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Also IN THIs IssUE:Bill Myers | Tosca lee
Carolyn Miller | lindsay A. Franklin | James R. Hannibal
PlUs: 30+ New Christian Books & DVDs
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9
RoNIE KENDIgSuspense Author
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Contents september 2019M O N T H L Y D I G I T A L M A G A Z I N E
Features
SuSpenSe:Ronie KendigRonie reveals how her latest paramilitary thrillers are inspired by a lost book of the Bible.
ChilDRen’S:Bill MyeRsThe prolific author talks about his classic children’s series, coming out in new editions to capture a whole new generation.
SpeCulative:Tosca leeThe author explains how her dystopian fiction is inspired by the world around us.
new Release spoTlighT: hisToRical elizabeth camden’s latest book, The Spice King.
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Find us online FamilyFiction.com Twitter.com/FamilyFictionon the web: christian Fiction news
• Sensible Shoes author Sharon Garlough Brown returns with an exploration of faith and mental illness.
• Carla Laureano wins an award from the Romance Writers of america.
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new Releases & BestsellersamishcontemporaryHistoricalRomancespeculative
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department spotlights
aMisHQ&a with Rebecca Kertz
conTeMPoRaRyQ&a with erin Bartels
HisToRicalQ&a with carolyn Miller
RoManceQ&a with Beth White
sPeculaTiVeQ&a with lindsay a. Franklin
susPenseQ&a with James R. Hannibal
neW Release sPoTligHTelizabeth camden The Spice KingHope and Glory #1
cHildRen’sQ&a with Marty Machowski
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NEWS ON THE WEBSITECheck out these news articles, updates, and other bonus material online at www.FamilyFiction.com
Sensible Shoes author sharon garlough Brown Returns with exploration of Faith and Mental illnessthe novel Shades of Light and the companion study guide draws readers into a discussion of how God walks with us through dark times.
Read more here: https://www.familyfiction.com/sensible-shoes-author-returns-with-exploration-of-faith-and-
mental-illness
carla laureano Wins RWa award for Saturday Night Supper ClubCarla Laureano’s novel won the 2019 RITA Award in the category of Romance with Religious or Spiritual Elements.
Read more here: https://www.familyfiction.com/carla-laureano-wins-rwa-award-saturday-night-supper-club
1800+ christian Retailers on get it local TodayNew Interactive map identifies more than 1,800 existing retail locations who sell mostly Christian products.
Read more here: https://www.familyfiction.com/1800-christian-retailers-get-local-today
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SuSpenSe: Ronie KendigLost And Found
The suspense author reveals how her latest paramilitary thrillers are inspired by a lost book of the Bible.
The award-winning author of some two-dozen novels, Ronie Kendig grew up an army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband live a short train ride from New York City with their children and a retired military working dog. Spinning off of her Tox Files series, she kicks off a brand-new series, the Book of the Wars.
The first title in the new series is Storm Rising (Bethany House): When an ancient text is unearthed, a former Navy SEAL must form an uneasy alliance with a notorious Bulgarian operative to thwart disaster. But does this ancient book of prophecy hold the answers to saving the world—or predict its destruction?
In this exclusive interview, Ronie shares what inspired her to mix together so many elements into her thriller, reveals what inspired her to wrap the story around her main character, and explains the spiritual themes running through the novel.
Storm Rising is another of your page-turners that crosses into different sectors of the genre. How do you describe it? Military thriller? Archaeological thriller? Spy thriller?I’ve had so much fun mingling all these different aspects into Storm Rising, but I simply call it a paramilitary thriller because that is pretty all-encompassing.
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Ronie Kendig
What inspired you to mix all these different elements together?I’m always looking for a way to challenge myself but also a way to do something new. adding the archaeological component, something inspired by a late-night Facebook post by veteran and author Brad Taylor, seemed a natural segue. I did this as well with the bestselling series, the tox Files, and had a lot of fun with it—and apparently so did my readers!
What can you tell us about former navy seal leif Metcalfe? What made you want to tell this character’s story?Leif Metcalfe showed up in The Tox Files, so when I was looking at bringing a lead hero into the Book of the Wars, he was a natural candidate. In addition, he’s the little brother of much-beloved character Canyon Metcalfe from my 2012 Christy award Winner, Wolfsbane. there was a lot of love for Canyon, and i was excited to explore what life was like for leif, the little brother of a “perfect” brother.
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Ronie Kendig
How much of this story required research vs it was familiar territory for you? What type of research did you do?After ten years writing military/paramilitary, I found this a natural progression for my writing. There was a decent amount of research involved in the archaeological and biblical aspects of the story, but since the Book of the Wars of the Lord in the book of Numbers is a book lost to humanity, I was able to go in any direction I needed the story to go. But the research for cloud-seeding and storm generation was pretty intensive and cerebral. It’s amazing how many countries are really experimenting and working with this technology.
What can readers expect from the Book of the Wars series?the concept of the book of the wars of the lord (the artifact, not the series) is that it predicts wars that haven’t yet happened. So, across this three-book series, leif and his team will set themselves between evil and the innocent. But this is also very much Leif’s journey with an overarching plot that relates directly to his past. the next two books will both release in 2020, so this is a little faster pace with my suspense titles than i’ve done in the last few years.
How does this series compare + contrast with the books you’ve written before?The Book of the Wars series is a close follow-up from The tox Files with a paramilitary team that’s chasing an artifact and confronting an entity responsible for the destruction. As will all of my books, there are both military and paramilitary individuals working under the command of an organization. That has been true of all my novels, save my debut title, so there is a lot of familiarity with the concepts for my readers.
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What spiritual ideas or themes run through Storm Rising?In all my novels, I weave in one singular theme: there is always hope because I truly believe that. Also, sometimes my life verse—Exodus 14:14—will sneak its way into a story, because I want readers to know that God will fight for them.
