You will recall that last year some of my best reading experiences were independently published novels, and this year is shaping up in similar fashion. I’m loving seeing the quality of indie covers improving, too, and there are some beauties here. Some I’ve already read, so I’m going to share a little bout those stories while I have your attention!
Jenny’s cover is the standout for me, eye-catching, appealing, reflective of the genre and that skull and crossbones amidst the flowers adds a lively quirkiness. I’m privileged to be reading it now, and are you all in for a treat! Jenny’s humour is fabulous, the mystery intriguing, and the romance? Perfection!
Call me biased, but who didn’t fall a little in love with the big Aussie bloke in Ronie’s Quiet Professionals novels, Raptor 6, Hawk, & Falcon? He got the rough end of the stick by the end of Falcon and readers have been clamouring for more about the steadfast SAS soldier. In true Rapid-Fiction style, Ronie has delivered another action packed, heart-pumping, amazing story aboard Eamon’s super-yacht, in this novella. The cover is yet to be finalised, but I’m loving what I’ve seen so far!
Pepper’s is an appealing romance cover, very reflective of the genre. The story is super fun and will especially appeal to any of you anglophiles! I’m excited this is the first in a series as the promise of more Pepper-style love stories is enticing. Wes Harrison is bound to become a reader favourite so prepare yourselves, ladies 😉
Can’t wait for Susie May’s crossover novel as Deep Haven meets Montana Fire and the cover leaves no doubt who the author is, fitting in nicely with Susie’s previous series. Sarah, Teresa, and Mikal are all new to me authors – Teresa and Mikal to you all as debut novelists. I had the pleasure to meet up with Mikal at last year’s Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, so I’m enjoying watching her writing journey unfold. So many people have loved Sarah’s novels, so I must move them up my TBR!
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to highlight Tamara Leigh’s The Vexing, even if it is currently without a synopsis. Sir Durand, people, Sir Durand! You can read more of my thoughts below. In vintage Tamara Leigh style, the medieval cover is spot on ~ all the glorious colour and swooniness, both her cover art and writing is known for!
Thoughts, friends – do share them 🙂
Engaged in Troubleby Jenny B. Jones
Enchanted Events Mystery #1
When a washed-up pop star inherits a wedding planning business, it’s all bouquets and bliss until a bride turns up dead.
Paisley Sutton shot to stardom as a teenage rock sensation, but ten years later that star has fizzled out, just like her bank account. When she unexpectedly inherits her aunt’s wedding planning business, Paisley leaves the glamour of Los Angeles for a charming small town in Arkansas. Thinking she’ll arrive in Sugar Creek and liquidate the moldly property, Paisley’s shocked to find Enchanted Events has experienced a major makeover and is now the place for brides. She’s got two months to keep Enchanted Events afloat if she wants to sell and rekindle her music career with the profits.
Paisley’s tossed into a world of vows and venues, but her most difficult challenge comes in the form of one demanding bride. When this Bridezilla’s found facedown in her cake, all fingers point to Paisley as the prime murder suspect. And she does not look good in prison orange.
This former pop princess will need the help of her gun-toting, ex-CIA grandmother and her handsome neighbor, Beau Hudson, to unravel the mystery and clear her good name. As she and her unruly posse dig into Bridezilla’s life, she discovers the woman had a long list of enemies. The closer Paisley gets to the truth, the more her own life is in danger.
Love is in the air this wedding season, but before Paisley can help the ladies of Sugar Creek say, “I do,” she’s got to unveil a killer. Or find herself the next target.
Engaged in Trouble is the first book in the long-awaited Enchanted Events cozy mystery series by award-winning author Jenny B. Jones. If you like laugh-out-loud adventures, small-town romance, unforgettable, sassy characters, and a mystery to keep you guessing, then you’ll love this new page-turning series.
Really soon!
**Be sure to sign up for Jenny’s book updates as she has a super special gift coming to her subscribers – a mixtape of short stories!**
Sign up for Jenny’s book updates here
The Quiet Professionals: A Novella
Never Again.
A vow written in the blood of the fallen is threatened in Australia’s rugged Top End.
Eamon “Titanis” Straider left the military and civilization behind after betrayal cost the life of a teammate. Living on this super yacht, the ViCross, Eamon reluctantly agrees to host an event for his parents, who are part of the Australian political machine. When an attractive woman arrives with his mother, Eamon is furious—and determined to find out what she is hiding.
