New for October from Our Love Inspired Suspense Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with three new must buys from our Love Inspired Suspense authors. Just click on the cover to purchase it. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on her name.

Framed for Murder
by Mary Alford 

FALSELY ACCUSED
Framed for helping her partner smuggle guns—and then murdering him—CIA agent Liz Ramirez must find the evidence that will prove her innocence…before she's caught or killed. So when her squad's leader attempts to bring her in for questioning, she knows her future depends on convincing Aaron Foster to go rogue and help her. On the run from the rest of her team and the gun dealers who are convinced she knows the location of their missing weapons, Liz risks losing the proof that would clear her name. But will eluding her pursuers—and trying not to fall for the handsome commander—prove to be fatal?

Undercover Amish
Publishers Weekly Bestseller by Debby Giusti 

AMISH COUNTRY REFUGE
After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Christmas Amnesia
by Laura Scott 

MISTLETOE MEMORY LOSS
Assaulted a week before a high-profile drug trafficking trial, assistant district attorney Madison Callahan narrowly escapes death…but suffers amnesia. Now, when she can't recall the identity of her attacker, everyone is suspect—except the handsome policeman who saved her. Officer Noah Sinclair will do anything to bring the mob-connected drug trafficker to justice, including providing personal protection to Madison—the sister of the partner he nearly got killed. But helping her regain her memory may end their unlikely alliance because once she remembers him, Noah might be the last man she'll want to rely on. As the trial looms and with the assailant dead set on ensuring that Madison doesn't survive to see Christmas, it'll take everything Noah's got to keep Madison alive.

Sunday Scripture

Parable of the Great Banquet,Brunswick Monogrammist,
circa 1525, National Museum, Warsaw. (PD-US)

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people 

in parables, saying,
"The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king
who gave a wedding feast for his son.
He dispatched his servants
to summon the invited guests to the feast,
but they refused to come.
A second time he sent other servants, saying,
'Tell those invited: "Behold, I have prepared my banquet,
my calves and fattened cattle are killed,
and everything is ready; come to the feast."'
Some ignored the invitation and went away,
one to his farm, another to his business. 
The rest laid hold of his servants,
mistreated them, and killed them. 
The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 
Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 
Go out, therefore, into the main roads
and invite to the feast whomever you find.'
The servants went out into the streets
and gathered all they found, bad and good alike,
and the hall was filled with guests."

Matthew 22:1-10

Saturday

Fall Fun!

By Debby Giusti

I packed my schedule a bit too full this fall, but I enjoyed every minute! The good news is that UNDERCOVER AMISH, the second book in my Amish Protectors series, is in stores this month. I just sent the Author Alterations for book three, AMISH RESCUE, to my editor and got the approval, last week, on the proposal for book four. As you can imagine, the fall has been filled with deadlines. It’s also been filled with travel.

Undercover Amish, book #2 in my
Amish Protectors series.

My first adventure was a lovely visit to Holmes County, Ohio, the heart of Amish country. My husband and I visited Amish farm houses, took buggy rides, shopped in the local markets and snapped lots of photos at the local flea market and cattle auction. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the clip-clop of horses’ hooves and see the sweet children in bonnets and straw hats peering at us from the back of their parents’ buggies.

Amish father and daughter at the Flea Market

So picturesque!

Amish farm.

Our next trip was to the Holy Land. We visited Bethlehem where Christ was born and the Jordan River where he was baptized. We sailed across the Sea of Galilee and prayed at the spot where he multiplied the loaves and fishes, preached the Sermon on the Mount, healed at the Pool of Bethesda and was transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration. Entering Jerusalem, we traveled the route Christ took on Palm Sunday, prayed at Gethsemane and walked the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Scripture came alive as we toured, and the entire trip was a dream come true.

The Jordan River 

Bethlehem. Star marks the place of
Christ's birth.

Jerusalem

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
and place of Christ's crucifixion.

In early October, I attended the Moonlight & Magnolia’s Conference and, a few days later, traveled to Nashville with a group of friends from church. We took in shows at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman and toured The Hermitage, Belle Meade and Belmont Mansion. On the way back to Atlanta, where I live, we stopped in Chattanooga for a relaxing lunch cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat.

Ryman Auditorium

Belle Meade

 

Southern Belle

Now I’m home and ready to finish book four in my Amish Protectors series. I’m also planning more trips to take in the months ahead.  

What’s on your schedule?

