Spotlight on Vickie McDonough and The Anonymous Bride

Don't forget the new rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

VICKIE MCDONOUGH is an award-winning inspirational romance author, with 18 novels and novellas published. She was recently voted 3rd Favorite Author in Heartsong Present’s annual readers’ contest, and her book, Outlaw Heart, placed 2nd in the Favorite Historical Romance category. Vickie is currently the treasurer of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and has written book reviews for nine years. Vickie is a wife of thirty-four years, mother of four grown sons and grandma to a feisty four-year-old girl. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, and traveling.

THE ANONYMOUS BRIDE
by Vickie McDonough
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Three mail-orders brides arrive in Lookout, Texas, each expecting to marry the local marshal. But—he didn't order a bride. When a contest ensues to discover which bride will make him the best wife, there is a surprise fourth entry--an anonymous one. Mayhem occurs as the whole town tries to figure out who the anonymous bride is, and the mayor pressures the marshal to pick a bride or lose his job. Will Marshal Davis tuck tail and run for the hills? Or will he lose his heart and his bachelorhood?

Readers, buy your copy of The Anonymous Bride today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut trade novel after many mass markets. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I was trying to come up with a new idea for a book, and this one started as a “what if” question. What if a mail-order bride showed up in town, expecting to marry the local marshal, but what if he didn’t order a bride? Then my thoughts morphed a bit. What if three mail-order brides showed up, expecting to marry the poor, unsuspecting guy? How could something like that happen? And if it did, what would happen to the extra women since only one could marry him? Then I thought, what if the town held a contest to see which gal would make him the best wife? The ideas just kept coming, and that’s the basic premise.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

That’s a hard question, because it’s not something I really think about when I’m writing. I’m sure my characters have a little of me in them, but most of them are spunkier than me. My quirky sense of humor is something that sometimes is reflected in my characters, as well as my belief in God. Their backstory and experiences are theirs alone, as well as the choices they make during the course of the book. I’m totally not responsible for their actions. They do have minds of their own, you know. :)

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

My hero would be Mocha Almond Fudge. He runs on coffee, is a hard nut to crack because of past hurts, but he’s really sweet when his defenses are down.

Question: Which ice cream flavor would YOU be and why? Try to avoid Rocky Road.

4. Are there any themes in The Anonymous Bride that you hope the reader sees?

The main theme is forgiving past offenses. My hero was deeply wounded when his fiancée up and married the richest man in town. Now, years later, God has sent him back home to forgive the woman who hurt him, but he discovers that it’s not as easy as he’d hoped it would be.

Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as your story unfolded?

Actually there were. I knew my heroine had a troubled marriage, but it wasn’t until I got into the story that I discovered she’d been abused. She suffers low self-esteem because of that, and she’s also raising a strong-willed ten-year-old. My heroine struggles with being a good parent and disciplining her child. I think these are issues that many women today can relate to, even though the book is a historical.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

I don’t know that there was a particular scene that was more difficult, but rather the middle of the book. This is twice as long as the Heartsong books I’ve been writing. When I got halfway done, I still had another 50,000 words to write, and I worried about the book being good enough to hold a reader’s attention for so long. Once I got past the 3/4ths mark and was going into the final stretch, things got easier.

There are several scenes I really love in this book. One is when the first two brides arrive, and Rachel confronts Luke about them, only poor Luke is totally clueless and baffled. The other is when Luke finds a stray dog and locks him in his jail until he can decide what to do with him, Jack, the heroine’s daughter comes in and the dialogue between her and Luke is a hoot—at least it was to me.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I have a September release, which is a Christmas novella collection called Christmas Mail-Order Brides. This collection has four authors who’ve each written a novella following the mail-order bride theme. The other authors are: Susan Page Davis, Therese Stenzel, and Carrie Turansky.

Here’s a blurb:
Ride the transcontinental railroad as marriage arrives by mail-order—and just in time for Christmas. Annika arrives in Wyoming to discover her intended is missing. Jolie’s journey to Nevada is derailed by disaster. Elizabeth carries a load of secrets to Nebraska. And Amelia travels to California to wrap up her final attempts at matchmaking. Will the holiday season be the ticket to spark love in unexpected ways?

