January 2024 MBR The Romantic Fiction Shelf

The Romantic Fiction Shelf

The Gardens of Byzantium
J. F. Hughes
JFH Books
9798218219819, $10.99, PB, 190pp

https://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Byzantium-J-F-Hughes/dp/B0CL36CXTM

Synopsis: The year is 622 A.D., and the Persian and Byzantine empires have been fighting a war in the deserts since before Asana was born.

Asana's life has been one of turmoil and change. Every year found her uprooted and brought to another foreign land to live an austere life in a garrison with her father, an officer in the Persian Army. But the middle of a war is no place for such a gentle soul.

Before long, she is swept away from her family and forced to flee on the back of her beloved horse. Fate leads her into the hands of a handsome and mysterious Roman soldier who sequesters her in a beautiful palace in the heart of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine empire.

She begins to fall for him, and at last it seems as though she may have found an oasis of happiness in her war-torn world. That is, until news of a Persian army marching toward the city upends her life again, setting in motion an unstoppable chain of events that bring the story to its breathtaking and tragic conclusion.

Critique: A deftly crafted and riveting read from start to finish, (and all the more impressive when considering that it is the author's debut as a novelist), "The Gardens of Byzantium" by J. F. Hughes is historical romance fiction at its very best. While an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Historical Romance collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Gardens of Byzantium" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.69).

Editorial Note: Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, J.F. Hughes graduated college with a degree in Business. He is the father of five children, raising them with his wife. He works full-time as a property manager, and moonlights as a music teacher. He has been a lecturer at colleges, a freelance musician, a landscaper, and founder of a real estate business among many other things. Creative at heart, Hughes has been actively pursuing his passion for writing (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2885898.J_F_Hughes).

Just Once
Karen Kingsbury
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
9781982104443, $27.99, HC, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Once-Novel-Karen-Kingsbury/dp/1982104449

Synopsis: In 1941, beautiful Irvel Holland is too focused on her secret to take much notice of the war raging overseas. She's dating Sam but in love with his younger brother, Hank (who is her longtime best friend) and Irvel has no idea how to break the news.

Then the unthinkable happens -- Pearl Harbor is attacked. With their lives turned upside down overnight, Sam is drafted and convinces Hank to remain in Indiana, where he and Irvel take up the battle on the home front.

While Sam fights in Europe, an undeniable chemistry builds between Irvel and Hank but neither would dare cross that line. Then, two military leaders pay Irvel a visit at the classroom where she teaches. The men have plans for her, a proposition to join a new spy network. One catch: She can tell no one.

With Irvel caught between two brothers thousands of miles apart, can love find a way, even from the ashes of the greatest heartbreak?

Critique: An exceptionally entertaining and deftly crafted novel from start to finish, "Just One' by Karen Kingsbury will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Christian Romance Fiction set against the background of World War II. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for community library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of the growing legions of Karen Kingsbury fans that "Just One" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781982104450, $17.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99), and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Simon & Schuster Audio, 9781797134840, $34.99, CD).

Editorial Note: Karen Kingsbury,(https://www.karenkingsbury.com) is an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University who has more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books were developed into a TV series.

Brighter Dawn
Leslie Gould
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764241352, $29.99, HC, 421pp

https://www.amazon.com/Brighter-Dawn-Amish-Memories/dp/0764241354

Synopsis: Ivy Zimmerman is successfully navigating her life as a young Mennonite woman, one generation removed from her parents' Old Order Amish upbringing. But when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, Ivy's way of life is upended. As she deals with her grief, her sisters' needs, and her Dawdi and Mammi's strict rules, Ivy finds solace in both an upcoming trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering and in her great-aunt's story about Ivy's great-grandmother's visit to Germany in the late 1930s.

As Ivy grows suspicious that her parents' deaths weren't, in fact, an accident, she gains courage from what she learns of her great-grandmother's time in World War II Germany. With her great-aunt's encouragement and the inspiration of her great-grandmother, Ivy seeks justice for her parents, her sisters, and herself.

