I’m delighted to be sharing some current and upcoming indie novels ~ their fabulous covers and story lines! I don’t know about you, but a significant number of my favourite stories from the last couple of years have been independently published and I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon. Authors who invest in terrific cover art and a great editor are releasing some wonderful stories that can reach beyond some of the boundaries placed by publishers who are seeking to please their target audience, which makes perfect sense.

Ronie’s Wolfsbane is the re-release of her 2012 Christy Award winning novel with an additional 100 page of NEW content! It’s a fantastic read that I loved even more this time around – such a powerful and gutsy story. Adore the cover as it epitomises the tone of the story and is super eye-catching.

Susie May launches her new Summer of the Burning Sky series this week, with books 2 and 3 to be released in quick succession – another benefit of indie publishing! It will certainly make her readers happy…and I’m one of them! The cover art is spot on for the tenor of the story. 

Tamara’s EIGHT Age of Faith novel features her eldest son, Skyler, on the cover. He is the perfect choice to depict Sir Elias who fans will recall from previous books in this brilliantly written medieval romance series.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading Tammy Gray’s excellent The Truth Between Us – it’s a testament to Tammy’s skill as a writer and heart for people, as this series tackles some significant issues and is entirely gripping from start to finish.

Tamara Tilley’s, Julie’s, Richard’s, and Sarah’s all reflect their genre and are themed well with their other novels and have intriguing story lines.

Lastly, I’m SUPER excited to share with you J. Rodes’ (aka Jennifer Rodewald) tantalising October release, Emerald Illusions, a YA take on the Wizard of Oz. I adore the watercolour illustration and can’t wait to read it. October will come more quickly than you think!

There you have it, friends! Which books of these have you read or are planning to read. Which cover catches your eye?

*****

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig

Discarded Heroes #3

A Rapid-Fire Rewrite of the 2012 Christy Award Winner–Expanded & Updated with 100 new pages!

Army demolitions expert Danielle Roark narrowly escaped a brutal guerrilla general. Months later, she’s charged with espionage and forced to return to the very jungle where her nightmares began. Her only hope rests in the former Special Forces operator who escorts her down and vows they’ll both come back alive.

Disgusted with the suits on Capitol Hill, Canyon Metcalfe is still wrestling with memories of a mission gone bad. But taking the role of protector, he’s determined to make this endeavor end in victory. What he isn’t expecting is an ambush, and the spiraling attraction that becomes a deadly distraction.

Armed with raw hope and fierce determination, Canyon and Dani become embroiled in a fight for their lives!

Available now

Light My Fire by Susan May Warren

Summer of the Burning Sky #1

When western Alaska erupts in a devastating fire, the elite firefighting crew of the Jude County Smokejumpers is called in to save the day. They’ll do anything to stop the fire, including fighting alongside a crew of local prisoners.

The last thing they expect is a jailbreak and when the prisoners disappear into the forest with one of their own, they’ll have to fight not only the fire, but for the freedom of their friends…during the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Book 1: Light My Fire

Former bad-boy Tucker Newman has learned his lesson—as the temporary team leader of the Jude County Smokejumpers, he’s all about following the rules to keep his team safe. Especially when he has to partner with a group of local low-security prisoners to knock down the raging fire. But the prisoners are not who they seem, and when they stage a break, kidnapping one of his teammates, he’ll have to break every rule he knows to get her back.

US Marshal Stevie Mills knows that to get the job done, she must work alone. She simply can’t risk another person getting hurt because of her. When she discovers that a wanted fugitive accused of rape and murder has not only been set free to fight the fire—but is now on the lam with a hostage– the last thing she needs is a zealous smokejumper getting in the way of her pursuit.

Whether they like it or not, Tucker and Stevie must join forces if they hope to save lives, and in the meantime, they just might discover a new definition for the word teamwork, in book 1 of the Summer of the Burning Sky.

Available now

Coming soon:
The Heat is On (Summer of the Burning Sky Book 2)
Some Like it Hot (Summer of the Burning Sky Book 3)

The Raveling by Tamara Leigh

Age of Faith #8

BY HONOR BOUND TO SEEK THE FOUND, HERE BEGINS A TALE
Sir Elias De Morville is no ordinary man of the sword, possessing both the heart of a warrior and a troubadour. When he sets out to rescue a boy who may be his son, more than ever he must prove worthy of the Wulfrith dagger that ranks him among the greatest of knights. And more difficult it becomes when not only must he protect the enigmatic woman who aids him, but guard against attraction to one forbidden him—she whose deceit could bring his family to its knees.

OF RAVELING AND TRAVELING BEYOND THE MOONLIT VEIL
Honore of no surname is of the world only insofar as she ventures into it to pluck unwanted children from dark places. When a foundling is stolen from the abbey, her greatest hope of recovering him is a knight to whom she dare not reveal her face nor the identity of the rebel priest whose flight from King Henry they aid. Finding herself cast in the role of Sir Elias’s wife, she struggles against a heart that longs to be his in truth. And prays what seems a necessary deception does not lay ruin to him.

Available now

Reunion by Tamara Tilley

Ashley Summers, along with her son C.J., own the Circle-R Ranch—boarding horses in California’s San Fernando Valley foothills. Having carved out a comfortable lifestyle, they enjoy the simplicity of small ranch life. But when Ashley receives devastating news, she acts impulsively. Attending her 25-year high school reunion, Ashley hopes to reconnect with Austin Taylor—her high school sweetheart—the only man she’s ever loved. Unfortunately, Ashley realizes too late that going back in time is not as easy as she thought. 

C.J. isn’t thrilled with his mother’s walk down memory lane or Austin’s interference. Even so, he tries to give them their space. But when he discovers Willow, one of their employees, is in an abusive relationship, he cannot idly stand by. C.J. decides to intervene—a move that could prove deadly.