In October, Second Chance Brides, the sequel to The Anonymous Bride will be released. It tells the tale of the losers in the bride contest in the first book. Both women are stranded in Texas and neither one can—nor wants to—return home. The only options left are to find employment in the tiny town of Lookout or to find a husband. Neither of which are the prospects good.

I’m being vague on purpose in case you haven’t yet read the first book. I don’t want to give anything away.

I’m putting together an email newsletter mailing list. If you’re interested in being on my mailing list and receiving a quarterly newsletter and announcements about book releases, please email me at fictionfan1 at cox dot net.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest on your blog.

* * * * *

Thank you, Vickie, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, find the question associated with the spotlight and answer it in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Anonymous Bride. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

CFBA Blog Tour - Lisa Harris and Blood Ransom

Don't forget the new rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Blood Ransom
Zondervan (April 1, 2010)
by Lisa Harris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author, LISA HARRIS has been writing both fiction and nonfiction since 2000 and has more than fifteen novels and novellas in print. She currently lives with her family in Mozambique, Africa, where they work as missionaries.

From Lisa:

Have you ever noticed how God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things? In writing Blood Ransom, I wanted my heroes and heroines to be ordinary people, faced with extraordinary circumstances. Chad and Natalie’s lives were changed not only through the challenges they faced, but also through their reliance on God. And when they set off on their journey to the capital to save Joseph’s family, they never imagined that God would call them to a task that was beyond the scope of their own power.

But while this story is fictional, the issue of a modern day slave trade is very real. It is estimated that there are currently more than 27 million slaves on the world today from Africa, to Eastern Europe … to the United States of America. The fact is, we don’t have to travel around the world to see people hurting and exploited. They’re real people we pass every day, living in our neighborhoods, and attending our churches and schools. They’re empty and broken, searching for freedom and hope in an often hopeless world.

What types of books did Lisa write when she first began her career? Continue reading below.

BLOOD RANSOM
by Lisa Harris
Published by Zondervan

ABOUT THE BOOK

Natalie Sinclair is working to eradicate the diseases decimating whole villages in the Republic of Dhambizao when she meets Dr. Chad Talcott, a surgeon on sabbatical from a lucrative medical practice now volunteering at a small clinic.

Meanwhile, things are unraveling in Dhambizao. Joseph Komboli returns to his village to discover rebel soldiers abducting his family and friends. Those that were too old or weak to work lay motionless in the African soil. When Chad and Natalie decide to help Joseph expose this modern-day slave trade---and a high-ranking political figure involved in it---disaster nips at their heels.

Where is God in the chaos? Will Chad, Natalie, and Joseph win their race against time?

Romance and adventure drive Blood Ransom, by Lisa Harris, a powerful thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of Blood Ransom, go HERE.

Readers, buy your copy of Blood Ransom today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW - coming this afternoon!

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

For a long time, I had a vague idea of an adventure/suspense novel set in Africa that I dreamed of writing, but none of the editors I spoke to, over a period of several years, were interested in stories set in an exotic locale.

Things changed when I met Sue Brower for the first time at a writing conference. She loved the concept behind the book and told me that the timing was finally right. It took another two years before I received that long awaited contract and the process continued with rewrites, edits, and the input of experts who helped me with medical and pilot questions. So, as you can see, the birthing process of this particular book was literally years in the making, which makes it all the more special to me.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

After living in Africa for about ten years I have a lot of experiences that I am able to draw from, so in that sense, my life definitely influences my characters. Both Natalie and Chad work in the medical field, so these professional traits that were needed because of their work and position are all theirs. This is where help from my experts was essential.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Natalie and Chad are both very adventurous and are willing to take risks, so they are definitely not the vanilla type. Maybe a triple chocolate with fudge ribbons and nuts.

4. Are there any themes in Blood Ransom that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

My main goal was for my readers to simply enjoy Natalie and Chad’s story. I want them to laugh and cry with the characters, and experience their journey. But I also want them to see that God can use ordinary people, like you and me, to do extraordinary things!