Lady Ellis Rostov-Leclair has never felt so threatened as she does by the infamous “Beast of Cape York,” a man notorious for removing people—by force if necessary—from his yacht. His uncanny perception endangers not only her reason for being aboard the ship, but a secret she’s held for twenty years.
When the yacht is seized by a man with one goal: make those responsible for his brother’s death pay—the Beast of Cape York must live up to his name and protect those under his charge, or die trying.
April 2017
Just the Way You Are by Pepper Basham
Pleasant Gap Romance #1
Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her heart a very different type of discovery.
Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cynical, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.
When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?
Humor, love, mystery, cute kids, crazy families, and culture clashes make this Britallachian Romance a unique and delightful romantic comedy sprinkled with adventure.
April 2017
I’ll Be There by Susan May Warren
A Deep Haven Montana Fire novel
From a USA Today bestselling and RITA-award winning author, a novel uniting two beloved series:
Smokejumper Conner Young can’t wait to marry the woman who’s stood by him for three years as he fought fires in the forests of the northwest. The only wound in the weekend is the lack of his best man–a brother whose murder is still unsolved. It’s unfinished business that haunts him, keeping him from truly moving on.
Liza Beaumont, long time Deep Haven artist is a survivor of a brutal grizzly attack. Struggling with nightmares, she’s not sure she’s ready to join Conner’s world. He’s a hero, yes, but his life is rife with danger and stress and frankly she’s not sure she has the courage to be the wife of a man who may not come home again.
When Liza’s wedding invitation unearths a witness in his brother’s murder, Conner’s hope of solving the case is reignited. Suddenly, it’s a choice between showing up to help Liza knit together their perfect day–or tracking down his brother’s killer. But when his investigation finds its way to Deep Haven, and Liza’s life is threatened, there may not be a wedding at all.
What happens when the smokejumpers from Montana Fire come to Deep Haven? Sparks, fire and hopefully…a happy ending.
May 2017
Carrington Family Novel #2
Maryland, Present Day
Jacqueline Rogers can rebuild anything…except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she’s worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.
After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.
England, 1942
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears. Or countless people may die.
Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.
Artist Livy Johnson needs a fresh start. That’s what a broken heart and forgotten dreams can do to a person. On little more than a whim, she reclaims her grandmother’s old home in quaint Laurel Cove, North Carolina and vows to restore its original charm. When she literally collides with childhood friend, Jack Bowdon, Livy wonders if she’s back for an entirely different reason.
Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon’s Supplies, and once again the town’s most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Together they must find a way to survive the destructive pain of their pasts and ultimately discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts.
May 2017
Count Me In by Mikal Dawn
Emerald City Romance #1
Allegra Spencer has been living a careful life. Her safe job as an accountant is book-ended by going to church and the gym. Okay, sometimes the gym.
Fine. She goes to church. And the coffee shop.
She avoids risk at all cost, preferring to stay safe in her cozy condo. Until her accounting firm goes belly up and she’s suddenly out of a job.
Tyler Hawk had a glorious career as a star NFL Tight End. He retired on a high note and is now living a second dream of owning his own business leading others on extreme outdoor adventures. But he needs help with his books–and his heart.
When Allegra takes the job, sparks–and water–fly. Will Allegra be able to show Tyler he’s worth so much more than his star-status while being open to the most thrilling adventure of all…love?
May 2017
The Vexing by Tamara Leigh
Age of Faith #6
Sir Durand’s story!
I don’t really need to say more, do I?! If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading Tamara’s wonderful Age of Faith series, now’s the time to get caught up with all 5 books available FREE if you are a Kindle Unlimited member until May 12. Trust me, you want to know Sir Durand’s journey ~ he appears in books 2 to 5 ~ before you get to The Vexing…CAN. NOT. WAIT.
May 2017
March 27, 2017 at 10:39 pm
LOVE LOVE LOVE these indie covers. Top shelf–Why, topper than top! A shout out to all these amazing authors. So blessed to know and adore you! A special wave to the most joyous Mikal. And away you go!
March 27, 2017 at 10:54 pm
Oh Tam. I adore you! Thank you for your sweet encouragement! You are such a beautiful lady. ❤
March 27, 2017 at 11:11 pm
My heartfelt pleasure!
March 28, 2017 at 10:36 am
Tamara Leigh » Ditto!! Hugs xo
March 27, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Rel, this is SUCH an honor and privilege, especially to be mentioned alongside such incredible authors! And these covers…alllll the big heart eyes!! Gorgeous!!
