More Historical, Contemporary and Suspense Books to add to your TBRs!!

No giveaway today — just thought I’d share the books I found from this week’s genres that haven’t been mentioned yet…just in case you felt like your TBR wishlist was a bit sparse. 🙂

My apologies if I’ve listed a book that has already been mentioned on previous days. I’m creating this post Wednesday morning so I’m not totally current on all the comments. Better to mention a book twice than forget all about it, right?

JANUARY RELEASES:

Chokecherry Valley Love by Jean Rezab — Indie —CONTMEPORARY –-Ashley Richmond’s goal to become a psychologist becomes derailed by sudden doubts. She questions what direction her new career track should take. In her personal life, her brothers have become strangers, but she’s ready to try to forgive past mistakes and reconnect.While trying to decide on her career and figure out her sibling relationships, life takes another turn when she meets Jason. Their mutual attraction is complicated by his family obligations and her uncertainty over the future. Can they form a relationship with all the obstacles in their path?As they share their experiences of sibling relationships and future plans, they find life a messy but sweet experience.

When the Waters Came by Candace Sue Patterson – Barbour — HISTORICAL; SUSPENSE — Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Pastor Montgomery Childs has tended his flock in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for two years. While his pews are full every Sunday, he most desires to see a reckoning between God and the kings of industry who recreate on Lake Conemaugh. The pleasure grounds, flowing alcohol, and business dealings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club taunts Monty as he works to heal the wounds inflicted from his own privileged childhood among Pittsburgh society. Like Noah, Monty prays against the evil surrounding him, but he never expects God to send a flood. 

It takes five days for the Red Cross to respond to the Johnstown flood disaster, but when it does, Annamae Worthington is ready to help. Apprenticing under Clara Barton has prepared her for the job, but nothing can prepare her for the death and destruction that awaits. As if the survivors haven’t suffered enough, typhoid fever ravages the town, resurfacing suppressed emotions regarding her father’s death.

Narrowly surviving the flood and the horrifying things he’s witnessed, Monty’s faith is floundering. Then a Red Cross nurse puts him to work helping with the typhoid fever victims arriving at the hospital tents every hour. Monty and Annamae work together distributing disinfectants and supplies, housing orphans, and serving those left behind. Slowly, his faith resurfaces. A kinship forms between them neither can ignore. But when an investigation into the collapsed dam points to the South Fork Hunting and Fishing Club, secrets emerge that may tear them apart.

Offshore Ambush by Sherri Wilson Johnson — Indie– SUSPENSE — Sometimes people aren’t who you think they are. Gretchen Overton’s world is shattered when someone murders her brother on a remote offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico. As medicolegal death investigator for Baldwin County, Alabama, she vows to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. But little does she know, her path to finding answers requires the help of Everett Forrester, the rig’s Drilling Foreman and her ex-boyfriend.While tensions rise and the body count increases, danger lurks around every corner…and it becomes clear that someone is determined to eliminate Gretchen and Everett before they uncover the truth.Can they untangle the web of deception and expose the killer before everything rips them apart again?

A Summer on Bellevue Avenue by Lorri Dudley — Wild Heart Press — HISTORICAL — In the world of the elite, reputation is everything…Wealthy heiress Amanda Mae Klein is set to marry the man she loves, Wesley Jansen—the only person she trusts to help ease her anxiety among the social climbers of high society. Then the daughter of a union boss falls down a flight of stairs at Wesley’s oil company’s office in the middle of the night…and the woman claims Wesley pushed her.Seeking solace from the growing scandal, Amanda flees to the mansion-dotted seaside of Newport. Wesley follows and sets about disproving the rumors while winning back the trust of Amanda. But soon, Amanda finds not only her social status but her life at risk. As grievous events pit the two against each other, will their love find a way to survive?

