JANUARY 2015 ACFW NEW RELEASES

January 2015 New Releases 

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

Amish Romance: 

The Beekeeper's Son by Kelly Irvin When Deborah Lantz arrives in drought-stricken Bee County, she longs for her lush, green Tennessee home. But more than that, she wants her mother, a widow with six children, to be happy again. Even if that means moving to a wasteland and accepting a new stepfather. Then she meets the beekeeper's son. Phineas King's face is disfigured by scars from an accident that killed his mother and destroyed his trust in God. Both Phineas and Deborah are rarely alone, but always lonely. Through their encounters both begin to realize the beauty in all of God's creation. Deborah begins to see Bee County through Phineas's eyes and Phineas learns to see himself through hers. (Amish Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Zondervan]) 

Contemporary: 

You Get What You Pray For by E.N. Joy -- Lorain has been a prisoner of secrets almost all of her life. At the age of thirteen, she'd managed to keep her pregnancy a secret, discarding the infant she'd given birth to and leaving it for dead. She also never revealed the fact that the baby's father was her middle school guidance counselor. Not even when her mother married her molester, years later. To complicate matters, Lorain discovers that the baby she abandoned all those years ago survived, and God has placed Lorain in the now adult child's life. It seems the legacy of secrets has been passed on, too, as Lorain helps her daughter conceal the true details behind her own pregnancy. Lorain has managed to maneuver the secrets and lies like a strategic game of chess, but even her lavish new life as a doctor's wife is a lie. With the rug about to be pulled from underneath her by the woman who raised her abandoned child, all Lorain prays for is that everything will end well. In this cycle of lies, secrets, shame, and guilt, will Lorain get what she prays for? (Contemporary from Urban Christian) 

Contemporary Romance: 

Daddy Wanted by Renee Andrews -- Former wild child Savannah Bowers goes from being happily single to the guardian of three children after the sudden death of her best friend. Struggling with her new role, Savvy's not sure if Brodie Evans's offer to help is a welcome one. She has trouble forgiving her childhood friend's past mistakes, but she gives him a chance for the sake of the kids. Their growing mutual attraction catches her off guard. If Brodie can prove he's changed his ways, he might just be this instant family's perfect daddy. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

At Home in Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong -- Kaitlyn Reed and Steven Braden have always had a similar philosophy of life: when the going gets tough, they get going--out of town and away from the problem. Now they are both back in Last Chance, New Mexico, and trying to start over. Kaitlyn is working to reestablish a relationship with the seven-year-old daughter she left behind six months earlier. Steven is trying to prove to his family that he is not the irresponsible charmer they have always known him to be. As Kaitlyn and Steven find themselves drawn to one another, one big question keeps getting in the way: How will they learn to trust each other when they don't even trust themselves? (Contemporary Romance from Revell - A Division of Baker Publishing Group) 

A Match for Meghan by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Life has taught Meghan Black she is unlovable, so she focuses her attention on finding her friends their perfect match. Her plan backfires when the handsome veterinarian she's matching asks her out. Ben Young's plan to stop Meghan's meddling backfires when he finds himself falling for her instead. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Lakeside Redemption by Lisa Jordan -- Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life-and new love-together. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Small-Town Fireman by Allie Pleiter -- Karla Kennedy doesn't belong in Gordon Falls. The aspiring restaurateur has far loftier goals than running her grandfather's quaint coffee shop. The only person who seems to relate is handsome volunteer firefighter Dylan McDonald. Dylan understands dreams—he risked everything to start his fishing charter business. Now he needs Karla's help to make it succeed. As they work together, Karla and Dylan quickly discover that while their timing may be bad, their chemistry is undeniable. Karla always thought of Gordon Falls as a layover on her way to a big-city career, but could it be where her heart truly belongs? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 

Rodeo Family by Shannon Taylor Vannatter -- Running from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Tori Eaton settles in Aubrey, Texas, where she is surprised by a helping hand from the church's new song director, Brant McConnell. And by the warm emotions he inspires. Brant is drawn to Tori. But Tori is still hounded by her past, and the walls she's built around her heart are high. Can he convince the wounded beauty that he's exactly the kind of man she needs-and deserves? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) 


Dakota Love by Rose Ross Zediker -- Modern South Dakota individuals use quilting to bring them joy and comfort, but suddenly quilting is leading them to romances they didn't even know they wanted. Caroline and Rodney have each been loaded with many worries, but a tattered quilt could bring them together to share their burdens. Sarah and Mark embrace their independence until a quilting class throws them together and reveals their need for companionship. Lil is outgoing where Walt is private, but as they use quilting for physical therapy, an old secret could be revealed that will expose just how different they really are. (Romance from Barbour Publishing) 

Historical Romance: 

