Always fun to post new releases and there are some beauties here from Bethany House.
Can’t wait to read Jody’s and I’m excited to see Kristen has a new one coming out featuring Morgan Spencer from The Still of Night ~ love Kristen’s writing! Jen is a new author so it will be fun to read her debut novel, too.
As far as covers go, I like Tracie’s (just like seeing a male on the cover), RJ’s is great as is Anne’s and Elizabeth Camden’s intriguing (and Bane is back!!). Kim’s always are a variation on the same theme – almost know her books by their covers but I’m guessing that’s intentional!
You might note that Christa’s has been given a revamp and I prefer it 🙂
Please tell me your thoughts, friends!
In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber-baron father.
Posing during the day as a photographer’s assistant, Lily can’t understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father’s lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he’s interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he’s living an upright life, that’s what matters.
Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that’s dominated Harrison for so long.
September, 2012
When Cassie Lowe goes to live with her sister in the years following the Civil War, she is reacquainted with a man who once saved her life, Tyler Atherton. But Cassie is no longer the lighthearted young woman he once knew. She is now a widow with a young daughter, and she is nursing the disappointments and hurts from a difficult marriage. Though she longs to open her heart again, she is bound by fear and mistrust.
Tyler has demons of his own. Still haunted by the knowledge that his father was murdered by Comanches, he puts all his focus on reclaiming his inheritance: the ranch stolen from his family as punishment for his fighting for the Confederacy. With his affection for Cassie growing, he longs to provide a home and future for her and her daughter.
Though yearning to pledge their love, both Cassie and Tyler struggle to conquer their fears. Will Indian attacks, post-war renegades, and the hardship of life on the Texas plains destroy their future? Or will they find the strength to surrender their wills to God… and embrace his perfect plan?
September, 2012
When Karlina Richter finds out that a new shepherd will be sent to East Amana, she fears she’ll no longer be able to help her father with the sheep. She’ll be relegated back to kitchen work, a job she dislikes. Her fears increase when Anton Becker arrives and shows little interest in the flock–or in divulging why he’s been sent to East. Dare she trust Anton to help her father, or is he keeping secrets that will impact them all?
After learning that her father will be transferred from Cincinnati to a job in Texas, Dovie Cates decides she wants to visit the Amana Colonies, where her mother spent her formative years. She writes to relatives still living in the Colonies and is invited to spend some time there. Soon after her arrival, Dovie meets Berndt, the handsome young man who delivers bread to the kitchen house each day. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother’s past, no one seems willing to tell her anything, so Dovie decides to take matters into her own hands. Will her decision spell disaster for her future with Berndt?
After learning that her father will be transferred from Cincinnati to a job in Texas, Dovie Cates decides she wants to visit the Amana Colonies, where her mother spent her formative years. She writes to relatives still living in the Colonies and is invited to spend some time there. Soon after her arrival, Dovie meets Berndt, the handsome young man who delivers bread to the kitchen house each day. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother’s past, no one seems willing to tell her anything, so Dovie decides to take matters into her own hands. Will her decision spell disaster for her future with Berndt?
September, 2012
Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published–something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna’s stories aren’t her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.
Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride–if he can ever leave his parents’ farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben’s hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?
September, 2012
Caught up in a whirlwind of religious fervor when two missionaries speak at her church, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. She’s certain her wealthy father will simply hand her the money. But when he refuses, she must either stand up in front of the congregation and admit failure, or raise the money herself.
Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles. It’s 1916, and the latest advancements in car engines allow some to post speeds upwards of seventy miles per hour! When she discovers her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events–races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money–she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to secretly train and compete.
But as Alyce comes across needs in her own community, money slips through her fingers faster than she can earn it. And when her friends cast aspersions on Webster’s past, she believes she might have trusted the wrong man with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?
September, 2012
Lured by a handful of scribbled words across a faded letter, Cara Hamilton sets off from 1896 Ireland on a quest to find the brother she’d thought dead. Her search lands her in America, amidst a houseful of strangers and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh.
Despite her brother’s warning, Cara decides to trust Rourke and reveals the truth about her purpose in America. But he is not who he claims to be, and as rumors begin to circulate about an underground group of dangerous revolutionaries, Cara’s desperation grows. Her questions lead her ever closer to her brother, but they also bring her closer to destruction as Rourke’s true intentions come to light.
October, 2012
Fed up with the poor quality of life in 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines encourages her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher to move with their two children to Drayton Valley, Kansas, a booming town hailed in the guidebook as the land of opportunity. She offers to help with expenses and to care for Mary and the children as they travel west by wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into an arrangement with Joss that leaves both of them questioning God and their dreams for the future.
As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will Tarsie and Joss give up and go their separate ways, or will God use their time in Drayton Valley to turn their hearts toward him?
