serve the islands’ elite! (General Historical)
A Place to Belong: Josephine’s Story by Heidi Gray McGill — A wounded Civil War veteran. An unwed mother with nowhere left to turn. In a town full of second chances, will a marriage of convenience become the love story neither dared hope for? (Historical Romance)
Haven for Love by Naomi Musch — A corporate marketer and camp owner find unexpected connection, while a landscaper and teacher navigate faith and forgiveness. (Contemporary Romance)
Dangerous Shadows by Gail Pallotta — A horrifying assault, a stalker, and a murdered gambler — is it possible to put the pieces together in Dangerous Shadows? (Romantic Suspense)
Fireman’s Lesson in Love by Mishael Austin Witty — A burned-out teacher and a smitten firefighter must uncover the truth behind a deadly arson before it destroys their nascent love. (Romantic Suspense)
Last month I shared why I don’t “stay in my lane” when it comes to writing. Plus, I shared my Day 1 devotional from my manuscript titled Nurture and Inspire Love: A Study of Jesus’s Commands in the Gospel of John. I post these devotionals on Fridays.
Below is chapter 1 of my YA manuscript. I share a chapter each week on Monday.
Rule and Reign
Chapter 1
My grandmother’s voice cuts through the fog of sleep. I sit up and stretch. The thin cover falls and bunches on my lap, but today I don’t mind the chill in the air. Or the too-bright light shining in my eyes from the hallway. Or the fact that the dampness from the stone floor is seeping through my mattress.
A smile spreads across my face. Orphan or not, I finally have a voice. No one will mention my arrival day. But today I’m seventeen and everything has changed. Before my father died, four years ago, he said my mother would want me to acknowledge the day the world became a brighter place—even if no one else did.
“Unita, a princess must learn to rule with a stern hand. There will be no ridiculous grinning when I present you to the council.”
“But, Grandmother—”
She purses her lips and clears her throat.
“My apologies, Council Lead.”
Council Lead Sila Jumalik, Grandmother, dips her chin, but her expression remains harsh. Maybe because her son died too soon and left me in her charge—me, a non-person until today. Still, I have my suspicions she never smiles. She certainly never laughs. I can’t even imagine it—and Father always said I have a remarkable imagination.
“Princess Unita Jumalik, would you kindly take your responsibilities seriously? I expect you in the dining hall in three-quarters of a full measure. Remember to dress appropriately. You will, after all, be meeting His Majesty—”
“Grandfather? I get to meet my grandfather today?”
I’ve never seen Grandmother speechless—or the color of bleached bed linens. Still, the look in her eyes all but bores a hole through my forehead.
Seventeen or not, I guess I’ll have to learn my place. I’ll never earn the elders’ respect and find the answers I’m looking for unless I do.
“Three-quarters of a full measure. Do not be late.” Grandmother turns on her heel, leaves the room, and pulls the door shut behind her.
Darkness wraps around me again. Only the sunlight that pushes through the cracks in the castle wall lights my room. I wash with the frigid water from the basin in the corner. My grandmother sees no need to burn precious wood in the fireplace.
The door creaks as someone pushes it open. A young woman I’ve never seen before—three, maybe four years older than I am—stands in the doorway, her eyes fixed on a spot on the floor in front of her. “You needn’t do that.” Her voice is barely above a whisper. ”I’ve drawn you a bath in your chambers.”
“My . . . my what?”
“Your chambers, Miss. The Princess of Betria can’t bathe and dress here.” She scans the room, scowls, and shakes her head. “It would never do.”
I shrug. “Just let me gather my clothes—”
The girl gasps. “Oh, pardon me, Princess. But . . . Well, Council Lead Jumalik instructed me to burn your clothes.”
“She what?” I collapse onto the only chair in the room. It creaks but, thankfully, doesn’t collapse, something I fear every time I sit in it.
“I’m sorry, Princess, but she was most adamant.”
“Is she ever anything but?”
“Princess?” The girl looks over her shoulder as if expecting my grandmother to appear at any moment.