Wishing you abundant blessings,

Debby Giusti

www.DebbyGiusti.com

www.Seekerville.blogspot.com

Undercover Amish

By Debby Giusti

After Hannah Miller’s mother is murdered and her sisters go missing, someone comes after her. Now the only way she can survive is to entrench herself in an Amish community…and rely on Lucas Grant, a former police officer who is planning to join the Amish faith, for protection. But finding refuge for Hannah— disguised as Plain at a secluded inn—pulls Lucas back into his old life. And when Lucas discovers the criminals after them may be the people who killed his partner, the mission to take them down becomes personal. With the assailants closing in, though, can Lucas stop them…and finally put his past behind him to start an Amish life with Hannah?

Order here!

Fuzzy Blankets, Warm Drinks and Novels

by Jill Kemerer

In northern Ohio the leaves have changed, the furnace is running, and I’m ready to snuggle inside. I love this time of year!

I kick off every morning with a nice, hot pot of coffee. While I watch the local news, I wrap up in a comfy throw and sip my creamy caffeine. I have a collection of fuzzy blankets, and my current favorite was a gift from my sister-in-law from last Christmas. It’s dove gray and so soft. My little doxie always curls up on my lap underneath the blanket! She’s silly.

This won’t shock you, but my T-shirts and shorts have been packed away. In their place are jeans and sweaters. I’m always cold, so in the afternoon, I fill my electric tea kettle with water and sip hot tea while I write.

Sometimes my husband and I will take a long walk before it gets dark out. We try to take advantage of the daylight as much as possible because it won’t be long until it grows dark before dinner time. Having less sunlight makes me sad. I’m not a fan of short days. I actually have a Happy Light, which is an LED light therapy lamp. It’s supposed to ease low moods due to lack of sunlight. Even my dog loves it. She stretches out in front of it whenever I turn it on.

My reading habits change this time of year. I read more cozy fiction—inspirational contemporary romance novels, cozy mysteries, and historical romances. Oh, and Christmas stories! I love holiday books this time of year. The only novels I steer clear of in autumn are heavy women’s fiction and thrillers. With winter approaching, I need reading material guaranteed to make me smile.

Here are a few books I’ve read recently and highly recommend.

Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time by Tricia Goyer

First of all, I love the cover of this one. More importantly, the message is powerful. I was inspired by Tricia’s story, and I love the Bible truths in this book. Living God’s word isn’t always comfortable, but it’s worth it.

Rescue Me by Susan May Warren

This is the second book in the Montana Rescue series, and I loved it! It’s a romantic adventure and follows multiple characters. I highly recommend it.

Speaking of books... My new series, Wyoming Cowboys, launched this month with the release of The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride! It’s a Christmas romance set on a ranch in Wyoming. The book is available in supermarkets and online at all major book retailers. See below for more information.

To celebrate, I’m giving away three copies of my new release, The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride, on my Facebook page. US residents are eligible to win a paperback or ebook. International readers are eligible to win an ebook! Stop by and scroll until you see the post titled Giveaway Time 10/10/17. CLICK HERE to go to Jill’s Facebook page!

I’d love to hear your fall habits. Hot drinks? Fuzzy blankets? Or is it hot year-round where you live? And what are you reading?

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Jill Kemerer writes Christian fiction and nonfiction. She is a multi-published author of Christian romance novels for Harlequin Love Inspired. Her essentials include coffee, M&Ms, a stack of books, her miniature-dachshund and taking long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two almost-grown children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, and sign up for her newsletter.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Instagram  |  Amazon

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The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride

Coming Home for Christmas 

Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  | iBooks

New for October from Our Love Inspired Historical Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with two new must buys from our Love Inspired Contemporary authors. Just click on a cover to buy one. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on their names.

Mistletoe Mommy
by Danica Favorite 

A MOTHER FOR CHRISTMAS
Widower Luke Jeffries needs a mother for his three young children, whether or not they agree. When he meets Nellie McClain at the mail-order-bride agency, Luke thinks his problems are solved, but they’ve only just begun. Though the beautiful widow awakens his grieving heart, Luke won’t betray his cherished wife’s memory.

A marriage of convenience is exactly what Nellie wants, since she’s been wounded by love before and doesn’t plan to risk her heart again. But despite her chilly reception at Luke’s family’s simple Colorado cabin, her feelings for Luke and the children grow deeper every day. Can Nellie and Luke heal the pain in each other and finally make their family whole again?

Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion
by Louise M. Gouge

THE SHERIFF'S SECOND CHANCE
Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can’t avoid the widowed single mother of two when they’re collaborating on a Christmas village for the town’s children.

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Sunday Scripture

The Jordan River where Christ was baptized.