I am also passionate, because these are people who need hope, BUT they don’t have a voice. I find that incredible compared to all the freedoms we enjoy. I think this theme grew as the story progressed and really impacted me as the writer. It made me realize that while we can’t save every orphaned child, or rescue every woman locked in the bond of slavery, but we can make a difference by touching the lives around us.

We can support an orphan in Africa, get involved with the modern-day abolitionist movement where people are working the front lines, become a foster parent, or a big brother, or take a meal to a shut in and sit and talk with them. No matter who we are, there are people around us in our own neighborhoods and communities who need the help and hope of Jesus Christ! All it takes is lives touching lives.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Blood Ransom is very different from the historical romances I wrote when I started writing. This is not a romance novel, though it does contain a romance thread. Balancing the pacing is completely different as you don’t want the intensity to overshadow the characters so they come out flat. My favorite part is definitely the fast pace action even though it can be challenging to write.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Right now, I’m working on a slightly different paced project, a historical romantic suspense for Summerside Press’s new line. This book, Dark Continent is set both in Northern Rhodesia and New York in the early 1920’s. It’s turning out to be research intense, but also a lot of fun. It will be released in February.

I also just turned in book two in my Mission Hope series that began with Blood Ransom. Blood Covenant, that is due to be released next May. I found it an incredible challenge to write (though I loved it!) as it is set primarily in a refugee camp and yet is also a fast-paced suspense.

* * * * *

Thank you, Lisa, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, find the question buried somewhere in the spotlight and answer it in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE copy of Blood Ransom. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on James L. Rubart and Rooms

Don't forget the new rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

I'm doubly pleased to feature Jim on my blog today. Not only is he a great guy, but he's an amazing marketing specialist who has helped me immensely in revamping my web site so I'm presenting my best foot forward to the world and remaining unique. Plus, his debut novel has received multiple awards with reviews that are heating up the cyberwaves of the Internet. You'll definitely want to take a look at this book and spotlight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JIM RUBART is an author, speaker, husband, and dad. He loves God, his wife, his boys, writing, speaking, playing guitar, and golf, in that order. And he dabbles in photography. Most of the shots on his web site are his. Since 1994, he's owned a marketing company which he recently changed the name of, to Barefoot Marketing. Some his favorite memories come from jumping off cliffs with his boys, long walks & talks with his wife, and going deep with friends. Feel free to contact him through his web site.

What little book did Jim expand to become ROOMS?

ROOMS
by James L. Rubart
Published by B&H Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

On a rainy spring day in Seattle, young software tycoon Micah Taylor receives a cryptic, twenty-five-year-old letter from a great uncle he never knew. It claims a home awaits him on the Oregon coast that will turn his world inside out.

Suspecting a prank, Micah arrives at Cannon Beach to discover a stunning brand new nine-thousand square foot house. And after meeting Sarah Sabin at a nearby ice cream shop, he has two reasons to visit the beach every weekend.

When bizarre things start happening in the rooms of the home, Micah suspects they have some connection to his enigmatic new friend, Rick, the town mechanic. But Rick will only say the house is spiritual. This unnerves Micah because his faith slipped away like the tide years ago, and he wants to keep it that way.

But as he slowly discovers, the home isn’t just spiritual, it’s a physical manifestation of his soul, which God uses to heal Micah’s darkest wounds and lead him into an astonishing new destiny.

Readers, buy your copy of Rooms today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Comic books, C.S. Lewis, Field of Dreams, Waking the Dead and Wild at Heart. The Matrix. It’s a Wonderful Life. And a little pamphlet called My Heart, Christ’s Home. For years I thought turning that story on it’s head and exploding the idea up to novel length would be cool. So I mixed in some of my favorite movies and books and out came ROOMS.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

When my oldest son was ten he said, “We need to get to Grandma and Grandpa’s post haste!” I thought was hilarious and wondered how he came up with ‘post haste.’ Turns out he heard the phrase on Adventures in Odyssey. My point is we write most compellingly out of our own experience. If we don’t I think it can come across as stilted and false. Consequently many of the elements in ROOMS come from things I’ve been through or have impacted me in movies and other books.