March 28, 2017 at 10:34 am
Mikal » A pleasure, Mikal!
March 27, 2017 at 11:18 pm
Tried finding Teresa Tysinger and Mikal Dawn on Amazon uk but neither appear there. Searched under both title and author. Will they be published on Amazon uk because I’d love to read them!
March 28, 2017 at 9:58 am
Hi Shona!
So excited you tried finding me and Teresa! LOL!! Neither of us are there YET, but as soon as we hit “publish” on our books, they should show up within a day or two. You can look for Teresa’s book mid-May, and my book mid- to late-May!
Thank you!!
March 28, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Thank you!
March 28, 2017 at 10:34 am
Shona » They will be, Shona – I know Mikal has let you know that as well. You can find them both on Goodreads if you want to add them to your ‘want to read’ list.
March 28, 2017 at 5:39 pm
Thank you – I didn’t think of looking on Good Reads. I’ve now added both books to my want to read pile. Looking forward to May!
March 28, 2017 at 12:08 am
Oh, Rel, what an amazing treat to be included on this list! Thank you so much. And I am swooning over all these covers. Some great reads coming up!
March 28, 2017 at 10:33 am
Teresa Tysinger » Delighted to, Teresa.
March 28, 2017 at 12:11 am
YAY!! So tickled to be listed with hhese authors. Incredible lineup of amazing authors. And I must shout out to Tam, who saved Titanis a couple of times as he brooded and fought my ministrations in his broken life. THANK YOU for featuring TITANIS, even though his cover isn’t quite ready yet. 😀
March 28, 2017 at 10:33 am
Ronie » I couldn’t not include him, Ronie, cover finished or not. He never would have forgiven me!
March 28, 2017 at 11:28 am
I don’t know I had much to do with it, Ronie, but I loved being there with you on his journey! DTR 2018!
March 28, 2017 at 12:20 am
Oh, WOW…I love these covers! Each one of them is so unique and such a great representation of what makes indie publishing so wonderful. I’m particularly excited to read Mikal’s Count Me In…but honestly, I’m sure I’ll be reading ALL of these books eventually. (Also really looking forward to Someplace Familiar, and Jenny’s cover is just fabulous!! I’m all in on that one!)
March 28, 2017 at 9:58 am
EEEEEEE!! Thank you sooooooo much, sweet Bethany!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
March 28, 2017 at 10:32 am
Bethany Turner » Jenny’s is fabulous, I agree. And I’m not normally a big fan of those kinds of covers.
March 29, 2017 at 1:18 am
Thanks so much, Bethany!!!
March 28, 2017 at 1:03 am
THAT is a great-looking set of covers, Rel. Shelf-worthy, and not just for the Kindle. Jenny’s sounds like she’s one-upping Mrs. Pollifax! Ronie, Susie, Pepper, and Jenny are always easy to get excited about, but I was especially excited to see the debuts. Mikal’s novel the kind of story I really get into. Adding all of these to my TBR pile. And I haven’t read any of Tamara’s Age of Faith series because I prefer contemporary. But a good character can win my loyalty for life. I’ll be sure to check out Sir Durand.
March 28, 2017 at 10:00 am
Oh goodness, Bethany, thank you!!! I hope you’ll have fun reading Tyler and Allegra’s story! As for all the rest…I’ve read Ronie’s, Pepper’s, and Teresa’s already, and you are going to love them ALL!! As for Tamara? I die. I LOVE her books. LOOOOOOVE. And her Age of Faith series is her best yet, in my oh-so-humble opinion. 😉
March 28, 2017 at 10:31 am
Bethany Kaczmarek » Oh, Bethany. If you love great romantic moments, then you need to get yourself into Tam’s books, medieval fan or not 😉
March 28, 2017 at 1:10 am
Wow! Swooning with cover love!! I can’t wait until these release!!!!
March 28, 2017 at 10:30 am
Sarah Monzon » They look great, don’t they? Glad to feature you here 🙂
March 28, 2017 at 1:14 am
I’m also excited for these books to come out! These covers are really wonderful! Several of these books I have already pre-ordered, and can’t wait to read them!
March 28, 2017 at 10:30 am
Becky Smith » Great to hear, Becky – I’m sure you will love them.