Peace Be With You

Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9 

Saturday

First Call Friday - Louise M. Gouge

Louise M. Gouge here. We Ladies of Love Inspired have been telling our stories of the first time we received a call from an editor who wanted to purchase our novel.

My first “call” wasn’t a phone call, it was a letter, but no less thrilling than speaking on the phone to an editor who wanted to publish my manuscript. But my hopes soon came crashing to the ground. Before I get too far ahead of myself, let me give you a brief history of my writing career.

I began writing in 1984, when my children were all in school. With my family’s encouragement, I completed one novel and continuing to write its sequel. To make sure I had done everything right, I took a creative writing class at local Valencia Community College (now Valencia College). Being back in school was so enjoyable that I continued to take classes, graduating with an Associate’s degree, then moving on to the University of Central Florida, where I earned an English/Creative Writing degree.

With all of those writing lessons in mind, I rewrote my book and took it to a writers’ conference, along with articles, short stories, and plays I had written while in college. My first sale was a short story, bought by a Christian magazine editor. Then my plays were bought. Finally, after two years, the editor of a small publishing company took my manuscript home and soon wrote me a letter saying she wanted to publish it. I was over the moon happy!

However, a few months later, I received word that her company was going out of business. Ouch! My dreams of becoming a published author came crashing down!

Those dreams might have stayed down, except for this same editor, who wasn’t content just to cancel all her contracts. She made it her business to find a home for as many of those manuscripts as she could. She found a home for my novel at Crossway Books. Once again, I could dream! And I got a lesson in integrity from this lady. She was going bankrupt, but she was determined not to disappoint the hopeful writers she had given contracts. Once There Was a Way Back Home was published in 1994, ten years after I began writing.

After writing two books for Crossway, I decided I wanted to go deeper with my writing. I earned my Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College, writing a novel for my master’s thesis. Its title is Ahab's Bride. Because I once again wanted to be published, I found an agent. It took him a while, but eventually, he sent me an email—no less thrilling than a letter—with the subject line “Good News.” He had found an editor at Cook Communications (now David C. Cook) who loved my story. Ahab's Bride was published in 2004. Twenty years after I began writing, my career was moving forward. (This cover isn't the original. It's the cover for my e-book version of Ahab's Bride.)

Since that time, I’ve received phone calls from my agent with each book sale (I have twenty-five books published). Each one is just as thrilling as that first letter. It never grows old.

My latest and final LIH, is Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion:

Sheriff Justice Gareau can make outlaws quake in their boots…yet coming face-to-face with Evangeline Benoit once again takes away all his composure. She broke their engagement, and his heart, to marry a wealthy older man. Despite his reluctance, Justice can't avoid the widowed single mother of two when they're collaborating on a Christmas village for the town's children.  

The loving boy Evangeline once knew has become an unyielding lawman. Forced to flee New Orleans over false allegations, Evie doubts Justice will take her side when the past follows her to Colorado. Especially when he and her troublesome son butt heads. But perhaps the spirit of Christmas will soften his heart and give them a second chance at love.

Copyright © 2017 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited, Cover art and cover copy text used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises.

® and ™ Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Why I write Christian Romance

Many readers ask me why I write Christian Romance, so I thought this would be a great blog topic for today.

Allow me to begin with a brief true story:

A week after I turned 13 my great-grandfather died. It was my first real experience with death and my great-granddad’s passing hit me hard. I remember the night after his funeral, lying in my bed, sobbing into my pillow. Like hysterically crying as if I’d never stop! As a typical self-absorbed teenager, I was particularly upset because I was faced with the concept of my own death. And frankly, I was terrified! I sobbed and trembled in my bed for what seemed like hours, (but probably wasn’t) when I suddenly felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. Instantly, a sense of peace washed over me.

No, there wasn’t anyone in my bedroom. I believe that the comforting hand sensation came directly from God because in that moment, I realized that there was no reason to be afraid of dying. I grew up attending church and somehow this night, I understood that those who believe in God and our Lord Jesus will be lifted up after death to everlasting life in God’s kingdom. In the space of a heartbeat, I was no longer afraid.

That night all those years ago, was a major turning point in my life. Before this, I attended church but didn’t really understand God and Faith. After this experience I began reading the Bible in earnest, especially my favorite, the Book of Psalms. I also began reading Christian romance by many authors, but the one name that I remember most is Grace Livingston Hill. Since the night of my epiphany, I have continued to find comfort in church and prayer.

Yet, I always wanted to write romance. When I was provided the wonderful opportunity to write for Love Inspired Suspense, I jumped at the chance because it was a dream come true.