As my characters developed they took on a life of their own. “I wonder why he did that!” happened often. So although the characters started off with some of my traits and from friends, they definitely became their own people.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Great question! Did you know an ice cream shop plays a prominent role in ROOMS? Micah Taylor would definitely be Rocky Road—metaphorical allusion intended.

4. Are there any themes in Rooms that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Freedom. Christ said that’s why he came, to set us free. Gal. 5:1. And stepping the destiny God has designed for us.

As for themes that developed? All of them! Having never written a novel before I didn’t know what I was doing so it spilled out as I wrote it. I was constantly surprised which made writing the story a blast.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

When I wrote ROOMS I felt more like a scribe than an author. I saw the scenes playing my head like a movie and I simply wrote them down. So I can’t think of any parts that were tough to write.

Favorite? There are two confrontation scenes near the end of the book that I think are some of the most powerful in the novel. I love rereading them, so those would probably be my faves.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Book of Days will hit the shelves January 2011. It’s the story of a man in his early thirties who goes on a search for God’s book of days—described in Psalm 139—that has recorded the past, present and future of every soul on earth. His mind is slipping and he’s losing memories of his wife who passed away two years earlier. Although he’s skeptical that the book is real—he doesn’t believe in God—he’s willing to give everything to find out if it exists on earth.

* * * * *

Thank you, Jim, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, find the question associated with the spotlight and answer it in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Rooms. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on Steve Rzasa and The Word Unleashed

Don't forget the new rules of the spotlights here. Random questions will be inserted in each spotlight for you to find and answer in the comments in order to be entered. So, be on the lookout!

And today, I'm pleased to feature an author published by the same company as my husband. Marcher Lord Press is a fantastic science fiction and fantasy publisher that is giving a presence to those authors of amazing stories who couldn't find a place with other traditional houses. The demand is high on the reader end, but most publishers don't take the risk. Jeff Gerke, with Marcher Lord Press, does. If you're a fan of this genre, be sure to check out this publisher for all of the books available.

Question MODIFIED. What other 2 books released along with The Word Unleashed in April 2010 with Marcher Lord Press? The answer is on the main page of the publisher site. :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

STEVE RZASA was born and raised in South Jersey, and fell in love with books—especially science fiction novels and historical volumes—at an early age. He and his wife, Carrie, have two boys and live in Buffalo, Wyoming. Steve’s short story, “Rescued,” which is set in the universe of The World Reclaimed, won the 2009 G.K. Chesterton Award in the Athanatos Christian Ministries Writing Contest.

THE WORD UNLEASHED
by Steve Rzasa
Published by Marcher Lord Press

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Word Reclaimed, Book 1 of the Face of the Deep

Baden picked up the wrong book.

In the far future, the civilized worlds have finally been freed of the curse of religion. Tolerance now rules the five colonies.

Thanks to the secret police, no one has been bothered by so much as a hymn in two generations—much less a Torah, Koran, or that most dangerous of books, a Bible.

Baden is a young man with an attitude. He spends his spare time salvaging wrecks in deep space, claiming for himself whatever the pirates leave behind.

One day, Baden finds a book. A strange and very old book, preserved carefully against the ravages of deep space. Thinking he’ll become rich if only for the value of the paper, he takes it. He counts himself lucky beyond all imagining.

Until it begins talking to him.

Amidst an interstellar war that threatens to overthrow the monarchy and drive great families to oblivion, Baden must evade the secret police and their attempts to get that book.

Baden never had much use for religion. But, it seems, one has use of him.

The Word Unleashed, Book 2 of the Face of the Deep

Baden’s book won’t leave him alone.

He’d like nothing more than to get rid of the Bible he found in the wreckage of a derelict starship. It’s brought trouble – the secret police are closing in on him. He’s fighting more with his father. And he fears that the young woman he loves may be falling under the book’s spell.

But he can’t seem to let it go.

Now he’s sharing what he’s read with believers who have awaited the return of God’s Word for decades. His mysterious rescuer, Jason, wants the Bible taken to a safe place.

So now it’s his choice. He can hide it, or proclaim it.

With Kesek in control of the Realm and coming after all its opponents, Baden will have to trust not only in his friends but in a contingent of elite soldiers determined to save the king.

