About Christy Brunke

Welcome, friends! I’m blessed to be a mom, a pastor’s wife, and the bestselling author of the fictional book, Snow out of Season. But my greatest claim to fame comes from being a child of the King. Because of that, I’m passionate about my family, unborn children, and God-written love stories. Though I used to live in China, now I love serving in ministry here in Maryland. Praying you’ll be blessed as you read my blogs, my story, and my award-winning novel!

New Contemporary Fiction Releases

Posted on July 25, 2017 by Christy Brunke

Whether you love fantasy or women’s fiction, there’s a new contemporary fiction release for you! (Tweet that!) See a book you’d like to order? Just click on the book cover! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

New Contemporary Fiction release: The Genesis Tree

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

The Revisionary speculative fiction novel by Kristin Hogrefe

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

New Contemporary Fiction releases by Christian authors

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

The Genesis Tree by Heather L.L. FitzGerald

Deception is rampant, the enemy is subtle, and love dares to tug at Sadie’s heart amid the turmoil that forces her and her family back to the Tethered World below. (Speculative/Contemporary Fantasy from Mountain Brook Ink)

The Revisionary by Kristen Hogrefe

Revisionary or rogue? To rescue her brother, Portia might have to break every rule in the book she set out to rewrite. (Speculative from Write Integrity Press)

All Things Now Living by Rondi Bauer Olson

Her whole life Amy has been taught the people of New Lithisle deserve to die, but when she falls for Daniel, she determines to save him. (Young Adult from Written World Communications)

Coming Home Tiny House Collection with multiple authors

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

Coming Home – A Tiny House Collection by Yvonne Anderson, Michael Ehret, Kimberli S. McKay, Pamela S. Meyers, Ane Mulligan, Chandra Lynn Smith, Linda W. Yezak

Tiny houses are all the rage these days, but what can you do with something so small? Here are seven stories about people chasing their dreams, making fresh starts, finding love, stumbling upon forgiveness, and embarking upon new adventures in tiny houses. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Katie’s Quest by Lee Carver

Katie Dennis hopes for fulfillment as a single missionary nurse after the death of her fiancé. She trusts God for a new direction, but she’ll never fall for a pilot again. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Redemption’s Whisper by Kathleen Friesen

Desperate to escape her past, a suicidal young woman flies from Toronto to a Saskatoon pastor’s home, the only people who may be able to help her. If only someone could love her, in spite of all she’s done. On the flight, she meets a young man torn between seeking affirmation in the big city and helping his parents in Saskatoon. Can these two troubled souls gain the peace they need—and in the process, find love? (Women’s Contemporary from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])

Love women’s fiction and contemporary fiction with a supernatural twist? Don’t miss Snow out of Season!

New Cozy Mysteries and Romantic Suspense

Posted on July 18, 2017 by Christy Brunke

Love cozy mysteries and romantic suspense? Check out these new releases! (Tweet that!) Want to order one? Just click on the book cover! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

COZY MYSTERIES

The Copper Box by Suzanne Bratcher — When antiques expert Marty Greenlaw comes to Jerome, Arizona to search for a copper box she believes will unlock the secrets of her past, deadly accidents begin to happen: someone else wants the copper box, someone willing to kill for it. (Mantle Rock Publishing)

A Tempting Taste of Mystery by Elizabeth Ludwig — Judging a pie contest leads Cheryl Cooper and friends into mayhem and mystery after someone begins methodically sabotaging the entries. (Guideposts Publications)

Over Maya Dead Body by Sandra Orchard — FBI Special Agent Serena Jones arrives on Martha’s Vineyard with her family, ready for a little bit of R&R and a whole lot of reminiscing as they celebrate the engagement of an old family friend. But crime doesn’t take a vacation, and she’s soon entangled in an investigation of a suspicious death tied to an antiquities smuggling ring.When her investigation propels her into danger, Serena must stay the course and solve this case before anyone else dies. But just how is she supposed to do that when the two men in her life arrive on the scene, bringing with them plenty of romantic complications–and even a secret or two? (Revell [Baker])

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble — As a 911 dispatcher, Dana Newell takes pride in being calm in tough circumstances. In addition to her emotionally-charged career, she’s faced enough emergencies in her own life. She recently escaped her abusive fiancé to move to tranquil Rock Harbor where she hopes life will be more peaceful. But the idyllic town hides more danger and secrets than it first appeared. Dana is continually drawn to her new friend Boone, who has scars inside and out. Then she answers a call at her job only to hear a friend’s desperate screams on the other end. Soon the pain in her past collides with the mysteries of her new home—and threatens to keep her from the future she’s always wanted. (HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Thomas Nelson and Zondervan])

Weaver’s Needle by Robin Caroll — Pitted against each other to recover a map to the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, two recovery specialists follow the trail to Arizona. But someone doesn’t want them to find the map . . . or the mine. They must work together despite their mistrust and growing attraction, to save themselves. (Barbour Publishing)

Hidden Legacy by Lynn Huggins Blackburn — When someone threatens the baby she’s adopting, Caroline Harrison must rely on Detective Jason Drake, the man who once broke her heart, to figure out why. If Jason wants a chance at a future with Caroline and her son, he’ll first have to help them outrun a hit man. (Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Want more cozy mysteries and romantic suspense? Click here!

New Christian Historical Romances

Posted on July 11, 2017 by Christy Brunke

Love Christian historical romances? Don’t miss these new releases! (Tweet that!) Just click on the book covers to order your copy!

A Sweetwater River Romance by Misty M. Beller

Rocky Ridge Stage Stop Manager Ezra Reid is put in a difficult situation when two ladies show up on his remote doorstep seeking refuge, one of them being Tori Boyd, the mysterious correspondence partner writing him letters for over a year now.

