A Sparkling Vintage Life

Spring forward with new fiction in March!

March 2025 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website
Biblical:
The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt — In Nero’s Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians–unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world. When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death. (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])
Amish Romance:
Green Pastures by Patricia Johns — When Tabitha Schrock returns to her Amish faith after a painful divorce, she and her sisters must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to stay true to their own personal dreams and their Amish faith. (Amish Romance from Bethany House Publishers)
Contemporary Romance:
A Hero’s Nature by Sandra Ardoin — Veterinarian Trey Abbott can’t measure up to his vet tech’s late fiancé, a military hero, so he’s settled for being Reagan’s boss and friend. He’s watched as she’s dated and dumped a long line of guys. After nearly losing her in an accident, though, Trey realizes it’s time to man up and take a chance on love before time runs out. She ends her relationships before emotions become involved and lives ruined. Reagan Hartwell’s friends wrongly believe she spends each anniversary of her fiancé’s death mourning him. This year, sick of her pity parties, she chooses to honor his memory and, maybe, ease some of her guilt. But Trey stands in the way of both her goal and her determination to avoid another love that could end in disaster. As they help a grieving show dog breeder, their good, yet conflicting, intentions for his rundown kennel pit them against one another. But will secrets they each hold tear them apart? Get to know the couples who navigate the joys and pitfalls of life and love in their quaint and tight-knit southern hometown of Hidden Veil, North Carolina.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published) Tears of a Cowboy by Elsie Davis — Cowboys who deserve a second chance at love and happiness and the women strong enough to show them the way…Texas style! (Contemporary Romance from Sweet Romance Publishing) The Farmer’s Marriage Bargain by Heidi Main — They agreed to a practical marriage. But love never goes as planned…Raising three children alone was never part of the plan, but after losing her husband, Emma Bailey is doing the best she can. Until she discovers that she can’t afford the medication her youngest child needs. Suddenly, her late husband’s best friend comes to the rescue. Carter McCaw promised he’d always watch over the family and the farm. But when he proposes a marriage of convenience, Emma’s not so sure. It seems like the perfect solution…until loves blooms between them and complicates everything.(Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin]) An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus — With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future?(Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
General Contemporary:
The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L Tuttle With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she’s ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll’s handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed–this is the perfect distraction. But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren’t the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together (General Contemporary from Kregel Publications)
Historical Romance:
The Carpenter’s Schoolmarm by Kimberly Burkhardt — She’s running from her future. He’s hiding from his past. Forced into an arranged marriage by her father, Samantha Baxter flees from the clutches of her fiancé and finds sanctuary in the small town of Cooperton, Kansas, as the new schoolmarm. Although she attracts the attention of some of the single men in town, Samantha remains cautious, knowing any romantic relationship could put that man in danger of her fiancé and his fury if he ever tracks her down. Michael Brooks finally has enough money to purchase the land where he will build his future home. He can put his criminal past behind him and find peace in the solitary life of crafting furniture for the people of Cooperton. That is, until he meets the new schoolmarm. She stirs a dream inside him he didn’t know he wanted. A wife and family to call his own. Despite her efforts, Samantha finds herself drawn to Michael, unable to deny her growing love for the handsome carpenter. But when his past and her future collide, will the two be able to trust in each other and in God’s plan? Or will their secrets keep them apart?