Members of the Beyond the Borders zone of American Christian Fiction Writers have been busy writing and publishing over the last few months …
Contest Winners
Calor by JJ Fischer won Best Fantasy and Book of the Year at the 2023 Realm Awards.
Amy Bryant won The Oxford / Pushkin Children’s Fantasy Prize, for her manuscript The Lion and the Mage. This is a contest in the UK for new and unpublished authors, run by The Oxford Centre for Fantasy and Pushkin Children’s Books, commemorating the 50th anniversary since J.R.R. Tolkien’s death.
Daniel Lewczuk won a Word Award with The Word Guild, in the Unpublished Short Story category. His story is available from his website, www.authordaniellewczuk.com, when you subscribe to his newsletter.
Kate Darroch won the 2022 Incipere award for Best Christian Fiction for Death in Paris.
Iola Goulton is a finalist in the 2023 Romance Writers of New Zealand Great Beginnings contest.
Jebraunn Clifford was a finalist in the Speculative category of the 2023 ACFW Genesis Award.
Diecece Darling is a finalist in the Historical Romance category of the 2023 ACFW First Impressions Award.
Contest Finalists
Forged by Sara Davison was a finalist in the Mystery/Suspense/Thriller category of the 2023 Christy Awards.
By the Way of Moonlight was a finalist in the General Fiction category of the 2023 Christy Awards.
Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Primham was longlisted in the 2023 Braun Book Awards.
Edwina Kiernan’s novel, The Letter, won the Short Historical category in the Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers Reader’s Choice Award 2023.
Edwina Kiernan’s novel, Beryl’s Blessing, won a Bronze Medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Awards in the Christian Historical Romance category.
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A Feeling of Home by Susan Ann Mason won the Historical category of the 2023 Word Writers Award. A Feeling of Home was also a 2023 Selah Award finalist.
Laura Thomas won the Novella category of the 2023 Word Writers Award with The Christmas Cabin.
Laura also won first place in the Institute for Writers “Essay to My Younger Self” contest with her essay “The Nest of Now”.Â
Beverley Hopwood won the Mystery category of the 2023 Word Writers Aawrd with Fear in the Forest.
New Agent
Jebraun Clifford has signed with Lynette Eason from The Steve Laube Agency.
Megan Short has also signed with Lynette Eason from The Steve Laube Agency.
Christine Hill Suntz has signed with agent Rachel McMillan, and her manuscript is now out on submission.
New Contract
Darlene L Turner has signed a contract with Love Inspired for a full-length novel.
New Manuscripts
Dienece Darling has completed Freeing Defeat, a novelette that will be available free from her website from 15 December. Click here to sign up, and you’ll receive her current story and Freeing Defeat when it becomes available.
Jennifer Mistmorgan’s second book, The Mapmaker’s Secret, is currently with her editor.
Renee-Ann Giggie has completed Charlie’s Plight, and the manuscript is now with her editor.
Beverley Hopwood has completed Mission of Merit, and the book is currently being proofread.
New Releases
We have released a lot of books in the last few months:
Love Somebody Like You by Carolyn Miller
Released 5 July
For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs.
But what’s a girl to do, when her life has been turned upside down on the other side of the world? She needs a place to regain hope and healing – just didn’t count on meeting a cowboy whose own battered heart might need nursing back to health too.
Jackson Reilly has his own set of troubles, between caring for his ranch, his mom, and the black hole of finances. So when a pretty redhead with a sassy tongue offers some distraction – and a potential solution to one of his most pressing concerns – he’s not going to say no.
But as they spend time together, questions soon rise about their future, and whether faith can truly win over fears. Will Jackson be able to save his ranch, and his hopes and heart, before Lexi returns to Australia?
Fire and Ice by Carolyn Miller
Released 10 July
Hannah Wade’s heart might’ve once been touched by a rancher’s son, but her real passion has always been sports. Years later, when her sports career is cut short by injury, she jumps at the chance to be one of Calgary’s first female sports reporters. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with think she’s only there to look good, add ratings, and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defenseman Franklin James, she meets him. Or, more accurately, re-meets him. With disastrous effect.
Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south. And there’s something about her that’s vaguely familiar…
Can these two overcome prejudice and find a way forward? And what has faith – or the lack of – got to do with anything?
Muskoka Spotlight by Carolyn Miller
Released 10 August
Jackie O’Halloran never expected her actions at a friend’s wedding in Muskoka to go viral. Even less did she expect to gain the notice of a famous Hollywood actor, Lincoln Cash, and all the temptation his handsome presence provides. But she’s a good Christian girl, so a man like him has to be out of the picture. Or so she thinks.
Linc’s visit to see his ailing grandfather was supposed to be a quick visit to Muskoka. He hadn’t counted on meeting a forthright young lady whose courage made headlines around the world. But as he gets to know her he’s tempted to stay, which just might prove dangerous for his agent’s peace of mind, and for Linc’s own heart.
Can these two opposites push past mere attraction to find real love? And what does faith have to do with it at all?
Mountain Abduction Rescue by Darlene L Turner
Released 22 August
A wildfire threat…
becomes a missing person search.
A serial arsonist is out for revenge in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—and kidnaps park warden Hazel Hoyt’s son and his camping troop. Now Hazel must team up with the man who broke her heart, firefighter Mitchell Booth, to find the missing boys as wildfires blaze around them. But someone has no intention of letting the pair get off the mountain alive…
Pure Gluten-Free Goodness by Renee-Ann Giggie
Released 2 September
Whether or not you require gluten-free, Pure Gluten-Free Goodness is a recipe book for you. For anyone who doesn’t need gluten-free, the only substitution is flour. 1 cup of gluten-free flour equals 1 cup of regular flour. Everything else stays the same.
Most recipes are low-sugar, low-fat, dairy-free, and nut-free. But ALL of them are gluten-free. Substitution suggestions are made in the case of recipes that require dairy and nuts.
The recipes include various tasty quick breads, yummy energy balls, and a delightful, scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth fudge most people can’t resist.
I sold these at the Moncton Market for 4 years. When I moved across the country, several of my customers wanted my recipes. Someone suggested I write a book. After all, what better way to share, not only with my customers but with anyone else who might benefit from it?
I do hope you will enjoy this book and share the link with others who will benefit from this Pure Gluten-Free Goodness.
April’s Promise by Terrie Todd
Released 12 September
Emmaleen Kimball is fourteen when she becomes convinced she was born to traveling acrobats and left on her parents’ doorstep. Why else would there be a thirteen-year age gap between her and her closest sibling? When her family won’t tell her the truth about her origins, she’s determined to solve the mystery herself.
Bernadette Kimball is twenty-seven and living back at home to help with a family crisis, but she can’t wait to get back to her career in the city. She doesn’t fit in with her family. Not that she cares. Who needs a family? Families are just one big mess of secrets and lies.
April Kimball-Madden carries the burden of a secret she promised never to reveal. She wishes she could tell Emmaleen the truth. But she’s convinced that if her husband Joey ever finds out who Emmaleen’s biological parents are, her marriage won’t survive.
As a world war wages across the globe, the Kimball family faces a different kind of conflict at home. Will their personal battles drag them down and tear their family apart? Or can the faith they’ve been taught, and the mercy they’re shown, lead them to victory?
Heart in the Clouds by Jennifer Mistmorgan
Released 21 September
RAF Bottesford, November 1942: Maggie Morrison joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force for a free ticket into the romance she craved, away from her sleepy life as a vicar’s daughter. But the men of Bomber Command are careless with the hearts of women. She hides the pain of her broken heart and mother’s sudden death behind calm confidence on the airfield radio, as the last voice men hear before they fly into danger.
Australian pilot Alec Thomas is a gambling man on a winning streak. Every night when he flies with RAF Bomber Command, the odds of surviving are fifty-fifty. And every night so far, he’s made it back to English soil. But as the battles over Europe intensify, Alec’s luck feels less certain.