Tori refuses the most proper solution to their circumstance—marriage. But when danger follows, it will take a lot more than luck to ensure Ezra’s heart is the sole casualty.

High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin

In German-occupied Brussels, a WWI nurse struggles to keep two life-threatening secrets. She’s in league with the British Secret Service, and she’s harboring a wounded British pilot.

The Captain’s Daughter by Jennifer Delamere

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London.

A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers.

Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment.

London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson

Set in WWII, an Irish woman must choose between her heart and her freedom when she finds a downed combatant pilot.

Mail Order Sweetheart by Christine Johnson

Singer Fiona O’Keefe must make a wealthy match to support her orphaned niece. Musically talented Sawyer Evans is a self-made, but not wealthy, sawmill-manager.

Unwilling to live off his father’s railroad fortune, can Sawyer prove to Fiona he’s the man she needs when she’s already determined to mail-order a rich husband?

Freedom’s Price by Christine Johnson

On a quest to find her mother’s family in Louisiana, Englishwoman Catherine Haynes enlists a dashing Key West man seeking revenge for his own family. When an incredible secret comes to light, she and Tom will face a choice. Can they relinquish their dreams to step forward in faith?

Sutter’s Landing by Betty Thomason Owens

Still reeling from tragic losses, Connie and Annabelle Cross face life with their signature humor and grace, until fresh hope arrives on their doorstep.

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection by Susan Page Davis, Susanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Gina Welborn

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

If you love Christian historical romances, don’t miss my review of Bride of a Distant Isle by bestselling author Sandra Byrd. Just click here!

New Christian Contemporary Romances

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Christy Brunke

Looking for some summer reading? Check out these new Christian contemporary romances just in time for the Fourth of July! (Tweet that!) Just click on the book covers to order your copy! (This post contains affiliate links. As a result, if you buy something through one, I may earn a commission to help support this site—at no cost to you.)

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down. But when Josephine drives out to Noah’s North Georgia cottage to deliver the corrected papers, they are trapped there during a snowstorm. Things couldn’t get worse…until they are forced out into the storm and must rely on one another to survive. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing [Zondervan])

Christian contemporary romances Engaged: Surrendering the Future novel

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

Engaged by Julie Arduini

Trish Maxwell returns to Speculator Falls with egg on her face and apologies to make as she tries to determine what’s next, especially when around paramedic Wayne Peterson. (Contemporary Romance from Surrendered Scribe Media)

Christian contemporary romances An Encore For Estelle

Photo courtesy of FIctionFinder.com.

An Encore for Estelle by Kimberly Rose Johnson

A former A-list actress seeks to redeem herself in the most unlikely of places—a children’s theater. The writer/director didn’t anticipate a famous actress would ever show interest in his musical much less him. Will their pasts pull them apart or join them together? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

Then There Was You by Kara Isaac
Would you give up everything for a life you hate with the person you love? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

Finding Love by Toni Shiloh
Delaney Jones is putting her life back together after widowhood when in walks Army soldier, Luke Robinson. Luke had a part in the death of Delaney’s husband–will his secrets widen the gulf in their relationship or will he finally find absolution? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)

The Cowboy’s Baby Blessing by Deb Kastner

The Cowboy's Baby Blessing novel by Deb Kastner

Photo courtesy of FictionFinder.com.

When Ex-soldier Seth Howell suddenly becomes guardian of a two-year-old, he needs Rachel Perez’s help. Though she is gun-shy about relationships, this handsome cowboy and his adorable son break through. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Want more Christian contemporary romances? Just click here!

Clarice James, Author of Party of One

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Christy Brunke

What’s a woman to do after her beloved spouse breathes his last? That’s the question Clarice James tackles in her latest novel, Party of One.

Party of One is about a straight-laced widow who starts a dinner club for single strangers. (Tweet that!) You can read my review of this heartwarming women’s contemporary novel here.

I was blessed to meet the author at the Writer to Writer conference in 2015. While there, Jerry Jenkins announced we both won his Operation First Novel contest (Clarice for Double Header and me for Snow Out of Season). Ever since, Clarice has been cracking me up with her comical writing.

Christy Brunke with Clarice G. James and Jerry Jenkins

Me and Clarice G. James with New York Times bestselling author Jerry Jenkins

**Clarice, after reading Party of One, I feel I know you better and some of what you went through after your first husband passed away. Is the main character based on you?**

Sometimes I’m embarrassed to say she is, Christy. In fact, the opening restaurant scene actually happened to me and was the inciting incident for Party of One.

I even did some of the same silly things Annie did, trying to get a handle on my life. The difference is I was already a Christian, so I leaned on God instead of my own wisdom—most of the time.

Is Annie’s late husband based on your first husband?

Not so much, although my late husband did work in the corrections field.

After your first husband died, did you ever start a dinner club or singles group like Party of One? If not, how did you come up with the idea for this story?

I actually toyed with the idea back then, but never went through with it.

After I had remarried and turned my memoir into a novel, the Holy Spirit prompted me to finally begin the Party of One fellowship. I realized I didn’t have to be single to reach out to the lonely. (I added some information on how to start one in your area in the back of my book.)

How did you meet your second hubby? What were your first impressions? How is he like and unlike your first mate?

Clarice G. James

In Party of One, I described the difference between the protagonist’s first husband and her new love interest this way: “It would be like comparing apples and snow globes or oranges and moon rocks. It’s more of a contrast than a comparison. One isn’t better than the other, but they’re both different.” That’s pretty much the truth.

Want to learn more about Clarice James and her smart, fun, relatable fiction? Check out her website at ClariceJames.com!