What could be better on a cool, fall day than cozying up with a blanket, a mug of something warm and a really good read? There’s absolutely nothing we love more!

But, with so many new releases out there, it can be hard to figure out what to read next. Here at Christianbook, lots of new books hit our desks every week, so we wanted to round up some of our top picks in new fall fiction. Whether you love a suspense, a romance, or a historical novel, you’re sure to find something to read on this list…

Don’t forget that mug of hot chocolate!

The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

What would fall be without another brilliant Amish fiction release from Beverly Lewis?! Featuring love and loss, new starts and heartbreaks, The Stone Wall will not disappoint long-time fans or Amish-fiction lovers. It will certainly touch those of you who have experienced a loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s.  In The Stone Wall, readers are introduced to Anna, a women who is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Eager to see Anna settle in, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite takes her under his wing. As she finds her feet, Anna is moved to volunteer at a retreat for children with special needs where she strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the Amish widower who manages it. Anna begins to grow close to the two men and ultimately finds herself faced with a difficult choice. Will Anna find true love? Will she find out about her grandmother’s past in Lancaster County? You’ll have to pick up The Stone Wall to find out!

Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble

Is a gripping, suspenseful read more your style? Love turning the pages on an adrenaline pumping read into the early hours of the morning? Colleen Coble’s Two Reasons to Run is the perfect book for you this fall! In this second book of The Pelican Harbor Series, we once again follow Police Chief Jane Hardy who is still reeling from the scandal that rocker her small town after she took over from her retired father. She is finally reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old-son and his father, Reid Bechtol… but the drama isn’t over just yet.

A murder on board an oil platform exposes and environmental terrorist’s plot to flood the bay with crude oil, forcing Jane and Reid to put their feelings for each other aside and work together. When the life of Jane’s son, Will is put on the line, their working together becomes all the more important. Can they overcome the ghosts of their past to save the bay… and their son? Phew! Reader, this book has it all – lots of suspense, drama and of course some romance. We think you’ll have this book read in record time!

Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

Oh, we do love a good read that spans the decades! Jaime Jo Wright, the author of bestselling book The House on Foster Hill, returns with her new page-turning read, Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. Partly set in 1928 and partly set in the present day, this book will keep you guessing right until the very end as you’re transported to a small town with a dark history. Readers will meet Pippa Ripley, a woman trying to search for her roots at the Bonaventure Circus in the roaring twenties. Along the way she uncovers a serial killer is afoot on the circus train and finds herself directly in his path.

Back in contemporary times, we meet Chandler Faulk, a real estate project manager who is tasked with deciding whether the old circus train depot should be torn down or preserved for historical purposes. However, Chandler gets much more than she bargains for when she uncovers the abandoned train depots dark past!

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee

Set during the Great Depression, Under the Tulip Tree is the perfect fall read for any of you out there who love a good historical read. Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland has always dreamed of living her life as a writer – but when the stock market crashed in 1929, her dreams feel so far away. Her father at his lowest turns to the bottle, her sister is married to a gambler, and Lorena is an unemployed newspaper reporter.

Eager to be working, Lorena accepts a position interviewing former slaves. It’s on this job her life is changed by hearing the story of Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old women whose honest yet tragic past captivates Lorena. She is shocked by all the woman has endured in her lifetime – especially since her own ancestors owned slaves. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation no woman sees coming? Under the Tulip Tree will have you feeling all the emotions and will certainly stay with you for long after you’ve turned that last page.

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

We’re really feeling our historical fiction reads this fall! Adding to our list of reads that will transport you to another era is A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White. In this book, we meet Zivon Marin, a man who was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world and forced him to flee to England. Here, his world collides with Lily Blackwell, a woman who sees the world best through the lens of a camera. A friendship blooms that soon takes over their hearts… but both have secrets they are unwilling to share. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams – it becomes a matter of ending the war. There’s suspense, intrigue and romance – the perfect combination for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller

Here’s another book for you Amish fiction lovers out there! Words from the Heart is the third book in the Amish Letters series by bestselling Kathleen Fuller. Ivy Yoder knows it’s time to let go of the idea she will one day marry John King – she hasn’t heard from him in over a year. Left feeling humiliated as one of the oldest single women in her Amish community, Ivy finds a welcome distraction when Cevilla asks her to help clean out an attic.

Cevilla also requests her nephew, Noah, to help clean out the attic. As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a stack of letters written during the Korean War. They find themselves swept up in the story of two young people falling in love – will they find love themselves amongst the letters in the attic? This book is a true love story that will have you rooting for Ivy and Noah!

