Author: Iola Goulton

New Releases in Christian Fiction

New Releases in Christian Fiction | September 2025

September 2025 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Biblical:

Survival Secrets by Lana Christian — The Wise Men’s flight from Herod forces them to flee to the Wilderness of Paran to reach Egypt’s safety. But the trek will test their fledgling faith in ways they couldn’t have imagined. How much will they endure to protect their secrets, including what they know of Yeshua? (Biblical/Historical from Scrivenings Press)

Contemporary Romance:

Building Hearts by Julie Arduini — Evan Hart has always felt the odd one out in a family of thriving siblings. When his reality show pitch is greenlit and he’s named co-producer, Evan sees a chance to finally belong within his family and the world watching them. Building with the Harts promises new beginnings and second chances until the network adds a wildcard: Shea Madden, a brooding co-producer with secrets of her own. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

Old Town Symphony by Milla Holt — Kezia Blair believes true talent shouldn’t need shortcuts. But after years of singing backup and recording anonymous jingles, her shot at a real music career is slipping away. When a last-ditch audition lands her on Starbound, TV’s biggest reality show, Kezia faces a painful choice: chase stardom on someone else’s terms—or walk away for good. Zach Falconer created Starbound to launch fresh talent—not get tangled up with it. Burned by a fame-hungry ex, he’s determined to protect his show from scandal and his heart from pain. In an industry where image is everything, can they hold onto what matters most… or will success cost them the truth—and each other? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Restoring Love by Dawn Kinzer — A woman trying to revitalize a struggling candle shop and an apprentice learning to restore priceless instruments learn that sometimes it takes more than hard work and determination to fix matters of the heart. (Contemporary Romance Novella, Independently Published)

Heart and Soul by Nancy Lavo — Big city pastor makes an unwanted trip to small town Texas for a lesson in humility and finds an unexpected chance for love. (Contemporary Romance from Iron Stream Media)

An Irish Kiss by Carolyn Miller — Aurora Fairall—Rory to her friends—loves her jobs working at the village bookshop and the family castle-turned-boutique hotel, even if she sometimes wonders if this is all God has for her life. She knows she has much to be grateful for, but she wonders if the special Fairall legacy that sees its members struck by Cupid’s arrow has passed her by. Until she meets Aidan Quinn—not the actor, but an Australian guest on a genealogical mission to discover his ancestry—and sparks fly. Aidan never thought his visit to Ireland’s west coast would result in meeting a redheaded firecracker with a bewitching smile and pixie-like laughter. But obviously God knew better. And his quest to find his kin brings him into the warm embrace of this loud and loving family has helped heal his heart and gives hope that his future might be different to what he’d imagined. Until a secret from the past threatens everything he holds dear… (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Their Texas Christmas Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus — Back home at her family’s Texas ranch for the holidays, the last thing Audrey Caldwell expects to see is her ex-husband, Tyler, on her doorstep—with his orphaned niece. The sweet baby in his arms brings up painful memories that she’d rather forget, but when little Willow gets sick, Audrey can’t turn them away. She offers to care for the baby if Tyler agrees to do some construction projects on the ranch. As they work together on a community Christmas event, neither can deny their growing connection. Can they heal their deepest wounds and find their way back to the family they always wanted? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Framed with Love by Rebecca Reed — Photographing people gives Olivia Perez the jitters, but she’s determined to prove her friends’ loyalty isn’t unfounded. This secret celebrity wedding is do or die for their business. When her videographer quits, Olivia needs a replacement––fast. The diving instructor is the last person she expects will fit the bill. If only she’d curbed her tongue at their first meeting. Stirling “Mac” MacAllister isn’t ready to come out of hiding––or is he? When his Labrador’s antics bring him face to face with a dark-haired spitfire and her pet rabbit, sparks fly, and he begins to wonder if he wants more than his solitary, beach bum lifestyle. When Olivia invites Mac to be her videographer for an upcoming wedding, he dusts off his equipment, but soon discovers she needs more than his technical skills. A flooded yard forces the wedding indoors, and Olivia’s insecurities undermine her confidence. With everything––including their hearts––on the line, Mac and Olivia must trust God and each other if they’re to frame a future together. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Rumors of Grace by Rena Bell Yeager — Tyler Grant is the cowboy everyone likes to talk about. The Tall Black Hat Guy has a mysterious past and a scandalous present. He likes the ladies, the bars, and fun. Georgia Duncan is everyone’s favorite eighth grade teacher. Cute, girl next door, sings in her church choir. When Tyler asks Georgia out on a date, it is disastrous. As is the next. And the next. They should give up. But when a terrible wreck puts Tyler into the hospital, Georgia offers to let him stay in her spare room while he recuperates. Neighbors talk. Rumors fly. What is the truth? And what do they both learn as they navigate their strange relationship and the rumors surrounding them? Will they find their happily ever after? Do they even want to? (Contemporary Romance from Pixley Knob Press)