When Alec bets with his crew he can get Maggie to kiss him before the year is out, he has no idea it’s the most important wager he’ll ever make. But pursuing her leads Alec to reexamine everything he believes about his so-called luck, prompting him to question what—or who—is behind it all. Even if Alec can win his bet, can his risk-taking ways win her heart? Or will his luck in the brutal air war over Europe run out before their first kiss?
Something I Haven’t Told You by Pearl Ada Primham
Released 21 October
Alison, now a happy mother of two, recalls her teen years when a mistake of love led to unfathomable distress.
Faced with pregnancy at the age of fourteen, she deals with shame, her father’s rage, choices, and decisions that jerk her into adulthood. But, with her sister as her biggest supporter, along with her mother, friends, a counselor, and a school program for pregnant teens, she found what was really important in life to her, and succeeds in fulfilling her dreams.
The Lamp (Victorian Virtues Book 2) by Edwina Kiernan
Released 1 November
Will God hear their cries and grant them a future together, or will deadly occurrences tear them apart forever?
England, 1849. Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness.
Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he’s arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle’s derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him.
Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbours, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before.
Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives?
Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay by Kate Darroch
Released 5 November
The riveting sobriety journey of Eric, an alcoholic newly recovering in AA, who falls in love with Lily, a woman haunted by memories of domestic abuse. Their moving story unfolds by the sea on the gorgeous Devon coastline in England.
“Slice of life” in a caring small Christian community.
A sweet story of warm friendship and complex flawed yet caring people moving towards committed love. An old fashioned love story.
Old fashioned love stories don’t always have happy endings, but take heart! this story takes place over a holiday — and who ever heard of a holiday story with an unhappy ending?
Thanksgiving in Welcombe Bay reminds us that God Is Love, and with Love, all things are possible.
Heaven’s Prey by Janet Sketchley (10th Anniversary Expanded edition)
Released 1 November
Ruth Warner is broken. Her adult niece’s violent death at the hands of a serial rapist-murderer leaves her bitter. Tempted to reject her faith, Ruth instead finds healing through praying for the victims’ families. But pray for the predator himself? Never. Until she does—and then a botched kidnapping pegs her as his next victim.
He grabbed the wrong woman.
Harry Silver is a champion race car driver gone wrong. His crimes destroyed innocent lives and shattered his career. Stuck with this middle-aged captive instead of the girl who fuelled his passions, Harry vows to make Ruth pay. For being the wrong woman—and for being a Christian.
Her only hope is his salvation.
Harry has no idea he’s stumbled into a battle for his soul—a soul he’s sure is not worth saving.
Ruth has invested too many prayers and tears to give up now. Not when his coming to faith is the only way to save her life.
Rock-Bottom Blues by Beverley Hopwood
Released 1 November
ROCK BOTTOM BLUES Principal Ray Thomas hits rock bottom after a series of disappointing events including the engagement of his VP, Rose Simpson. Shaken by his mother’s revelation that his father struck a cyclist 28 years prior, he walks along the river to the falls in Stonehill. While contemplating life, three former students confront him and one falls.
While Ray is dealing with the repercussions of these events, he meets a vision of beauty in the bank. Linda is a teller who is paralyzed and uses a wheelchair. She agrees to coffee with first Ray, then a double date with her boss and Aaron, a bank client. He assault’s her during the date and is arrested on the spot.
Ray is dealing with his mother who is showing signs of dementia.
Muskoka Holiday Morsels by Carolyn Miller
Released 2 November
Muskoka Holiday Morsels is a collection of short romance stories with holiday and Christmas themes, perfect for a cozy read. Meet some new friends and catch up with some Muskoka favorites, and discover romance in the holiday season in this collection of bite-sized stories filled with hope, heart, humor, and all the feels.
The Other Way by Sara Davison (in the A Thrill in the Air anthology)
Released 8 November
Cocoa and carols set the mood of the season, but what lurks beneath the festivities?
Christmastime ties a pretty bow on relationships as flimsy as wrapping paper while torn hearts call out for reconciliation.
