Author: Iola Goulton

First Line Friday

First Line Friday 430 | Uncharted Blessing by Keely Brooke Keith

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m about to started Uncharted Blessing, the 16th (!) book in Keely Brooke Keith’s Uncharted series. I think I’ve read them all, and I definitely enjoy them.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Gazing into a newborn’s eyes made all of time and eternity stand still.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Uncharted Blessing

She never thought she’d be a mother. He never thought he’d love again.

Uncharted Blessing by Keely Brooke KeithCharlotte Cotter finds purpose in caring for others while burying her broken dream of a family of her own. When she leaves home to tend to a village matriarch, Charlotte never imagines the household she enters will change her life forever. But when a dying friend needs her help, Charlotte faces a daunting promise and a fragile hope she scarcely dares to claim.

Josiah Roberts never expected trouble at the family mill, nor to share a home with the village baker’s quiet, selfless daughter. Still haunted by past rejection, Josiah is determined to keep control of his life—in business and in love. But as Charlotte nurtures his mother, his home, and now an orphaned baby, Josiah sees true strength lies not in control but in compassion.

Meanwhile, as Caleb’s missionary journey continues, he discovers the dangers of life outside the Land.

Find Uncharted Blessing online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction | May 2026

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

Biblical Historical

Blaze of Honor by DM Griffin — Driven by a desire to please his father and caught in a dizzying storm of politics and family vendettas, Joram reluctantly accepts a fake marriage, meant to bring a young woman to Jerusalem so she could marry another man. Knowing how his father felt about women, a view he adopted as his own, Joram wasn’t prepared for the transformation that would take place once he began playing the role of a husband for all the wrong reasons. The treacherous journey, marked by near-death experiences, culminated with them arriving in Jerusalem amidst the vibrant Feast of Weeks. With his knowledge of God ringing hollow as a mere religious duty, Joram divorced his wife and surrendered her to another man, determined to honor his word. But when he stumbles upon the truth and feels the burning intensity of the Holy Spirit descend in a blaze of honor that illuminates far more than he could have ever imagined, Joram has to decide if he is willing to walk the path of love. (Biblical Historical, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance

Love in God’s Timing by Tara Baisden — Rebecca Hartwell is the woman everyone in Serenity Crossing counts on — the salon owner with the warm smile, the volunteer who never says no, the daughter and sister and friend who holds it all together. But beneath the life she has so carefully built lies a wound she refuses to name: the boy she loved at eighteen left to follow God’s call, and when she gave him the chance to fight for her, he didn’t. When Conner Delaney returns to Serenity Crossing as the new assistant pastor and walks straight back into her daily life, Rebecca discovers that a decade of distance hasn’t dulled a thing. He is steadier now. Kinder. And the way he looks at her tells her he came home carrying the same secret she did — that what they had at eighteen was never finished. When a decision looms that could separate them for good, they face the truest test of faith either has known — not whether God can restore what was lost, but whether they are brave enough to let Him. (Contemporary Romance from Sterling Ridge Press LLC)

On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad — If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies. Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don’t realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn’t recognize him as anything but an inconvenience. All but sworn enemies, they’d avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan’s animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


His Unexpected Joy by Elaine M Hunter — When Atlanta attorney Grant Edison returns to his hometown in coastal Georgia, he never expects to see ex-girlfriend Pier Parker. Now a devoted single mom to five-year old Olive, Pier is surprised that she and Grant are paired up to help plan the town’s Labor Day festival. As they spend time together, Grant grows more and more connected to her and her little girl. What began as a reluctant reunion may become the start of something lasting – as long as the secret Pier is keeping doesn’t get in the way… (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

 

Rescuing the Hero by Dawn Kinzer — Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost. Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him. With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Not Precisely Mr Knightley by Carolyn Miller — Emma-Jane (EJ) Bennett and Jordan Knight are longtime best friends who codesigned the immensely successful dating app, Dream Match. Success starts to go to EJ’s head when she gets caught up in the famous and money-hungry social circles and starts dating the son of a TV mogul. But Jordan’s feelings have grown from friendship to more. He determines to protect her by exposing Eric Churchill for the two-timer he is, finally agreeing to attend a function with her at the Sydney Opera House. But his best intentions go awry when EJ is embarrassed and runs for the security of home, small-town roots, and The Silver Teapot Café, feeling like Jane Austen’s chastised Emma—only without her Mr. Knightley. (Contemporary Romance from Barbour Publishing)


Blueprint for Love by Penny Zeller — He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Can a group of geriatric investigators, a series of competitions, and an old building in desperate need of an update be enough to draw these two opposites together? (Contemporary Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Contemporary Suspense