Dual/Split Time:

The Broken Weathervane by Laura DeNooyer — Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. As Leslie Wickersham, Raymond University grants officer, seeks information to unravel a family mystery, English professor Gregory Stafford seeks an elusive interview with one more Buckwalter relative for his upcoming author biography. While Greg and Leslie guard coveted details from each other, her goals are further complicated by letters of blackmail threatening to reveal all she has worked hard to hide. In this dual timeline novel alternating between 2015 and the 1950s, loyalty is tested and secrets abound when family honor collides with truth. Leslie grapples with the trade-off: How far will a person go to help a loved one thrive? (Dual/Split Time from Scrivenings Press)

General Historical:

Kate’s Crucible by Elmer Fuller — Kate Collins never imagined her journey to the Kansas Territory in 1855 would be filled with such obstacles and challenges. As she arrives to teach at a New England Emigrant Aid Company settlement, she is met with constant problems—from nature’s wrath to the pain of loss. But it’s not just external forces that challenge Kate, who left a suitor and damaged relationships in Boston. She must confront the question: if God wants her to teach in Kansas, then why does he allow her to face such obstacles? (General Historical, Independently Published)

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee — 1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation―one that comes at significant cost. 1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences. (General Historical from Tyndale House)

Historical Romance:

As Far As the West by Barbara A. Curtis — Revenge against Eliza and Caleb Morgan has been smoldering over twenty years in Benton Calloway’s heart. Now the perfect plan to exact payment lands on the threshold of his tailor shop-in the arrival of their daughter, adventurous seamstress Lizzie Morgan. And what could play into his hands better than her interest in his worthless son, Josiah? Lizzie and Josiah struggle to overcome the obstacles hurled at them. Can Lizzie’s love survive, though, when Josiah is accused of being a thief like his father? Is he her redeemed, wounded war hero-or a man following his father’s past? Josiah’s dream of ranching is as shattered as his leg. Even in the bustling city, working as an accountant, his memories from World War I hound him.Past legacies of bitterness are about to be resurrected. Will Lizzie and Josiah follow that path, or will they discover that God’s accounting of grace and forgiveness is boundless-as far as the east is from the west? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Recluse’s Vindication by Danielle Grandinetti — The Loch Ness Monster isn’t the only recluse seeking a Scottish haven. Bieldfell. Scotland, 1933—Falsely accused of murder sixteen years ago, American cowboy Benjamin Ford has chosen to hide out in the Scottish Highlands. Reclusive and not afraid to die, he rescues children out of an increasingly dangerous Germany. When his childhood best friend appears at his door, he’s not the boy she remembers. Eleanor Finch’s life ended sixteen years ago. In one horrible day, she lost her dreams, her reputation, and her heart. However, she never gives up the hope of finding her friend, so when she learns of Ben’s whereabouts, she leaves all that is familiar to convince him to return home. But Eleanor isn’t the only person searching for Ben. Hunters follow her trail. The thin veil of gossip and rumor may be their only chance of a future … unless the Loch Ness Monster is real after all. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Discerning God’s Best Series Collection by Heidi Gray McGill — Four faith-filled stories of love, hope, and healing set in 1800s America, featuring a marriage of convenience, slow-burn romance, found family, and an exclusive bonus story available only in this bundle. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Risking it All by Jeri Stockdale — On the run and out of options, Rebecca takes the place of a mail-order bride and marries Jesse, a rancher grieving his wife and raising two children alone—neither of them ready for love, and both estranged from God, until their unexpected union sparks a journey toward redemption neither dared hope for. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Christmas Mail Order Brides by Carrie Turansky, Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough — Marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. In these touching stories of faith and romance in the American West, three women seeking new beginnings find love in unexpected places. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Cozy Mystery:

The Last Owners by Jean Rezab — When Courtney purchases a quaint house in the countryside, her dreams of transforming it into a cozy, inviting inn appear within reach. But beneath the charming exterior lurks a tangle of dark secrets. The previous owners vanished without a trace—eight years ago. Driven by curiosity and a sense of justice, Courtney and her husband Alex team up with Gary, the son of the missing couple, to unravel the mystery. The clock is ticking. The promise of treasure draws fortune hunters to dig up the tranquil backyard. When a fresh murder shatters the peace, Courtney realizes that the truth might be buried even deeper than she feared. As the stakes rise and the body count grows, Courtney must decide how much she’s willing to risk to bring the truth to light—and whether some dreams are worth dying for. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Romantic Suspense:

Girl Lost by Kate Angelo — A LOST BABY – Luna Rosati found acceptance and comfort with her childhood foster family, but when she became pregnant at sixteen, she gave the baby up for adoption and left without a word. Now a CIA counterintelligence officer, Luna wants to reconcile her fractured sense of self by finding the only blood family she has–the teenage daughter she’s never met. As Luna closes in on learning the girl’s identity with the help of her mentor, Stryker, she prepares to meet him in her old neighborhood–the last place she wants to be. Then Stryker is captured. AN INESCAPABLE PAST – Special Agent Corbin King changed his last name to escape the shadow of his convicted father serving a life sentence. When he runs into Luna, the object of his failed teenage romance, the two must put their pasts aside and work together to expose a secret that someone’s willing to kill for. A DEADLY THREAT – But when they encounter a kidnapping, missing bodies, and murder, the secrets Corbin and Luna are keeping from one another are only the beginning of the threat they face with more than their own lives at stake. (Romantic Suspense from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills — A survival expert and a Texas Ranger trek into an off-the-grid desolate area to free a seven-year-old little girl who’s held hostage to silence her Russian father from revealing terrorist information. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)

Unexpected Danger by Penny Zeller — Londyn Siegler never imagined her attempt at a fresh start would include a stalker intent on watching her every move. Nor did she imagine her unidentified stalker would follow her back to the very place she was running from–and now the only place that can offer even a semblance of protection. Now, as danger grows and the stalker remains at large, Londyn finds herself seeking refuge with Sheriff Brodie Brenneman, the man whose heart she broke. When the stalker’s attacks increase in severity, Londyn and Brodie find themselves fighting for their lives…and their rekindled love. Can justice be served before it’s too late? (Romantic Suspense from Maplebrook Publishing)

Speculative Fiction/Fantasy:

The Stolen Destinies by Demi Griffin — Wren was accustomed to guiding others in shaping their fates in the grand tapestry of Everlasting’s history. However, the weight of the destinies resting solely on his shoulders was a novel sensation for him. As the Bookshelf of the Ages was desecrated by theft, the air thickened with tension, disrupting Wren’s peaceful repose. Tasked with safeguarding the Divine Territory and rescuing the stolen destinies, he embarked on a quest filled with mysterious clues and the palpable sense of urgency. Would his failure thwart the King’s plan toward The Illumination? (This interlude should be read after book five and before book six of the Illumination Chronicles) (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)

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

Kage: The 6th Commandment by Charlene Amsden — When wounded journalist Trina Vaughn’s life collides with that of ex-con pastor Kage Kincade, the two must trust each other with their lives—and their hearts—as they confront a conspiracy that tests the limits of faith, courage, and the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ (Romantic Suspense)

This Isn’t Shakespeare by Stephanie Cardel — When her dreams fall apart, Madison believes it’s a sign from God she should commit to her atheist boyfriend and make a new dream, but once she realizes God would never send her a sign that would cause her to sin, how can she forgive herself for believing the lies of the world? (Young Adult)

Surviving the Deal by Seralynn Lewis — She’s not looking for love. He’s not looking for a wife. But a deal with eternal consequences is about to change everything. (Contemporary Romance)

Her Secret Amish Admirer by Beth Wiseman — Sadie Miller is content with her job as a schoolteacher in a small Amish community located in southern Indiana. She loves children, but her past keeps her from pursuing marriage and having a family of her own. (General Contemporary)

The Day Sarah Ran Away by Janell Goodrich York — When her daughter’s return sparks unexpected change, Sarah leaves routine behind for a cross-country journey-full of surprises, self-discovery, and a future she never imagined. (General Contemporary)

Have you ever been on a launch team?