Milla Holt The Prodigal’s Feast
Lorna Seilstad A Merrytime Cruise
Eleanor Bertin Meg and the E-Monster
Sara Davison The Other Way
Brenda S. Anderson The Home for Christmas Challenge
Deb Elkink Scrabbling
Candace West The Angel Voices
Johnnie Alexander Christmas Comes to Springlight
Will the characters in these stories find peace this holiday season, not only with those they love but within their own hearts?
A Thrill in the Air is a collection of eight seasonal stories of family, forgiveness, and reconciliation that you will not want to miss!
Snow Globe Secrets by Laura Thomas
Published 10 November
Shootings. Snow globes. Secrets.
When successful realtor, Alexis James, witnesses a shooting outside the bookstore in her hometown of Hollybrook, she soon realizes the perpetrator has unfinished business, and now she is caught in the crossfire.
Tom Harrington is a British, best-selling author who needs to honor a promise and find some answers in this Canadian winter wonderland—but trouble follows him across the ocean.
He read her like a book from the beginning…
As Alexis is swept up in a festive whirlwind of danger and love, Tom attempts to break through her ice queen persona. But when chilling walls close in, they both have to decide: can they share their truth, rekindle their faith, and risk their lives if they have any hope for a Happily Ever After?
The Color of Sky and Stone by Sara Davison
Released 22 November
She is the only one who truly sees him.
Which makes her his greatest threat.
Black ops undercover agent Tane Temauri—code name Vapor—has made it his life’s mission to stay out of sight. Given the dangers inherent in his job, the last thing he can afford is to step into the open and become a target. Again.
Then a letter from a mysterious stranger changes everything. Although the letter was not meant for him, somehow, on a greater, cosmic scale, it feels as though it is.
But answering it will make Tane vulnerable.
How can he emerge from the shadows to risk everything for a woman he has never met?
If he does, more than his heart could be on the line. So could his life.
And hers.
Pre-orders
Members also have a bunch of books available for pre-order!
Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene L Turner
Releases 1 December
Standing guard…with threats on all sides.
When bones are found at an unmarked grave site — and then shots are fired — forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?
Lumen by JJ Fischer
Releases 5 December
What if erasing the past cost more than you were willing to pay?
Having narrowly escaped their enemies, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass continue their search for the elusive Silvertongue, the only one with knowledge of the Reliquary’s whereabouts. But time is running out for Sephone, and with Dorian accused of high treason, the quest takes on a new urgency.
As secrets from each of their pasts drive a wedge between them, Sephone invests all her hopes in finding her homeland, Lethe—where her family may yet be alive. But nothing about Lethe is as she expects, and disappointment, betrayal, and danger await her at every turn.
When the truth about the Reliquary’s curse comes to light, the fragile bonds between the unlikely companions are tested like never before. Meanwhile, Dorian faces a terrible choice: to save the life of one who is beginning to mean more to him than the past he’s so desperate to forget, or to save his beloved Caldera from dangers outside and within.
Deadly Burden (Green Door Inn #4) by Janet Sketchley
Releases 6 December
Obey the police and stay safe, or follow her heart and help unmask a killer?
Landon Smith solved the last murder by accident—and nearly became the next victim. When a shocking death strikes her close-knit circle, can this amateur sleuth discover who wanted the town busybody dead?
The dead woman knew too much about too many people. Was she silenced to protect a secret? Or because of one she wouldn’t tell? And how can a dyslexic trauma survivor find clues the professionals miss?
Landon can’t afford to be sidetracked by a vindictive guest at the inn or by unexpected family drama. Or by falling for the geeky writer next door—now that he’s over her. With a storm closing in and no leads in sight, Landon’s first Christmas at the Green Dory Inn is shaping up to be anything but merry and bright.
Christmas in Welcombe Bay by Kate Darroch
Releases 21 December
Christian Second Chance for Lasting Love in idyllic Welcombe Bay on the gorgeous Devon coast. Second book in the Sweets By The Sea Recovery & Redemption saga from Kate Darroch, 2022 Incipere award for Best Christian Fiction. Powerful stories of men and women hoping to find togetherness in a caring Christian community.