What is it about fiction that makes it such a great vehicle for truth?Fiction is a brilliant medium for delivering powerful truths because it flies under the radar—readers come to the story for entertainment, but just as Jesus told parables (a type of story) to reach hearts and change lives, we can do the same thing through novels. And whether that message is overt or covert in regards to Christianity, it is delivered through our words.
What’s your favorite way for readers to show their support for their favorite authors?There are so many ways for readers to show their support—buying the book, sharing memes, posting reviews, etc.—but really, I love when I see a reader encouraging someone else to pick up a particular book by me. That word of mouth is pure gold and it means a lot, because I recognize that the reader is vouching for me. That is amazing!
What do you hope readers take away after reading Storm Rising? That question could have a few meanings, so I’ll share two thoughts. First, I hope readers come away from Storm Rising with a sense of pleasured adventure and whole-heart investment (in the story and characters). But I also hope that my above-mentioned themes of hope and God fighting for them will resonate throughout the story and well past the last page. FF
Ronie Kendig
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Ronie Kendig
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Storm RisingBook of the Wars #1Ronie KendigBethany House
does an ancient book of prophecy hold the answers to saving the world—or predict its destruction?
Mentioned in the Old testament but lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages
hold secrets—and dangers—never before seen on earth.
Tasked with capturing the ancient text, former Navy SEAL leif Metcalfe is once more given command of his own team. But their best efforts are ruined when a notorious Bulgarian operative snatches the volume right out from under them.
Iskra “Viorica” Todorova is determined to use the book to secure the thing that matters most—freedom. But a series of strange storms erupts around the globe, and the coming dangers foretold in the text threaten crops, lives, and entire nations. Though both are haunted by secrets of the past and neither trusts the other, Leif and Iskra must form an uneasy alliance to thwart impending disaster. However, the truth hidden in centuries-old words could unleash a storm of their own destruction.
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ChildRen’S: BILL MyERSTHE RETuRN OF WALLy MCdOOgLE
The prolific author talks about his classic children’s series, coming out in new editions to capture a whole new generation.
Wally McDoogle is back—and this time, his hijinks have a 21st century twist! Written by Bill Meyers the original stories are being re-published in new editions by Tommy Nelson.
Young readers have a new opportunity to join Wally on his zany adventures, as the books now have fresh covers, line art throughout the text, and updated cultural references. These funny stories with important truths promise to engage young readers today as much as they did 30 years ago.
In this exclusive interview, Bill describes the series for newcomers, explains why now was the right time to bring Wally back, and reveals the origins of the series.
Bill, you’re known for a lot of different kinds of books —and for different kinds of readers. For our readers who maybe don’t know the classic Wally Mcdoogle series, how do you describe it?Wally is an average 7th grader who, like so many kids his age, has a low self-image. But through crazy, comical circumstances he winds up learning important life lessons about honesty, respect for others, and his value as a child of God.
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What made this the right time to bring back Wally Mcdoogle? i constantly receive mail from past readers, now parents, who say the books strongly impacted their lives and they’re looking for something similar for their children. in fact, one of the leading magazines for millennials listed the series as one of the 15 most influential books from their childhood.
What was your inspiration for the original series?When i co-created the video series McGee and Me for Focus on the Family, I discovered comedy to be a powerful tool for teaching values without getting caught “preaching.” In essence, the humor could be candy coating, so they don’t taste the medicine going down.
My thinking was, if I filled a series with wall-to-wall comedy, I ought to be able to bring in even more teaching. So far, the sale of 2.2 million books (and counting) seems to back up that theory.
Bill Myers
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These books have been revised for the relaunch. What all did that entail? What’s new?The lessons and values have remained the same (and always will), but we’ve updated Wally’s world a bit so today’s child can more easily relate to them. We’ve also added some pretty cool illustrations.
You’ve also narrated the audio versions of these adventures! What was that process like?Lots of fun, except for all the re-takes from the giggling.
What’s the best or most fun part of reading your own works for an audio book? It’s such a blast re-entering and remembering Wally’s crazy, angst-ridden world.
Wally McDoogle’s adventures are funny stories that yield important truths. What is it about storytelling that makes it such a great vehicle for truth?Jesus understood the power of story. In fact, He spent more time telling parables than giving facts and figures. Story puts flesh and blood upon those facts so we can more easily relate and apply their truths to our day to day living.
Across your body of work, you hit on a lot of different tones—including more dramatic themes. Does the zaniness of the Wally McDoogle adventures come easier or harder for you as a writer?Writing is hard work however you cut it. But because I have a comic streak, it’s a bit easier. That said, I’m just as exhausted at the end of each day’s work—but goofy exhausted.
Bill Myers
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as you revisit these books, what are some of your favorite memories about how the series has impacted readers?I love the e-mails that talk about the impact the series has had upon lives. Dwight L. Moody said, “If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.” I’m grateful that the series has been able to do a small part of that.
What’s the most exciting part about introducing a new generation to the crazy world of Wally Mcdoogle?Hearing the laughter and knowing an entirely new generation is being reached with the truths of living life God’s way. FF
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Bill Myers
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My Life as a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot SauceIncredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #1
twelve-year-old Wally–“the walking disaster area”–is forced to stand up to Camp Wahkah Wahkah’s number one, all-American bad guy.
My Life as Alien Monster BaitIncredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle #2
“Hollyweird” comes to Middletown! Wally’s a superstar! A movie company has chosen our hero to be eaten by their mechanical “Mutant from Mars!”
Bill Myers
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SpeCulative: TOSCA LEEgRABBEd FROM THE HEAdLINES
The author explains how her dystopian fiction is inspired by the world around us.
tosca lee is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including co-writing the Books of Mortals series with blockbuster author ted dekker. She also has a penchant for writing complex characters, as demonstrated in her biblical novels about Judas and Eve.
Her latest novel is the dystopian thriller A Single Light (Howard Books), which follows the harrowing events of The Line Between. Cult escapee Wynter Roth and ex-soldier Chase Miller emerge from their bunker to find a country ravaged by disease, and Wynter is the only one who can save it.