A brief laugh escapes my lips and I throw both hands over my mouth. The faintest smile crosses the girl’s face.
I grab my threadbare dressing gown. “Well, lead on. We don’t want to keep the council lead waiting.” Or my grandfather.
As we walk down a long, narrow hallway, I wonder where we could be going. I’ve never been allowed this far into the castle. My chamber is—was—on the outer wall, as far removed from the royal chambers as possible.
“This way, Princess. The council lead will have my head if you’re not in the dining hall on time.”
I shudder, wondering if she means this literally. “We can’t have that.” I increase my pace. “And another thing . . .”
“Yes, Princess?”
“That.”
“That what, Princess?”
“My name’s Unita.”
“Yes, you are Her Royal Highness, Unita Jumalik, Princess of Betria. Shall I use your full title? I didn’t mean to offend.”
I reach out to touch her shoulder. She freezes. “I—” I squeeze her shoulder gently. “Please turn around.”
When she does, her eyes are wide and beads of perspiration rim her hairline.
“You don’t have to be afraid of me. Please call me Unita. And I’d like to know your name as well.”
“I . . . I couldn’t do that. It’s forbidden to refer to royalty by their given name. But, of course, you are free to use my name. I’m Marra.”
“Marra . . . Such a beautiful name. But it means bitter. Doesn’t it?”
Marra nods her head. “Yes, Princess.”
“Unita.”
“I’ll try. But only when we’re alone.”
I grin and then shake my head. “I’m going to have to stop that.”
“You have a nice smile, Princess. Unita.” Marra drops her gaze to the floor again. “We really must be going.”
“It’s settled.” We begin to climb a winding stone staircase. “I’ll only smile when my grandmother’s not around, and you call me Unita when there’s no risk someone might overhear.”
“I’d like that.”
We chat for what seems like a long time as we continue the journey to my chambers. What will they be like? Marra stops before two ornately carved doors, then pushes one open and steps to one side. My craziest ideas were nothing compared to the vast, bright, open space that greets me. And it’s so warm!
“This . . . this is where I’m to stay? I have windows. And the grounds . . . They’re so beautiful. I’ve never seen the view from this side of the castle.” I can barely look away from the fields and forests to my left. When I do, I marvel again at the size of the room, which is at least four times larger than the chamber I left behind.
Marra shakes her head.
“Oh . . .” I let out a long sigh. “I didn’t think so. I can’t imagine staying in a chamber this grand.”
“No, Princess. You misunderstand. This is just the sitting area. Over there . . .” Marra points to another massive wooden door. “That’s your bathing chamber, which has access to your sleeping chamber. Over there . . .” She points to an even larger door on the other side of the room. “That’s your strategy chamber.”
“My what?”
“I’ll explain on our way to the dining hall. We must hurry.”
While I’d love to lounge in the large tub filled with steaming water, I know Marra’s right. My grandmother won’t tolerate me being even one measure late.
I’m in a daze as Marra assists me into the underthings and gown my grandmother chose for my first meeting with my grandfather. No! I must begin thinking of him as His Royal Majesty, King Hart Jumalik of Betria.
“The cream color is a beautiful contrast to your skin, Princ—. Unita.”
Marra accompanies me to the end of a long, wide hallway and stops.
“Are you not coming with me?”
Marra shakes her head. “Oh, no! It’s forbidden. Actually, I’m farther from your chambers than I’m supposed to be. For the next two sun-settings, I’m permitted to show you where everything is. After that, I must remain in your chambers, ready to assist you however I can. Occasionally, I will have other responsibilities, but that will be rare.”
“I have a lot to learn. I’ll need your help.”
Marra smiles widely and looks me in the eye. “It will be my honor, Unita.” She whispers my name, which makes me bite my tongue to keep from erupting into laughter.
She turns and goes back the way we came. I hold my head high, throw back my shoulders, and make my way to the far end of the hall. If you would like to see how Unita’s story unfolds, I invite you to join me on Substack. You can subscribe for FREE here: Steph Beth Nickel | Substack
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.