(Historical Romance, Independently Published) Echoes of Sunrise by Amanda Cabot — Sophia Carr knows her recurring dreams of an identical twin sister are just that – dreams. She also knows that eventually she will inherit the hotel her grandfather built. When a fire at the hotel kills her mother, Sophia returns to Carr Valley to rebuild and ensure that a planned railroad line chooses a route that will keep the town alive. But her grandfather’s will states that she must be married to inherit, and the only man she can imagine marrying seems to have forgotten her. Up-and-coming architect Gideon Spencer couldn’t say no when his dying friend begged him to marry his widow and raise their baby as his own rather than let a cruel grandfather gain custody. But when the young mother dies, leaving Gideon a single parent, the grandfather poses a new threat unless Gideon manages to marry again. Sadly, the only woman he’s interested in is the one he’s ignored for six months: Sophia. Knowing he needs to protect the baby, Gideon heads to Carr Valley. When he discovers that Sophia needs a husband as much as he needs a wife, he proposes a six-month marriage of convenience. Sophia agrees but adds a stipulation of her own, one that will test his resolve, even as their wedding day reveals that Sophia’s dreams of a twin sister might be more than dreams. (Historical Romancefrom ByDand Publishing) Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill — In the heart of nineteenth-century Cincinnati one woman holds the power to rewrite history. What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall’s only lead is Lydia’s fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the “Killer Queen of Romance.” Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati’s citizens, but for their own hearts too.(Historical Romance from Kregel Publications) Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith — Lonely bachelor Noah Vestal longs for a family of his own. His inherited farmhouse feels empty, until he befriends his lovely neighbor, widow Bette Owens. When Bette’s in-laws try to separate her from her children, Noah offers to marry her in a quick and convenient arrangement. However, their marriage is soon put to the test when someone contests Noah’s inheritance and threatens to tear their newfound family apart. Set in the idyllic village of Good Springs, this heartwarming tale follows Noah and Bette as they navigate the challenges of marriage, parenthood, and standing up to the powerful village council. As Noah’s dreams of family and community slip away, Bette is faced with an unimaginable fight for her family—and for love.(Historical Romance, Independently Published) Texas Divided by Sherry Shindelar — Driven by the looming expectation of becoming a suffocatingly proper lady, Morning Fawn is determined to escape the confines of her uncle’s plantation and return to her adoptive Comanche tribe. But with each failed attempt, her hopes dwindle, and she wonders if she’ll ever find her way back home or if that world is forever lost to her. Devon Reynolds, disillusioned by the price of affluence and the horrors of war, leaves his privileged life to join the Texas Rangers and later the cavalry. In the military service, he finds purpose . . . until he loses his wife during childbirth while he is away. In an attempt to redeem himself, he takes one last fateful mission to rescue Morning Fawn from the Comanche. But the results force him to question the righteousness of his actions and the cause he serves. When Devon returns to Texas as a Yankee spy, his path crosses with Morning Fawn once more. Determined to save her from the prison of her uncle’s house and to recover Texas from the Confederacy, Devon is drawn to her fierce spirit and unwavering resolve. But can two wounded souls, each fighting their own battles, find solace and love amidst the chaos of war? (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books) Spark of the Revolution by Megan Soja — Contrary to her name, Patience Abbott has long felt unsettled and anxious to leave behind her painful memories in England for a fresh start in America. But her new life isn’t quite what she expected, and as tension grows in her new home of Boston, so does the distance between Patience and her estranged father. So when Josiah Wagner walks into her life, it finally feels like she’s not alone. If only his patriotic leanings didn’t put him at odds with her father’s loyalties. Josiah Wagner has spent his life yearning for a true home and family, something he works toward each day, forging tools as a blacksmith, and each night, forging plans with the Sons of Liberty. But when the destruction of tea in Boston Harbor lights the spark of the Revolution, Josiah finds himself drawn into its tumultuous wake, pulling the woman he loves along with him. As tensions mount, will their search for belonging lead to each other, or will the obstacles between them be too great to overcome? In a land on the brink of war, can they find the home they seek in the One who calls them His own?(Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books) No Leaves in Autumn by Terri Wangard — Marie Foubert grew up in an orphanage and struggles with feelings of rejection. As a Red Cross recreation worker, she interacts with the American men based in Iceland during World War II. Her growing attraction to seaplane pilot Stefan Dabrowski excites and concerns her. Won’t he disappear from her life like everyone else? Stefan hears his commanding officer describe him as exciting as last night’s bathwater. One of his colleagues constantly berates him because of his Polish heritage and his superior flying skill. Despite being the squadron’s most productive pilot, he is threatened with court martial. A showdown approaches to prove who’s the better pilot and the better man. Marie’s cousin, passing through Iceland, tries to see her after spotting her photo in Life magazine. She declines to meet him, but Stefan encourages her to do so and learn why no one wanted her. She may gain a family after all(Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press) Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller — A new life awaits her…if she can find the courage. In the spring of 1885, LilyBeth Engel makes the courageous decision to run from everything she’s known. She boards a train and goes as far as her meager funds will take her with her young son in tow. With nothing but the clothes on her back, the baby in her arms, her Bible, and a skill for sewing beautiful dresses, LilyBeth determines to succeed with the Lord’s help and dogged determination. Barrett MacCallum owns one of the largest ranches in Hilltop in the Montana Territory. He also owns several of the businesses on the main street. When a woman asks to rent one of his businesses for her new dress shop, he’s amenable, even if it means charging the woman less rent because she’s obviously destitute. When Barrett begins to fall in love with LilyBeth, will she have the courage to allow herself to love again with so much at stake?(Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)
Cozy Mystery:
Home Baked Bribery by Gina Holder — The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge. The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him? Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs. Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport(Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)
Romantic Suspense:
Waylaid by Jerusha Agen — Someone wants to kill her. She wants the killer to finish the job. Spring Weston will do anything to rise in the ranks of pro cycling and prove she isn’t the one failure of the five Weston siblings. Anything except cheat. When she learns of doping on her cycling team, she’s determined to uncover the truth. But she can’t if she’s dead. Sergeant Torin Cotter may not be the hero the public thinks he is, but he recognizes fear when he sees it. When he takes over the investigation of the collision that landed Spring in the hospital, he’s compelled to protect her from whatever danger she’s in, even though he knows he might fail. Again. Spring’s faith in God isn’t enough to help her face the living nightmare she awakened to after the accident. But neither she nor the handsome sergeant see the greater threat that’s coming until it’s too late. If they’re going to survive, Spring and Torin will not only have to confront their worst fears—they’ll have to find a reason to live.(Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Break My Fall by Lynn H Blackburn –Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she’s back home, she’s made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way. After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he’s left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation? Or will this force of nature leave him shattered?(Romantic Suspense from Revell) Traitor in the Scottish Isles by Paige Edwards — To receive her inheritance and escape a scandal not of her making, wealthy socialite Cairstie Henderson moves to a small town in the Scottish Isles, far from the city lights and runways she frequents. There, she encounters the Irish spy responsible for the public breakup that made her the laughingstock of the Scottish Borders. Sheridan, a hardened MI6 agent, is on an undercover assignment to locate missing operatives and the mysterious traitor passing top-secret information to the Chinese. Unfortunately, there’s one CairstieHenderson knows his true identity—and she detests him. But when Cairstie surprises an intruder, she seeks the one man who can protect her, Sheridan. Over time, these opposites give way to attraction that eventually blossoms into love, but with a dangerous criminal stalking their steps and intrigue around every corner, will Cairstie and Sheridan obtain their happily ever after, or will they end up dead? (Romantic Suspense from Balquhidder Books) Two Good Deeds by Luana Ehrlich — Titus accepts an assignment to get intel on an Egyptian terrorist by posing as an antiquities collector from Dubai, but when an old acquaintance turns up in Cairo, he suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of an assassin, and he must risk everything to stop him. Two Good Deeds is Book 11 in the Titus Ray Thriller Series, and it continues the story of covert operative Titus Ray as he seeks to perform his duties as a CIA officer while figuring out how to live the Christian life in the midst of chaos. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Justice Denied by Sarah Hamaker — Jetta Ainsley’s life had been complicated enough as she navigates cleaning out the family home while her mother recovers from a car accident. When her dog is hurt, her next-door neighbor, Seth Whitman, offers his help. Seth would like to do more for Jetta but the walls she’s placed around her heart are unsurmountable. Then she learns her late father had been accused of embezzlement, drawing Jetta into a web of secrets that could prove his innocence—or destroy her. When digging into her father’s past brings danger to their doorstep, Jetta turns to Seth for assistance in uncovering who stole millions before someone gets hurt. Seth tries to protect Jetta and her mother from the increasing danger, while clues lead them ever deeper into a tangled conspiracy. Unraveling the sinister plot will require all their courage, faith, and trust in each other. But will uncovering the truth clear her father’s name—or destroy their growing love for one another? (Romantic Suspense from Seshva Press) The Mistaken Witness by Rebecca Lake — When a near-fatal crash forces Harper Ashford and Alek Locke to confront their shared past, their only chance of survival lies in unraveling the deadly web her father wove—that is if they can manage to trust each other before it’s too late. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published) Discovering Elena: My Mother’s Secret by J. Carol Nemeth — A tiny baby’s hat, old faded photos and a half of a metal medallion.What did the clues in the little wooden chest mean, and what will Kate find in Wyoming to shed light on her mother’s past? (Romantic Suspense fromWinged Publications)
Young Adult Fiction/Allegory:
Liabetes by Shanna M Heath — She’s got a dream school, a nightmare budget, and she’s headed for a doozy of a rude awakening…Olivia’s goal is within reach. She’s been accepted to her dream school, Vanderbilt University, alma mater of famed comic illustrator Paige O’Donnell. Despite gaining multiple scholarships and grants, Olivia’s just shy of tuition. Desperate, she applies for a $15,000 scholarship offered by the Wonderbrink Foundation, to be awarded to a high-achieving and athletic senior with diabetes. One little problem… Olivia doesn’t have diabetes. In her quest to pull off a whopper of a lie, Olivia attends a diabetes support group meeting, where she meets and befriends Paul Roberts, a smug yet handsome member of the Sugar Shatterers. Her best friends Xavier and Amber aren’t thrilled about Olivia’s new mysterious, one-sided friendship with superstitious, entitled Paul. Xavier may secretly be a *little* jealous, and the scholarship application deadline rapidly approaches.(Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published) Between You and Me by Melissa Knight — Meet Colton, the heartthrob of Rayburn High. With his charming smile and flirtatious nature, the girls are wrapped around his finger. As he spends more time with Mia, however – the friend he used to play with on the swings in second grade – he starts to recognize all the little ways she stands out. That girl can make him laugh! As for Mia, her schedule is jam-packed. Between looking out for her sister with special needs and juggling her interests in music, theater, and art, she barely has time for anything else. And romance? It’s a nice dream that has always seemed just out of reach. When Mia and Colton are thrown together in drama class, their relationship deepens, and sparks start to fly. Both begin to dream about something more than just friendship. But with insecurities and lies threatening to tear them apart, will they have the determination to sort out facts from fiction, and the courage to choose faith over fear? (Young Adult Fiction, Independently Published)   Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month: Bravo by Jessica Ashley — A pulse-pounding romantic suspense about trust, redemption, and the kind of love that refuses to let go—even when the past threatens to destroy it. Will they survive the firestorm, or will her secrets bring everything crashing down? (Romantic Suspense) Circumvent (2nd Edition) by SK Derban — When perfection turns to panic an isolated couple must learn:“For we walk by faith, not by sight…” (Crime Mystery) To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher — Bound by circumstance and danger, Amanda and Isaiah must navigate the perils of poachers, rustlers, and a growing affection he is not ready to admit.A romance of courage, love, and an unbreakable bond forged in the wild. (Historical Romance) A Nurse’s Ambush by Rebecca Hemlock — How could she trust the police to catch someone they claimed didn’t exist? (Romantic Thriller) Mary the Missionary, A Kenyan Adventure by Yvonne M Morgan — Mary the Missionary by Yvonne M. Morgan is a heartwarming story that explores themes of compassion, cultural understanding, and faith. (Children’s Early Readers) But For These Chains by Jenny Powell — This fictionalized account of Paul’s journey with Christ highlights this important aspect of his ministry, taking us on a tour of the Roman empire in the first century AD, and brings us closer to the source of our joy and hope. (Biblical)