In this exclusive interview, Tosca outlines the origins of the world she created for this series, shares the real-life challenges behind writing the novels, and reveals why her faith compels her to write about broken characters in need of redemption.
Tosca, The Line Between is a conspiracy thriller that details the impact of a mysterious outbreak. What inspired such a frighteningly plausible setup like this?Scarily enough—the headlines! The book was inspired by actual news articles about diseases, bacteria, and microbes—even “zombie worms”—lying dormant in permafrost that is melting around the world today. Just a few years ago, a
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reindeer carcass infected with anthrax thawed from the Siberian permafrost, infecting a nearby village and killing a little boy. Scientists are wary about what else a good thaw might produce.
Wynter Roth is a recent escapee of a doomsday cult who is now racing to save the world. What made you want to tell her story?I’ve always been fascinated with cults—what causes people to join them, and how they find the wherewithal to leave. I wanted to tell the story of a young woman trying to fit in to a world she’s been taught to regard as evil, and where and how she finds grace in it.
What can you tell us about former military man chase Miller?Chase is the romantic interest in The Line Between. he’s a former military man who, in a way, is trying to find his place in the world as much as Wynter is. He’s a man trying to find his purpose.
tosca lee
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What was the most challenging part of writing this novel?I wrote this book right after a time of professional upheaval—my imprint’s entire office in Nashville, Tenn., was let go right before the release of my previous novel, Firstborn. I struggled with the first draft of The Line Between—and the second, and the third. I had to rewrite it enough times that its publication was actually delayed by several months.
When it started to garner pre-release reviews, i told myself not to read them; I was writing the sequel and things were finally clicking along and I couldn’t afford to fall apart. I read them anyway. And then got out of my chair and fell on my face in gratitude.
What kind of research did you do to get the details in The Line Between right?I’m very lucky in that my sister is a practicing and teaching physician. She spent hours explaining how diseases can make the jump from animals to humans, and recombine, and scary things like that and helping me create the disease in the book. Beyond that, I spent time studying cults, ancient seeds and seed vaults (which factor into the story), doomsday prepping and bug-out shelters. Stuff that sounds kind of off the wall, but that I found extremely interesting.
The story continues in A Single Light. Is there a non-spoiler way to tell us what this is about?No. Just kidding! I can tell you that it’s the continuing adventures of Wynter, who will rise up again to save those she loves—and those she doesn’t even know—in a world deeply impacted by this pandemic. The sequel also contains a new character who has quickly become one of my favorites I’ve ever written.
tosca lee
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What are the challenges of writing dystopian fiction as a christian author?I’d actually say that it’s probably easier to write about dystopian scenarios as a Christian, just because growing up in the church, the end of the world or the worsening of the world is something that we are regularly taught about.
How does your faith impact how you approach storytelling?it keeps me interested in redemptive story arcs. it also makes me want to delve deeply into the complexities of humans—past, present, and future. After writing the stories of Eve and Judas Iscariot, I think it’s too easy for us to write people off—especially in our own redemptive history and with the lens of hindsight—as “wrong,” “sinful,” or even evil.
Yes, people can be those things. But no one I’ve ever met is that two-dimensional. i remember when one of my kids asked me whether King Solomon was a good guy or a bad guy. I said, “yes.” there’s always more to people, and the story.
What do you hope readers will come away with after reading The Line Between and A Single Light?Some fun things to ponder (How would I survive a pandemic? What could I not live without in a bug-out shelter?) and some satisfying hours of escape. Because that’s such a big part of what we turn to fiction for: to escape life for a while.
What are your favorite ways for readers to support you?On a very practical level, by buying my books. Any time you can buy an author’s work you’re helping them to continue writing. I’ve watched too many good authors quit in recent years. Pre-orders are also very important to authors, as they send a message to the publisher.
tosca lee
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Also, please always request your favorite authors’ new books at your local, school, or church library and leave reviews online at retail sites, BookBub, and Goodreads. Beyond that, I will always take prayer! This is a very nice question—thank you for asking. FF
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tosca lee
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tosca lee
A Single LightLine Between #2tosca leehoward Books
In this gripping sequel to The Line Between, which New York Times bestselling author Alex Kava calls “everything you want in a thriller,” cult escapee Wynter Roth and ex-soldier Chase Miller emerge from their bunker to find a country ravaged by disease, and Wynter is the only one who can save it.
Six months after vanishing into an underground silo with sixty others, Wynter and Chase emerge to find the area abandoned. There is no sign of Noah and the rest of the group that was supposed to greet them when they emerged—the same people Wynter was counting on to help her locate the IV antibiotics her gravely ill friend, Julie, needs in order to live.
As the clock ticks down on Julie’s life, Wynter and Chase embark on a desperate search for medicine and answers. But what they find is not a nation on the cusp of recovery thanks to the promising new vaccine Wynter herself had a hand in creating, but one decimated by disease. What happened while they were underground?
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With food and water in limited supply and their own survival in question, Chase and Wynter must venture further and further from the silo. Aided by an enigmatic mute named Otto, they come face-to-face with a society radically changed by global pandemic, where communities scramble to survive under rogue leaders and cities are war zones. As hope fades by the hour and Wynter learns the terrible truth of the last six months, she is called upon once again to help save the nation she no longer recognizes—a place so dark she’s no longer sure it can even survive.
Fast-paced and taut, A Single Light is a breathless thriller of nonstop suspense about the risks of living in a world outside the safe confines of our closely-held beliefs and the relationships and lives that inspire us.
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Rebecca, what inspired the story in your novel His Suitable Amish Wife?In my novel Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart, the heroine Meg Stoltzfus had a brief relationship with Reuben Miller. She was in love with the hero Peter Zook. Reuben only wanted a loving woman to marry. I always felt bad for poor Reuben, so I decided that he needed a story of his own. Ellie Stoltzfus, Meg’s sister, seemed the perfect match for him.
Tell us about your series Women of lancaster county. What ties these books together?The books in the Woman of Lancaster County series are about the Stoltzfus sisters. A Secret Amish Love is about Nell, the oldest sister. Her Amish Christmas Sweetheart is about Meg Stoltzfus, the middle sister.