As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will Tarsie and Joss give up and go their separate ways, or will God use their time in Drayton Valley to turn their hearts toward him?
October, 2012
In the aftermath of the Civil War, Josephine Weatherly and her mother, Eugenia, struggle to pick up the pieces of their lives when they return to their Virginia plantation. But the bitter realities of life after the war cannot be denied: their home and land are but shells of their previous grandeur; death has claimed her father and brother; and her remaining brother, Daniel, has returned home bitter and broken. The privileged childhood Josephine enjoyed now seems like a long-ago dream. And the God who failed to answer any of her prayers during the war is lost to her as well.
Josephine soon realizes that life is now a matter of daily survival–and recognizes that Lizzie, as one of the few remaining servants, is the one she must rely on to teach her all she needs to know. Josephine’s mother, too, vows to rebuild White Oak… but a bitter hatred fuels her.
With skill and emotion, Lynn Austin brings to life the difficult years of the Reconstruction era by interweaving the stories of three women–daughter, mother, and freed slave–in a riveting tale.
October, 2012
As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she’s finally carved out a perfect life for herself–a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.
However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or “Bane,” a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.
Just as Bane’s charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia’s part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend.
October, 2012
Starflower by Anne Elisabeth StenglWhen a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission… and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.
But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch.
Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?
Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?
November, 2012
Judge by R.J. Larson
The last thing Kien Lantec expects on his first day of military leave is to receive marching orders from his Creator, the Infinite. Orders that don’t involve destroyer-racing or courting the love of his life, Ela. Adding to Kien’s frustration, his Infinite-ordained duties have little to do with his skills as a military judge-in-training. His mission? To warn the people of ToronSea against turning their backs to the Infinite to worship a new goddess.
But why Kien? Isn’t this the role of a true prophet, such as Ela of Parne?
Seeking answers, Kien visits Ela and finds her stricken by a devastating vision of her own. Her birthplace, Parne, has been corrupted by her enemies and will soon suffer judgment. Pulled in separate ways, each must seek to follow the Infinite’s leading and hope He will reunite them again soon.
November, 2012
Courting Cate by Leslie GouldWhen Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty–and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
However, the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn’t have any suitors–until Pete comes to town, that is.
Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate’s feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she’s immediately suspicious of his interest.
November, 2012
A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she’s determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society–all the female ones, at least–are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza’s hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton’s path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza’s determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone’s antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton’s and Eliza’s best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
November, 2012
The Breath of Dawn by Kristen Heitzmann
The Breath of Dawn by Kristen HeitzmannMorgan Spencer has had just about all he can take of life. Following the tragic death of his wife, Jill, he retreats to his brother’s Rocky Mountain ranch to heal and focus on the care of his infant daughter, Olivia. Two years later, Morgan begins to make plans to return to his home in Santa Barbara to pick up the pieces of his life and career.
Quinn Riley has been avoiding her past for four years. Standing up for the truth has forced her into a life of fear and isolation. After a “chance” first meeting and a Thanksgiving snowstorm, Quinn is drawn into the Spencer family’s warm and loving world, and she begins to believe she might find freedom in their friendship.
The man Quinn helped put behind bars has recently been released, however, and she fears her past will endanger the entire Spencer family. As the danger heightens, she determines to leave town for the sake of the people who have come to mean so much to her.
Fixing problems is what Morgan Spencer does best, and he is not willing to let Quinn run away, possibly into the clutches of a man bent on revenge. But Morgan’s solution sends him and Quinn on an unexpected path, with repercussions neither could have anticipated.
November, 2012
The Air We Breathe by Christa Parrish
Seventeen-year-old Molly Fisk does not go outside. She’s ruled by anxiety and only feels safe in the tiny tourist-town museum she and her mother run and call home. Yearning to live free but unable to overcome deep wounds from her past, she stays hidden away. Then the chance arrival of a woman Molly knew six years ago changes everything.
Six years ago, newly single Claire Rodriguez was an empty shell. Only in the unique friendship she strikes up with a little girl–a silent girl who’ll talk only to Claire–does she see the possibility of healing. But one day the girl and her mother vanish, their house abandoned. What happened that drove them away? And how can Claire now offer Molly the same chance at finding life anew?
November, 2012
February 22, 2012 at 1:29 pm
I love the cover for Against the Tide!
February 22, 2012 at 2:53 pm
I was privileged to read Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund in manuscript form. It's my favorite of her books so far. I love her spunky, impulsive heroine and her hunky, principled logger hero.
February 22, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Looking forward to many of these!! Thanks for posting!
February 22, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Woot! LOVE these new covers and I was just thinking about Lynn Austin and if she had any new books coming out soon. Love her Civil War books.
So much good reading coming up this fall!! 😀
February 22, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Love!!! I just added almost every single one of these to my TBR list! This will make for a busy fall for sure. 🙂
February 22, 2012 at 4:50 pm
WOW! Love the cover and synopsis of JUDGE. I can't wait to read Larson's first one.