Rescuing You by Robin Patchen — Indie — SUSPENSE — She was snatched off the street by terrorists…and it’s all his fault. CIA agent Michael Wright’s world crumbles when his girlfriend, Leila, is snatched off the street and later seen in the grasp of a terrorist he’s been tracking, Michael blames himself. Keeping his identity secret from her clearly didn’t protect her. Now he must defy the Agency and fly to Iraq to rescue her. 

Leila Amato escaped Iraq a decade earlier, only returning in her worst nightmares. But those nightmares have come true when she finds herself captive and all alone, or so she thinks until she sees her identical twin sister.

Michael tracks Leila to a desert compound, but his rescue mission goes awry when he discovers her sister needs to escape as well. His detailed strategy can only ensure one woman’s safety. Now they’re on the run, trying to get out of the country before their enemies track them down.

But Leila’s kidnapping is only one small part of a larger plot—one that endangers thousands of lives—and now he can’t trust anyone. Not even the woman who’s stolen his heart. A woman who’s been keeping secrets of her own…

A high-stakes international chase full of romantic suspense, spies, and a ticking time bomb that will keep you reading all night long.

Polly: Apron Strings Series Book One – A 1920s Vintage Romance by Naomi Musch — Indie — HISTORICAL — One cookbook connects them all…Polly ~ Book One in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020.The Great War has ended, but Polly Holloway’s heart is shattered when her fiancé finally returns home—with a French war bride. Now her future feels desolate, until she fastens onto the idea of using her skills and a special cookbook to turn her grandfather’s Victorian house into a fashionable ladies’ tea room. Yet, how will she endure the patronage of the woman who stole her sweetheart? Moreover, the suave tavern owner down the block is interfering in her business, personal and otherwise. Heaven only knows what goes on behind his doors.Ross Dalton can no longer sell liquor in his establishment. With prohibition in force, it’s a mixed blessing. Ross met God on the battlefield, and he wants to start fresh, but he must earn a living. Converting his bar into a coffee house offers a partial solution. Still, bootleggers are pressing him to pedal their moonshine, and the girl up the street is convinced his place is a front for a speakeasy. She’s awfully cute when she turns up her pert little nose at his friendly overtures. How can he convince her he isn’t going to tarnish the neighborhood or ruin her business? And will she believe he’s a changed man when the bootleggers double down?

Yellow Roses by Susie Waltner –– Anaiah Press – CONTEMPORARY —

Mia Mason has always strived to meet others’ expectations. Her adoptive family, her fans, even her friends in the band. She works hard at pleasing everyone because she’s never felt like she truly belongs. After connecting with a cousin through a DNA website, she plans a covert road trip, hoping to find her biological mother and the answers she desires.

During a music awards ceremony, Levi Sinclair receives two messages that ruin his night. One is a breakup text from his girlfriend of six weeks. The other is from the father who abandoned his family seventeen years ago and wants to reconnect. Then Levi discovers Mia’s secret mission and insists on going along to keep her safe.

As the two friends pass the miles and see the sights, Levi’s true feelings for Mia rise to the surface. And her journey to the past might open the door to their future. Family issues and a shared career are just two of the hurdles they’ll have to jump if they want a shot at love. Could the end of the road lead these friends to a new beginning?

A Cherished Betrothal by Denise Weimer – Wild Heart Books –– HISTORICAL

Alexander Morris bears the childhood scars of the Long Canes massacre that killed his brother and father. Forced by his dark past into the lonely life of Georgia Ranger, Alexander joins the bordering South Carolina Rangers in their revolt against the Crown. When he’s posted to the fort erected to defend the community once decimated by the massacre, duty demands he court the loyalty of his sworn enemies, the fierce Cherokee warriors.

Elspeth Lawrence never forgot the boy who sacrificed himself for her at Long Canes—any more than she forgot the younger sister taken captive. She’s learned not only to forgive, but also to help minister to the Cherokees at her father’s mission. When Alex Morris arrives at nearby Fort Charlotte, Elspeth finds her memories—and her emotions—stirred. He doesn’t even remember her…or the long-ago attack. But the bitterness that simmers just beneath his stoic exterior—as well as her courtship by a local landowner—challenge their undeniable bond.