Rebecca Kertz AmishRebecca Kertz was introduced to the Amish world when her husband took a job with an Amish construction crew. She took joy in watching the Amish job foreman’s children at play and in swapping recipes with his wife. Her Amish knowledge comes into play with her latest romance, His Suitable Amish Wife (Love Inspired), the fifth book in her Women of Lancaster County series.
In this interview, Rebecca explains the origins of the story, tells us more about how she came to know and write about the Amish, and reveals why the next book in the series will come as a surprise.
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Rebecca Kertz
Then Leah Stoltzfus, the second oldest, found the love of her life in Her Forgiving Amish Heart. Charlie Stoltzfus, the baby of the sisters, had her story in Her Amish Christmas Gift.
His Suitable Amish Wife is for Ellie, who in the line of sisters’ ages is between Charlie and Meg.
There is one more story in this series but that’s a surprise, as there are only five Stoltzfus sisters. However, there is a Stoltzfus connection.
What research or experience do you bring to write about the amish in a fair way?My books are set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and I enjoy taking trips to do research and get the feel of the Amish community there. My husband and I are originally from northern New Jersey, but we moved to Delaware when we were young newlyweds. Kent County, Delaware, where we live, has an Amish community.
After our son was born, my husband took a job with a company that built hog houses and pole barns, and he worked with an Amish crew. My husband drove the Amish crew to the job site and worked alongside them. We got to know some of these families during that time. The foreman was Amish.
We only had one car at the time, so I would drop my husband off at the foreman’s house and wait for him to return so we could drive home together. I loved watching the Amish children playing in their yard while I waited with my son. The one thing my son, who was about two years old at the time, remembered about the
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Rebecca Kertz
foreman’s children is that he couldn’t understand them as they spoke mostly high German.
What draws you to writing about the amish?I think most people are fascinated with the Amish. It may appear that they have a simple life, but they work hard. They are human like the rest of us, but I love their sense of community and the way they’ve made their faith their life.
Why do you think readers are so drawn to stories about the amish?Readers are drawn to stories about the Amish because there is a mystique about them. They live differently than the rest of us, and readers find that enthralling. I enjoy driving through the countryside here in Delaware or in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where I can see them going about their daily lives. I’m sure others, including our readers, feel the same way.
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It’s important to respect their privacy even though we may be curious about them. In general, the Amish don’t like their photos taken. I always respect that. I may take a photo of the back of a buggy. I certainly wouldn’t intrude and go against their beliefs by taking a photograph of them. FF
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His Suitable Amish Wife Women of Lancaster County #5Rebecca Kertz love inspired
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Rebecca Kertz
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The Words Between Us is a celebration of the written word. erin, you’ve stated that books help us to form our own identity. can you please expound upon this statement?I think this is true on two levels—individually and as a culture. The books we read as individuals affect our views on history, ethics, bravery, love, family, friendship, war, sacrifice, and so much more. Every story I read is another layer of sediment laid down inside my psyche, building up the edifice that is me.
And this happens on the level of culture. Our cultural identity is tied up in the works of art and entertainment we produce and consume—we write to convey some truth, and we believe that truth because of things we have already read, which someone else wrote for us.
erin Bartels has penned a thoughtful and lyrical tale in The Words Between Us (Revell). With evocative prose that recalls the classic novels we love, she fashions a story that shows that words—the ones we say, the ones we read, and the ones we write—can help us form our own identity and assist us in finding our way again.
In this interview, Erin talks about the value of classic works of literature, discusses the central theme(s) of her new book, and explains what she really hopes readers get out of the experience.
Erin Bartels Contemporary
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It’s a fascinating cycle, rolling slowly on into the future. Along the way, we discard what we no longer value and pick up new works that speak to us.
The Words Between Us explores all aspects of life, including family, loss, love, coming-of-age, betrayal, regret, and forgiveness. is there one particular theme that you really focus on?To me, this story is about friendship and coming-of-age—of maturing to the point that we stop looking for excuses and start taking responsibility for the things we’ve done that have hurt others.
I think that’s a fundamental difference between an adult who behaves like an adult and one who behaves like an adolescent—a willingness to accept blame as readily as we accept praise. And then to move on from there with a humble and generous spirit.
erin Bartels
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The Words Between Us explores some of the classics. How did you develop your love for the classics?I’m sure every writer claims to be a big reader. That’s nothing new. But when I was in school, I was truly insatiable. I skipped eighth grade English just by asking my school counselor if I could, because I’d been bored in seventh grade English.
I took every English class available in my high school, including honors classes and AP English. I majored in English language and literature in college. So, as you can imagine, I read a lot of the classics. Even those I didn’t read as an assignment I have collected along the way and read.
Though, to my chagrin, I’ve never read Dickens. (Truthfully, I have always been more attracted to the American literary tradition than the British.)
you emphasize the importance of trusting the words and lessons found in the pages of the classics. How have the classics impacted your own life, and what role do they play in The Words Between Us?I’m not sure I’d say people should model their lives or behaviors on their reading of the classics. I think you’ll find far more unlikeable, frustrating, selfish, and even despicable main characters in the classics than you’ll find in modern commercial fiction since there is so much pressure on authors to make their characters likeable, or at least relatable. I’m not even sure that reading the classics increases empathy like reading modern fiction does.
In my own life, the classics made me fall in love with the written word and understand its power to elicit emotions in the reader, even if those emotions aren’t always positive. In The Words
erin Bartels
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Between Us the classics act as a bridge between two people, one of whom is open and honest while the other is lying about who she is and where she came from.