Nine by Rachelle Dekker

Mystery, a dark history and cross-country chases… sound like something you would enjoy reading? Well, you’re in luck with the new release from Rachelle Dekker, Nine. In this book, we meet Zoe Johnson, a woman who has spent most of her life avoiding drawing attention to herself. When a bedraggled teenager with no memory enters the diner where Zoe works, her whole life will be turned upside down. The girl can only remember one thing – she must reach a women in Corpus Christi, Texas – a place hundreds of miles away from they are. Add to that government agents who are hot on their heels trying to catch up with Zoe and the teenager before they reach their destination.

The action in this book is non-stop from start to finish and will have you asking yourself – are we who the world says we are? Or can we change our story and be something more?

Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin

Last, but certainly not least on our must-read fiction list is Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin. Readers will be introduced the the charming mother of ten and widow of seven years, Mary Katherine. A women who is always a bundle of energy, Mary is always willing to step up and lend a hand in her Amish community.

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one night, Mary Katherine realizes he needs more than just a sandwich… he needs a job. Lucky she knows just the person to help – Ezekiel, a local restaurant owner. Working together to care for the stranger, Mary Katherine finds herself drawn to Ezekiel – but the pain of loss in the past is all too real. Can two people in the autumns of their lives put the past behind them and find a future together?

Looking for more great reads? Click here to check out all new fiction releases!

The post New Fall Christian Fiction 2020 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Who else is a huge fan of suspenseful fiction? Well, it honestly doesn’t get more gripping than Lisa Harris‘ latest release The Traitor’s Pawn. There’s the trading of government secrets, kidnapping and of course, a little bit of romance!

Author Lisa Harris sat down to answer a few questions about the inspiration behind The Traitor’s Pawn as well as what she is working on next. Read on for more!

Want to order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn? Click here! 

Q: What inspired the idea for your new book, The Traitor’s Pawn?

A: It actually started with a simply hunting scene gone very wrong that I couldn’t get out of my mind, where a woman survives and is a witness of an assassination of a senator. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to make the story more personal to the heroine, so things quickly evolved from there to a story where she is the one in the crosshairs and is being used as a pawn in a much bigger game.

Q: Two of the main characters in The Traitor’s Pawn, Jack and Aubrey, have history together. Without giving away spoilers, can you tell us a little more about their relationship?

A: Because my books usually take place over a very short time span, I love it when my hero and heroine have a complicated history. Something that kept them apart in the past but then, in the end, brings them together. Jack and Aubrey do have a long history, and this unexpected encounter between the two of them in the beginning of the story ends up reminding them both that the feelings they once had toward each other never completely went away.

Q: Did anything surprise you as you were writing the novel?

A: One of the fun things about writing is when I’m headed a certain direction and then a twist in my “author plan” takes me off guard. I always have an end goal for my stories, but there are definitely times where getting there surprises me. In this story, I was surprised when a couple of the good guys turned out to be not so innocent.

Q: Did you face any challenges in creating this story? What was the hardest scene to write?

A: Action scenes are always a challenge for me. For example, in the beginning of the story when Bree is trying to escape her kidnapper, I had to write a fight scene between two experienced fighters, I typically watch YouTube videos for ideas, then I will always block out the scene before writing it down.

Q: Do you see parts of yourself in any of your characters?

A: While I never plan to put any of myself into my characters, I know that I write from who I am. Because of this, the way I look at life, as well as my experiences, does have an impact on my characters. On the other hand, most of my characters – like Jack and Aubrey – who are in law enforcement, are very different from me. They run on adrenaline and don’t hesitate to risk their lives for justice. I would simply run the other way. One of the reasons I write stories like this is because I admire those who daily put their lives on the line to protect our country, and I’m grateful to them.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from Traitor’s Pawn?

A: Besides a page-turning story that keeps them up all night (sorry!), I hope it reminds them that God redeems even the worst of situations. And that while he knows that life is often filled with injustice and suffering, God is about the long game. He’s more interested in who you become, even if the actual process is difficult. Not that God doesn’t care about the little things, but he’s more interested in our persevering and reaching the finish line.

Q: What new projects are you working on?

A: I’m currently working on a brand new series about a pair of US Marshals that will come out in the fall of 2020, and I am super excited about!

Order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn by Lisa Harris by clicking here! 