Crossbones by C.C. Warrens –“Sticks and stones will break your bones, if you make me hurt you.” Some truths are better left buried, but Jace Walker is determined to unearth the skeletons in her family’s closet. Leverage is all she needs to keep her brother alive, and she’s willing to risk everything to save him. Even her life. But is she willing to risk the lives of her friends? Holly and Jordan take on the case, but what should be a simple investigation takes a deadly turn when they stumble onto a murder. Family secrets are the least of their concerns as their path intertwines with a killer intent on remaining hidden. He doesn’t want to be found. He doesn’t want to be known. And anyone who threatens his anonymity dies. (Contemporary Suspense, Independently Published)

General Contemporary and Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Hidden Seeds by Jessica Brodie — When tragedy sends Natalie home, she finds betrayal, healing—and a new friend, whose shadowy past may be the only thing standing between her sister and a darkness neither woman was meant to face. (General Contemporary from Valor Publishing Group)


Off the Beaten Path by Sara Davison, Stacy Monson, Eleanor Bertin, Deb Elkink, and Johnnie Alexander — If only the journey of life came with a compass . . . As the people in these stories struggle to find their way, they must navigate wedding plans overshadowed by family drama, witty banter culminating in a motorcycle ride through the mountains, a job loss that opens the door to a sweet future, language barriers complicating an emergency delivery, and a small-town festival tainted by betrayal. Off the Beaten Path is a collection of five short stories that sweep the reader off on tales of adventures. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle — Nina is at her wit’s end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk’s Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island’s charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life. Kendra’s reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy. As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn’t follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Waterbrook/Multnomah [Penguin Random House])

Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Pridham — Alison, now a happy mother of two, recalls her teen years when a mistake of love led to unfathomable distress. Faced with pregnancy at the age of fourteen, she deals with shame, her father’s rage, choices, and decisions that jerk her into adulthood. But, leaning into her faith, with her sister as her biggest supporter, along with her mother, friends, a counselor, and a school program for pregnant teens, she finds what is truly important in life to her and succeeds in fulfilling her dreams. (Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Independently Published)

General Historical


A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H Gabhart — Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away after her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a Moonlight School for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that goal. After Kallie’s father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible. That is, until her frantic search for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn in the woods–their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she’s worked to protect. (General Historical from Revell)


The Design of Providence by Shannon McNear, Jayna Baas, Avellina Balestri, John M Cunninham Jr, Lynn Dean, Ted Lamb, Patience O’Brien, Nathan Stone, Richard Tucker, and Lynne Tagawa — Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices. Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all. (General Historical from Blue Rock Press)

Historical Romance


A Whole New Plan by Denise M. Colby — California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent, outspoken, and hiding a limp from a recent injury, Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. And she has no interest in church—or in sharing her secrets. What Will doesn’t realize is that Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton… even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. When strange thefts strike the ranch and a frightened boy appears with ties to their past, Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth—and find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press)


The Schoolmarm and the Miner by Denise Farnsworth — Adelaide Duncan’s dream of teaching is within reach until her father’s drinking and gambling force her to start over. Taking a position in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town of Dahlonega, she’s determined to prove herself. But unruly students, strict rules against teachers courting, and her growing feelings for a certain widowed father threaten the independence she’s fought so hard to claim. Wade Coulter walked away from the law after he lost his wife and unborn son. Raising his daughter alone is safer than letting anyone else in. But Lotty’s beautiful new teacher makes him question everything. Just as he begins to trust again, a dangerous man from Wade’s past threatens both the women he loves. A gold strike on Wade’s property promises security…but also revives old dangers. Scarred by her father’s choices, Addie fears any man who might put selfish desires before love. As deadly threats close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Wade must prove he’s changed or risk losing his chance at happiness forever. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Dutch Dawn by Linda Shenton Matchett — Isak Westgard is only six missions short to be rotated stateside. Then the unthinkable happens, and he crashes in the occupied Netherlands where the chances of him making it back to England are slim to none. A beautiful and tough-as-nails resistance courier begs to differ and claims she hasn’t lost anyone yet. The problem is the longer they’re together, the less he wants to escape. Annaliese Claasen has escorted her fair share of refugees and downed Allied pilots to safety – too numerous to remember. Until now. There’s something different about the Norwegian-American lieutenant, and it’s more than his good looks. Can she get him out of the country before losing her heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Daughter of the Rebellion by Jamie Ogle — Rome, AD 403. As a loyal daughter of the Visigoth tribe, Adelgard followed her father to war, hoping to win back her family’s approval. But after a clash with the Roman army, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. Now she is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome, determined to keep the fickle love of the crowd and never again rely on anyone but herself for her own security. But beneath the fame lies a darkness and pain that holds her captive. Felix despises Rome’s fascination with violence. But after returning from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he had little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. He finds a kindred spirit in Adel and does what he can to preserve the humanity of the rebel fighters, but when he receives orders that further compromise his beliefs, he arrives at a crossroads. Then Telemachus, a Christian leader, approaches Felix with an urgent message: if the Visigoth captives are not released, their army will invade Rome. Despite the risk, the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning, deadly day of gladiatorial games. As Telemachus seeks to save the Visigoth fighters, Felix and Adel join forces in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)