But she can be honest when she’s talking about these books. And through their exchange of classic novels, these two young people are able to form a real friendship.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book?I really hope that some people will finish the book and feel compelled to call someone—a friend, an ex, a parent, a child—to apologize for something that drove a wedge between them. And I hope that some of them will pick up a book they were supposed to read in high school that they Cliffs-Noted their way through and finally read it for real! FF
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The Words Between Userin Bartels Revell
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carolyn, what can you tell us about Underestimating Miss Cecilia? (no spoilers!)Underestimating Miss Cecilia is a Regency romance that involves such things as gypsies, the Peterloo massacre (the 200th anniversary is being commemorated in England in August this year), the legal system, a country house party, unrequited love and what happens to a prodigal son AFTER he returns.
Shy, sweet Cecilia Hatherleigh has always been in love with Edward Amherst, the boy next door. Yet he’s never seen her as anything but the quiet girl in the background as he flirts with the other vivacious women of the town.
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Carolyn Miller HistoricalWell known for her authentic Regency romances set against less-explored, true historical backgrounds, best-selling author Carolyn Miller continues her newest series with a clean, wholesome tale sure to please her many fans. She continues her daughters of Aynsley series with Underestimating Miss Cecilia (Kregel Publications). Cecilia Hatherleigh has many secrets in her shy, sweet heart—but none bigger than her unrequited love for Edward Amherst, the earl’s son next door. When misadventure strikes at a house party, these two are thrown together even as their lives are upended.
In this exclusive interview, Carolyn shares a bit about the novel, explains how her different Regency stories fit together, and reveals why she keeps traveling back in time to the Regency period.
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When a near tragedy brings Edward’s attention to his family duties, this prodigal son decides he needs to settle down with a proper wife. Cecilia hopes to convince him to choose her—but God may want her to forget the wayward nobleman and put her future in His hands alone.
These two try to find their way toward happiness, but prejudice, political riots, and the changing face of England’s societal structures begin to block them at every turn. Can their struggles turn to triumph—or will their paths permanently diverge? How does this book fit into the larger series? (For that matter, how does it fit into the larger world of your other series?)This is the second book in the Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley series, which is actually my third Regency Brides series. It concerns Cecilia (Cecy) Hatherleigh, the middle daughter of Viscount Aynsley, whose eldest daughter (Caroline) we met in the first book of this series, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, and whose
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youngest daughter features in my November release, Misleading Miss Verity.
It’s been fun seeing this Regency world expand from Lavinia and Nicholas’s adventures in my first novel, The Elusive Miss Ellison. I’m sure readers from my earlier novels will enjoy catching up with some old friends and seeing what they’re up to now. What can you tell us about cecy and edward? What about those two made you want to tell their story?Have you ever wondered about what happened to the Prodigal Son AFTER he returned home? His dad was thrilled to see him, but his brother wasn’t, and I’m guessing there might well have been people in the community who weren’t so forgiving, either.
I wanted to explore what it would be like to be someone having to live a second-chance life, with all the prejudices involved. Ned Amherst (whom we first met in The Making of Mrs. Hale) proved to be the perfect vehicle for this.
Cecilia Hatherleigh (Cecy) is a shy, sweet, good-hearted girl–whose unrequited love for the boy next door is condemned by her parents. Cecy is a new believer, with a retiring personality that makes her the opposite of her more bold and forthright sisters.
Which makes this story a little more introspective, a little more angsty, and through her journals we see her heart struggles revealed–and makes the payoff of a swoonworthy romantic ending all the better!
Carolyn Miller
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What is it about the Regency period that makes you keep going back there?There is simply so much to explore in the Regency period, which strictly speaking occurs between 1811-1820. Exploration, colonization, inventions, technological and social change, industrialization, parliamentary change, wars, greater awareness of social issues, all played significant roles in England at this time.
Humans haven’t changed that much over the past 200 years, and it’s interesting to see certain parallels between events from the early 1800s and current day. To place characters that resonate with readers in a setting that provides opportunity for such rich historical detail is truly enjoyable. What do you hope readers will come away with after reading Underestimating Miss Cecilia?Apart from enjoying an emotionally satisfying read with authentic period details, I really hope readers will be encouraged by Cecy and Ned’s journey to find true love and freedom in God. Some early readers have shared how Cecy’s desire for affection has mirrored their own struggles with idolizing things above God, which is a challenge we can all face at various times.
Ned, too, has his battles with understanding how vast God’s grace is–something I’m still learning myself.
An early reader recently wrote: “Carolyn Miller has penned something more than just a Regency-era novel. She has crafted a fictional place that allows the reader the opportunity to wrestle with various internal struggles and hopefully come out the other side stronger in relationship with God” (ChristianFictionGirl blog).
Carolyn Miller
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It’s exactly this. She’s encapsulated why I write so beautifully. I want readers to be encouraged and strengthened in their relationship with God and their awareness of His amazing goodness and grace. FF
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Carolyn Miller
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Underestimating Miss Cecilia Regency Brides: Daughters of Aynsley Series #2Carolyn MillerKregel Publications
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A native Mississippian, Beth White writes historical romance with a Southern drawl. In A Reluctant Belle (Revell), the second title in her daughtry House trilogy, she weaves a captivating tale of a love triangle entangled in the turbulence, dangers, and intrigues of America’s post–Civil War. Could a Southern belle’s dangerous secret be a catalyst for change?
In this interview, Beth talks about the book’s post-Civil War setting, outlines the journey of her strong female lead, and reveals some of the pitfalls of writing “honesty covered by grace.”
Beth, you selected post–civil War as the time period for your book. Why did you choose to write about this time in history?The Civil War upended society on every level, and in its aftermath came a turbulent time when Americans determined how our government would proceed in the coming decades. I found the interplay of sectional politics, race relations, and gender dynamics a fascinating snarl to unravel.
Technological developments of the period affected people’s choice of career and sent them adventuring across the continent. Religious and spiritual beliefs came into question, forcing men and women to reconsider moral questions supposedly settled for centuries. The rise of violent organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan cast the average men and women who opposed them in the role of heroes.
Beth White Romance
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So many great stories to tell!