Critique: From the talented pen of novelist Leslie Gould comes "A Brighter Dawn", a powerful, deftly scripted, and evocative dual-time story partly set during World War II. Exceptional, fascinating, entertaining, "A Brighter Dawn" will prove a welcome addition to community library Amish/Mennonite Romance collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists of Christian Romance fans that "A Brighter Dawn" is also available in a paperback edition (9780764240249, $17.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.44), and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Recorded Books, 9798212412421, $123.75, CD).

Editorial Note: Leslie Gould (www.lesliegould.com) is a Christy Award-winning and a bestselling author of over 35 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing and enjoys church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.

Julia Monroe Begins Again
Rebekah Millet
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764242182, $22.99, HC, 384pp

https://www.amazon.com/Julia-Monroe-Begins-Again-Beignets/dp/0764240951

Synopsis: Julia Monroe has just turned forty and has high hopes for a fresh start after the last decade of her life abruptly left her a young widow and a single mom. With both her boys off to college, she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business. Julia is ready for new beginnings -- but it seems that God has other plans.

Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who shattered her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to avoid him if she wants any chance of preventing history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend keeps throwing them together. And now it seems inevitable that the man who was hard to forget might just be impossible to resist.

Critique: A fun and original romance story from start to finish, "Julia Monroe Begins Again" by novelist Rebekah Millet will be of particular value and interest to fans of Contemporary Christian Romance Fiction and is unreservedly for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Julia Monroe Begins Again" is also available in a paperback edition (9780764240959, $17.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).

Editorial Note: Rebekah Millet (www.rebekahmillet.com) is a Cascade Award and ACFW First Impressions Award-winning author of contemporary Christian romance novels. A New Orleans native, she grew up on beignets and cafe au lait, and she loves infusing her colorful culture into her stories.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise
Anne Blackburne
Barbour Publishing
www.barbourbooks.com
Oasis Audio
www.oasisaudio.com
9781636096896, $14.99, PB, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Ruths-Ginger-Surprise-Heart-Amish/dp/1636096891

Synopsis: Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!

Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi's, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself - and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will "make better use of the space"?

Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth's big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!

Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them? Or will Ruth's fear over her "big secret" and Jonas's caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?

Luckily for both of them, God's plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

Critique: An absolute 'must' for fans of Amish romance novels, "Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise" by Anne Blackburne is part of Barbour Publishing's the 'Heart of the Amish' series. Fully original and inherently riveting read from start to finish, "Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise" is impressively and memorably entertaining, making it especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49). Librarians should note that there is a large print library binding edition of "Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise" (Thorndike Press, 9798885795241, $31.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Oasis Audio, 9781685924836, $32.36, CD).

Editorial Note #1: Anne Blackburne (https://www.anneblackburne.com) lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. For fun, when she isn't working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays.

Editorial Note #2: The Heart of the Amish series from Barbour Publishing also includes:
The Flower Quilter by Mindy Steele; The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker; Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele; and Mary's Calico Hope by Anne Blackburne.

Second Duke's the Charm
Kate Bateman
St. Martin's Paperback
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
9781250907363, $8.99, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Dukes-Charm-Kate-Bateman/dp/1250907365

Synopsis: The wedding-night death of her much older husband left Tess Townsend the Dowager Duchess of Wansford -- and still a virgin. Now she and her two best friends investigate London's most scandalous crimes, and while Tess longs to experience physical pleasure for herself, she can't risk losing her treasured independence...

Cynical shipping magnate Justin Thornton never expected to inherit a dukedom, but he'll do his duty. When the ravishing woman he kissed at a party turns out to be the Dowager Duchess, Justin sees an obvious solution: a marriage of convenience that will suit them both.

But the passion that sparks between them is anything but convenient. As Tess works on a new case at the request of Queen Charlotte, her increasingly suspicious behavior makes Justin question her motives -- and her past. The infuriating woman clearly can't be trusted, but Justin doesn't believe in love, so there's absolutely no danger of him falling for his own wife...is there?