He’ll have to come to grips with the power he has unleashed on the Realm of Five. And that power has plans of its own.

Readers, buy your copy of The Word Unleashed today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I came up with the idea for The Word Reclaimed and its sequel, The Word Unleashed, about eight years ago. They were both originally one story called Commissioned. I was fiddling with ideas for a space opera and started thinking about a kid and his dad running their own cargo ship. Not sure why, but it just popped into my head. In any case, I wondered, “What would happen if he found a wrecked ship containing the last known Bible?” It all kind of snowballed from there.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

My personality traits appear in several characters. I tried to apportion some of those emotions out to – for example, sense of humor to a few, faith to a couple, even anger to some. There are a few aspects that are theirs alone. For example, Professor Tara Douglas-Verge’s zeal for freedom is tempered by her disdain for anything religious. And Baden Haczyk’s bitter animosity toward his father is entirely his own trait.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Oh, that’s easy – Rocky Road. Baden’s journey, both physical and spiritual, is a difficult one. There are many obstacles he must overcome, enemies he must face, and decisions he must make.

4. Are there any themes in The Word Unleashed that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The most blatant theme is the power of God’s Word. The Bible can be a tremendous instrument for change. It is the guide to a relationship with God. I hope to show the reader how it changes people. That is not to say everyone changes in the same way or has the same “Hallelujah!” moment. No, God uses everyone in different ways, according to the abilities He has given them, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we can accept our place in the body of Christ.

Other themes that arose are the influence of family, both for good and for ill, and the importance of loyalty and friendship. Religious freedom is a theme that came to me late in the development of the original Commissioned manuscript, but one I feel is important nonetheless. I’m not talking watered-down “tolerance” as we know it in our politically-correct society, but true freedom to worship as you please – and proclaim the Gospel as you please.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts to write were the little bits of budding romance! I’m a guy. It just doesn’t come naturally.

My favorite parts to write were most of the action scenes, which required a great deal of focus. I also had a great time writing every scene involving Detective Chief Inspector Nikolaas Ryke of the king’s secret police force. I poured every bit of anger and hatred I could imagine into one character to see what he would be like. It was a challenge and thoroughly enjoyable to create a guy you love to hate.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Well, I’m not sure! I’ve got a book that I’ve just started on, based on a short story from The Face of the Deep universe. It involves a Rescue Corps officer getting a new command and taking it on a deep space rescue mission. But that’s in its infancy. So there should be something within a year or so (hopefully!)

* * * * *

Thank you, Steve, for being in the spotlight with us.

NEW!! Readers, find the question buried somewhere in the spotlight and answer it in the comments, then leave your email address for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of The Word Unleashed. If you do not answer the question, you will not be entered.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

April New Releases in Christian Fiction

1. A Promise Forged, Heartsong Presents Historical Ohio Series by Cara C. Putman An historical from Heartsong Presents. A player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League finds challenges and love as she travels with her team.

2. Abbie Ann; Daughters of Jacob Kane, 3rd & final installment. by Sharlene MacLaren An historical romance from Whitaker House. Abbie Ann, president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in 1907, butts heads with a handsome divorcee, blindsided when she realizes her utter attraction to him.

3. Blood Ransom; Mission Hope Series, Book 1 by Lisa Harris A suspense/mystery/thriller from from Zondervan. A woman bounty hunter fights bitterness and revenge to find the killers of her husband.

4. Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill. When a teacher finds on the playground a backpack belonging to her long-ago abducted sister, she turns to the principal, an ex-private detective, to stop a child-killer from targeting her daughter.

5. Chesapeake Weddings by Cecelia Dowdy A romance from Barbour. Life sends three African American women into a tailspin; Can these women let God rebuild their tattered hopes when new romances unexpectedly enter their lives?

6. Code Blue by Richard L. Mabry M.D. A suspense/mystery/thriller from Abingdon. A doctor finds that returning to her home town has put her in the midst of conflict and possibly marked her for death

7. Crossroads Bay by Kathleen Kovach A romance from Heartsong Presents. A beautiful charter boat captain searches for lost treasure while her real prize is the caterer trying to keep up with her.