Della’s Song by Donna Jo Stone — North Louisiana 1934 – In the wake of a devastating train accident, Della Swan’s world is shattered. Her father and brother are forever changed, and the Swan Family Gospel Singers have no choice but to depend on the charity of formidable Aunt Leticia, proprietor of the Hotel Fairwood. Of Della’s six brothers, only two remain with her at the hotel: Quiet Max, the youngest, and Frank, the pianist who lost his arm—and his heart for music. The rest are sent away to school or work. Aunt Leticia believes the children must learn to make their way in the world, effectively banishing them. During Father’s recovery, the repercussions of his head injury make one thing clear. Life as the Swans knew it, traveling the south and sharing gospel music, may never return. Yet Della clings to the belief that God isn’t finished with her family or their calling and sets a plan in motion to bring them together again. When she develops an unexpected bond with Clayton Miller, the hotel’s reserved, long-time employee, his steady presence reminds her there is often more to people—and situations—than meets the eye. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense


Silent Menace by Angela Carlisle — After the exposure of her deceased husband’s criminal activity, CPA Hailey Nieland struggles to move on with life as a single mother raising a hearing-impaired toddler in a hostile small town. When she gains a major client, she hopes the extra income will be just what they need . . . until she begins finding anomalies in the accounts. No one should trust their life to a bodyguard who can’t protect himself, much less his client. At least, that’s what Peter Lewis believes after his failed mission. But leaving his former career behind is much harder than he expected–especially when someone begins targeting an accountant who works in the office building he’s now responsible for. As threats against her escalate, Peter and Hailey must work together to overcome their fears and expose a complex cover-up before she becomes the next victim.  (Romantic Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])


Vinny by MaryAnn Diorio — Vinny Morello is on track for a promising career in the fine arts. But when tragedy suddenly hurls him headlong into a life-altering crisis, he faces a frightening fork in the road. Which one will he take? The road that leads to life or the road that leads to death? (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

The Escape Game by Gina Holder — Twenty years ago, the world’s leading enigmatologist disappeared, leaving behind a cipher no one could solve… not without his journal. Puzzle shop owner Demi Kayne has spent twenty years hoping her father would return home. When she discovers his hidden journal tucked inside the walls of her family home, she finally uncovers the clue she’s been waiting for—but it leads somewhere far more dangerous than she imagined. Liam Shepherd, a missionary and escape-room enthusiast, is searching for answers of his own. His sister has vanished without a trace, and the trail of clues leads him straight to Demi—and the secrets hidden in her father’s journal. Their search brings them to the eerie Ives Mansion, where its brilliant and reclusive owner has designed a deadly challenge. Once inside, Demi and Liam realize they’re no longer guests. They’re players. Trapped inside a twisted real-life mystery game based on a stolen puzzle design, they must solve a series of lethal riddles before time runs out. (Romantic Suspense from Scrivenings Press)

Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks — Rescuing a woman from a burning car crash near his mountain cabin immerses undercover Fish and Game officer Joshua McGregor in a dangerous plot. But all Bethany can remember is being deliberately run off the road. Soon killers are hunting both of them through the unforgiving Idaho wilderness, and the discovery that Bethany’s identity has been erased has them grasping for answers. Now they must avoid treacherous traps and unexpected enemies…while trying to trust each other. But when the truth about Bethany’s past proves even more dangerous than they imagined, can she and Joshua protect innocent lives—and save their own? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


Alaskan Abduction Target by Megan Short — When Phoebe Tait suspects her husband’s death was no accident, she heads to Alaska searching for answers—only for her young son to narrowly escape a kidnapping. Officer Jock O’Halloran intervenes just in time, but it soon becomes clear that Phoebe’s investigation has made them a target. Now, with danger closing in, Jock must protect Phoebe and her son while they race to uncover a deadly truth. But can he keep them safe from a threat that will stop at nothing to bury the past—no matter the cost?(Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Scent of Peril by Darlene L Turner — Dispatched with her K-9 partner, Shadow, to locate an abducted boy, Constable Taylor Grant finds herself ambushed in the wilderness along with Wyatt Hoyt, the child’s father. As Taylor and Wyatt relentlessly pursue the kidnappers and follow the little boy’s cryptic clues through treacherous terrain, they face persistent attacks and lethal traps. Each step closer to rescuing young Levi uncovers a deadly conspiracy tied to Wyatt’s past and a weapons-smuggling ring. With time running out, can they outwit a ruthless mastermind to save Levi before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative/Time Travel