Hope Reborn by Caryl McAdoo -- New York novelist May Meriwether decides a heroic Texas Ranger will make a great love interest for her new novel's heroine. Stuffing away dreams for a husband and children, she sets out to the Lone Star State looking for adventure with her constant companion and confidant, Chester, in tow. But a near-perfect Texan widower resurrects a smidgen of romantic hope. Only his impenetrable, superstitious religious beliefs stand in the path to her falling head over heels, those and his love for his dead wife. (Historical Romance, Independently Published) 

Beyond All Dreams by Elizabeth Camden -- Map librarian Anna O'Brien works a predictable job at the illustrious Library of Congress until she stumbles across a baffling mystery of a missing ship. When she turns to a dashing congressman for help, she opens a world of danger they never saw coming. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing) 

Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep -- Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Historical: 
The Salt Covenants by Sylvia Bambola -- Spain 1493: Isabel has broken her mother's heart by becoming a sincere convert to Christianity. But when she is noticed by Friar Alonso at La Casa Santa, the Holy House, she is forced to flee the Inquisition by entering into a loveless marriage and sailing with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. But all too soon Isabel is forced to struggle alone in her new life and new faith. With all the risks and hardships how is she to survive? And will she ever find love in this strange land? What of the dangerous Enrique Vivar? Will his hidden agenda cost her her life? (Historical, Independently Published) 

Young Adult: 

The First Principle by Marissa Shrock -- In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For fifteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. Until an unexpected, now-illegal pregnancy pits her against the Population Management Officer Marina Ward. She has to decide whether to get the mandatory abortion--or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother's chances at becoming president. A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. But with everything crashing down around her, Vivica no longer knows whom to trust. (Young Adult from Kregel Publications)

A SUBJECT EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ ABOUT

Title: The Desire: A Novel (The Restoration Series) (Volume 3)

Author: Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley

Publisher: Revell (September 2, 2014)

Pages: 336

Having gone through many years of infertility, THE DESIRE: A NOVEL (THE RESTORATION SERIES) (VOLUME 3) by DAN WALSH and GARY SMALLEY, immediately grabbed my attention.

THE DESIRE touches on a few of the trials and tribulations a couple experiencing infertility goes through. MR. WALSH AND MR. SMALLEY given readers a glimpse into areas many couples experience that are often not realized by others.

Allan and Michelle have been trying to have a baby, and time is proving that something isn't right. Allan seems content to let God do His thing, in His perfect timing. Michelle cannot stop thinking about the baby she so desperately desires.

Infertility – whether a first time experience, or one you've gone through in the past – is never easy. It comes with many challenges that require a great deal of trust and hope. Those that have never experience infertility, have little knowledge of what one going through it, deals with. Having books in both fiction and non-fiction is a way to help others gain a better understanding, which can lead to compassion for those going through it, making their journey less painful.

I loved that the THE DESIRE didn't take the typical approach to a couple going through infertility. The secondary characters, Doug and Christina, leave the reader wanting to know more about their story. Good thing another one is in the making.

ACFW DECEMBER NEW RELEASES

December 2014 New Releases

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

Amish Romance:

Murder Tightly Knit (An Amish Village Mystery) by Vannetta Chapman -- As fall blankets the Pumpkinvine Trail with colorful leaves, a local Amish man is found dead on the path. For the federal investigator called in on the case, everyone is suspect. Even the Amish village knitting shop, The Cat's Meow, is implicated. Amber Bowman and Hannah Troyer know who isn't guilty-they know this community down to the last buggy, but can they find the guilty party before someone else is in danger? (Cozy Mystery from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson & Zondervan])

Contemporary Romance:

Raspberry Kisses by Cecelia Dowdy -- Facing eviction, pastor's widow Rhea Morrison must save her failing bakery. Her recently-injured twin sister, Raven, loans her money on one condition. Rhea must attend a singles retreat to spy on Martin Lane, Raven's new love interest. Disgruntled, Rhea attends the retreat and is attracted to Martin. When he, a former successful bakery owner, formulates a plan to save her business, will she be forced to choose between her twin sister's love and a second chance at romance? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Wayward Hearts by Susan Anne Mason -- Hairstylist Maxi North is thriving in one of Manhattan's classiest salons. But her father's death puts her plans on hold while she travels home to face her past. There, she is forced to confront unrequited feelings for her former best friend, Jason Hanley, as well as her deeply buried guilt over her younger brother's death. When his friend, Maxi North, and her mother almost perish in a fire, firefighter-in-training Jason Hanley becomes involved in helping them re-build their farmhouse. Can he and Maxi ever put aside their differences to find a future together?  (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Deep Freeze Christmas by Marian P. Merritt -- Louisiana Chef Leona Buquet agrees to cook at a Colorado mountain lodge during the Christmas holiday, never expecting to be taken by the friendly and good-looking son of a movie producer. Trouble is, with glamorous actresses clamoring for his attention, why would he even notice Leona? Cameron Fleming struggles with a career he hates in order to please his famous father. Then he meets Leona and determines to get to know her. That is hard to do while dodging starlets...and the woman he wants is avoiding him. Can love sizzle, along with the Cajun dishes, in subzero temperatures? (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Historical Romance:

Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies) by Margaret Brownley -- On the trail of the Gunnysack Bandit, Pinkerton Detective Jennifer Layne poses as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian's Parlor House and Boots in Goodman, Kansas. Former Texas Ranger Tom Colton has every reason to distrust the green-eyed beauty at Miss Lillian's who calls herself Amy. Determined to clear his brother's name, he's convinced she knows more than she lets on, and he means to find out what it is. As Amy's investigation continues, her biggest problem is Tom and his stolen kiss. The closer she gets to nabbing the outlaw, the harder it is to keep Tom from finding out the awful truth about his brother. The Gunnysack Bandit she can handle, but it'll take a whole lot of faith and a little help from Miss Lillian and her girls to snag the man who stole her heart. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Her Honorable Enemy by Mary Davis -- For Charles Young, All's fair in love and war. The British soldier scorns the trappings of society life-including a society wife. So a posting in the remote San Juan Islands is perfect for him. But when an American girl crosses enemy lines, she turns his structured world upside down. As smart as she is fetching, Rachel Thompson's only experience with romance is the books she devours. But her father is determined that his spirited daughter make a suitable match. And a British officer could never be suitable. Can this real-life Romeo and Juliet triumph over the odds...or will their romance trigger the unthinkable-war? (Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents [Harlequin])

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope) by Jody Hedlund -- Stranded at Presque Isle port after her steamboat sank, Emma Chambers can't find work or even a place to stay. When a widowed lighthouse keeper and his young son arrive in town, a traveling preacher believes they might be the answer to each others' problems. After a hasty marriage, Emma is headed back to the lighthouse with this handsome but quiet stranger. Struggling with her new tasks of motherhood and domesticity at every turn, Emma also suspects Patrick may be keeping something hidden from her. In town she hears whispers about strange circumstances surrounding his previous wife's death, and it seems as though Emma's answered prayer for a home and family may actually be something much more dangerous. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings -- Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Left with few options and fearing he won't survive, Abigail agrees to marry the dying Confederate soldier, then look after his sickly sister and take ownership of his farm back home. Just when his sister learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears, puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his pre-war life back, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's forced to let the woman stay and help him--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his family needs. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing])

Colorado Dawn by Erica Vetsch -- Watch as God lights the way of love, despite the resolve of three Colorado men. A collapsing mine shaft made David Mackenzie blind and bitter, but Karen Worth will not give up on her unconditional love for him. Disillusioned by love, Sam Mackenzie reluctantly escorts a jobless and homeless Eldora Carter plus three orphans cross country. And just when that challenge seems too overwhelming, an avalanche descends. . . . Pastor Silas Hamilton falls for Willow Starr, an actress bound for New York City. But he's fairly sure the love between a pastor and an actress could never survive. . .could it? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn -- After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane's Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs. Eager to acquire his aunt's quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn't mean sacrificing her ambition? (Historical Romance from Abingdon Press)

The Snowbound Bride by Davalynn Spencer -- On the run from a heartless uncle, Arabella Taube hides in Nate Horne's farm wagon just as a harsh winter storm sweeps into Colorado. Despite Ara's mysterious background, Nate's mother thinks she is the answer to a prayer and the hope for his future. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Historical Suspense:

Embers of Courage by Diane and David Munson -- ICE Special Agent Eva Montanna discovers the world is ablaze with danger when militants capture her task force teammate, NCIS Special Agent Raj Pentu, during a CIA operation in Egypt. She risks her life to defeat tyrants oppressing Christians, and is plunged into a daring rescue mission. Eva's faith is tested like never before as mysterious ashes, her ancient family Bible, and fifteenth century religious persecution collide with modern-day courage under fire. (Historical Suspense, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

One Among Men by Connie Almony -- Samantha Hart is looking for purpose, like her missionary best friend, but is forced to take a job as a resident director of the all-male party dorm at the major state university where her prodigal past haunts her. Chris Johnson, a rock guitarist, has come back to school as a music major, and finds himself in a business relationship with the ruthless supplier of an on-campus drug ring. He's intrigued by the lady RD, while learning more about his musical gift and the God who gave it to him. Can he manage his two worlds without risking Samantha's life? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

Navy SEAL Noel by Liz Johnson -- Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy's orders are simple-produce a deadly toxin, or be killed. She's desperate for help...she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Trusting the man is a different matter. Will's Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out and the stakes keep rising. Any mistake could mean the difference between facing the holidays together or apart forever. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Women's Fiction:

Love Defined (Remnants) by Elizabeth Maddrey -- July (pronounced "Julie") and Gareth have reached the end of their infertility treatment options. With conflicting feelings on adoption, they struggle to discover common ground in their marriage. Meanwhile, July's twin sister, June, and her husband, Toby, are navigating the uncertainties of adoption and the challenges of new parenthood. How much stretching can their relationships endure before they snap? (Women's Fiction from HopeSprings Books)