Survivors, Ashley and Austin, dare to recapture the love they once shared.

Fighters, C.J. and Willow, must decide if love can be kindled in the most difficult of circumstances.

Available now

Love’s Silver Lining by Julie Lessman

Silver Lining Ranch #1

She tampers with his life.
He tampers with her heart.
Love tampers with them both.

Desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a womanizer, twenty-two-year-old Maggie Mullaney flees New York for Virginia City, Nevada with her Aunt Liberty, two spunky suffragists intent on bettering the lives of women. Fresh out of nursing school, Maggie hopes to devote herself to serving others rather than just one man, a goal quickly affirmed when she encounters Blaze Donovan, a womanizing cowboy who both riles and rouses her pulse. But when Aunt Liberty’s parents’ house burns down, she and Maggie are coerced into staying at the ranch of Liberty’s ex-husband, Finn McShane, who just happens to be the uncle of the cocky cowboy Maggie had hoped to avoid.

If there’s one thing twenty-nine-year-old Blaze Donovan can’t abide, it’s respectable women who spout piety and prayer, so when he butts heads with perky Maggie Mullaney at St. Mary Louise Hospital, he wants to stay as far away from her as he possibly can. Unfortunately, she now lives in the bedroom next to his in his uncle’s ranch house, a revolting development that sends Blaze to The Ponderosa Saloon more than usual. But when Maggie interferes in Blaze’s life by converting his favorite “disrespectable” girl, Blaze is determined to make her pay. Only problem is—the price HE has to pay may be a little too steep for his heart.

Available now

The Truth Between Us by Tammy L. Gray

Bentwood Series #2

Nine years to win her. Three years to love her. And one decision that destroyed it all.

April Duncan was raised with three clear truths: the family name is absolute, ambition and success rule over every emotion, and love always comes with strings attached. Image was everything in her carefully crafted world… until the mirror cracked.

Sean Taylor was April’s best friend, the one man who taught her it was okay to let her guard down and to rely on someone. She trusted him. She loved him. Which made his deception the darkest kind of cruelty.

Now, nearly a year later, she’s ready to leave her failed engagement in the past and get back her life and her estranged family, even if it means dating a man solely for his connections. She’ll never again choose love over loyalty.

Sean has spent his entire life breaking barriers, facing challenges, and never giving up. Until one impossible choice destroyed his future and left him no option but to flee from the woman who annihilated his heart.

Now he’s back in Bentwood and determined to make her hear the truth and rebuild the trust he shattered. But April has become a mere shell of the woman who claimed his heart long ago.

Winning her back is more than just seizing a victory, because if he fails… the girl he’s loved for a lifetime will disappear forever.

The Truth Between Us is the second book in the Bentwood series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended that you begin with book one to get the full experience among this tight group of family and friends.

July, 2018

Guarded Prognosis by Richard L. Mabry

DOUBLE-BARRELED TROUBLE

When Dr. Caden Taggart saw the two men sitting in his waiting room, he didn’t think they were patients. He was right, and when they introduced themselves as agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, things started to get bad.

Then Caden felt as though someone had gut-punched him when his father, Dr. Henry Taggart, told him he probably had carcinoma of the pancreas. When he talked about his son assisting with his suicide, Caden wondered how he could talk him out of that.

When he shared his news with his wife, Beth, she tried to assure Caden that God was in control. But as things progressed, he was unsure that was true. At first, he feared for his freedom. Then for his ability to cope. Eventually, he feared for his life.

July 2018

Freedom’s Kiss by Sarah Monzon

Carrington Family #3

They were both prisoners of their past. Could legacy be the key to setting them free?

Olivia Arroyo knows who she is and where she’s going—her sense of family responsibility a stepping stone to her dream of becoming a chef. When her employer refuses her the chance to move from server to the kitchen, she makes another opportunity for herself with the owner of a new food truck. But her life derails when a hidden piece of her past suddenly comes to light, and she discovers everything she thought she knew about herself has been a lie.

A single decision can have innumerable consequences—a truth that has changed Adam Carrington’s life. A criminal defense attorney turned food truck owner, he is haunted by his role in an unpardonable act and driven by his need to make restitution. Unexpected help comes in the form of a feisty, raven-haired beauty, but she soon begins challenging his kitchen as well as his heart.

Florida, 1816
Propelled by a fleeting hope of freedom, Winnie and her family escape slavery and find refuge and new life with the Seminole Indians of Florida. But their future is still uncertain as threats of war, a return to slavery, and removal to the west shake their tentative grasp on freedom. Will they ever step out of the shadow of fear to leave a legacy of deliverance?

August, 2018

Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes

Abrielle used to dream of a different life. Adventure. Romance. Hope. Not of Kansas.

Now, after the loss of her mother and a move she didn’t want to make, she’s lost the will to dream anymore, let alone believe in her father’s Somedays.

But a swirling wind, a wall of leaves, and a blinding darkness literally transform her world.

She and both of her brothers, Brogan and Matteaus, are swept from Kansas to someplace beyond—to a desert in which everything is watery-brown, including the sky and the light of the weak sun. Abrielle finds herself in the middle of a realm everyone had heard of but no one believed existed. Except this version is rundown and broken, void of color and hope. Not much different from her view of life in Kansas.

When she gathers her bearings, she discovers her youngest brother is missing, lost in a land that is foreign and dying. Finding Matteaus becomes her sole focus, but when she and Brogan meet a boy named Levi, who only adds more mystery to this world that shouldn’t exist, she finds out this kingdom is much more perilous than the children’s book ever told.
Matteaus is in great danger.

There is nothing safe about Oz.

October, 2018