Mending Time by Pamela G. Baker — Jen believes she’s finally in control when she rips the remote from Lydia’s hand, steals the time machine, and is thrust from 1873 into 2020. But her confidence shatters when the machine vanishes. Alone, with no ID or money, and conspicuous in a Victorian-era gown, she pursues the one person who might be able to help—the time machine’s inventor. Instead, she meets Jamal, who has briefly experienced time travel and believes her story. When he offers help, she’s suspicious of his motives but desperate enough to accept his assistance. Can Jen build a time machine that will return to the time before she and her boyfriend accidentally erased her family and enabled Lydia’s birth?
Jen changed time once. She can do it again. But should she? (Romantic Suspense from Winged Publications)

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

Stronger Than Shifting Sands by Barbara Blythe — A new job. A promotion denied. And a hurricane threatening the tracks and their attraction. (Historical Romance)

The Sugarplum Inn by Jenna Hendricks — Because sometimes, the greatest Christmas gift is a second chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)

Keeper of My Heart by Heidi Gray McGill — What happens when the very traits that kept you alive are the ones God asks you to lay down? (Historical Romance)

Weighing a Miracle by Steven A Nimocks — What do you do when the world you trusted no longer adds up? (General Historical)

Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder — As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Awakening the Light by Natasha Woodcraft — Will Shay embrace the light, or lose everyone he loves to the shadows? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

First Line Friday

First Lane Friday 429 | On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m sharing from On the Fence About You by Emily Conrad, one of my favourite contemporary Christian romance authors.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

The barking reached a fever pitch that echoed through the lush peace of early summer in Chimney Creek, Wisconsin.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About On the Fence About You

If good fences make good neighbors, these former childhood sweethearts are doomed to stay enemies.

Combat veteran Hale Bastian and veterinarian Morgan Reynolds were best friends in childhood, but since a falling out twenty years ago, they’ve become strangers to each other. So much so that they don’t realize Hale bought the house next door to Morgan upon his return to small-town Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. He recognizes his mistake—and her—as soon as his dog jumps her ridiculous little fence and absconds with her dinner. Morgan doesn’t recognize him as anything but an inconvenience.

All but sworn enemies, they’d avoid each other if not for their devotion to the local animal shelter, where Morgan’s animal-loving aunt used to take them as children. If they hope to raise enough funds to save the shelter, the animals in its care, and her aunt’s legacy, Morgan and Hale will need to work together, and that means confronting their painful past.

When their growing connection threatens the peace Hale’s fought so hard to find and Morgan’s carefully crafted plans, it seems they can’t have it all. But what if all they need is waiting just on the other side of the fence?

A warmhearted and faith-filled clean romance about surrendering your plans, finding peace, and, of course, loving your neighbor.

Find On the Fence About You online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday 428 | When We Blinked by Stephanie Mack

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m reading When We Blinked by Stephanie Mack, which was first published in 2021 and is being re-released later this year by Tyndale Fiction.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

I tapped the toe of my nude suede pump on the elevator floor, willing us to move faster.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About When We Blinked

Newly divorced Seraphina Jones has returned to the corporate world after four years as a stay-at-home mom. She loves her job at prestigious Hamilton Hotels & Resorts, but the transition from playdates to boardrooms has been tricky, leaving her little space for anything else as a single mom.

Encouraged by her friends to start dating again, Sera tries a wildly popular new app built for people exhausted by swipe culture. Blinde is photo-free, designed to spark meaningful conversations. With renewed confidence―and a groove in co-parenting with her ex, Connor―Sera decides she’s ready to explore romance. Suddenly, there are several contenders: Graham Hamilton, the gorgeous young heir to his family’s hotel empire; Jack, the irresistible match on Blinde whose messages feel like fate; and Connor himself, who still stirs up feelings she wishes her heart would forget.

But while Sera thinks she’s juggling three different men, there are really only two. Jack is actually Connor, who was shocked to be matched with Sera on Blinde and is secretly hoping to connect with her all over again. When the truth comes to light, Sera is forced to ask herself: Is love at second sight truly possible, or is it finally time to move on from her failed marriage?

Set against the backdrops of sunny Southern California and the whimsical mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, When We Blinked provides a modern portrait of love in all its messy, hopeful forms and the power of redemption to turn any ending into a new beginning.

Find When We Blinked online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

You don’t just keep a speargun on hand to kill someone on land.

Book Review | Mostly Dead by Susan J Bruce

It’s Easter in Pelican Bay, which means it’s time for the Easter Egg treasure hunt. When Ruth Smythe teams up with her new friends, she’s hoping to find the treasure, not another dead body. This time, the victim is Theo, who is none too popular around town.