Fake news, meet fake book discussion…

It’s been said that a novel is a story about things that never happened to people who don’t exist. And now, apparently, a novel can also can be read and talked about by people who don’t exist.

Here’s a podcast episode with a twist! In it, the two “hosts” are discussing my latest book, Murder on a High Note. The twist: It’s completely AI-generated, meaning the two hosts don’t really exist. Even so, they’re remarkably accurate in what they say about the book–so much so that I had to go through and remove spoilers throughout the conversation, lest they ruin the story for others. And I had to correct a few mistakes–like they misunderstood the year in which the story’s set (1916, not 1925) which happens to matter.

Anyway, if you give it a listen, let me know what you think. Cool? Creepy? A little of both? That’s where I’ve landed. I’m impressed by the technology but a little apprehensive about how easy it is to fool people like me into thinking things are real that aren’t. (By the way, the ghostly tin-can voice that pops in now and then is me, correcting things and removing spoilers.)

Episode 45: The Five-Year Diary

Join me as I discuss the oh-so-vintage habit of writing in a five-year diary, and also share the first chapter of my new historical cozy mystery, MURDER ON A HIGH NOTE. The e-book and paperback are available now; the audiobook and large-print editions will release soon.

This is the five-year journal I use and love. There are many others, or you can make your own by writing the month and day at the top of each page, then dividing the page into five sections, one for each year.

Episode 44: “Three Who Stole at Christmas Time” – a short story treat

Here’s a little treat for your ears . . . a short story from 1925 called “Three Who Stole at Christmas Time” by Temple Bailey.

Correction: For more information about the author, Temple Bailey, I may have referred to last year’s story, “A Candle in the Forest” and given an incorrect episode number. I should have said Episode 39.

There’s still time to pre-order Murder on a High Note (e-book version). It will also be available in print and audio editions on January 15, 2025.

Sleigh the winter blues with great new fiction!

December 2024 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary Romance:


Always In My Heart by Iola Goulton — Broke solo mother Maya Allen is raising her daughter, Sarah, as well as her dead best friend’s daughter … who just happens to be her own daughter’s half sister (thanks, cheating college boyfriend). When her lowlife landlord doubles her rent, she realizes it’s time to make a new plan and return to New Zealand with her children. First she has to do the unthinkable: make contact with her ex and compel him to relinquish his parental rights so they can legally leave the country … and not let her still-strong feelings for Trent get in the way. Trent Thomas is an intern competing for a role in a prestigious Seattle law firm known for their family values. He figures he’s got the job sewn up when his firm sends him to his hometown of Trinity Lakes to research a dodgy property deal under the guise of offering the townsfolk pro bono legal services. After all, no one will know the ins and outs of small-town Trinity Lakes gossip better than a lifelong resident. But he hadn’t bargained on Maya, Sarah, and Kacey stealing his chance to get his dream job, stealing his opportunity to leave Trinity Lakes behind forever, or stealing his heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)


Nutcracker Cottage by Stephanie Guerrero — Telling prima ballerina, Cynthia Andrews she could no longer dance haunted Dr. Zachary Newcomb, but when a surprise encounter pulls them together, her can-do attitude, hard work and faith in Christ cause him to lose his footing and his heart. (Contemporary Romance, BubbleBath Fiction)


A Very Chapel Falls Christmas by Amanda Lauer — An epic breakup finds a world-famous musician back in his hometown at the same time his ex-fiancée comes back home, making for a holiday with its share of surprises, calamity, laughter, and love—if the two of them can learn from the mistakes that drove them apart in the first place. (Contemporary Romance from Feminine Genius)


General Contemporary:


Kept for Her by Joy L. Melville — Two people clinging to secrets and plans, unaware how God will use both to further His plans. (General Contemporary, Independently Published)


General Historical:


River of Life by Carol Ashby — When a young Roman and his Greek best friend travel up the Nile in pursuit of their dream career, a Christian Egyptian woman rescues them from certain death, and their time with her opens their eyes to more than they ever imagined. (General Historical from Cerrillo Press)


Even If We Cry by Terrie Todd — Nina’s one task is to keep her family together while a world war threatens to rip them apart. (General Historical from Mountain Brook Ink)


Historical Romance:


Love in Store by Penny Zeller McKenna Chapman would prefer to be anywhere but the backwards and uncivilized town of Hollow Creek, Montana. Life has not been easy as of late, and this latest turn of events doesn’t help matters. She especially could do without the obnoxious, but handsome, Sheriff Beringer. For what type of lawman insists on traipsing into the boutique in search of criminals? Does he not know the first thing about proper etiquette? When Clayton Beringer was elected sheriff of Hollow Creek, he knew he might have to capture dangerous criminals on the lam, but he never figured he would have to contend with an uppity, and unfortunately, beautiful, clerk at the boutique. While unexpected circumstances draw McKenna and Clayton together and force them to realize their growing attraction toward each other, a true crime is being committed in Hollow Creek. Will they come to terms with the fact that they love each other—and catch an outlaw in the process? (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)


