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All My Belongings

By Cynthia Ruchti

A new life and a new identity can’t protect Becca from a past that refuses to go away.

After spending years running from the shame her father put on her family, Jayne is determined not to let him steal her future in the same way he stole her childhood. Changing her name to Becca Morrow, she moves to California and settles into a new life and new job caring for ailing mother of handsome young businessman, Isaac Hughes.

But just as she’s wondering if she and Isaac are headed for a relationship, Becca’s patient passes away under unusual circumstances. Suddenly, her past catches up with her and the unnerving details of her heritage threaten to destroy all sense of home and all hope for love.

Even if she could clear her name, a phone call wraps a suffocating shroud around her heart. Her estranged father needs her help. But can Becca open her new life to the man who ruined her past?

ISLAND BREEZES

How do you escape a family scandal? Becca legally changed her name and took a job hundreds of miles away in California. This job was caring for a friend’s dying sister. Not an easy job for her to do after her mother’s death, but necessary.

There was one complication – Isaac, the handsome son of her patient. Well, that and Becca’s big secret.

Romance was in the air. At least until her patient died, and Becca was accused of killing her. And then the topper. A man from her home town shows up and lives are at risk. It’s all such a mess, and Becca’s not sure it will ever get straightened out.

This is the first book I’ve read by Ms Ruchti. but it won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to reading many more.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Cynthia Ruchti has more than three decades of radio broadcast experience with “Heartbeat of the Home” radio and currently serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers.

Out of the Ruins

By Karen Barnett

Abby’s shattered faith in both God and man is challenged when the terrible earthquake hits 1906 San Francisco.

While her sister lies on her deathbed, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle. What Abby doesn’t expect, however, is for God’s answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King, whose experimental treatment is risky at best.

As they work together toward a cure, Abby’s feelings for Robert become hopelessly entangled. Separated by the tragedy of the mighty San Francisco earthquake, their relationship suddenly takes a back seat to survival. With fires raging throughout the city, Abby fears for her life as she flees alone through burning streets. Where is God now? Will Robert find Abby, even as the world burns around them? Or has their love fallen with the ruins of the city?

ISLAND BREEZES

Abby’s sister Cecilia is dying and Abby is trying to bargain with God. Maybe that’s working, because when Papa called Cousin Gerald, he was told there might be a doctor in San Francisco who could help Cecilia.

There was, but Cecilia had to be taken to San Francisco immediately with Abby and her mother accompanying her. Once there Cecilia was started on some new experimental treatments by Dr. Robert King. While Cecilia’s health started improving, Abby was slowly falling in love with Dr. King.

Then complications set in and cooled Abby’s relationship with the good doctor. But that became less important to Abby. The big earthquake took that off her mind as she wandered alone trying to find her family. She did find Robert and Cousin Gerald, but got separated from them.

In the middle of everything she ends up with an orphaned baby. Now she has to keep both herself and the baby safe while she still searches for her family. San Francisco’s a real mess and hope is growing dim.

Thank you, Ms Barnett. I’m looking forward to Beyond the Ashes.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats.

Karen can be found at: website, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

The Heart’s Pursuit

By Robin Lee Hatcher

A jilted bride desperate to save her family from ruin.

A bounty hunter seeking vengeance for a ravaged past.

An arduous trek toward justice—or redemption.

Silver Matlock and Jared Newman know traveling together is a bad idea. Bad for Silver’s already tarnished reputation in her small Colorado town. Bad for bounty hunter Jared’s secret, single-minded mission for revenge. But Silver is determined to track down the rogue who left her at the altar and stole the last remnant of her father’s fortune. And Jared’s in a hurry to hunt down the murderer who destroyed his family—even if Silver is too distractingly beautiful for comfort.

The pair takes off over mountain and desert, past bleak homesteads and raw mining towns, hot on the trail of the two villains who took what wasn’t theirs to take. Soon supplies dwindle, secrets emerge, and suspicion leave Silver and Jared at odds when they need each other most. To confront an enemy deadlier than desert rattlesnakes and rocky cliffs, Silver and Jared must learn to forgive and trust and face the question they haven’t dared voice: What happens next?