The three sisters in your series play strong female roles. can you tell us about your main female character in A Reluctant Belle?Joelle is an introverted bookworm with a longing to break out of her shell—a concept with which I am all too familiar. Self-consciousness and fear can paralyze anyone, and only faith in God and obedience to his Word breaks us out of that prison. I wanted to show Joelle slowly spreading her wings, coming to believe God loves her as she is and has a plan for her, and finding her place in the family business.
As the story begins, she has no idea how much she loves Schuyler already and how perfect he is for her—mainly because she is so uncomfortable in her own skin. His pursuit of Joelle is somewhat of a metaphor for God’s pursuit of his bride, the church.
you deal with some sensitive times in american history. How were you able to accurately and delicately handle these issues?You know, I think the sensitive issues are still with us in a lot of ways. And it’s still difficult. People are afraid of the different. People put others in boxes with labels. People attack when they’re defensive about their own flaws.
When I’m writing a story about these kinds of things, I try to imagine myself in the other person’s shoes and write with honesty covered by grace. I make lots of mistakes that my editors and beta readers point out, and I fix them as best I can. You might wonder how an author can take on the point of view of another race who has been discriminated against and mistreated—but that’s what all fiction is.
Beth White
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What would you like readers to learn from A Reluctant Belle?I don’t really approach a story that way. I think about what I want to learn. I juxtapose as many different viewpoints related to the story question as I can, throw them all into conflict, and then work them out again as naturally as possible.
In this case, the general theme seems to be Can people who have every reason to hate one another learn to forgive and live together in peace and mutual respect? I believe the answer is yes!
But it takes extraordinary humility, strong faith in God, and willingness to operate from a vulnerable spirit. Also, a sense of humor doesn’t hurt!
Why do you prefer the historical romance genre?There are a lot of things I love about reading and writing historical romance. As a reader, I’m always learning something from history that impacts my twenty-first-century life.
Beth White
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And I’ve always enjoyed stories that contain at least one plot thread that asks the question Will the boy get the girl? Ha! I think most women are wired to be matchmakers, if not for themselves, then for the people they love.
Maybe that’s something God built into us, to encourage marriage and family, his plan for nurturing human beings. I don’t see how any author can write what she doesn’t enjoy as a reader. There’s just something soul-satisfying to me about creating characters, a male and a female, who discover that they complete one another by the end of the book.
There’s a special challenge in placing that discovery in a historical context, where social mores are specifically set. Where events in a specific time dictate food, clothing, setting, technology, language. Where I have to research every last detail and get it right! FF
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A Reluctant Belle Daughtry House #2 Beth WhiteRevell
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What can you tell our readers about The Story Raider?The Story Raider picks up right where The Story Peddler left off. Readers can expect the same characters they knew and loved from the first book, and you can definitely expect Tanwen to be dealing with that mess she got herself into right at the end of Story Peddler. (No spoilers, but series readers know what I’m talking about, and the fallout from that event is—not good).
Through the introduction of a new character in the second half of the story, Raider is the most personal piece of fiction I’ve written to date. Sharing that with readers is both exciting and terrifying for me.
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Lindsay A. Franklin Speculativelindsay a. Franklin spends a lot of time in made-up worlds, and is passionate about sparking imagination through stories of infinite possibility. When she’s not exploring the fantastical, she’s exploring the Bible and encouraging young women through her devotional books. She continues her Weaver Trilogy with The Story Raider (Enclave): Tanwen and the Corsyth weavers race to collect the strands of an ancient cure that might save Gryfelle. But Tanwen has a secret: Gryfelle isn’t the only one afflicted by the weaver’s curse.
In this exclusive interview, Lindsay takes us behind-the-scenes for the series, explains how the new book builds on the previous novel, and shares what surprised her about reader reactions to the series.
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How does this build on the story you began with The Story Peddler?The Story Raider takes a slightly darker, more serious turn, but Tanwen isn’t particularly dark or serious, so I hope the humor and sparkle of that character still shine through. Raider afforded me the opportunity to explore the greater world in which the Kingdom of Tir exists as a small part.
We visit four new countries, briefly see a different coast of Tir, and explore a fuller version and understanding of the weaver gifts we first saw in The Story Peddler.
I also had the opportunity to mature Tanwen throughout Raider. I feel no pressing need to make my teenaged characters mature, worldly, and wise on page one of my stories. Adolescence is hard. Growing up is a process.
Tanwen is learning throughout The Story Raider how to become an adult, and while I love getting to watch her grow up, I’m afraid the process of getting wiser is often spurred on through hardship.
Would you explain the rules of this world for our readers? What inspired you to create this world?After The Story Peddler released, I was often asked to explain where the weaver gifts came from, and that question fascinates me! Before I shared this story with the world at large, it didn’t occur to me that this was unclear. The weaver gifts are directly parallel to real-world artistic talent.
In our world, some degree of artistic talent is simply inborn, and then the artist learns to hone her craft, to take the gift with which they were born and sharpen, expand, refine, and polish it. This is very similar to the weaver gifts in the Weaver trilogy,
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but I suppose weaver gifts are even more obviously inborn than artistic talent in our world.
If your toddler tells a story and strands start coming out of her hands, she’s definitely a weaver!
In The Story Raider, I was a little more clearly able to communicate that the weaver abilities are gifts from the Creator. My family is full of musicians, visual artists, singers, dancers, and one writer (that’s me). I know that definitely informed my creation of the weaver system and my assumption that some people are just predisposed to having an artistic talent inside them as part of their fundamental makeup.
What kinds of conversations have you had with readers following the publication of The Story Peddler?It’s been so cool to connect with readers who loved The Story Peddler. My favorite discussions center around which characters really resonated with that reader. The Story Peddler has a pretty large cast, and favorite characters vary widely.
I had readers who loved Tanwen and Brac as a couple, others who thought her sea captain crush was a much better fit. I had readers who loved Princess Braith, others who deeply connected with Tanwen’s search for family and the characters brought into her life as a result of that search.
One thing that surprised me was how universally loathed Sir Dray was. I mean, I understand it! But I see that character in so many shades of gray, while readers really seem to despise him.