March 28, 2017 at 1:32 am
And this my friends are how covers are done. Mic. dropped. All of these covers and blurbs snagged my attention. But my pulse rate tripped over itself when I saw Titanis and Sir Durand. Gentlemen…it’s been a long time coming. So happy you have finally arrived.
March 28, 2017 at 10:30 am
Amy » You are fabulous!! Thought I might have a visit from you given I was talking about those two fine gentlemen, Amy xo
March 28, 2017 at 2:28 am
Love this post! These books all look intriguing to me. You’ve included some of my favorite authors and their new books, along with some new-to-me authors, who are now on my TBR list.
Can NOT wait!
March 28, 2017 at 10:29 am
Rosalyn » My job is done when readers are adding books to their TBR lists, Rosalyn!
March 28, 2017 at 2:29 am
Love these!!! And, I’ve had a sneak peek at Just The Way You Are, All of You, and Count Me In. Fantastic, every one of them. Promise, no disappointments!! 🙂
March 28, 2017 at 10:28 am
Jennifer Rodewald » Great to hear, Jennifer – thanks for sharing.
March 28, 2017 at 3:38 am
Thank you so much for sharing the cover of Engaged in Trouble and my newsletter freebie book, Mixtape. I love your cover previews always and so appreciate the indie love.
March 28, 2017 at 10:28 am
Jenny B. Jones » Always a pleasure, Jen xo
March 28, 2017 at 4:04 am
Thanks for sharing! Added new books to my Goodreads TBR and Amazon wishlist!
March 28, 2017 at 10:28 am
Heidi Robbins » Yay! That’s what I like to hear, Heidi 🙂
March 28, 2017 at 7:22 am
These look great! And while I’ll be getting my hands on just about every one, can I say how excited I am about Ronie’s story???? YAY!!!
March 28, 2017 at 10:27 am
Sally Bradley » You will love it, Sally – sooooo good!
March 28, 2017 at 8:13 am
Wow, Rel, what a lineup! I’m looking forward to these books, too. It’s so exciting to see new authors here, but also fun to see more books by authors I’ve read before! Great post–thanks!
March 28, 2017 at 10:27 am
Winnie Thomas » They look good, don’t they, Winnie? Happy to add to your TBR 🙂
March 28, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Hey Rel,
I’m sure it’s no surprise I love Tamara Leigh’s! It fits so well with the series and it’s historical! I am “intrigued” with Jenny B. Jones’ mystery. (Couldn’t resist. 🙂 ) I love a good whodunnit, so the mystery interests me. I do like the skull addition, but I would like to see another mysterious touch or two. I like Susan May Warren’s and how it highlights the bouquet and fits somewhat with the Deep Haven series. I like Pepper Basham’s cover a lot, mainly as there are no decapitations! However, I think the font of the title might need a bit of a change. I am certain it is coincidental, but this font makes the cover look a little similar to Susan May Warren’s Christiansen Family novels. I like Sarah Monzon’s cover with the touch of the plane, but I am not a fan of the man’s decapitation. Teresa Tysinger’s has a nice look, but I think it would look even better if the viewpoint were a bit backed away, so to speak, seeing more of the picture. I like Mikal Dawn’s for finding such an inventive way to still have people on the cover. The pictures remind me of postcards sold in a fold-out group, and I especially love the jump position of the groom. What a great touch of whimsy! It is wonderful seeing indie novels being so professionally done now as far as the covers go! These look as if they could have been done by major publishers. Congrats to all!
March 29, 2017 at 6:46 am
Wow, this looks like a great group! I am a Jenny B. Jones and Susan May Warren fan, and have read some older Tamera Leigh – the romantic comedy sort. Perhaps I will have to give these others a try as well! Thanks for the update! 🙂
March 29, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Quality covers and quality writing – this is why indie publishing is growing and succeeding. I’ve followed Tamara Leigh for some time and her cover is, as always, rich colors and romantic – sigh….. I have held my breath waiting for Sir Durand’s story…. I am now a lovely shade of blue but I can hold out till May! Tam – is there a story behind the ruby (or is it a garnet?) in the sword? And I have a question for you Rel – I’ve not read any of Ronie Kendig’s books, but that is about to change – which of her books do you recommend I read first? I plan to add many of the books here to my TBR list as I have found indie authors writing to be of exceptional quality. Thank you Rel for keeping us informed of the great authors and books available in the world of indie publishing.
March 30, 2017 at 11:27 am
These look great! Thanks for sharing indie books!