The post Q&A with Lisa Harris Author of The Traitor’s Pawn appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

If you are a fan of a suspenseful read with a touch of romance, then we’re sure you must already be an Irene Hannon fan! But, if you have somehow missed Hannon’s incredible reads so far, then you are in for a real treat. One, you have quite a number of reads to already jump straight into! But two, she’ll be releasing a new book, the first in a new series, this October. This gives you plenty of times to get through Hannon’s back catalog!

Point of Danger is the first book in the Triple Threat series and is guaranteed to be a real page-turner that will have you guessing right until the end. Irene Hannon kindly answered some questions about her latest release as well as what is coming next. Read on for a little insight!

Click here to preorder Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

Q: Can you provide a brief description of Point of Danger?

A: My newest novel features a strong-willed heroine who’s determined to stand up for her principles no matter the danger, and a police detective who has to find her unknown foe fast – or lose the woman who’s stealing his heart. In true Hitchcock style, the tension intensifies throughout the book, leading to an explosive conclusion.

Q: Point of Danger is the first book in your new Triple Threat series. What ties the three books in your series together?

A: The series features three sisters involved in the truth-seeking professions who are plunged into dicey situations that lead to danger – and romance.

Q: The main protagonist, Eve Reilly, is a controversial talk show host. What type of research was required to accurately portray her role?

A: Online research primarily… plus my own experience in listening to talk radio – and being a guest on a number of programs!

Q: You have stated that you prefer to focus on psychological suspense and character development in your books – a style that resonates more with Alfred Hitchcock rather than a James Bond style of narrative. What led to this preference in your writing style?

A: My undergraduate degree is in psychology, so I’ve always been fascinated with the workings of the human mind. That’s why, in all my suspense books, I take readers into the villain’s head. The whole cat-and-mouse game they plan intrigues me. Knowing what the villain is planning, and watching that unfold in spider-spinning-a-web fashion is far more enthralling, suspenseful, and mentally engaging to me than constant car chases, shootings, explosions, etc. The human mind is much scarier than an action sequence!

Q: What do you hope readers can take away from your book?

A: Admiration for the heroine, who’s willing to stand up for what she believes in no matter the cost – and encouragement to do the same; a better appreciation for the tremendous power of love to transform lives; and a healthy dose of hope. I want readers to close the book believing that no matter how bad things get, there’s always the possibility of a happy ending.

Q: When is the next book in your Triple Threat series scheduled to release?

A: Book 2 will release in October 2021 and features Cate, the oldest sister, whose job as a police detective takes her on a dangerous undercover assignment.

Q: Library Journal has referred to you as the “queen of inspirational romantic suspense.” However, you are also known for your contemporary romance books, which is where your writing originated. Can you please provide a brief glimpse into your writing history?

A: As you noted, my first published books were contemporary romances. However… my first attempt at fiction was romantic suspense. And it was really, really bad! Why? Because there was no internet (yes, it was the dark ages!), so research was difficult to do. I also didn’t have any contacts in law enforcement of the military, and to write credible suspense you have to have access to data and experts. Most books in this genre require quite a bit of technical knowledge. So, I put romantic suspense aside for many years. By the time I began writing fiction full time, the internet was around and I had a contact in law enforcement. So, I decided to give romantic suspense another go. It was successful beyond my wildest dreams. Now I alternate between the two genres.

Q: What are you working on next?

A: My next novel will be Book 7 in my Hope Harbor series. It’s called Blackberry Beach and will be out April 2021. I’m so gratified that readers have embraced my little Oregon seaside town and keep asking for more stories!

Click here to preorder Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

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As the cold winter days drag on, there is nothing that brings us more comfort than cozying up in our favorite reading chair with a warm blanket and a good read! Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or contemporary fiction, suspense or romance – there are so many incredible new releases from which to choose your next read.

Here at Christianbook, with so many incredible books hitting our desks on a daily basis, we often find it hard to choose which book to dive into next. So, we thought we’d round up our favorites to help make your next decision a little easier!

We’d love to know what you are reading right now – share with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter by tagging @christianbook and using the hashtag #everythingchristian 

The Land Beneath Us

by Sarah Sundin

Lover of historical fiction? Well, this The Land Beneath Us is one book you won’t want to miss! Readers will be introduced to Leah Jones, a woman who grew up in an orphanage and longs to rise above her lonely past and find a place to belong. While working as a librarian at Camp Forrest, Tennessee she meets Private Clay Paxton – a man who saves her life and her virtue by offering a marriage of convenience. Can their new relationship withstand the trails of grudges, foreboding dreams, and D-day? Sarah Sundin artfully blends emotionally rich romance and historical accuracy, with heart-pounding battle scenes for a seriously page-turning read!