Once Upon a Christmas by Penny Zeller — It’s Christmastime in Poplar Springs, Wyoming. Will Sheriff Ambrose Miller Eliason have the courage to ask the girl he’s always loved to court him? Take a break from the hustle and bustle and settle into this short heartwarming story. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:


Tracking the Missing by Sami A. Abrams — A search for three abducted teens…and a K-9 on the case. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])


Corralling the Cowboy by Elle E. Kay — A widow placed into WITSEC gets to know a famous author while he masquerades as a cowboy to research his latest novel, but her past catches up with her endangering her newfound love. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Writes Publishing)


Ambush on the Ranch by Tina Wheeler — A cowboy deputy sheriff must safeguard an amnesia victim and her twin sister from an art thief who is murdering witnesses. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])

Young Adult:


The Mysterium by Jerry Schultz — Arthur Gilchrist travels to a prestigious island school, only to discover that students are being trained to suppress an ancient order whose beliefs and powers he shares. (Young Adult, Independently Published)

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Lewis: The Beloved by Lauren H. Brandenburg — Lewisia Anna has returned to the Amharclann with a new chapter in her Story—a chapter she doesn’t want the citizens to hear. As Lewis tries to figure out how to delay the writing of her Story, she realizes a lot happened in the Amharclann while she was in the Mines. (Middle Grade Chapter Book)

A Civil Murder by Joan Hetzler — Derek and Megan, a married couple with a knack for solving mysteries are on the case again. An elderly law school professor and his wife go missing, unintentionally leaving their little Snickerdoodle dog with Megan and Derek. (Cozy Mystery)

Cornered by Lynn H. Blackburn, Lynette Eason, and Natalie Walters — Prepare for three times the thrills with these nail-biting page-turners from your favorite romantic suspense authors! (Romantic Suspense)

Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport — On the run from a relentless enemy, a mercenary must protect a life-saving narcotic coveted by a spy. (Military Suspense)

Who Touches that Mountains by Deborah Raney — How can you ever be sure if the one you’re falling in love with is the right one—the one God intends for you? (Contemporary Romance)

Powhatan’s Power by Ora Smith — From a friend helping Pocahontas establish peace to an indentured and orphaned nobody, Thomas Savage yearns to make his own way in the world. (General Historical)

Fragments by J.A. Webb — A thrilling Christian epic fantasy adventure- “They’d do anything to seek the truth . . . the Order will do anything to stop them.” (Speculative Fantasy)

An Amish Thanksgiving by Beth Wiseman — As two romances blossom, Catherine finds hope in her circumstances, and an opportunity to have the Thanksgiving she’s always wanted. (General Contemporary)

The Choice by DL Wood — When Sadie Miles receives a mysterious letter, she’s drawn into a high-stakes journey aboard a luxury yacht, where fortune and deadly secrets await—and she must survive the treacherous waters and dangerous company to uncover the truth about her past. (Psychological Suspense)

Episode 43: Thanksgiving in Old New England

Show Notes:

Murder on a High Note is available for preorder. It’s scheduled for release in e-book and paperback in January 2025.

Here’s a link to the complete text of “How We Kept Thanksgiving in Oldtown” by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

I’d never heard of Marlborough Pudding Pie before, so I looked it up. Here’s a recipe if you’d like to try it. Sounds . . . interesting!

I was also unfamiliar with the hymn the family sang. I looked up the tune of “St. Martin’s” and it’s still unfamiliar to me, but might ring a bell for you. Listen here.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. Sparklers. And to all my readers and listeners, no matter where you live, I’m very thankful for you all!

Episode 40: A Night at the Opera

Jennifer discusses her latest novel, LOVE’S GRAND SWEET SONG, set in the world of grand opera in Chicago during World War I. 