Critique: A master of the Regency Romance genre, "Second Duke's the Charm" by author Kate Bateman is unusual story of three brilliant women who run King & Co., London's most exclusive investigative agency. A fun read from start to finish, "Second Duke's the Charm" is unreservedly recommended for community library Historical Romance collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated Reg4ency Romance fans that "Second Duke's the Charm" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Kate Bateman, (also writing as K. C. Bateman), is a bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA(R) nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil To Pay, the Bow Street Bachelors series (This Earl of Mine, To Catch an Earl, and The Princess and the Rogue), along with the novels in the Secrets & Spies series (To Steal a Heart, A Raven's Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart). When not writing novels that feature feisty, intelligent heroines and sexy, snarky heroes you want to both strangle and kiss, Kate works as a fine art appraiser and on-screen antiques expert for several popular TV shows in the UK. She splits her time between Illinois and her native England. (https://www.kcbateman.com)

The Stage Kiss
Amelia Jones
Alcove Press
www.alcovepress.com
9781639105847, $19.99, PB, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Kiss-Novel-Amelia-Jones/dp/1639105840

Synopsis: Actress Eden Blake's biggest claim to fame is a mortifying pharmaceutical commercial for male enhancement pills. That is, until the female lead on the nationwide tour of Broadway's hit Pride & Prejudice musical abruptly quits, and Eden is called up to fill the role.

The cast of Liz and Darcy: The Musical has just settled into a three-week run in Washington, DC, and Broadway royalty Brennon Thorne is set to play Darcy. Despite Brennon's reputation as being "a dream to work with", Eden's first impression of him is more like a nightmare. Now, she'll have to kiss the pompous jerk eight shows per week.

Brennon can't disguise his disdain for understudies like Eden. But New York is filled with reminders of his most recent failed relationship, and this American tour is a much-needed distraction from his loneliness. As Eden and Brennon take the stage playing Jane Austen's most memorable characters, their reality begins to mirror Elizabeth and Darcy's explosive chemistry and all. Together, they power through press performances and curtain calls, even as rumors of Brennon's checkered romantic past resurface and prove to Eden that he can't be trusted.

But with each choreographed stage kiss, Eden and Brennon's passion for the stage (and each other) ignites. Maybe, just maybe, not all rumors are to be believed -- and not all showmances are doomed to fail.

Critique: A cleverly crafted and fun read from start to finish, "The Stage Kiss" by Amelia Jones is rom-com storytelling at its very best. Certain to be a popular pick for community library Contemporary Romantic Comedy Fiction collections, it should also be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated romance fans that "The Stage Kiss" is easily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) as well.

Editorial Note: Amelia Jones (https://akjoneswritesromance.com) is a die-hard fan of happily ever afters, striking heroes, complex leading ladies, and heart-stopping swoons. The first romance she ever read was Austen's Pride and Prejudice for high school English, and she's never been the same. Her hobbies include reading spicy romance, bingeing reality television, obsessive cross-stitching when necessary, and cooking meals while dancing to Taylor Swift.

Against the Wind
Amanda Cabot
Fleming H. Revell Company
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.revellbooks.com
9780800745035, $29.99, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Against-Wind-Secrets-Sweetwater-Crossing/dp/0800745035

Synopsis: Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory -- ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

Critique: Simply stated, "Against the Wind" by novelist Amanda Cabot is historical Christian romance at its very best. Original, fascinating, replete with interesting characters and reader surprising plot twists, "Against the Wind" is a fun and deftly crafted read from start to finish. While a highly recommended pick for personal and community library Historical Romance collections, it should be noted that "Against the Wind" is also available in a paperback edition (9780800740658, $15.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).

Editorial Note: Amanda Cabot (www.AmandaCabot.com) is the author of After the Shadows, as well as several historical and contemporary romance series, including Mesquite Springs, Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers' Best.