Two Weeks

by Karen Kinsgbury

Cole Blake is months away from finishing college and kickstarting his dream career in medicine. But as he starts his final year, he meets Elise, a mysterious new girl who captures his attention and heart from the very beginning. Elise wants to mend her wild ways and become the good girl she used to be. But soon after, Elise finds out she is pregnant. Eighteen and alone, she shares her secret with Cole who is determined to support her. When Elise decides to give the baby up for adoption, she is matched with a couple who have spent seven painful years trying to start a family. But as her due date draws near, Elise becomes more and more torn. Two Weeks is such a heart-wrenching read – and certainly one that you’ll want to keep the tissue box handy for.

The Tea Chest

by Heidi Chiavaroli

In The Tea Chest we meet two women, separated by centuries, who must both find the strength to fight for love and freedom. Hayley Ashworth’s goal is to join the Navy SEALs, but first, she must return to Boston to confront memories of her childhood. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within. A document about the remarkable Emma Malcolm, a 1773 Patriot sympathizer who must do what it takes to protect those she loves. Even if it means giving up the life she desires. Back in the present, this document causes Hayley to wonder if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.

Veiled in Smoke

by Jocelyn Green

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their veteran father, Stephen. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than their store. The sisters become separated from their father during the fire as they make their escape from the family with the help of local reporter Nate Pierce. When the smoke settles they learn a family friend was murdered the night of the fire. Even more shocking, their father is charged with the crime and committed to the asylum. Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg finds herself having to gather the pieces of her shattered life and prove her father’s innocence. Believe us when we say, you’ll want to add Veiled in Smoke title to your bookshelf!

A Long Time Comin’

by Robin W. Pearson

Beatrice Agnew finds out she’s dying, and intends on keeping her family secrets to herself. She is of the firm belief that if any of her children have questions about their father and the choices she made after he abandoned them, they’d best take it up with Jesus. She has no room for regrets. But when her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester shows up and uncovers a box of old letters, the two women are forced to wrestle with their past and present pain as they confront the truth. A truth Beatrice has worked a lifetime to hide from her family. This is one of those reads that will resonate with so many people. A Long Time Comin’ is one of those books that will stay with you a long time after you put it down – you’re sure to want to share it with all your nearest and dearest!

Daughter of Rome

by Tessa Afshar

When the daughter of a Roman General meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they are banished from their home by an emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. We highly recommend you add Daughter of Rome to your must-read list!

One Little Lie 

by Colleen Coble

After escaping from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother who refused to leave. Jane has been appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor after her father retires, there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane realizes someone from their horrible past has found them. To help clear her father’s name, she teams up with Reid Bechtol, the well-known journalist whose latest project is filming a documentary on her life. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross – especially when her father’s lie catches up with him. All we can say is, fans of Colleen Coble will not be disappointed with One Little Lie. 

Looking for some more great Christian fiction reads? Click here!

The post New Winter Fiction Releases appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Here at Christian book, spring time is one of our favorite times of year. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming… and a whole host of new fiction releases hit our desks!

Among those new titles will be this thrilling new read from James R. Hannibal – the author of last year’s bestselling title, The Gryphon Heist. In the new book, Chasing the White Lion, readers are reunited with CIA officer, Talia Inger. In this book we see Talia receive her plum assignment – Russia! But it doesn’t come without a hitch… she must work with the man who assassinated her father. Together they must infiltrate the first-ever internet crime syndicate, capture its boss, and rescue a group of kidnapped refugees. Phew!

If you love a suspenseful read that will have you feverishly turning the pages from start to finish, then Chasing the White Lion is for you! Want to know a little more about the inspiration behind the book? Read on for a Q&A with author James R. Hannibal.

To preorder your copy of Chasing the White Lion, click here. 

Q: As a former tactical deception officer offer and stealth pilot, you have experienced your share of danger and intrigue. How does your past experience affect your books?

A: In thriller writing, a classified past is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve had amazing experiences I’m never allowed to speak of in public, and those hidden experiences meant my first three novels had to pass through multiple program security offices because publishers could ever see them. However, even though I can’t talk about my real experiences, I can draw from them as I write, giving me an edge. Research is a little easier too. Any writer can find the information I put into my stories, but it will be a difficult hunt. I have the unfair advantage of knowing which rocks to overturn.

Q: Can you provide a brief description of your new book, Chasing the White Lion?