I love romance, I love mysteries and I love God. What better opportunity to showcase my beliefs, than to write Christian Romantic Suspense? I’m so honored and blessed to have written 20 LIS books.

Recently, I learned my book Mirror Image is a finalist in the prestigious The Christy Award™ and I couldn’t believe that my book would be showcased along with those from other incredibly talented Christian authors. This is yet another dream come true.

But I digress. Back to the topic of my blog. I write Christian romance because of a life-changing experience. Have any of you gone through something similar? If so, I’d love to hear from you.

Yours in Faith,

Laura Scott

P.S. Christmas Amnesia is available now! 

This is the third book in my Callahan Confidential Series.

A Farewell to Love by Belle Calhoune

As I'm writing this post, our nation is reeling from a devastating attack in Las Vegas, one that took 59 precious souls from our world and left hundreds injured.  Personally, I am still in shock over this act of evil.  The idea of someone crafting such chaos and pain in our world is incomprehensible.  My first reaction was to kneel.  Pray.  And above all else, embrace love.  As much as evil lurked in Las Vegas, so did love.  The acts of courage, bravery, and kindness were awe-inspiring.  Seeing the long lines of people wanting to donate blood shows who were are as a nation and as humans.  We need to love one another.  Love with all of our hearts, even when it's not easy to do so. 

Love is the theme of my post.  A few years ago I came up with the concept of a series for Love Inspired set in a fictional town in Alaska.  A town named Love.  The premise for this series was a remote town in Alaska that had a shortage of females.  Add in a curmudgeonly town mayor named Jasper who creates a program named "Operation Love" to bring single women to the lovelorn town, plucky heroines and handsome heroes...and a series was born! 

Now, having written the last book in the series, I'm saying goodbye to this town I've loved so much.  Saying goodbye for me is never easy.  I'm not a person who loves change.  I never truly expected to feel such sadness at leaving my characters behind.  I'd gotten so used to the quirky characters, the quaint town and the vibe of the setting that it feels like I'm closing a door on beloved friends.  What I'm learning is that I'm way more sentimental than I ever realized.  I have cried each and every time I edited a book in this series because the characters feel so real to me.  Thankfully, my readers have expressed this same sentiment.  I am blessed.

When my first book came out in the series a reviewer left me a snarky review where she criticized the name of my Alaskan town.  Love.  The reviewer said it was corny.  Huh?  That baffled me.  How in the world can love ever be corny?  Love is a healing thing.  Love endures hardship, betrayal, loss, pain, human frailty.  Corny?  I beg to differ.  Love is the most powerful force in the world.  I feel sorry for anyone who can't fathom that.  As a romance writer, it's incomprehensible to me. 

And so, I've decided to focus on continuing to do what I love to do.  Create heartwarming, inspiring romances that encourage love and faith and forever.  I would love to live in a world where evil and hatred don't exist, but I know that may never happen.  Until then, I'm going to continue to shine a light on inspirational romance and happily ever afters. I'm going to follow God's command to love one another. 

Over on my Author Belle Calhoune Facebook page, I'm trying to bring a little sunshine in the darkness.  I'm offering a complete set of my Alaskan Grooms series to one lucky person who comments.  Winner will be picked at random.  Please stop by and leave your name.  It has been an honor to write this series and spread love to all of my readers. 

Blessings to all!

New for October from Our Love Inspired Contemporary Authors

Jean C. Gordon here with three new must buys from our Love Inspired Contemporary authors. Just click on a cover to buy one. And to learn more about these talented ladies, click on their names.

An Alaskan Christmas
by Belle Calhoune 

HER CHRISTMAS MATCH
After inheriting a gift shop in Love, Alaska, single mom Maggie Richards is ready for a new beginning—while her little boy is ready for a new daddy! But Maggie has no time for love—she wants to open the shop in time for Christmas, something she'll do with help from childhood friend Finn O'Rourke. Finn's on board to help Maggie—but not with the romance rumors that swirl around them like snow. Like Maggie, he's hiding too many secrets to ever wed. So why do Maggie and her little boy make him dream of finding an unusual gift under the tree—a ready-made family?

Amish Christmas Twins
by Patricia Davids

THE WIDOWER'S CHRISTMAS WISH
With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa's vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa's past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John's Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

The Rancher's Mistletoe Bride
by Jill Kemerer

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Wedding planner Lexi Harrington needs a manager for her inherited Wyoming ranch. Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

Sunday Scripture

Arlington National Cemetery

Psalm 25

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not;
in your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice, 
and teaches the humble his way.