Book Chat #399 | Have you ever been on a launch team?

I’ve been on several book launch teams.

The first big book launch team I was on was organised by a major publisher and was at least ten years ago. The publisher asked readers to complete ten weekly tasks, with the promise of an Amazon voucher for everyone who provided links to show they had completed all ten tasks.

Unfortunately, the final task was to review the book on Amazon, which broke Amazon’s rules about reviewers not getting paid for reviews. (Equally unfortunately, I hadn’t enjoyed the book!) Anyway, I didn’t review the book, didn’t get the Amazon voucher, and steered clear of similar launch teams for a while.

Since then, I’ve volunteered for many launch teams, some with smaller publishers but most for authors who are self-publishing their books.

Some have been very formal, with Facebook groups and regular tasks.

These are typically organised by publishers or by authors who have hired someone to organise their book launch. These might send a weekly email with promotional images to share on social media or similar tasks. I try to complete the tasks requested, but they are sometimes time-consuming and can feel a little overwhelming.

Others have been a lot more informal, where the author simply shares the book and perhaps a few images, and asks readers to review the book and share the promotional images if they can. I definitely prefer these less formal launch teams.

What about you? Have you ever been on a launch team? What was your favourite part?

If we aren't talking to one another anymore, it means we stand little chance of understanding one another.

Book Review | Why I’m Still a Christian by Justin Brierley

I’m always intrigued to know how people (especially adults) decide to become a Christian. I’m equally intrigued to understand why Christians, in this age of doubt and deconstruction, maintain their belief in Jesus. I’m intrigued, but many of the arguments for and against faith are built on false logic. (“Christians still sin, so God can’t be real” – which is the doctrinal equivalent of throwing the baby out with the bathwater). Others are expressed in academic terms I find difficult to relate to.

Why I’m Still a Christian is built on over fifteen years of dialogue with Christians and atheists of all persuasions on his weekly radio show-turned podcast, Unbelievable. Brierley is also widely read, in that he quotes from books by mainstream Christin apologists such as C. S. Lewis and Lee Stobel, but also from nonChristian and atheist authors, who often make the case for Jesus even more powerfully than Brierley can.

This is the strength of the book.

While it is Brierley’s personal testimony and rationale for Christianity, it’s also based on extensive personal research, reading the works of many of the big thinkers about faith over the last two millennia.

Brierley discusses some big issues on contemporary science and how they can be interpreted to support or even prove the idea of a Creator: entropy, the Big Bang theory (it’s not just a TV show), the multiverse. He also points to some things that are perhaps easier to understand as proof: mathematics, gravity, and morality:

The belief that humans are created free, equal, and with inherent dignity only makes sense if there is a God.

And:

If atheism is true, then there is no ultimate right or wrong.

What stood out most to me, especially in the section on science, is that many of the new discoveries are pointing towards God, not away from Him (which is  contrary to much of what I was taught in school). It reminds me of the importance of thinking and questioning matters of faith so we can have robust conversations on

Recommended for those who enjoy the topic of apologetics, and anyone looking for sound, reasoned and readable information that examines some of the central debates around the Christian faith from both points of view.

Thanks to Tyndale Elevate and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About Justin Brierley

Justin Brierley has been working in radio, podcasting, and video for two decades. He co-hosts the Re-Enchanting podcast for Seen & Unseen and is a well-known speaker and broadcaster. Justin founded the popular Unbelievable? faith debate show, and has also hosted the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast. Justin’s first book, ‘Unbelievable?: Why, after Ten Years of Talking with Atheists, I’m Still a Christian’ (SPCK), was published in 2017. His latest book is ‘The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God’ (Tyndale House Publishers). Justin and his family live in Surrey, UK.