We follow Eric and Lily after their Thanksgiving feast and join the Christmas festivities preparations of the townsfolk. Bob rents a cottage from Miss Agatha over Christmas.
Nurse Ruth finds her hospital nights filled with more than just routine ward checks. Hector, a children’s entertainer hired for the Christmas season, weaves tales of magic and hope that captivate her and touch her heart. For Ruth, will this be third time lucky in love?
New Beginnings in Welcome Bay by Kate Darroch
Releases 5 January
Lily and Eric take a giant step towards Happy Ever After and Irene sets out to unravel a mystery where every thread holds a secret. The Gee quilt has vanished! Dive into the heart of Welcombe, where Eric is buiding a new life and Irene — ably helped by Bob — decodes stitches, confronts the quilt thieves and mends a community tet seems to be coming apart at the seams when the Gee disappears.
Can our friends find lasting love while searching for the quilt?
New Begnnings in Welcombe Bay says simply that God Is Love, and with Love, all things are possible.
The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller
Releases 25 January
Sometimes there’s a hefty price to pay when two opposites attract…
With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Miles is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love?
Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn as she’s not following God. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out?
These two are about to learn that those who play with fire get burned, and there’s a hefty price to pay for forbidden attraction.
Tanged Up In Love by Carolyn Miller
Releases 26 March 2024
One kiss didn’t mean much. One kiss could mean everything.
When Ellie Reilly returns from a dream overseas trip, a too-long hug from her best friend Jasper Cohen clues her in that his feelings might be more than what she suspected. He’s unsure about pushing their friendship further, and doubly uncertain when her European friend, Sebastian, seeks her out in Trinity Lakes.
Uncertainty is something Ellie knows all too well. Since returning from her vacation, Ellie feels like she doesn’t fit at her family’s ranch or in small town life. When she is asked to take on responsibility for reopening Trinity Lakes’ historical museum – a dream she’s always wanted – she can’t help but wonder if settling for life in the familiar is all that God has for her, or can she dare trust Him for more?
Can these two best friends push past mistakes and insecurities and find a future together?
Cameo for a Cowgirl by Carolyn Miller
Releases 14 June 2024
Welcome to Three Creek Ranch, home of the James family for over a hundred years, complete with its own Western movie set. Franklin James might be a famous pro hockey player, but just because he’s Cassie’s older brother doesn’t mean she wants to step into the limelight. She’s too busy helping her dad run the ranch and managing the ranch’s movie set, and negotiating with the giant egos of movie stars like Harrison Woods, who’s supposed to be filming the new TV series of As The Heart Draws. And while his TV hero character might be hugely popular, Harrison’s real character is anything but noble. Cassie is convinced he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to make sure it doesn’t reflect badly on Three Creek Ranch. Can she remind him what being a true hero is all about?
Her Part to Play by Jenny Erlingsson
Releases 18 June 2024
Desperate for extra income after her mother’s passing, Adanne accepts a last-minute job as a makeup artist for a movie filming in her small Alabama hometown. She’s working to save her parents’ legacy and help her brother, but the money hardly seems worth having to face the actor who got her fired from her last job in Hollywood.
John Pope has made his share of mistakes over the years. But after turning his life over to God and enduring a messy breakup, he’s ready to start rebuilding his career. Imagine his surprise when the woman called in to cover for his usual makeup artist is a quiet but feisty newcomer on the set–and definitely not a fan.
Sparks of tension–and could that be attraction?–fly between them, but Adanne hates the spotlight, and John’s scheming manager has bigger plans for him than to end up with the humble makeup girl from the small-town South. Can these star-crossed lovers find their way to happiness? Or will the bright lights of Hollywood blind their eyes to what’s right in front of them?
It seems there’s a book for every taste in this list! And the wide variety of plots . . . amazing. So plenty to choose from for Christmas gifts. Thanks, Iola, for searching out all these titles.
You’re right – there’s a huge variety of books here. Happy reading!
Wow, so many awards, Finalists, and books! Thank you, Iola for organising this and congrats on being a finalist yourself!
Thank you!