Welcome to June 2026 new releases and Extravaganza winners.
Today we have 3 books to share with you, congratulations all. We also announce the winners of the Love Inspired Giveaway Extravaganza.
Burns and Beauty – Philistines – By Christine Dillon
Publisher: Links in the Chain Press (released: 1 June 2026)
Trust, once broken, is hard to restore.
Saphi has spent her life despising the mother who scarred her face and condemned her to obscurity as a temple sweeper in the house of Dagon. Scorned and friendless, she expects nothing from the Philistine gods except silence.
Then the Philistines capture the ark of the God of Israel.
Paraded into Dagon’s temple as a trophy of victory, the sacred ark should mark Israel’s defeat. Instead, terrifying signs and unexplainable disasters begin to shake the city. Israel’s God is no helpless captive—and as fear spreads among her people, Saphi is swept into events far greater than her own pain. Events that will lead her beyond everything she has ever known and force her to confront the wounds she cannot escape.
Why would the God of Israel notice someone like her?
And what if he demanded the very thing she can’t give?
Set during the time of 1 Samuel and the judgeship of Samuel, this gripping biblical novel brings the Philistine world vividly to life. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction that is realistic, thought-provoking, and spiritually compelling.
The Light of Nationsseries features standalone novels, each centred on a different people group whose story intersects with Israel’s. While the books move chronologically through the Old Testament and include subtle connections between titles, each can be enjoyed on its own.
For lovers of Connilyn Cossette, Tessa Afshar, and Lynn Austin.
Kidd’s River by Jackie Randall
Publisher: Jacqueline Randall (released 14 May 2026)
Henry Kidd thought the Hawkesbury would be a new beginning. Instead, it becomes a fight for survival.
Alone in a harsh new colony, Henry is forced into brutal work until a rough ex-convict, Tom Biggers, gives him a second chance. But when Henry is falsely accused and cast out again, everything seems lost.
Then the river rises.
As floodwaters tear through the settlement, Henry is thrown back into danger, rescuing families from rooftops and children from the raging current. In the chaos, enemies return, truths are uncovered and Henry must decide who he can trust.
A gripping middle-grade adventure based on a true story, Kidd’s River is about courage, survival, and finding where you belong.
The Piano by Marion Uekchermann
Publisher: Faith, Hope, & Heartwarming (released: 20 May 2026)
A hidden treasure. A centuries-old mystery. And a growing love built on lies.
Archaeologist Elizabeth Jensen’s life is defined by the dirt and history of her South African dig sites. But her greatest discovery isn’t found in a trench—it’s right there in her house. When she inherits a family piano linked to a Boer War mystery, she refuses to sell, determined to protect the history and the family ties the heirloom represents. She didn’t count on Carl Von Henselt’s determination to own it.
Sophisticated and charming, the German concert pianist claims to be captivated by the piano’s history. In reality, he’s hunting for the key to a legendary treasure. His plan is simple: romance the archaeologist, find the key, and leave. But he’s not the only one with a hidden agenda. Lizzy isn’t sure she can trust him and has a plan of her own.
As they sift through the echoes of the past, a real connection takes root. For Lizzy, Carl could be the man God intends for her, the man she’s waited for. For Carl, Lizzy is a reminder of the man of integrity and faith he could be. As the mystery unravels, they must both decide if finding the treasure is worth the cost.
Will their secrets and deceptions bury their chance at love, or can they find the courage to step into the light and trust the future God has planned?
A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
Marion Ueckermann was a beautiful and gifted South African storyteller and world traveller, who published over twenty-five sweet and tender Christian romances, often with a hint of mystery, as well as poetry, devotionals, and a memoir of her father. The Piano is the first book she ever wrote, set aside to be edited and published “some day” while she worked on other stories and lived life to the full as a busy and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
Sadly COVID took her before she was able to revise and release the novel.I loved Marion like a sister and missed her so much, especially our late-night story brainstorming sessions as we worked together on multiple group projects and so often had the exact same ideas for plot and character at the exact same time! So I was honoured when her family asked if I’d help get the story published in her memory, and out to the readers who remember and miss her.
Wow, what a story! I didn’t want to stop reading it, and couldn’t stop thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading it! It’s an adventure, a mystery, and a tender romantic love story, wrapped up with plenty of travel.
I hope you enjoy this emotional journey of faith, romance, and finding the future God intends as much as I did!
Blessings,
Autumn Macarthur (editor, publisher, and friend)
For Marion (1960-2021) — a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul, and so very loved. Now with Jesus.
Congratulations to the winners of the Love Inspired Giveaway Extravaganza.
Grand Prize – Priscilla L
First Prize – Carolyn T
Second Prize – Michelle E
Third Prize – Tahlia G
Fourth Prize – Natalie B
Thanks to the Love inspired authors who participated in the wonderful giveaway. Congratulations to all winners who have been contacted. Thanks to Megan Short for organising this giveaway for us.
Narelle Atkins has started a weekly roundup of books on preorder. The post goes live every Friday night.