ISLAND BREEZES

Reputation is not the #1 priority for Silver as she rides out with Jared, a bounty hunter, to track down the low life bum who jilted her. No, she did not want to haul that snake back to the altar. She wanted to recover what he had stolen from their family. If she can’t find him, they would lose bother their home and family business.

Jared didn’t especially want to take on this job, but he managed to work it in as he hunted down another outlaw. Besides he needed a grub stake to get him on the road, and Silver supplied all the goods he needed from her family’s store.

But Silver still aggravated him to no end. To say Salver and Jared were not on the best of terms is an understatement. But they need each other at the present. Even more so when they pick up an orphan along the way.

But all said and done, they both are focused on their goal of getting their man. Will they manage to get both men and recover the fortune that Silver’s dirty skunk of a fiance’ stole?

Thank you, Ms Hatcher. I enjoyed this book every bit as much as I’ve enjoyed your other books I’ve read.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

I’m Nobody

By Alex Marestaing

Read the EPIC Award-nominated novel that critics are saying is “fresh,” “powerful,” and “unlike anything” they’ve read. In a world full of anxiety, Alex Marestaing’s I’m Nobody: The Lost Pages is a triumphant tale of faith over fear and one that kids and grown-ups of all ages will love. It’s also a London Book Festival Honorable Mention Winner and Epic’s eBook Award finalist.

We’re all broken on this side of heaven, but we can make beautiful things from the pieces.

Agoraphobic Caleb Reed is about to step outside for the first time in seven years, meet indie filmmaker Iris Elliott . . . and definitely not fall in love. It’s all because of the notes, the weird and wonderful notes he keeps finding on his front porch, notes signed by someone claiming to be long dead poet Emily Dickinson. Caleb’s parents think he’s losing his mind, as always, but he knows they’re wrong. Something’s going on outside — something strange, something terrifying . . . something beautiful.

ISLAND BREEZES

This is one incredible book. It’s not like anything I’ve read before. I’m afraid I can’t really say much about it without giving away the plot.

All I can say is it’s a must read book that will touch you to your soul. It might be a good idea to have that box of tissues handy while you’re reading this book.

This initiation into the writings of Alex Marestaing was one that has me wanting more and more books from him.

***A speciat thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Author Alex Marestaing loves to create. He’s written for media outlets such as The Walt Disney Company, Lego, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins,and The Los Angeles Times and has authored three YA novels. His latest, I’m Nobody: The Lost Pages, recently won an honorable mention at the London Book Festival and was nominated for a 2014 Epic Award. Though he spends most of his time imagining ideas for the youth market, he’s also written for faith-based publications and has covered his favorite sport, soccer, in Europe and the U.S. for Sports Spectrum Magazine and Yanks Abroad. When Alex isn’t writing or speaking at conferences, you’ll most likely find him hanging out in California with his wife, three kids, and Milou, his dog.

Meant to Be Mine

By Becky Wade

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school—irresistible. When their paths cross again after college—still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia’s ready to be Ty’s wife, but Ty’s not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia’s buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty’s achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

ISLAND BREEZES

Ty and Celia seem to be meant to be together. At least Celia thought so when they got married in a Vegas wedding chapet.

The day after Ty lets Celia know he’s neither interested in quitting his life on the road, nor being married to her. He wants to marry a girl back in his home town who,k by the way, is dating someone else.

Crushed, Celia goes back to her home and raises the beautiful daughter that she and Ty created on her wedding night. Things go well until five and a half years later. Ty shows up and sees their child that Celia has tried to keep hidden from him.

So now Ty wants Celia and their child in his life. Celia wants nothing to do with him. Ty does everything except standing on his head to win Celia over. It appears that nothing’s going to work. Has he lost his chance for forever love?

Thank you, Ms Wade. I’m certainly enjoying your books, and look forward to the next one.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, was a finalist in both the RITA and INSPY awards. Undeniably Yours kicked off her Texas-set Porter Family series. Her newest contemporary romance, Meant to Be Mine, has just hit shelves!

