The Beyond the Borders zone of American Christian Fiction Writers is the home of international Christian writers, and includes many Australian and New Zealand members.
American Christian Fiction Writers is a writing organisation devoted to improving the craft of Christian Fiction. Members can benefit from:
- Online critique groups, writing training, and webinars.
- Discounted entry to the First Impressions and Genesis Awards for unpublished writers.
- Discounted entry to the Carol Awards for novels published in the previous year.
- Free announcements of new releases.
- Member rates for the annual ACFW Conference.
ACFW also has regional zone groups and local chapters. The Beyond the Borders zone covers all members outside the USA—there are almost 100 of us, from over a dozen different countries.
We’re sharing what our members have achieved in the last few months.
Contest News
Our Beyond the Borders members have finalled in several contests—well done, everyone!
Jebraun Clifford is a semi-finalist in the Speculative category of the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award.
Safe House Exposed by Darlene L Turner is a finalist in the Short Inspirational category of the 2023 HOLT Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers.
Darlene L Turner is a triple finalist in the Romantic Suspense/Suspense/Mystery category of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference – Directors’ Choice Awards , for Fatal Forensic Investigation, Safe House Exposed, and Explosive Christmas Showdown.
And Explosive Christmas Showdown by Darlene L Turner is a Finalist in the Romantic Suspense category of the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Awards.
The Letter by Edwina Kiernan is a finalist in the Short Historical category of the the FHLCW Reader’s Choice Awards.
A Feeling of Home by Susan Anne Mason is a finalist in the Historical Romance category of the 2023 Selah Awards.
Calor by J.J. Fischer is a finalist in the Fantasy category of the 2023 Realm Makers Awards.
Writing News
Terrie Todd took time off novel-writing to teach a Creative Writing course at a local community college, and is once again on a quest for a new agent. She has recently submitted a proposal for One Thunderous Thursday, a historical set against the backdrop of the 1917 Halifax explosion.
Edwina Kiernan is now represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
Janet Sketchley has finished the first draft of a new mystery, tentatively titled Death at Christmas, Green Dory Inn Mystery # 4 (but says that’s really signal for beginning round 1 of revisions!)
Kate Darroch has completed the next two Huntington Hart Casefiles, The Case of the Dazzling Duck, and The Case of the Zebra in the Zoo. She has also contributed Father’s Day with Snakes to the A Zoo of a Homocide cozy mystery anthology.
New Releases
Always By My Side by Iola Goulton
Released 30 May 2023
A hardworking introvert meets a handsome adventurer longing to settle down.
Tabitha Thomas longs to leave Trinity Lakes and travel the world in honor of the beloved grandmother who raised her and her siblings. But she’s needed at home—she’s the responsible triplet, the one who stayed home to run the family inn while her brother and sister left to live their dreams.
Kiwi Logan Wylde doesn’t call any place home. When an injury frustrates his travel plans, he accepts an invitation to return to Trinity Lakes and recuperate at the Lakeview Inn, where he hopes to rediscover his purpose in life.
When Tabby and Logan find a property deed while cleaning out Gran’s rooms, Tabby embraces a new challenge—to solve the mystery of the floodplain and renovate the old boatshed. Working with Logan reignites long-suppressed feelings, but will their differences drive them apart?
An opposites-attract, friends-to-more, small town contemporary Christian romance.
The Soul Mark by JJ Fischer
Released 15 May 2023
Nineteen-year-old Sela is a murderer.
After being sentenced to death for the accidental killing of a wealthy, well-connected man, Sela Meriweather is offered another option—to be stripped of her soul and sentenced to lifetime exile on Azazel, the vast prison-island. There, alongside “dangerous” criminals like herself, firstborn children of the Old Town chosen by the lot are sent to atone for the sins of their families.
As one of the elected Righteous, Caleb Alexander’s path to widespread renown is guaranteed so long as he can endure a year as an overseer on Azazel, preventing the other guards from fraternizing with the prisoners. But as he finds himself drawn to Sela, Caleb wrestles with the implications of his new role and the laws forbidding contact between jailer and prisoner. Could a woman like Sela truly be soulless?
While Caleb tries to resist his growing attraction, Sela struggles with the weight of her sins and the past she has kept from Caleb. But when mutiny against the Old Town brews on Azazel, Sela and Caleb must work together to stay alive…and to uncover the truth behind the very powers that created Azazel in the first place.
A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan
Released 2 May 2023
On screen they’re a darling duo, but it’s a whole different story backstage.
Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of her diva drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone.
Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson — the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonders if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on.
When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him — and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is.
But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?
Hunt’s First Three Cases by Kate Darroch
A compilation of the first three Huntingdon Hart stories:
The Case of the Missing Peke
Dawn’s Untrodden Green by Carolyn Miller
Released 11 April 2023
Not much happens in Theodosia Stapleton’s tiny Northumberland village. Certainly not to her. She has resigned herself to spinsterhood, caring for her ailing mother in the home of her grandfather, known to the locals as “General Contrary.” When her dear friend dies and leaves behind a daughter, it’s simple enough to take the child into her own quiet world. That is, until her ward’s famous uncle unexpectedly arrives and throws Theo’s tidy orbit completely off-kilter.
Fame was the last thing Daniel Balfour sought when he fought in the Peninsular War. But his brave exploits caught the attention of the King, and now the honors he was given hound him everywhere . . . even on his rushed trip to rescue his orphaned niece.
Theo’s quick wit and warm smile reassure him that Rebecca is in good hands, and he finds himself free to swiftly return to London and his responsibilities. But those caring hands are beginning to look like they could also safely hold his heart, and he’s tempted to linger. Unfortunately, marriage is simply not in the cards; the army is spouse enough for him.
Then an accident and a scandal lead both Theo and Daniel to discover that their best-laid plans may not have been what God designed for them after all.
Upcoming Releases
Love Somebody Like You by Carolyn Miller
Releases 27 June 2023
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?
The Christmas Box by Jessica Wakefield
Can Christmas be saved by a mysterious box? Join three couples across three decades as they find love in places they least expected it.
1995: Braving Christmas
Amy Franklin is in love with her best friend. Years of rejection have left her unable to tell Chris Lawrence how she feels for fear of history repeating itself. But as she becomes the key to saving his family’s struggling Christmas tree farm, she realizes teaming up with Chris permanently might just be worth being brave after all.
2005: Risking Christmas
Holed up in a cabin in Connecticut during a blizzard, chef Josh Keller is looking to finish a proposal for his new restaurant. But he didn’t count on getting snowed in with Nicole Abbot, the very food critic who’d derailed his career faster than you can say master chef. As the days drift by, Josh and Nicole form a tentative truce that might just turn into more.
2015: Faking Christmas
Antonia Katsaros needs a fake boyfriend to attend her sister’s Christmas-themed engagement party, or she’ll never hear the end of it from her meddling family. In the mall, she meets Dylan Matthews a guy more than ready to help the woman who helped his niece. Can their fake relationship turn real just in time for the holidays?
Muskoka Spotlight by Carolyn Miller
Releases 10 August 2023
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 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?
I am excited to read ALWAYS by MY SIDE which just popped into my Kindle. It sounds like it has a Kiwi flavour and that’s a plus. Iola has edited for me some years ago so it will be great to read her published work!
Thank you, Rita. I hope you enjoy Always By My Side!
Congrats everyone, especially to you, Iola, on your debut novel!
Thank you 🙂