SCROLL DOWN TO READ A TRANSCRIPT

Links:

Love’s Grand Sweet Song e-book

Love’s Grand Sweet Song softcover

Love’s Grand Sweet Song audio

JENNIFER’S FAVORITE ARIAS:

“Un Bel Di” from Madama Butterfly (Puccini)

“Habanera” from Carmen (Bizet)

“Song to the Moon” from Rusalka (Dvorak)

Thank you for all your kind messages and prayers concerning my Amazing Eye Adventure (if you’re new here, I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma last fall, a rare form of cancer. My right eye was removed in November and I received a prosthetic eye in January. I’m adjusting well to mono-vision. I can pretty much do everything I did before, including driving, and of course, reading, writing, and editing. Pouring liquids can be a challenge. So can fitting keys into locks and plugs into sockets. And don’t get me started on stairs! Walking up is fine; walking down looks like a toboggan run. Even so, my depth perception is getting better all the time. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

I love my new prosthetic eye, which I’ve nicknamed “Iris”! Check out these photos to see the progression:

Transcript:

Welcome to A Sparkling Vintage Life, where we talk about all things vintage and celebrate the grace and charm of an earlier era. I’m your host, Jennifer Leo, and it’s March 18, 2024 as I record this. And we’re at episode number 40.

In writing and publishing news, I’ve just released Love’s Grand Sweet Song, which is now available in ebook and softcover formats on Amazon, and also on selected retailers as an audiobook. I’ll put links in the shownotes at jenniferlamontleo.com.

Love’s Grand Sweet Song is set in the world of grand opera in Chicago in and around World War I. It’s the third in the Windy City Hearts series, but is really a standalone book, meaning you don’t have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. The Windy City Hearts series is loosely connected by the Chicago setting, the early 20th century time period, and each book features a strong female protagonist overcoming hardship through the help of faith, friends, and family. This means that you can read the books in any order, as the stories themselves aren’t connected. So you can start with Love’s Grand Sweet Song, or with Moondrop Miracle, or with The Rose Keeper. If you enjoy them, and I hope you will, I’d appreciate it if you’d leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads or wherever you get your books. Reviews are pure gold to authors in terms of getting our little books noticed in the ocean of books available. So thanks in advance for leaving a review.

As I mentioned, Love’s Grand Sweet Song is set in the world of grand opera in the nineteen-teens. The main character, Francie, is a waitress in a small Midwestern college town. Born into poverty, she doesn’t have much going for her  except for a glorious singing voice. And from that brief description you can probably guess the trajectory of where the story’s going. I promise you, it’s a tale of dreams come true and dreams crushed, of romance and heartbreak, of serious missteps and second chances. Above all, it’s a story of faith, and what it means to be a Christian trying to make a living in the demanding world of the arts, specifically opera.

I’ll admit, I get a fair amount of eye-rolling and nose-wrinkling when I tell people what the story’s about. Some people ask, “Why opera?” Well, for one thing, I happen to like opera! Some of it, anyway. Some of the beautiful arias, especially. My parents loved opera, so I grew up listening to it on records or on the radio (shout out to WFMT in Chicago). On many a lazy Saturday morning, I woke up to a blast of opera from the stereo if my father thought I’d slept in long enough. For my birthday one year–I couldn’t have been more than 8 or 9 years old–I asked for and received a recording of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado. I played it over and over and pretended to be the character Yum-Yum. If you don’t know it, look it up. And don’t judge.

Another reason I set the story around opera is that, in the time period of the book, opera was in the public eye much more than it is today. In those pre-Hollywood, pre-television days, some opera stars were like the Kardashians of their day, up to all sorts of hijinks and drama offstage as well as on. So it was fun to write about that world and some of its larger-than-life personalities.

There’s a lot more to the story in Love’s Grand Sweet Song, including threads tied more directly to the Great War. But today I wanted specifically to talk to you about the opera part, in case you’re one of the nose-wrinklers. I want to encourage you to give opera a chance–not only in my book, but in real life.