A: CIA rookie Talia Inger returns to infiltrate the world’s first crowdsourced crime syndicate, known as the Jungle. But venturing into the Jungle with Tyler and Talia’s grifter friend Valkyrie means venturing into a past she’s been trying to avoid. The truth about her father may reveal enemies close to home. Also, the deeper she goes into the Jungle’s darkness, the more the line between right and wrong blur. Talia must learn to trust God and her team, and she must help Valkyrie see that even in the darkest shadows, no one is beyond the saving love of Christ.

Q: In Chasing the white Lion, you take readers deep undercover into the criminal underworld where the main heroine, Talia, hopes to rescue kidnapped refugee children from a human trafficking network. How did you come up with the plot for your book?

A: Compassion International’s mission of empowering impoverished children inspires me. Compassion gives children hope, dignity, and identity. These are in short supply in border refugee camps where neither nation wants to recognize a child’s existence. That lack of identity makes these children prime targets for criminal enterprises. I wanted to bring this to light and bring to light the power of Compassion’s work. By extension, every sponsor is as much a hero as Talia. In essence, the crime syndicate in my story will learn that they messed with the wrong kids.

Q: Talia is not only a CIA officer, but she is also in charge of an elite team of thieves. What type of research was required to accurately portray her role?

A: Thieves and magic go hand in hand. I am bound by a nondisclosure, but I can say that my research on this story led me to an opportunity for remote study with a pair of the most famous magicians in the world. What I learned about deception and misdirection became key pieces of the adventure.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from reading Chasing the White Lion?

A: My ultimate hope is that readers will see the power of child sponsorship and choose to become heroes themselves through Compassion International or some other child sponsorship program. Beyond this, I hope that Talia and Valkyrie will help readers see that we can trust in God for all things – anytime, anywhere – and that no one is beyond the saving love of Christ. He is reaching out. Simply take his hand.

Q: Who is the target audience for your book?

A: The target audience for this story is adult thriller-lovers, leaning toward new adult. The story focuses primarily on characters in the millennial age range, and I hope their battles, frustrations, and triumphs will connect with millennial readers.

Q: What are you working on next?

A: The story I’m working on now is a spy-left-out-in-the-cold story loosely related to the biblical story of Job. I am incredibly excited about this story and the message it holds.

To preorder your copy of Chasing the White Lion, click here. 

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Fiction lovers rejoice! The bestselling author of series such as Montana Marshalls and Montana Rescue returns! Susan May Warren‘s latest book has just returned with The Way of the Brave, the first book in her new series, Global Search and Rescue.

Set on the high slopes of Denali, The Way of the Brave is a high-octane read that will have you hooked right from the start. Once you’re finished, we’re sure you’ll be hitting ‘Pre-Order’ on the next book in the series The Heart of a Hero!

Order your copy of The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren by clicking here!

Q: The Way of the Brave is the first book in your Global Search and Rescue series. Can you please provide a brief description of your new book?

A: The Way of the Brave is an epic adventure on the high slopes of Denali. When a trio of female climbers gets blown off the peak of the highest mountain in North America, a group of nearby climbers volunteer to rescue them. But finding them and bringing them all home safe will take the courage and skill of all the climbers – both men and women. But what will courage cost them? It’s also a story of second chances, survival, and the true source of bravery.

Q: How is your new series different from the Montana Rescue series?

A: Higher stakes, global settings, and a group of ex-military heroes who put their lives on the line, regardless of the cost. These stories are faster paced, with more dire situations, and a global threat threaded through the trilogy.

Q: The setting for your book is Denali National Park in Alaska. Why did you choose this location?

A: I’ve always been fascinated with mountain climbing and the courage it takes to tackle the cold, the heights, and the brutal weather. I’ve read many books on Everest, K2, and Denali and asked… what if you were in an accident, and survived… how would you rescue yourself and the others who depended on you? I wanted to put the story in the backyard of most of my readers, also, so they could imagine themselves tackling such an epic feat.

Q: One of the main characters in your book struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Why did you decide to write about this topic?

A: I struggled with PTSD after our home invasion in Russia, and so I do know, in a very small way, the feels of panic, frustration, and helplessness. I wanted to tackle those very real feelings that linger long after the event or life situation that caused the PTSD, and explore just one of the ways God helped me, personally, to deal with it. Everyone is different, but I loved the journey that Orion and Jenny trek, emotionally, as they grapple with their regrets and fears and hold on to courage.

Q: In your new series, your characters are comprised of ex-military, former SEALs, and Pararescue jumpers who are bonded together in an effort to save and rescue the lost. What type of research was required to accurately portray your characters’ former careers?