Second Chances in New Port Stephen
TJ Alexander
Atria/Emily Bestler Books
c/o Simon and Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781668021965, $17.99, PB, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Chances-New-Port-Stephen/dp/166802196X

Synopsis: Eli Ward hasn't been back to his suffocating hometown of New Port Stephen, Florida, in ages. Post-transition and sober, he's a completely different person from the one who left years ago. But when a scandal threatens his career as a TV writer and comedian, he has no choice but to return home for the holidays. He can only hope he'll survive his boisterous, loving, but often misguided family and hide the fact that his dream of comedy success has become a nightmare.

Just when he thinks this trip couldn't get any worse, Eli bumps into his high school ex, Nick Wu, who's somehow hotter than ever. Divorced and in his forties, Nick's world revolves around his father, his daughter, and his job. But even a busy life can't keep him from being intrigued by the reappearance of Eli.

Against the backdrop of one weird Floridian Christmas, the two must decide whether to leave the past in the past... or move on together.

Critique: A deftly crafted and original novel that will be of special interest to fans of LGBTQ romance novels, "Second Chances in New Port Stephen" by TJ Alexander is a fun read from start to finish. While highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Second Chances in New Port Stephen" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781797169514, $39.99, CD).

Editorial Note: TJ Alexander is an amateur baker and author who writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, he received their MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston.

Marshaling Her Heart
Mary Connealy
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764242205, $29.99, HC, 304pp

https://www.amazon.com/Marshaling-Her-Heart-Wyoming-Sunrise/dp/0764242202

Synopsis: Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that's happening on her successful ranch, so an unexpected admission from her foreman, Nate Paxton, comes as quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate (a former U.S. Marshal) believes Becky's ranch is the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base to hunt them down.

The timing couldn't be more crucial for the town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels obligated to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she's never liked giving up control, of her life or her ranch. If there's anyone she can trust with her ranch, and her heart, it might be Nate. But the outlaws won't go away quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.

Critique: A fun and deftly crafted read from cover to cover, "Marshaling Her Heart" by novelist Mary Connealy will prove an immediately welcome and enduringly popular pick for community library Western Frontier Romance collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Marshaling Her Heart" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Mary Connealy (www.MaryConnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise, The Lumber Baron's Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Silver Lady
Mary Jo Putney
Kensington
c/o Kensington Publishing Corp.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
9781496739216, $27.95, HC, 257pp

https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Lady-Mary-Jo-Putney/dp/1496746635

Synopsis: A sense of duty sends Bran Tremayne to Cornwall to confront his heritage of British nobility. Abandoned at birth, Bran wants nothing to do with the embittered remains of his family. But as a special agent for the Home Office, he senses trouble brewing along the coast.

He also cannot turn away from the vulnerable woman he encounters in the Cornish countryside. Merryn's amnesia makes her past a mystery to them both, but with her life in danger, the only thing Bran knows for sure is that the beautiful stranger needs his protection -- but would they share a future?

Leaning into Bran is difficult enough, but can Merryn trust the strong bond (and the powerful passion) she feels for her rugged rescuer? She has no choice once Bran uncovers that she is at the center of a plot between French agents and Cornish smugglers. From misty woodlands to stormy shores, the two join forces with a band of loyal Cornishmen to bring down a common enemy. Yet will their growing love survive the coming peril?

Critique: A brilliant combination of Regency Romance and historical action adventure, "Silver Lady" by Mary Jo Putney is a carefully crafted, original, and inherently entertaining novel from first page to last. With its many an unexpected plot twist, deftly created characters, and the author's narrative driven storytelling style, "Silver Lady" will be an immediately and enduringly popular addition to community library Regency Romance collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of enthusiastic romance fans that "Silver Lady" is also now available in a paperback edition (9781496746634, $16.95) and in digital book format (Kindle, $8.91).

Editorial Note: Mary Jo Putney (https://maryjoputney.com) is a novelist known for her historical and contemporary romance, fantasy, and young adult fantasy novels. Winner of numerous writing awards, including two RITAs and two Romantic Times Career Achievement awards, she has five times had books listed among the Library Journal's top five romances of the year, and three times had books among the top ten romances of Booklist, the magazine of the American Library Association.

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