The word “opera” is the Italian word for “work,” like a work of art. It’s simply an art form that tells a story through music and singing. Opera was born in the 1600s in Europe–Venice, to be exact–and so a lot of it is in the languages of continental Europe. Italian, French, and German, Czech, and others. There is not one single opera style–there are many styles, some light, some heavy, some romantic, some comedic, some tragic. You might love Puccini, for example, as I do, and dislike Wagner, as I do . . . or vice versa.

If you’re ready to give opera a try, I suggest starting by listening to an aria or two, rather than an entire opera start-to-finish. An aria is a song written for one singer or perhaps a duet. You can readily find some examples on YouTube by searching for “aria”. I’ll link to some of my favorites in the show notes at jenniferlamontleo.com/podcast, episode 40.

Read a summary of the story, so you can understand the gist of what’s going on. Then, as you listen, follow along with an English translation of the song, easily found on Google by typing the name of the aria and “English translation.” When you hit on an opera or composer you like, see if you can find the whole opera on video.

When you’re ready to attend your first live opera, you may be surprised that it’s a much less intimidating experience than its sometimes portrayed in movies and on TV. For example, many opera companies nowadays project English subtitles, so you always understand what’s being sung. You can also read a plot synopsis ahead of time, if you want to (and doing mind potential spoilers). And the rules are no more strict than they are for any live performance: sit quietly, pay attention, don’t play on your phone, and don’t talk to your neighbor or, heaven help you, try to sing along.

For fun, I looked up the “rules” for going to the opera in an etiquette book published in Boston in 1860. The book is “Ladies’ Book on Etiquette” by Florence Hartley.

“At the opera you should wear full dress, an opera cloak, and either a head-dress, or dressy bonnet of some thin material. Your gloves must be of kid, white, or some very light tint to suit your dress. Many dress for the opera as they would for the theatre; but the beauty of the house is much enhanced by each lady contributing her full dress toilette to the general effect.

If you go to the dressing-room, leave your hood and shawl in the care of the woman in waiting, whom you must fee when she returns them to you.

If you do not wish to go to the dressing-room, allow your escort to take off your shawl or cloak, and throw it over the back of the seat. As your opera cloak must be light enough to keep on all the evening, though you may throw it open, you must wear over it a heavier cloak or a shawl. Throw this off in the lobby, just before you enter your box. Your gloves you must keep on all the evening.

Avoid handling the play bills, as the printing ink will soil your gloves in a few minutes, making your hands appear very badly for the rest of the evening.

You should be in your seat at the opera before the overture commences.

[175]Never converse during the performance. Even the lowest toned remark will disturb a real lover of music, and these will be near you on all sides. Exclamations of admiration, “Exquisite!” “Beautiful!” or “Lovely!” are in the worst taste. Show your appreciation by quiet attention to every note, and avoid every exclamation or gesture.

In our new opera houses there are rooms for promenade, and between the acts your escort may invite you to walk there. You may accept the invitation with perfect propriety. He will leave the box first and then offer his hand to you. In the lobby take his arm, and keep it until you return to the box. If you have taken your cloak or shawl to your seat, leave them there during your promenade. Return to your seat when the gong sounds the recall, that you may not disturb others after the next act commences.

In walking up and down in the promenading saloon, you may pass and repass friends. Bow the first time you meet them, but not again.

If you meet your gentlemen friends there, bow, but do not stop to speak. They may join you for once round the room, then allow them to leave you. Your escort will feel justly offended if you allow any other gentlemen to engross your attention entirely when he has invited you to the entertainment.”

Sheesh! No wonder people think the opera is stuffy! Times have changed.

These days, although many people dress up for opening night, for most performances you can wear whatever you like. And you certainly don’t need to cling like a barnacle to the arm of your escort. In fact, you don’t even need an escort, unless you want one.

If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey . . .

. . . you won’t want to miss this sweepstakes that includes a fabulous collection of Downton Abbey-themed swag, as well as an assortment of e-book novels that have that certain “Downton vibe,” whether time period or setting or other characteristics shared with the show you love. (My own LOVE’S GRAND SWEET SONG is included, a heartwarming, inspirational story set in the world of grand opera during the Downton Abbey time period.)

Buona fortuna!

https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/downton-abbey/