Unfortunately for Ruth, the main suspect is Dan, her not-so-secret crush.

Add in an incompetent ring-in police inspector, and it’s clear Ruth has another mystery to solve to clear Dan’s name. Dan is a popular man around the small town, which means she has help … except that help isn’t always helpful. This leads to several awkward and funny situations that somehow come across as completely plausible despite being completely unrealistic in real life.

Doug isn’t the only non-human character. Susan J Bruce is an animal lover, and that comes through in lines like this:

It was a universal truth that the more you disliked cats, the more they wanted to sit on your lap.

As any cat lover knows, they are characters in their own right, and something I always enjoy. I loved the town of Pelican Bay, with it’s quirky characters (human, bird and feline), endless banter, and a true community spirit—especially when it comes to solving a murder.

Mostly Dead is the second book of the Ruthless the Killer Mysteries, following Dead Ahead. It’s an excellent cozy mystery in a fun Australian setting, complete with Doug the cockatoo, who delights in embarrassing the locals by repeating their secrets at the most inopportune times.

If you prefer strictly Christian fiction, Mostly Dead may not be the book for you. Having said that, it would still be G-rated if it was a book (or perhaps PG, given there is a rather nasty murder).

But if you’re a cozy mystery fan who doesn’t mind the odd murder in your fiction (along with a little not-quite-Christian content), you’ll enjoy Mostly Dead.

Recommended for fans of cozy mystery authors such as Heather Gilbert and Amanda Ashby.

Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.

About Susan J Bruce

Susan J Bruce

Susan J Bruce is a former veterinarian turned award-winning author, professional copywriter and animal artist. Susan’s veterinary background invades her writing and animals run, fly, or crawl into nearly all of her tales. When Susan’s writing group challenged her to write a story that didn’t mention any animals—she failed! Susan lives in sunny South Australia with her husband, Marc, and their furred and feathered family. This currently includes a fat tortoiseshell cat, a rescue cockatiel, and an irrepressible ShiChi (Shih Tzu x Chihuahua) who thinks her mission in life is to stop Susan writing.

Running Scared is Susan’s first novel and was awarded the 2018 Caleb Prize for an unpublished manuscript.

Find Susan J Bruce online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | X

About Mostly Dead

Murder and romance. What could possibly go wrong?

Mostly Dead by Susan J BruceRuth Smythe is still getting used to small-town life when she stumbles on a body at Pelican Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt.

Two bodies in just a few weeks is bad enough—but it gets worse when Dan Rivers is arrested for murder.

Sure, Dan’s a little guarded and hard to read sometimes. But a killer?

No way. He’s kind. Loyal. Brave. And possibly her almost-boyfriend. (Not that she’s admitting it.)

As the case against him builds—and her reputation as Ruthless-the-Killer roars back to life—Ruth throws herself into the investigation.

With loyal friends, a cockatoo with no filter, and more at stake than she dares to admit, she’s determined to clear Dan’s name.

Because Dan could lose everything. She could lose… him.

And the real killer? Still out there.

Find Mostly Dead online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

 

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #427 | To Love a Prince by Rachel Hauck

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m reading To Love a Prince by Rachel Hauck, which I recently downloaded when it was on sale on Kindle. That dress on the cover is amazing! Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

It’s said in the north country of Lauchenland that the sea has a song and love blooms from the earth the same as flora and fauna.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About To Love a Prince

To Love a Prince by Rachel Hauck Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace in the North Sea’s Lauchtenland. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the capital city, and a handsome, successful boyfriend. The last person on her mind is Gus, the prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricatured by the press—he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But after he’s jilted at the altar, then dumped by his second fianceé, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue finds solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar rather than serve his country and the Family. But a wild Frisbee toss down the beach changes his destiny. Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince. She reminds Gus of his heritage and assures him that he’s needed in Lauchtenland.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment at Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding ball, their friendship blooms into affection. Then secrets are exposed, and Gus must choose between his past hurts and his future hope. And Daffy must trust her heart to forever love a prince.

Find To Love a Prince online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #426 | Where Hope Begins by Candee Fick

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from Where Hope Begins, a new contemporary Christian romance from Candee Fick.

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

Agreeing to help his family should not be this painful.

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

 

About Where Hope Begins

It’ll take more than love on the menu to keep his family’s café open.

Where Hope Begins by Candee FickJoel Dawson’s dreams of corporate success are put on hold when his father collapses in the middle of the breakfast rush. Now it’s up to him to keep the family business open and his grandmother’s legacy alive–except his book-smarts are useless for running a café, and the only person who can help—their star waitress—is struggling with issues of her own.