Find Justin Brierley online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X

About Why I’m Still a Christian

A compelling and intriguing discussion of why believing in God makes the most sense of human existence and our purpose on earth by one of the most respected Christian thinkers of our time.
“Highly readable survey of the reasons for Christian faith. Not just an academic exercise, Justin has respectfully engaged many thoughtful atheists and sceptics over years, which is always a test for a believer. The book is therefore very personal―it explains how his own faith has emerged while working through the challenges he has received.” ―Timothy Keller

Why I'm Still a ChristianPopular radio host and podcaster, Justin Brierley, has been creating and facilitating constructive conversations about faith for more than two decades. He is an expert in Christian apologetics and has had a ringside seat as believers and nonbelievers alike have debated Christianity. Surprisingly, Justin has come out on the other side of these debates more convinced than ever of the truth of Jesus’ claims―and the power of good conversations.

With this book, you get to watch Justin as he engages with the most unlikely of conversation partners―from Richard Dawkins to Philip Pullman―on the subject of faith. You’ll understand why Justin, after hearing the strongest objections to the Christian faith and religion, is still a Christian. For him, God makes sense of human existence, the inherent value of human life, and our ultimate purpose on earth.

With this book, you’ll explore tough questions, with Justin Brierley as your guide:

  • Why would God allow suffering?
  • Are Christianity and the existence of God compatible with science?
  • Is there any evidence for the resurrection?
  • And much more.

Discover the reasons to believe.

This book is a revised and updated edition of the Unbelievable book published in 2017, with a new chapter on deconstruction.

Find Why I’m Still a Christian online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

First Line Friday

First Line Friday #404 | Dear Henry, Love Edith

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 Dear Henry, Love Edith, the debut novel from Becca Kinzer, which I found in my local library.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

Henry grimaced, not sure which irritated him more - the persistent ache in his knee or the relentless voice in his ear.

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

 

About Dear Henry, Love Edith

He thinks she’s an elderly widow. She’s convinced he’s a grumpy old man. Neither could be further from the truth.

After a short and difficult marriage, recently widowed Edith Sherman has learned her lesson. Forget love. Forget marriage. She plans to fill her thirties with adventure. As she awaits the final paperwork for a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town. The last thing she needs is a handsome local catching her eye. How inconvenient is that?

Henry Hobbes isn’t exactly thrilled to have Edith, who he assumes is an elderly widow, dumped on him as a houseguest for the summer. But he’d do almost anything for his niece, who is practically like a sister to him given how close they are in age. Especially since Edith will be working nights and Henry works most days. When he and Edith keep missing each other in person, they begin exchanging notes―short messages at first, then longer letters, sharing increasingly personal parts of their lives.

By the time Henry realizes his mistake―that Edith is actually the brown-eyed beauty he keeps bumping into around town―their hearts are so intertwined he hopes they never unravel. But with her departure date rapidly approaching, and Henry’s roots firmly planted at home, Edith must ultimately decide if the adventure of her dreams is the one right in front of her.

Find Dear Henry, Love Edith 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!

What about you? Do you check out books that have won awards?

Book Chat #398 | Do book awards make you want to check out the book?

Yes, but not all book awards.

As I mostly read Christian fiction (especially Christian romance), I have a particular preference for book awards that are either specifically for Christian fiction (such as the Christy and Carol Awards), or which have a Christian or inspirational fiction category. I also have a preference for awards organised by writer or reader organisations.

What I’m less interested in is “participation awards”. You know the ones: they say they have over 500 authors entering the awards each year, but when you look at the website you realise there are close to 100 categories, with five finalists in each category …

What about you? Do you check out books that have won awards?

Book Review | The Atlas of Untold Stories by Sara Brunsvold

The Atlas of Untold Stories is classic women’s fiction, the story of three women – on a (literal and symbolic) journey to discover their true selves, rediscover their relationships, and share their secrets.

Lauren Vance is the responsible older daughter who has just lost her job and is scared to tell her family. Chloe is her flaky wannabe-artist younger sister. Edie, their mother, is still living in the shadow of her domineering mother, Moira Mondell.