8. Damages by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Desert Breeze. A story of second chances, found in an unexpected place.

9. In Plain Sight by Michelle Sutton A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Abused by her gypsy ex-boyfriend and left for dead, Jovana moves to America seeking a new life; two handsome men desire her heart, but she must choose the right one or end up in a situation much worse than before.

10. Lorenzo and the Pirate by Rick and Lila Guzman An historical from Blooming Tree Press. Will Lorenzo Bannister, marooned on a deserted island with two pirates, ever get home to New Orleans?

11. Love Lessons by Margaret Daley A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Alexa Michaels brings a breath of fresh air into Ian Ferguson's and his daughter's life, but is it enough to make Ian trust in love again?

12. Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken A women's fiction from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. Will adopting an orphan from China bring Meg and Lewis the happiness they long for?

13. Mountain Peril by Sandra Robbins A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired Suspense. A woman discovers violence has once again entered her life when a grisly website sets the stage for murder and terror on a peaceful college campus.

14. Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Daphne Dean never knew that serving her country as a spy during WWII would send her into hiding in an abandoned mental institution with secrets of its own.

15. Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Kregal. As Camden Bristow works to uncover the past and present mysteries harbored on Crescent Hill, she discovers a deep family secret hidden within the mansion's walls that could change her life˜and the entire town˜forever.

16. Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St.Amant A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. She grew up with a cowboy hat and a pony; he grew up with designer duds and a silver spoon. Will this mismatched couple ever be able to lasso their differences?

17. Rooms by Jim Rubart A suspense/mystery/thriller from B&H Fiction. A young Seattle software tycoon inherits a home on the Oregon coast that turns out to be a physical manifestation of his soul.

18. Scenarios for Girls, Book 3 by Nicole O'Dell General fiction from Barbour. Molly Jacobs isn't sure what she should do: Should she follow through with stealing some clothes for her friends from Magna the trendy girls clothing store where she works? Or should she do what she knows is right, even if it means losing her newfound popularity? Scenarios for Girls are interactive books that allow the reader to choose between alternate endings to make important, moral decisions for the main characters.

19. Scenarios for Girls, Book 4 by Nicole O'Dell General fiction from Barbour. Kate Walker joins the swim team and becomes obsessed with practice and making it through the championships with flying colors. What will Kate do when she's faced with pressure from her teammates to take an illegal substance that will help her swim multiple events in their championship meet? Scenarios for Girls are interactive books that allow the reader to choose between alternate endings to make important, moral decisions for the main characters.

20. Seasons in the Mist; Seasons of Destiny Book 1 by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Sheaf House. An eager historian, a time portal, and intrigue in King Edward III's court.

21. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell An historical from Bethany House. As Clara Carter makes her debut, she realizes it's not just her heart at stake--the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

22. Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson An historical from Bethany House. Sixteen Civil War widows join the Ladies Emigration Society and head west to claim homesteads, only to find their organization has other plans. . . involving the word "brides.

23. Sworn to Protect by Diann Mills A suspense/mystery/thriller from Tyndale. Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales is caught up in a conspiracy and her life is at stake.

24. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three mail-order brides arrive expecting to marry the town marshal. But he didn't order a bride. A contest to discover which bride would make the best wife turns into mayhem when there is a fourth anonymous entry.

25. The Cowboy's Baby by Linda Ford A romance from Love Inspired Historical. The prodigal returns but is he too late for a second chance?

26. The Word Unleashed, Book 2 of Face in the Deep by Steve Rzasa A sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic from Marcher Lord Press. Baden Haczyk's adventure continues as he tries to keep the last Bible safe from the religious secret police.

27. Too Close to Home, Book 1 of the Women of Justice Series by Lynette Eason A suspense/mystery/thriller from Revell. An FBI agent and a detective must track down a killer of teenage girls before his next victim hits Too Close to Home.

28. Wildflower Hearts, Book 1 in Series Set in North Dakota by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three siblings who live on a ranch face problems and romance in the North Dakota Badlands

29. Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer An historical from Abingdon Press. In Denmark's darkest days, is it duty, faith...or love?