Lauren Graham’s lifetime spent trying to meet her father’s impossible expectations has turned her into the ultimate people pleaser, but now, she’s at a crossroads. Skipping college classes to cover extra shifts at the café will infuriate her family, but saying no to Joel feels impossible, even if being around him stirs up memories she’d rather forget.

Opposites may attract but even with a shared faith, their differences may be unsurmountable. And with each financial setback, the future of the café—and Grandma Hope’s legacy—hangs in the balance. Is Joel willing to trade his big city attitude for a small town apron? And if so, is that enough for Lauren to trust him with her heart?

Find Where Hope Begins online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #425 | Mostly Dead by Susan J Bruce

It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m reading Mostly Dead, the second cozy mystery in Susan J Bruce’s Ruthless-the-Killer mysteries. I really enjoyed Dead Ahead, so I have high hopes!

Here’s the first line from Chapter One:

What’s the book nearest you, and what’s the first line?

Autumn mornings in Pelican Bay had a way of making everything look sharper—the light, the trees, even people’s smiles.

 

About Mostly Dead

Murder and romance. What could possibly go wrong?

Mostly Dead by Susan J BruceRuth Smythe is still getting used to small-town life when she stumbles on a body at Pelican Bay’s annual Easter egg hunt.

Two bodies in just a few weeks is bad enough—but it gets worse when Dan Rivers is arrested for murder.

Sure, Dan’s a little guarded and hard to read sometimes. But a killer?

No way. He’s kind. Loyal. Brave. And possibly her almost-boyfriend. (Not that she’s admitting it.)

As the case against him builds—and her reputation as Ruthless-the-Killer roars back to life—Ruth throws herself into the investigation.

With loyal friends, a cockatoo with no filter, and more at stake than she dares to admit, she’s determined to clear Dan’s name.

Because Dan could lose everything. She could lose… him.

And the real killer? Still out there.

Find Mostly Dead online at:

Amazon | Goodreads

Click here to check out what my fabulous fellow FirstLineFriday bloggers are sharing today.

And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.

Share your first line in the comments, and happy reading!

Don’t forget to click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!

New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction | April 2026 (and a #Giveaway)

When I was a child and complaining how my birthday was sooo far away, my mother would tell me time moved faster as I got older. Well, I must be really old now, because it seems like only a minute since January, and it’s already April!

I will admit I’ve read some good books in the last three months, and I have plenty more in my to-read pile … which gets longer every time I look at one of these posts.

Speaking of the never-ending to-read pile …

Check out the 2026 multi-author Easter Giveaway hosted by Australian author Christine Dillon, who is one of my favourite authors and one I recommend frequently to people looking for deeper Christian fiction.

Hope for Times like These has ebooks to give away to 13 winners, including two who will win Always By My Side by yours truly.

Click here to visit Christine’s website and check it out.

Now, what’s new in Christian fiction for April? More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Amish Romance

A Secret Amish Arrangement by Amy Grochowski — After stumbling upon Reuben Bender’s hidden library in the woods, Nan Burkholder strikes a deal with the reclusive Amish farmer. She’ll keep his sanctuary secret if he’ll accompany her to an upcoming wedding to discourage an unwanted suitor. But when a natural disaster hits, their onetime arrangement turns into a partnership to save the community. Soon Nan discovers the courageous heart behind Reuben’s aloof demeanor, and feelings she never expected begin to bloom. But as Reuben withdraws to his isolated world, Nan will have to convince him to forgive his past for a chance at a life together after the storm. (Amish Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Contemporary Romance

More Than Friends by Denise Hunter — Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She’d expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they’d named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn’t expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she’s always sworn she’d never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there’s that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

The Art of Starting Over by Tara Baisden — Nicole Sullivan came to Serenity Crossing, Tennessee, to find herself again. After walking away from a two-year engagement—and a fiancé who loved the version of her that fit his plans—she’s determined to build a life on her own terms. Her new third-grade classroom is the fresh start she’s been praying for. But when her brightest student turns out to be a motherless little girl with sad eyes and matchmaking schemes, Nicole finds herself drawn to the one man who could make her repeat every old mistake: a grieving widower who might only see her as a solution to his daughter’s longing. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Hometown Second Chances by Megan Besing, Tabitha Bouldin, Andrea Christenson, and Rebecca Reed — Sky-diving, sled dogs, Russian photographs, and buried journals add up to 4 novels filled with sweet romance, excitement, and mystery enough to red-line your romantic adventure meter for days. (Contemporary Romance from Two Dogs Publishing)