When Alex uncovers a long-held secret and a plot to sabotage patriot talks with the Cherokees, he must choose between his desire for revenge and his love for the girl he rescued long ago.

The Love Penalty by Carolyn Miller – Indie – CONTEMPORARY –– Sometimes there’s a hefty price to pay when two opposites attract…
With her fondness for tattoos and spider jewelry Sylvie Jenkins is used to being pre-judged and misunderstood. She has friends and connections but she still feels alone, and works several jobs while daydreaming about finding a guy who sees further than skin deep and won’t shy away from her battered heart. So when a hot pro hockey player with a smile as vast as his skills takes a shine to her what’s a poor girl to do but fall in love?
Ryan Guillemette sure wasn’t looking for romance in a bookstore in his hometown but quickly becomes intrigued by the sassy Goth-like assistant with a snarky way with words. When an accidental kiss proves dangerously addictive she soon becomes embedded in his heart. But even as the romance heats up he’s torn. She’s not following God, and there are questions over her role in his grandfather’s accident at the retirement home. Can these two opposites make a match or should he call a permanent time out?
These two are about to learn that those who play with fire get burned, and there’s a hefty price to pay for forbidden attraction. The Love Penalty is the second book in the Northwest Ice Christian hockey romance series, and can be read as a standalone, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh, and Susan May Warren.

FEBRUARY RELEASES:

After the Frost by Milla Holt – Indie – CONTEMPORARY – Steinar is raising his son alone after losing the perfect wife. Reidun bucks traditional roles and never thought of herself as wife material, nor the mothering type. So, when they’re roped in to plan their small town’s Christmas festival together, the spark between them has to be a mistake. Right?After the Frost is Book 5 in Milla Holt’s Seasons of Faith Christian romance series. Five friends were in the same wedding in a small Norwegian town over twenty years ago. Four bridesmaids, one bride. Now, two decades on, each woman learns that God’s timing is perfect as they find forever love later in life.

Taylor’s Trek to Love by Elsie Davis – Indie – CONTEMPORARY – Escape to the Great Smoky Mountains…where fresh mountain air and love await!This is the fourth heartwarming Christian Inspirational Women’s Fiction Romance that will take you to the Great Smoky Mountains for a vacation getaway that will change the lives of Taylor and Andrew in ways they would have never expected!Pre-Order now and be one of the first to read this exciting new addition to the series when it releases

To Marry an English Lord by Robin Lee Hatcher – indie – HISTORICAL — Sometimes love is a risk worth taking…

Sebastian Whitcombe, Viscount Willowthorpe, comes to America to experience the great Wild West for himself before it disappears for good. The adventure comes with a convenient bonus—it postpones his father’s edict that he take a wife from the British aristocracy. Sebastian isn’t so much against marriage as he is an arranged marriage to the wrong woman. 

Jocelyn Overstreet hasn’t returned to her family’s eastern Idaho cattle ranch in six years. She’s far too busy managing the New York City offices of Overstreet Shipping. But when her older brother has a serious run-in with a bison, she returns to the ranch only to find the Overstreet home invaded by visitors from England, one of them a disturbingly handsome viscount who disarms her defenses at every turn. Sebastian’s future lies in England where the Earl of Hooke is determined to choose his son a wife. 

New York City holds Jocelyn’s future with scant time for romance, much less marriage. The attraction between her and Sebastian seems doomed to fail. Amidst the clash of their worlds, Sebastian and Jocelyn find that the risk of love, against all odds, might just be a risk worth taking.