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What can readers expect for the conclusion of the trilogy? (no spoilers!)I just turned in the third book to my editor, and I know he will have comments for me (they always do), but I’m happy with the first draft. Readers can expect an exploration of some tough themes. The third book really takes a look at the idea of redemption and hope. At what point is someone too far gone to help? How does tragedy shape and affect us? Is there such a thing as putting things back the way they were before they were shattered?
While these themes sound a bit dark—and they are—something I love about Tanwen is that she’s perpetually optimistic. She will never stop trying to figure out what the right thing is so she can chase after it, even when she does so imperfectly or she fails at first. It makes these stories feel less dark overall than they might otherwise, and that delights me.
In some ways, I want to be like Tannie when I grow up. FF
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The Story Raider The Weaver Trilogy #2lindsay a. Franklinenclave
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As a former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot, you bring a wealth of knowledge to your high-action suspense stories. can you relay how your knowledge helped you write The Gryphon Heist?In the intelligence world, we have a saying: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” That means an operative or analyst must work not only to find specific answers but also to discover what information or questions he or she didn’t even know to look for. Experience gives me an advantage in writing spy thrillers, because I know to look for information where others may not.
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James R. HannibalSuspenseJames R. hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. A former stealth pilot from Houston, Texas, he has been shot at, locked up with surface-to-air missiles, and chased down a winding German road by an armed terrorist. He is a two-time Silver Falchion Award winner for his Section 13 mysteries for kids and a Thriller Award nominee for his Nick Baron covert ops series for adults. He brings his real-world experience to his new thriller, The Gryphon Heist (Revell), which has been described as a cross between Ocean’s Eleven and Mission Impossible: A rookie CIA case officer teams up with a shady civilian to stop the theft of the secret weapon design and a potential attack on Washington DC—but who is conning who?
In this interview, James explains how his background fuels his suspense fiction, reveals the inspiration behind the new book, and elaborates on the spiritual theme woven through the story.
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I still do heavy research, but I have a head start. Additionally, you can’t truly know that world unless you’ve lived as a part of it.
I’d like to caveat that statement by adding that fiction, in my opinion, should be escapist and enjoyable. So I expand on certain realities and create new ones over what real intelligence work is like in order to take the adventure to the next level for the reader.
What was your inspiration behind your book?I had two inspirations: thieves and millennials, not necessarily in that order. I wanted to start a series of spy thrillers for the up-and-coming generation. So many thrillers these days are based on the older guy who has been around for a while. Instead, I wanted to see this world fresh, through the eyes of a rookie—and I wanted to make that today’s rookie, not me as a rookie.
By the way, that took as much research as the technical stuff. While mulling my rookie over, I also got into thievery—not in any illegal sense. In a section of my last kids’ mystery series, I went deep into the pickpockets and thieves of a London thieves’ guild.
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James R. Hannibal
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James R. Hannibal
That got me thinking about an elite team of thieves working for the CIA. From there, the story ran away with me.
you have several key characters in your new series. among the thieves, spies, and assassins, do you have any favorites?I love all my characters the same. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to say? Honestly, Tyler is at the top. No spoilers, but this guy has a shady past with layer after layer I can peel back through the story. Exploring this world with him at my side is a lot of fun.
Finn, the daredevil cat burglar, and Darcy, the chemist-slash-explosives expert come up as close seconds. Darcy’s a bit off, so I never know what she’ll do next. Finn has a subconscious death wish combined with great skillsets, both aerial and criminal, so he is fun as well. I also liked playing him off our hero Talia, although he’ll have to get over himself if there’s going to be any real romance there.
in addition to offering a gripping tale, you also include an underlying theme of forgiveness in The Gryphon Heist. can you elaborate on that?Forgiveness emerged as a natural theme in this story amid the overall exploration of morality. God, as creator, is the author of morality, and he calls us to forgive. Most people don’t realize that a directive to forgive immediately follows the Lord’s Prayer in the Bible.
As a former foster child who has endured a hard youth, Talia must overcome a great deal of anger if she is to grow as the hero and return to her faith. She must even learn to forgive the man responsible for her father’s death.
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James R. Hannibal
What do you hope readers gain from reading your book? I hope readers have fun and see a new side of the spy world. I also hope they get a greater understanding of how morality applies to espionage—a subject that interested even Thomas Jefferson. But most of all, I hope the readers gain a better understanding of Christ’s sacrifice, God’s forgiveness, and our own need to forgive. FF
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The Gryphon HeistJames R. Hannibal Revell
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Why did you choose to personify sin and temptation as the character Mud? I wanted a situation that would work for all kids, all around the world, no matter what culture they came from. From my experience, just about every kid in the world has heard his or her mom or dad say, “Don’t get your clothes dirty.” And all kids have faced the decision as to whether or not they are going to obey that command.
I remember times as a kid where I chose to play football in a muddy field, telling myself I could keep my good school clothes clean, only to end up getting them muddy. That’s where the idea for the story came from. In fact, in the first draft, I had Max playing football in a muddy field—a picture of me as a kid.
A Family Life Pastor in Pennsylvania, Marty Machowski leads Promise Kingdom, the gospel-centered children’s ministry of Covenant Fellowship. His first short picturebook, Don’t Blame the Mud (New Growth Press), paints a vivid and accurate picture of sin and God’s plan of redemption. Written by Marty and illustrated by Craig MacIntosh, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children how to recognize the lure of temptation and the truth that bad choices lead to bad consequences.
In this interview, Marty talks about the importance of helping children understand sin, explains how parents can use this story with their children, and tells us how this project is different from his previous books.
Marty Machowski Children’s
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Marty Machowski
I wanted a fun character that would bring interest to the story and help children identify with the real-life draw of temptation and the real-life consequences of sin. The Mud character does both of those things. Why is it important to teach young children about sin? Without an understanding of sin and the holiness of God, our children won’t understand the value of God’s salvation through the cross. Unless you see that you have a problem, you don’t think you need a solution. How should parents use the story with their children? I think Don’t Blame the Mud is a story that families can read again and again. The theological explanations at the end of the story are designed to help children understand the underlying biblical truths presented by the story. So, reading Don’t Blame the Mud again and again will help children learn those underlying truths.