Chloe is given the opportunity to teach art at a Christian school in Prague, but is too nervous to tell her mother. Instead, Chloe somehow convinces Edie to join her on a impromptu road trip. Lauren later agrees to tag along, which sets up plenty of tension between the sisters and with their mother.

Read more

We’ve known each other for years through Jacob. Disliked each other for just as long.

Book Review | If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

Josie is a school nurse who wants to buy a house, so when her brother asks her to help nurse his client and best friend, ice hockey player Wyatt, during the summer break, she is open to the suggestion … once she’s recovered from being arrested detained and negotiated an appropriate fee.

If All Else Sails ticks all the trope boxes.

Sports romance (Wyatt is a successful professional ice hockey player).

Forced proximity (Josie’s brother basically bribes her to stay with the injured Wyatt and ensure he heals).

Grumpy-sunshine (even if Wyatt’s grumpiness is mostly a result of his ability to unfailingly say the wrong thing).

Big misunderstanding (Josie thinks Wyatt doesn’t like her).

Unrequited love (Wyatt loves her).

Slow-burn romance (which means the will-they-won’t-they is the main plot and there isn’t any irritating third-act breakup.)

It’s billed as enemies to lovers, but that’s only half true.

While Josie has loathed Wyatt almost since the day they met, Wyatt has been harbouring a secret crush for just as long.

The story is written in first person point of view, which means it’s important to read the chapter headers to stay on track with which character we’re reading about. I do find first person allows me to get into the heads of the characters and really get to know them, and I loved that. It gave the story a unique and fun voice.

If All Else Fails is one of the few novels I’ve read in recent years which actually has chapter names, and where those chapter names add to the story rather than providing spoilers.

I particularly loved the slow-burn aspect of the romance, the way their relationship developed slowly and naturally. Seeing Wyatt’s point of view was great, because it added tension (whereas Josie’s scenes mostly added comedy).

The only possible criticism is that there isn’t a Christian faith arc, something which has become more the norm than the exception for books from Thomas Nelson.

Recommended for rom-com fans who love witty banter and all the tropes.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

About If All Else Sails

In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie and her brother’s best friend–hockey player Wyatt Jacobs–are tricked into spending a summer together that’s anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie’s brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn’t just one of her sports agent brother’s clients. He’s also his best friend. And Josie’s sworn enemy.

Oh–and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Find If All Else Sails online at:

Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

About Emma St. Clair

Emma St. Clair is a USA TODAY bestselling author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. Her books have sizzling chemistry while keeping the bedroom door closed. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, TX (go Tigers!), with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels (yet).

Find Emma St. Clair online at:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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 #403 | It Shouldn’t Be You by Jessica Wakefield

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 It Shouldn’t Be You, the new release from Australian author Jessica Wakefield.

Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:

Declan Collins was in trouble again, evident by the sound of Julie, his boss, tapping her pen against the table, a steady rhythm that matched his pulse.

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

 

About It Shouldn’t Be You

To revive his stalled career, jaded journalist Declan Collins is assigned to cover the Hamiltons’ extravagant Christmas party—the same Hamiltons who are demolishing the community centre where Declan spent some of the best moments of his childhood.

Addey Bennet, the event planner behind the party, needs everything to go perfectly. Her business is on the line, and so is her chance to mend a strained relationship with her powerful parents—the ones footing the bill.

Neither of them expects the spark between them.

Addey never planned to fall for the man who resents everything her family stands for. Declan never imagined he’d be drawn to the Hamiltons’ daughter. But as tensions rise and emotions deepen, their unexpected connection could cost them everything they’ve worked for—and maybe even a shot at love.

Find It Shouldn’t Be You 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!

What author contests do you like best?

Bookish Question #396 | What author contests do you like best?

That’s easy: any contest that has a book as a prize!

Paperbacks are great but I’m happy with ebooks (because then I don’t need to figure out how to fit it on my bookshelf).

My other favorite contest is any contest that’s open to international readers. A lot of the contests I see advertised have interesting prizes like cute quilts or monogrammed mugs, but they are only open to US entrants. Not that I blame the authors – the cost of postage could be prohibitive, and there’s every chance a mug would never arrive intact.

What about you? What author contests do you like best?