MARCH RELEASES:

Tangled Up in Love by Carolyn Miller – Indie — CONTEMPORARY –– When Ellie Reilly returns from a dream overseas trip, a too-long hug from her best friend Jasper Cohen clues her in that his feelings might be more than what she suspected. He’s unsure about pushing their friendship further, and doubly uncertain when her European friend, Sebastian, seeks her out in Trinity Lakes. Uncertainty is something Ellie knows all too well. Since returning from her vacation, Ellie feels like she doesn’t fit at her family’s ranch or in small town life. When she is asked to take on responsibility for reopening Trinity Lakes’ historical museum – a dream she’s always wanted – she can’t help but wonder if settling for life in the familiar is all that God has for her, or can she dare trust Him for more?

Love’s Promise by Penny Zeller – Indie – HISTORICAL — Can one man’s love win a fragile woman’s heart?…

Take a return trip to Poplar Springs, Wyoming, for Silas and Amaya’s story. While you’re there, visit with John Mark, Hannah, Ambrose, and the rest of the Wyoming Sunrise characters you’ve grown to love.

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis – Waterbrook Press – CONTEMPORARY –– When a grieving woman unexpectedly steps into a different version of her life, she must choose between the husband she loves and the daughter she lost in this brave, gripping novel.

Three lives. Two outcomes. One impossible choice.

Leona hopes enjoying a rare upscale meal with her husband David will help them begin learning how to live again after their shared tragedy. But when she crosses the threshold of the ridiculously romantic restaurant, she quickly realizes she doesn’t belong. It’s not only her thrifted dress or the menu printed in Italian, it’s all the clues pointing to the fact she’s in a different version of her life—the one where she and David accepted all the strings attached to his parent’s wealth and power. Instead of struggling to pay rent, she lives in a lavish home with working faucets. She’s no longer teaching English to high schoolers, but attending brunch with a bunch of high society busybodies (a.k.a. her mother-in-law).

Leona would put more effort into figuring out how to get home, but there’s one thing stealing all her a precious little girl with her green eyes and David’s curly hair. In this outcome of her life, her daughter Vera lived. Now, Leona must weigh the bitter and sweet of each world, choosing between the chance to be with Vera under the impossible expectations of her in-laws and distant husband, or the life altered by grief with the man she loves.

Even in Death by Recca Hemlock – Bluecap Publishing – SUSPENSE HISTORICAL DUAL TIMELINE –– After receiving a note that her ninety-three-year-old great aunt is very sick, Emily Fredrickson assumes the worst. She’s always known that she’d someday lose the only blood relative she has, but when she’s met with a ghost story and a mysterious family keepsake, she must dive into the past to figure out how to get rid of the ghosts in Fredrickson Mansion and bring peace to her troubled aunt.

Uncharted Peace by Keely Brooke Keith – Edenbrooke Press –– HISTORICAL — Lena’s stay at The Inn at Falls Creek leaves her torn between loyalty to her family and marrying Philip for love.Lena Vestal enjoys spending her days cooking for her siblings and her nights curled up with a good book… or a letter from Philip Roberts, the overseer of Falls Creek and only man ever to capture her heart. It’s safe to dream of a future with him while she is still sheltered by the older brother and sister who raised her. When Philip’s final letter announces his forthcoming arrival to take her to Falls Creek, Lena must leave all that is familiar to make her dream a reality.Philip Roberts takes his duties as the overseer of Falls Creek seriously, not only to please God but also to prove his competence. Having been in the pastoral position for two years, Philip’s dissertation is anticipated by all the overseers of the Land, particularly his father. Producing a work of great merit would prove his worth, as would setting an excellent example of holy matrimony in his church.Lena’s yearning for the security of Philip’s love compels her to spend a month without her siblings at the isolated Inn at Falls Creek. To prepare for their nuptials, Philip informs her the Land’s tradition requires they compare family lineage. When she receives hers from her sister, a shocking secret about her true origins means she must choose between protecting her family and marrying the man of her dreams.And when Philip’s published book is distributed before he can check it, both feel their hopes dissolve.But at the Inn at Falls Creek, no one is alone and everyone is worthy.Uncharted Peace weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land.