A: LOTS! And I’m still researching. My husband served in the army, and my son is in the navy, so they’ve been great sources of information, as well as a plethora of books, memoirs, first accounts, and friends who have served. I’m so very grateful for the heroes and heroines who give their lives to protect our country.

Q: What do you hope readers gain from reading your new series?

A: Edifying entertainment that offers hope, encouragement, and time well spent. I am keenly aware of the entertainment choices out there, and my goal is to write stories that readers are glad they read, that give them truth and enrich their lives, even if only to let them fall in love with characters who inspire them.

Q: What is the title for your second book in this series and when will it release?

A: The Heart of a Hero! It hits the shelves in June!

Order your copy of The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren by clicking here!

The post Q&A with Susan May Warren, Author of The Way of the Brave appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Bestselling author of the Blue Justice series and Elite Guardian series, Lynette Eason has returned with a brand new action-packed book, Collateral Damage! In typical Eason Style, Collateral Damage promises to have readers gripped from start to finish.

To learn more about the new series, Lynette Eason answered a few questions for readers about the themes and inspiration behind the story. No doubt you’ll be adding this book to your must-read list!

To order a copy of Lynette Eason’s new book ‘Collateral Damage’ click here! 

Q: Collateral Damage is the first book in your new Danger Never Sleeps series. How many books will be part of this series?

A: There will be four books

Q: How are the books in the series connected?

A: The books are connected via four friends who met while in the military. The series follows their lives and adventures and the men they meet – and fall in love with – along the way.

Q: Collateral Damage deals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). What type of research was required to write about this subject?

A: I talked to a number of people about this disorder. Most people who have it don’t really like to discuss it. However, some people are more open – especially those who want to make sure the disorder is represented correctly. I also talked to those who had loved ones who suffered from PTSD, and they were able to give me pointers on how to make sure my story reflected it accurately.

To order a copy of Lynette Eason’s new book ‘Collateral Damage’ click here! 

Q: One of your main characters is a former Army special ops sergeant. How did you learn about the tasks and perils associated with this profession?

A: I did a lot of online research, but the coolest thing EVER was when I was at the Mountainside Marketing Conference this past January and I met a guy who was teaching there. Turns out he had the exact same position as my hero, Asher! This wonderful man, Vincent, read each scene and gave me feedback down to which energy bar would be eaten! He offered me terminology for gear and vocabulary in the action scenes, etc. It was a fabulous divine appointment that only God could have orchestrated.

Q: You have two very different settings for your book. Can you please let readers know why you chose these locations?

A: I’ve always been interested in the war in Afghanistan and the Middle East. I know some soldiers who are serving over there, so I knew I could get accurate information on that locale even though I’ve never been there myself. The other location is Greenville, South Carolina, and that’s simply because that’s where I live. I’m familiar with the location, and it’s easy to write about!

Q: Your second book in the series will release August 2020. How is your next book similar or different from Collateral Damage?

A: It’s similar in that it still has some of the military aspects, but very different in that it deals with a different theme, different characters, different conflicts.

To order a copy of Lynette Eason’s new book ‘Collateral Damage’ click here! 

The post Q&A with Lynette Eason, Author of Collateral Damage appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

There’s nothing better on a cool fall day than cozying up with a really great book! Whether you love a suspense, a romance, or a historical novel, you’re sure to find something to read among our top new fiction releases. 

Just add a warm blanket and a mug of something hot and you’ve got yourself the perfect fall setup…

The Timepiece by Beverly Lewis

While Sylvia grapples with rebuilding trust in her father and uncertainty about her engagement to Titus, she believes Adeline is the last person who could help her. Can God make something good come out of mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline’s arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?

You Belong With Me by Tari Faris

Real estate agent, Hannah Thornton, loves the community of Heritage, Michigan. When a business tycoon threatens to replace the town’s historic homes with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets up a plan to raise money in the hopes to not only help her beloved community, but to settle her mother’s past financial debt to the town once and for all.

The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted & Rachelle Dekker

When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, Grace and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe… but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost for Grace to uncover the truth?

The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

In the aftermath of the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw, British librarian Sophie Kumiega awaits news of her deployed husband. In the Jewish ghetto, Rosa Dunovich welcomes her first child. She soon realizes that to keep her daughter safe, she must send her into hiding. Will the dark days ahead draw these two women together?

One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn

Investigator Gabriel Chavez will face his toughest assignment since he was forced to leave undercover work for the homicide unit. A boy has been murdered in Lake Porter. In order to solve the case, he’ll need to work with dive team captain Anissa Bell, where they’ll need to put their complicated history aside to find the killer.