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Marty Machowski
What advice would you give parents who desperately want to see their children become christians and follow Jesus, but their children aren’t responding like Max in your story? I wanted Max to become a Christian in the story as a part of the gospel presentation to teach children how the gospel is meant to affect us. But yes, you are correct to point out life is rarely that simple.
I would reassure parents with the words of the Apostle Paul, who encouraged the Galatians, “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 ESV). For parents with struggling children, I wrote a devotional book to encourage them called Parenting First Aid. In it I share my own personal parenting stories and tales of folks I’ve met along the way. I connect the stories to scriptures in a way that’s designed to blow a fresh wind of faith into the struggling parent’s heart. Don’t Blame the Mud is your first venture into writing a short picture book. How was the experience different than the other books you have written? Even though there are far fewer words in Don’t Blame the Mud than any of my other books, it took me ten times as much time per word to write. I took the better part of six months and hundreds of hours writing Don’t Blame the Mud.
I have more than twenty rewrites in my working files. It started out as a rhyming book similar to Dr. Seuss—since it’s a book for that audience, an early reader book for the younger elementary grades.
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Marty Machowski
However, I later changed it back to prose as I didn’t want to have to force the important sections to rhyme. I left a few of the rhyming lines in the book as I think they help those lines to stand out. FF
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Don’t Blame the Mud: Only Jesus Makes Us CleanWritten by Marty Machowski, illustrated by Craig MacIntoshNew Growth Press
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HISTORICAL: NEW RELEASE SPOTLIgHTelizabeth Camden is an historical author whose fiction has been honored with both the RITA Award and the Christy Award. She is a research librarian by day and scribbles away on her next novel by night.
The Spice King Hope and Glory #1 Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House)
Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building an acclaimed global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before they spiral out of control, he returns to
his ancestral home for good after years of traveling the world.
As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.
Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?
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New Releases: September 2019
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Listening to LoveAn Amish Journey NovelBeth WisemanZondervanGenres: Amish
The TimepieceBeverly LewisBethany House PublishersGenres: Amish
New Beginnings at Promise LodgePromise Lodge #4Charlotte HubbardZebraGenres: Amish
New Releases: September 2019
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The Words Between UsErin BartelsRevellGenres: Contemporary
The Shoe Box: 25th Anniversary EditionFrancine RiversTyndale House PublishersGenres: Contemporary, Christmas
One More River to CrossJane KirkpatrickRevellGenres: Historicalhttps://tinyurl.com/familyfictionstore-comics
New Releases: September 2019
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Love Comes SoftlyJanette OkeBethany HouseGenres: Historical
Memories of GlassMelanie DobsonTyndale House PublishersGenres: Historical, Romance
Diamond in the RoughAmerican Heiresses #2Jen TuranoBethany House PublishersGenres: Historical, Romance
New Releases: September 2019
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The Spice KingHope and Glory #1Elizabeth CamdenBethany House PublishersGenres: Historical, Romance
You Belong with MeRestoring Heritage #1Tari FarisRevellGenres: Romance
The OracleJonathan CahnFrontlineGenres: Speculative
New Releases: September 2019
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The Girl Behind the Red RopeTed Dekker, Rachelle DekkerRevellGenres: Speculative, Suspense
Strands of TruthColleen Coble Thomas NelsonGenres: Suspense, Romance
One Final BreathDive Team InvestigationsLynn H. BlackburnRevellGenres: Suspense, Romance
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
Fatal StrikeDiAnn MillsTyndale House PublishersGenres: Suspense, Romance
The Gryphon HeistJames R. HannibalRevellGenres: Suspense
Squirrelnapped!The Dead Sea Squirrels #4Mike Nawrocki, illustrated by Luke Ségun-MageeTyndale KidsGenres: Children’s
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
Grandma Prays for YouJean Fisher, illustrated by Frank EndersbyThomas NelsonGenres: Children’s
The DeceptionThe Delusion #2Laura GallierWanderGenres: YA, Speculative, Suspense
Love Takes FlightHallmarkGenres: Romance, Movies
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
The Defense of New HavenBMGGenres: Historical, Children’s, Movies
Five Blocks AwayBMGGenres: Contemporary, Movies
Harvest LoveHallmarkGenres: Romance, Movies
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
Catching Faith 2: The HomecomingImage EntertainmentGenres: Contemporary, Movies
Eden: A Skillet Graphic NovelJohn Cooper, illustrated by Chris HuntZ2 ComicsGenres: Speculative, Comics
An Amish Christmas Kitchen: Three Novellas Celebrating the Warmth of the SeasonLeslie Gould, Jan Drexler, Kate LloydBethany House Genres: Christmas, Amish
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
A Christmas Haven: An Amish Christmas RomanceCindy Woodsmall and Erin WoodsmallWaterbrookGenres: Christmas, Amish, Romance, Suspense
An Amish Second ChristmasShelley Shepard Gray, Patricia Johns, Virginia WiseKensingtonGenres: Christmas, Amish, Romance
Once Upon a Dickens Christmas: 3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian EnglandMichelle GriepShiloh Run PressGenres: Christmas, Historical, Romance
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
Treasured Christmas Brides: 6 Novellas Celebrate Love as the Greatest GiftAmanda Cabot, Rebecca Germany, Cathy Marie Hake, Colleen L. Reece, MaryLu Tyndall, Michelle UleBarbour BooksGenres: Christmas, Historical, Romance, Suspense
Christmas Next Door: 4 Stories of Love Found Close to HomeSusan Page Davis, Vickie McDonoughBarbour BooksGenres: Christmas, Historical, Romance
Christmas in Winter HillMelody CarlsonRevellGenres: Christmas, Romance
New Releases: September 2019
FAMILYFICTION.COM
A Royal Christmas WeddingRoyal WeddingRachel HauckThomas NelsonGenres: Christmas, Romance