A Season of Change

By Lynette Sowell

An Amish widower finds love in unexpected places.

Amish widower Jacob Miller believes it was a mistake to visit the Amish village of Pinecraft for winter vacation, especially after his daughter is struck by a car. Stranded in Sarasota until his daughter recovers, Jacob grows increasingly wary of events that unfold in his unfamiliar surroundings—including the strange curiosity of Englischer Natalie Bennett.

Natalie never thought her circus career as an aerial silks artist would end with a blown-out knee at the age of 25. She also never knew her late mother had a secret—that she was once Amish.

When Natalie meets the Millers at the Sarasota hospital, she is attracted to their warm hospitality and simple ways—and soon wonders if they can help her find her mother’s family. As Jacob and Natalie fall in love, their worlds collide. Will their differences tear them apart? Or will their love be strong enough to blend their clashing cultures?

ISLAND BREEZES

A circus performer and an Amish man. Oh, yes, that’s sure to work out – just like oil mixes well with water.

It all starts innocently enough when Natalie dresses as a clown to amuse hospitalized children. Jacob’s daughter Rebecca is one of those children.

After Natalie discovers her mother was Amish, she is drawn to this family. She continues to get closer to the Millers while trying to locate her Amish grandmother.

It turns into an impossible situation. Again it boils down to how can a circus performer and an Amish man find a way to live their love. Is there any way the two can be together?

I had it figured out long before those two did.

I loved your book, Ms Sowell. I live near Pinecraft, and am looking forward to you Seasons in Pinecraft Series, Book 2. Also, I know who you based your character of Imogene on. Her photographs are beautiful.

***A special thank you to litfuse for providing a review copy.***

Lynette Sowell is the Carol Award-winning and ECPA best-selling author of more than 15 titles, including A Season of Change and Tempest’s Course. When Lynette is not writing, she works as a medical editor and part-time newspaper reporter. She makes her home in Copperas Cove on the doorstep of the Texas hill country.

No Easy Catch

By Pat Simmons

Shae Carmen hasn’t lost her faith in God, only the men she’s come across who profess to follow Him. Heartbroken and humiliated after discovering that her boyfriend was not only married but also on the verge of reconciling with his estranged wife, she flees her job in Nebraska for St. Louis, Missouri, and starts over with a fresh slate as a weekend TV news anchor/reporter.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Rahn Maxwell had been coasting along in life until an attempted carjacking awakened him to the reality of his feeble faith. When a local television station lands an exclusive interview, Rahn shares his testimony and commits to getting right with God. Meeting a lovely news anchor named Shae, a committed Christian, further compels his quest to follow Christ—and to win Shae’s heart.

Just when Shae lets her guards down, another scandal rocks her world. This time, the stakes are higher, and she and Rahn aren’t immune to the aftershocks. For a second time, Shae’s heart is on the line, along with her professional credibility. Will she strike out at love again? Or will she hit a home run and give God the glory?

ISLAND BREEZES

Shae is not interested in men. The last one not only didn’t tell her he was married, he also neglected to tell her he was getting back with his wife.

She leaves her life behind to start over in St. Louis working as a TV news anchor/reporter. She’s doing quite well, thank you, when a St. Louis Cardinals player meets her at the TV station.

The man apparently doesn’t understand the word no. He just won’t stop trying to get her to go out with him. So it looks as if Rahn has her in the game at least for awhile.

A scandal is erupting, and Shae isn’t sure she can deal with it. It looks as if Rahn is going to strike out after all.

Thank you, Ms Simmons. I enjoyed book one of The Carmen Sisters, and am looking forward to the next. I wish I had sisters like these sisters.

***A special thank you to Cathy Hickling and Whitaker House for providing a review copy.***

Pat Simmons holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. She has worked in various media positions in radio, television, and print for more than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. She is the author of nine single titles and several eBook novellas. Her award-winning books include Talk to Me, ranked #14 of Top Books in 2008 That Changed Lives by Black Pearls Magazine. She is a two-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance for Still Guilty (2010) and Crowning Glory (2011). Her best-selling novels include Guilty of Love and the Jamieson Legacy series: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, and Free from Guilt. The Acquittal (a Guilty Parties novel) was her 2013 release.