The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden — They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Not What We Pictured by Becca Kinzer — McKenna Boston is feeling stuck. She’s spent years growing her photography skills only for her career to hit a wall. She’s ready to move on, and she will, just as soon as she helps her sister’s boyfriend stage the perfect proposal. But when her best laid plans go awry and a handsome stranger accidentally ends up with the heirloom ring, McKenna hops on a flight to retrieve it. Piece of cake, right? Nate Lambert was hoping to enjoy a relaxing summer before starting his new job as a literature professor, but he arrives in Tennessee to discover his mom’s bed and breakfast is struggling and there’s a long list of repairs to be tackled. The last thing he needs is a gorgeous, determined photographer searching for a ring he doesn’t have since the airline lost his luggage somewhere on his route from Nebraska. (Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House)

A Second Chance for a Dancer by Carolyn Miller — Poppy James is on the brink of attaining national fame, just like her friend and fellow dancer Bailey Donovan, when a blast from the past leads to a devastating injury. Jake Guillemette is used to being overshadowed by his NHL-playing younger brother. When a job opportunity leads him to start afresh somewhere new, he never thought he’d run into the person who made him second-guess everything, but who ultimately led him to become a better man. Horrified, Poppy is desperate to keep their past a secret, and it takes some time to learn to trust this different version of the man she’s long loved to loathe. Can Jake win her trust and prove he’s changed? And will Poppy learn to trust God with all her future? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner — A troubled teen whose baby Providence is taken by CPS, a mother of three who takes baby Providence in, and a tenuous friendship that leaves the two very different women asking the same impossible question: Who is the best mother for Providence? (Contemporary Women’s Fiction from Kregel Publications)

Dual Timeline/Historical Mystery

The Lost Story of Via Belle by Melanie Dobson — In 2006, searching for a story to adapt for film, an aspiring screenwriter becomes captivated by a 1940 bestselling classic novel and the mysterious disappearance of the woman who wrote it. (Dual Timeline – Historical Mystery from Tyndale House)

General Contemporary

Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams — In Stronger than the Storm, Kevin, a devoted pastor, and Beth, a parenting expert, are blindsided when their teenage daughter runs away and returns home pregnant. As they struggle to hold their family together, a long-buried secret from Beth’s past threatens to destroy all hope of reconciliation. (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press)

General Historical

Sani – The German Medic by Aubrey Reiss Taylor — There are two sides to every story. Can he navigate between them? Frederick’s childhood was spent in America, helping care for his ailing grandparents. Now, he has come of age and craves the adventures he missed out on. It begins with a return to his family’s homeland, into the heart of a continent gearing up for war. His new friends say he can’t possibly understand. Can a German army chaplain help bridge the gap? Or does the man’s own past disqualify him from becoming Frederick’s confidant? (General Historical, Independently Published)

Norwegian Nights by Linda Shenton Matchett — The second anniversary of Germany’s occupation of Norway has passed with no end in sight, so Gustav Westgard and his wife are still exiled on Shetland. He’s convinced Oda’s miscarriage would have been prevented back in Norway and decides he must return to his homeland to do whatever possible to rid the country of its invaders. Will he live to see liberation? Grieving the loss of her baby, Oda turns toward her heavenly Father as Gustav retreats inside himself. Rather than try to stop him after she discovers he plans to join the Norwegian resistance, she stows away onboard the ship taking him home. Can she convince him that they are better united in a cause than apart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

Psychological Suspense

The Girl Upstairs by Jessica R Patch — She bought this house to save her marriage. Unearthing its secrets might just claim her life. (Psychological Suspense from Love Inspired Trade [Harlequin])

Romantic Suspense

Witness Safeguard Mission by Carol J Post — When Nicole Woodard and her young sister witness their father’s murder by an unknown assailant, Nicole knows they’re next on the killer’s hit list. Now they must rely on Officer Braydon Feldman and his K-9 partner, Caesar, for protection. The killer will stop at nothing to silence the sisters and keep the crime hidden. But what could their father have been involved in that got him killed? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative/Fantasy

Paradise Unfallen by Chuck Richardson — What if Adam and Eve had resisted the serpent? Welcome to Erimea—Earth’s twin world, untouched by original sin. Solis and Livi, the first parents of Erimea, begin their lives in perfect fellowship with God. But their obedience does not end the war. Satan and his legions simply turn their fury upon the new world. As the population of Erimea rises, tensions crack the harmony of paradise. A powerful life-giving resource becomes scarce. Rumors spread. God is silent. And a restless humanity flirts with fear, force, and false gods. To save their descendants from repeating Earth’s tragedy, Solis and Livi must confront deception, division, and the relentless pressure of darkness. Their journey—from innocence to holiness—will determine the future of an unfallen world. (Speculative/Fantasy, Independently Published)

 

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

Hearts Restored by Tara Baisden — She was the one thing he could never blueprint. He was the one man she couldn’t wall out. (Contemporary Romance)

Last to Fall by Lynn H Blackburn — She’s caught in a deadly game. He’s the only one who can help her win. They’ll have to risk everything–including their hearts–to expose the truth before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense)

Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer — Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. Some journeys test what you believe. Some reshape who you become. Anna’s does both. (Biblical Fiction)

Find Me in the Story by Lisa Jordan — He built walls. She brought sunshine. Something had to give. But trust doesn’t come easy for two people who’ve been hurt. And one misunderstanding could destroy everything—including their chance at love. (Contemporary Romance)

Lifekeeper by Colleen K Snyder — A girl and her dragon face life and death decisions not only for themselves but also for their enemies. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)

Jackal by Michael Jack Webb — In a land where the dead speak and ancient gods walk in human skin, Kate Justice confronts a darkness older than civilization. (Supernatural Suspense)

I sure hope this is just the alcohol—and the heartache—talking and you’re not truly this big of a jerk.

Book Review | Lake Shore Renewal by Jennifer Rodewald

Charlotte Jensen—Charlee —and Noah meet when they are both invited to the wedding of their respective exes, and Noah makes a drunken toast to the bride and groom. He can’t remember much else until he wakes the next morning, by which time his toast has unfortunately gone viral.

Charlee has some sympathy for Noel, a guest in the run-down motel she’s recently purchased in Luna, Montana. Unfortunately, her co-owner is Mason, her ex and business partner, who has just married Emily, Noah’s ex, who was Charlee’s best friend right up until Emily started dating Mason.

(It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Honest.)

Charlee and Noah are brought together by the common awkwardness of their exes, and a common (temporary) address. When Noah realises how much work needs to be done at the motel, he takes some time off work to help Charlee out, both because he feels he owes her a favour and because he’s in no hurry to return to the house he bought in anticipation of marrying Emily.

Despite the awkward beginning, we soon get to see that Noah isn’t a jerk.

He’s a decent guy with a solid job and lots of great handyman skills who made one mistake (or perhaps two, if you count dating Emily in the first place). All the same, it’s a set-up that provides a lot of natural tension as Charlee and Noah have to work through their feelings towards Mason and Emily, and to consider what their lives will look like. There’s a lot of room for hard conversations, redemption, and renewal, and Jennifer Rodewald nails the delivery in way that feels authentic and true to the characters.

These are the kind of characters I want to see more of, which is one of the reasons I’m enjoying Jenifer Rodewald’s Redemption Shores series. Lake Shores Redemption is the sixth book in the series, so features characters series readers will recognise. Having said that, is definitely a standalone story—you don’t have to read the other books to read and enjoy Lake Shores Renewal. It is perhaps more of a romance than the previous stories in the series.

As Jennifer Rodewald says in the introduction, this is a reminder of the greatest love story: God’s love for us. I love that about her work: her Christian fiction is strong on Christian, with a focus on flawed characters learning to rely on God as they work through tough situations.

Recommended for fans of Christine Dillon or anyone looking for more Christian in their fiction.

About Jennifer Rodewald

Author Photograph: Jennifer RodewaldJennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

You can find Jennifer Rodewald online at:

Website | Facebook | X

About Lake Shore Renewal

Sometimes the roughest roads in life lead to the most beautiful places. But to get there, one needs faith to let go.

Lake Shore Renewal by Jennifer RodewaldCharlee Jensen walked herself straight into heartbreak. Now she is left questioning her ability to make good choices—especially since she’s not only not married to Mason, the man she’d planned her forever with, but she’s also the joint owner of the Creek View Inn—a run-down hotel in Luna, Montana that needs way more work than she’d anticipated. The best part of that disaster? Her partner in this misadventure is the very same man who broke her heart.

Yeah. In two short years, Charlee had made a real mess of her life. Now she’s back in Luna—the small, picturesque mountain town she grew up in, failure and shame her new companions. Somehow, she needs figure out how to make the Creek View Inn something that doesn’t summon Bates Hotel vibes—and to pay off the debt to her ex.

Noah Newellen’s life plans were hijacked the moment his fiancée returned the diamond he’d given her. But that wasn’t the worst day ever. Nope, not by a longshot. The absolute worst was a beautiful fall evening in Montana when he watched her marry another man—and he has the viral video to memorialize it. A video in which he’s giving a drunken, spiteful, country-song-inspired toast to the bride. Thanks to that drunken folly, and social media, he can never go back home.

Starting over in Luna, Montana isn’t logical. But as one door opens to another, Noah finds it might be exactly the grace he needs. A quiet, small town. An opportunity to pursue an old passion. Gracious, friendly people who help him to hold onto the goodness of God.

And a woman named Charlee, whose friendship sooths the wounds in his heart and inspires him to believe in second chances.

A tender story of love after heartbreak, hope beyond failure—and grace that doesn’t quit.

Find Lake Shore Renewal online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

Click here to check out my Amazon shop for my top picks in Christian fiction!