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another.

The Oracle by Jonathan Cahn

Open the seven doors of revelation and discover each of the Jubilean mysteries through the giving of a vision from “The Oracle”. Discover the ancient scrolls that contain the determined course of world history from the onset of modern times to the future. Hailed as a mind-blowing masterpiece, The Oracle will reveal mysteries that are absolutely real, amazing, mind-blowing, and life-changing.

Looking for more fall reading inspiration? Click here to browse our fiction store! 

The post 7 New Christian Fiction Reads for Fall appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Did you love Valerie Fraser Luesse’s debut novel, Missing Isaac? If so, you’re in for a real treat! The author has now returned with new book, Almost Home. The latest read is also set in the South, this time during the start of World War II.

Readers will transported back in time and experience, through the character’s eyes, what life was like during that tumultuous period. It’s a book that will grip you from start to finish – you’ll surely be left wanting more from this incredibly talented author!

You can order your copy of Almost Home by clicking here!

Q: Your beautiful gift of storytelling was first introduced to readers in your debut novel, Missing Isaac. In Almost Home, you transport readers back to the South in a wonderful tale that is set during the start of World War II. Why did you select this time period?

A: I grew up hearing stories about the Great Depression and World War II because they deeply affected my family – as they affected all families back then. My mother had one brother who was training as a Navy pilot when the war ended and another who saw combat on Okinawa. When he came home, he used his Army pay to install indoor plumbing in his mother’s house, when I spent my childhood.

Both of my parents were children in the 1940s. I’ve heard my dad talk about scavenging for tinfoil because you could get into the movie theaters in Birmingham with a big ball of it, as theaters collected it for the military. I think the war years are fascinating because they were so elemental. There was too much at stake for people to get distracted by things that didn’t matter.

Q: The South was very integral to the war efforts. Can you explain what you have learned about this in your research?

A: Because land was cheap and plentiful here, and there was an eager workforce of people still struggling to pull themselves out of the Depression, the South made a perfect wartime factory for the military. There were shipyards on the coast and munitions plant that later became part of the paper mill where my dad worked in Childersburg, Alabama. With so many people moving to the South to work, there was no place for them to stay, so Southern families rented out rooms in their homes. I had great-aunts and great-uncles who took in boarders during the war. Alabama actually had POW camps housing German prisoners. From what I’ve read, America’s approach was to treat those captives well in the hopes that Germany would reciprocate. Some German POWs reportedly came back to visit Alabama after the war. It was an amazing time that brought together all sorts of people.

One of my Southern Living friends recommended Allen Cronenberg’s Forth to the Mighty Conflict: Alabama and World War II, which was very helpful. And I was completely mesmerized by a fellow Alabamian, the late Eugene B, Sledge, whose book With the Old Breed: At Pelileu and Okinawa should be required reading for anybody who thinks war is grand and glorious.

Q: With so many families moving to the South for jobs, this created a need for housing. In Almost Home, Dolly Chandler turns her own family home into a boardinghouse that attracts an interesting cast of characters. Can you touch upon some of the characters in Almost Home?

A: They’re a colorful bunch! Dolly and her husband, Si, have such a strong and loving relationship that their boarders initially have no idea what struggles and heartbreak they’ve weathered together. Jesse and Anna Williams are a young Illinois couple whose failing farm has driven them south. Jesse’s wounded pride has made him push away the person he loves most, his wife. Joe Dolphus is a sixty-something widower from Mississippi whose kindness and wry wit make him a favorite at Dolly’s. The Clanahans are an obnoxious couple from Reno – they’re trouble. Harry and Evelyn Hastings are out-of-work college professors from Chicago, who take to the South and the people of Dolly’s house.

And then there’s Reed Ingram, a young vet who grew up on the old loop with Dolly and Si and hopes that this place he loves will help heal his war wounds. Finally, Daisy Dupree is a young war widow who boards with Dolly’s neighbor. She is riddled with survivor’s guilt but finds absolution through her friendship with Anna and her relationship with Reed. There’s one more couple – Catherine, the minister’s daughter, and Andre, the river pirate – who were the first owners of Dolly’s house one hundred year’s ago. We meet them and unravel their secrets through journals that Anna and Daisy discover.

Q: Do you have a favorite character that you really resonated with?