Turano's cover is striking. Love that grey-white-red theme. Very eye-catching and stands out among others. Tracie's is nice too, as always. Wow, really–they're all great. 😀
February 22, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Oh wow! Looks like some really good ones are coming out! Exciting!
February 22, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Taming the Wind (in spite of both full faces) is very attractive as is Against the Tide beautiful and intriguing. Alas, Bethany House, I do not do historicals.
Can. Not. Wait. for Kristen's new one. Can't believe Jill died!
February 22, 2012 at 5:50 pm
What a fantastic lineup! Love Lynn Austin's cover–it's gorgeous, and draws me into the story before I ever open the book.
Am looking forward to Leslie Gould's Amish take on "Taming of the Shrew"! Should be a fun read.
February 22, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Wow, good to hear about these!! Excited about a new one by Kristin H.!!! Thanks!!
February 22, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Some awesome looking covers! I agree about men on the there…love it when they show them 🙂
February 22, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Oooh, love these posts, Rel!! I love the covers for Against the Tide, Starflower, and Judge – so excited for them to be released!! 😀
~Amber
February 22, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Another great batch of books!!!!!
Our Christian authors are writing better and better books and the covers are more and more beautiful!
Keep them coming!!!!!
February 22, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Looks like some more great books coming out!
I'm really looking forward to reading Lynn Austin's new one. I loved her civil war series. She's one of my favorites.
Anne Mateer's book sounds really good, I've never read her before, so I think I'll pick this one up.
And 'A change of fortune' looks good too. Pretty cover.
All the covers are beautiful ,but I'd say I love Anne Mateer's the best. 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy reading your blog!
February 22, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Oh my…what a batch of goodies! I'd say they all appeal to me except Judge & starflower (not my preferred genre…but the covers are great.)
My cover favorites…Anne's, Jen's, and Elizabeth Camden's.
Thanks for keeping your ear to the ground for us, Rel, and sharing all the latest info. =)
February 22, 2012 at 10:02 pm
Some high points on this list-particularly Kristen and Jody's new books. Some of the covers are a little disappointing though. Is it just me, or are all of the bonnet covers starting to look the same?
February 22, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Love, love, love these covers and am so excited over new projects by my favorite authors!
My favorite cover has to be Anne Mateer's At Every Turn.
One question – does anyone else think that Eliza Sumner on A Change of Fortune resembles Lavinia Squire of Downton fame?
February 23, 2012 at 12:15 am
LOVE waking up to all these lovely comments – it's so much fun to hear your thoughts 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Regina ~ I'll think about Lavinia! I've been racking my brain over Tracie's cover. The girl looks like an actress but I can't put my finger on whom. Anyone have the same thought and can help out?
Lydia ~ nope, it isn't just you at all! Sigh…..
Jenny ~ thanks for your lovely encouragement, as always 🙂
Cathy ~ thanks for your kind words! Appreciate you dropping by 🙂 I think Anne's is quite a favourite of many people.
Andi ~ they are great, aren't they?!
Amber ~ I'm with you on those, too 🙂 So glad you enjoy the posts – it is fun, albeit time consuming, to put them together.
Anne ~ I'm glad I'm not alone with the men on covers thought!
Jackie ~ glad you love Kristen's books, too. Freefall is my fav. What's yours?
Ann ~ always love it when you drop by 🙂
Nicole ~ JILL!! I know, how about that? Poor Morgan – he's been through the mill 🙁 I was surprised once again at the lack of contemporary stories, too.
Julie ~ love the anticipation, don't you?
Ronie ~ knew Judge would catch your eye! As always, love hearing your thoughts 🙂
Brooke ~ yup! We'll be reading our tails off, won't we?!
Casey ~ Bethany's historicals are right up your alley, aren't they?! Lynn never disappoints, does she?
Marie ~ you are welcome!
Keli ~ oooo, love your insight into Jody's book 🙂 Can't wait!
Katers ~ it's good, isn't it?
February 23, 2012 at 5:34 am
Oh, and we still have Dee Henderson's October release from Bethany to be revealed!!
February 23, 2012 at 6:47 am
Maybe the girl on Tracie Peterson's book looks a little like Scarlett Johansson?
February 23, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Regina – yes, just watched 3 eps of season 2 and she does look like Livina!
Cathy – you are right, too! It was Scarlett I was thinking of 🙂
April 7, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Cool!! Will Dee's book be new or a re-release!?
April 7, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Hi Rissi – yes, Dee's book is brand spanking' new called Full Disclosure 🙂
April 8, 2012 at 3:38 pm
These look too good!
April 10, 2012 at 8:28 pm
WOW! That is AWESOME. Thanks, Rel. =)