While Love Stirs

By Lorna Seilstad

Take one lovely young woman.

Add two ambitious young men.

Stir . . . and stand back.

As a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, Charlotte Gregory is thrilled to have the opportunity to travel, lecture, and give cooking demonstrations on the very latest kitchen revolution–the gas stove. And she certainly doesn’t mind that the gas company has hired the kindhearted Lewis Mathis to entertain at her lectures.

Lewis encourages Charlotte’s work, especially her crusade to introduce fresh, appetizing, nutritious food to those convalescing in hospitals. But young hospital superintendent Dr. Joel Brooks is not convinced any changes should be made–especially by this outspoken young woman.

When Charlotte and Joel are coerced into planning a fund-raising gala for the hospital, will this combustible pair explode?

Follow the second Gregory sister as she looks for true love and makes her way in a rapidly changing world in this breezy, lighthearted love triangle that will keep you guessing.

ISLAND BREEZES

Charlotte, a recent grad from Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery, enters a cooking contest sponsored by the gas company to prizes and the chance to travel and teach cooking on the new gas stove.

After coming out on top she spends time traveling with her fellow gas company employees, Molly and Lewis. She also spends time trying to convince hospital superintendent Dr. Brooks to serve more appetizing and nourishing food to his patients.

Joel Brooks is a hard sell as he struggles to fight the electricity between himself and Charlotte. Will this charge turn out to be positive or negative?

Meanwhile, Lewis is pursuing Charlotte as the team continues to travel with the cooking demonstrations. One of these men will eventually win her love.

Thank you, Ms Seilstad, for giving us the Gregory sisters. I’m looking forward to the third sister’s book.

***A special thank you to Lanette Haskins for providing a review copy.***

Lorna Seilstad is the author of When Love Calls and the Lake Manawa Summers series. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Lorna lives in Iowa with her husband. Learn more at www.lornaseilstad.com.

No, I’m not talking about the weather. What a vast difference in the reception of these two very different commencement speeches. Judge for yourself.

Guideposts Books is excited to announce the premiere of a new film based on the book Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio (Summerside Press) by Serena Miller. The movie, produced by Mission Pictures International and filmed last fall in the actual town of Sugarcreek, will premiere on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:00 PM EDT on Up TV (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Visit the movie website for more information.

Serena and Guideposts will be celebrating with a Facebook viewing party! 

Join Serena and readers on Facebook while you tune in to watch Love Finds You in Sugarcreek to share your thoughts about the movie, chat with other viewers, and win fun prizes. Just use hashtag #LFYSugarcreek to join the discussion on June 1st.

Check your local listing for UpTV (http://up.viewerlink.tv) to find out when it airs in your timezone.

Excited? Help me spread the word! Just share this link and information on your social media along with the hashtag #LFYSugarcreek! Plus, we’ll be tracking the hashtag and giving away Amazon & Starbucks cards to people at random who help to promote all throughout the month of May. Winners announced at the Love Finds You in Sugarcreek viewing party on June 1st.

“This is so exciting for Serena Miller and Guideposts! We are thrilled that Up TV has chosen Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio to make into a movie,” said Lenore Lelah Person, vice president and editorial director of Guideposts Books and Inspirational Media. “With Serena’s wonderful story and a beautiful backdrop in Ohio Amish country, fans of the story and the series will enjoy seeing it on screen. For more information read the media release.

For those who are not familiar with the Love Finds You™ series, this will be a great opportunity to introduce them to these uplifting and engaging romances.” Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio is one of more than 50 releases in the popular Love Finds You™ series uniquely titled after actual American towns with unusual but intriguing names and combines travel, romance and faith in one package. The series includes both historical and contemporary releases, and each fictional story draws on compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Mission Pictures has purchased the movie rights to the entire series and plans to produce additional films based on the series in the future.