A: Definitely Daisy. The book is dedicated to my late friend Melissa Caine. We became what I call sister-friends in college and remained close until she died of cancer when we were both thirty-two. I basically took everything I loved about Missey and poured it into Daisy. Other than her artistic talent, nothing in the book is based on my friend’s actual life because that would have been an invasion of her privacy and her family’s. But the qualities that make Daisy endearing are inspired by Missey, and the friendship between Anna and Daisy mirrors the relationship I enjoyed with my friend.

Q: Almost Home has an unexpected twist. What was the inspiration behind your creative plot?

A: A Grimm fairy tale I read in second grade! It was called The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and I’ve loved the idea of hidden spaces and secret passageways ever since.

Q: Almost Home celebrates sisterhood and women’s ability to connect and cheer each other on through both good and difficult times. Have you learned anything more about community and resilience as you wrote about women during this time period?

A: I think so many good things in life depend upon our willingness to be open – to new experiences, new relationships, new places… When we’re thrown into challenging circumstances and we can’t understand why, sometimes we just have to take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and see where God might be leading us. Also, we can’t let pride and fear get in the way of reaching out when we need help. Just admitting that we’re struggling is so hard sometimes, but nothing brings people closer together than helping each other the way the women of Dolly’s house rally together.

Q: What do you hope readers gain from reading Almost Home?

A: I’ve always loved that Dolly Parton line from Steel Magnolias: “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I’m with Dolly. I want readers to fall in love with these characters, to hurt for them, laugh with them, take them to heart. I want them to get so caught up in the story that they’ll forget the war’s over. And I want them to see that the hardest person to forgive is always yourself.

Q: What’s next on your writing to-do list?

A: A while ago I started a sequel to Missing Isaac. Have you ever hear the expression “coming up a cloud”? It means a storm is coming. Pete and Dovey will be heading down to the Gulf Coast for a second honeymoon and get caught up in Hurricane Camille, leaving their newlywed parents to search for them in a time and place with no GPS, cell phones, or internet. so, while Missing Isaac brought these couples together, the sequel will explore how they weather storms, literally and figuratively.

I would also like to write a prequel to Almost Home, focusing on the river pirate and his young bride and their life in the Florida Keys.

Then there’s the World War II story on the Outer Banks. And a story set in the Louisiana bayous…

The great thing about working for Southern Living is that the magazine has taken me to so many fascinating places. Now I get to take characters and readers there.

Follow Valarie Fraser Luesse on Facebook 

You can order your copy of Almost Home by clicking here!

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Attention all you fans of Lynette Eason – and those of you who just LOVE a good Christian suspense read! Eason has returned with brand new book in the Blue Justice series, Called to Protect. In this new release, Eason explores the incredibly important issue of human trafficking through her character, Chloe St. John.

Want to know more about the inspiration for the book as well as what’s next for the bestselling author? Read on!

To purchase Called to Protect by Lynette Eason, click here.

Q. Why did you decide to write a series based on a law enforcement family?

A. I thought it would have interesting dynamics and be fun to write characters who understood each other yet had a lot of differences too. I wanted to show that a family can disagree and still come together to support each other when needed.

Q. Your series is set in Colombia, South Carolina. Why did you utilize this location for your new series?

A. I went to college in Columbia, so I’m fairly familiar with the area. I also liked the setup of the law enforcement for the city because it fit into my plans with what I wanted to do with the series.

Q. Human trafficking is a hot topic in the news. What type of research was required to effectively write a novel based on this issue?

A. It’s a hot topic for good reasons. Human trafficking is prevalent and a huge moneymaker for those who exploit others. I think it’s also something that people have a hard time believing can happen in their own backyard, so to speak. The research was intense and in-depth.

Q. Chloe St. John is a K-9 cop working with her Dutch shepherd partner, Hank. Was there anything new you learned about K-9 divisions when writing Called to Protect?

A. I did! I learned a lot. I learned about the way dogs track and how they’re trained. It’s an incredibly interesting process. I had a K-9 trainer who was willing to answer any questions I had, so having the input of a professional was especially cool.

Q. Do you have a favorite character in Called to Protect?

A. I love Chloe St. John. She just really appeals to me. She’s strong and fierce and funny. She’s also got an independent streak but isn’t afraid to ask for help when she needs it – for the most part anyway.

Q. What is one of the main points you hope readers gain from your book?

A. First, I want readers to love the story. Next, I want them to get how big a problem human trafficking is and that we can’t turn a blind eye to it.

Q. What are you working on next?

A. I’m working on Book #3 in the Blue Justice series. It’s Brady St. John and Emily Chastain’s story. It also deals with human trafficking but from a whole different perspective than in Called to Protect.

To purchase Called to Protect by Lynette Eason, click here!

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