1. A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer — An Historical from Bethany House. Can she turn her second-best chance into a golden opportunity?

2. A Love of Her Own; Heart of the West series by Maggie Brendan — A Romance from Revell. April McBride has everything her heart desires . . .except the one thing money can’t buy.

3. A Matter of Character; The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, #3 by Robin Lee Hatcher — A Romance from Zondervan. In 1918, writing dime novels simply isn’t done by an heiress, so when Joshua looks for the author who’s sullied his grandfather’s name, he never suspects Daphne’s the guilty party.

4. A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer — An Historical from Bethany House. Sparks fly when a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity.

5. Almost Forever; Book 1, Hanover Falls Novels series by Deborah Raney — Women’s Fiction from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. Survivors of five fallen firefighters band together to try to make sense of the tragedy that took their loved ones.

6. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun; Women of the West series, Book 2 by Kathleen Y’Barbo — A Romance from Waterbrook. When an aspiring reporter and a Pinkerton detective get tangled in Doc Holliday’s story ˜and each other˜sparks can’t help but fly.

7. Chasing Lilacs by Carla Stewart — Women’s Fiction from FaithWords/Hachette. A coming-of-age story set in Texas in the 1950s as a young girl struggles with her own identity in light of her mother’s mental illness.

8. End Game; Big Sky Secrets, book #3 by Roxanne Rustand — A Romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Big Sky Secrets–a five-book Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense series set in the Rockies of Montana.

9. Her Abundant Joy by Lyn Cote — An Historical from Avon Inspired. Can a beautiful young widow find peace in the arms of a Texas Ranger?

10. Maid of Murder; India Hayes Mysteries, Book One by Amanda Flower — A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Five Star Mystery. College librarian and reluctant bridesmaid, India Hayes, sets out to prove her brother’s innocence when the bride is murdered.

11. Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist — An Historical from Bethany House. Two servants at Biltmore House at the turn of the century find that God can take your life in a very different direction than you had planned.

12. Manor of the Ghost by Tina Pinson — Women’s Fiction from Desert Breeze. Kaitlin didn’t believe in Ghosts, until she saw them in Devlin’s eyes and heard them in the deafening silence of her son, Derrick.

13. My Son, John by Kathi Macias — Women’s Fiction from Sheaf House. Can God bring healing to a family torn apart by a brutal crime?.

14. Ruby Red; Ruby Red and The Colors of Home Series by Robin Shope — A Multicultural from Sparklesoup. Eleven-year-old Ruby Red sneaks on board the Orphan Train, meant only for white children, with her pet cockroach in her pocket.

15. Sabotage by Kit Wilkinson — A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Steeple Hill. Equine veterinary student Derrick Randall tries to help Olympic hopeful Emilie Gill find faith and a way to her Olympic dreams.

16. Shades of Morning by Marlo Schalesky — A Romance from Waterbrook. When Marnie becomes the guardian of her Down syndrome nephew, will she run again?

17. Steadfast Soldier; Wings of Refuge #7 by Cheryl Wyatt — A Romance from Steeple Hill. These soldiers of the skies are fearless, faithful…and falling in love.

18. The Heart’s Song by Winnie Griggs — A Romance from Love Inspired. Two lonely people work together to help others and ultimately find love.

19. The Homecoming; Sequel to The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh — An Historical from Revell. Shawn Collins returns home from the dangers of WW2 to face the loss of his first love, but discovers God has set in motion a plan to heal his broken heart.

Happy reading~

1. A Quiet Place, A Tabor Heights Novel by Michelle Levigne. A Romance from Desert Breeze. Tabor Heights–A friendly little town on Ohio’s North Coast, where the members of one church help each other in their journeys of faith, learning, and love.

2. Betsey’s Return, Book 2 in the Brides of Lehigh Canal series by Wanda E. Brunstetter. An Historical from Barbour. After being left once at the altar, Pastor William vowed to serve the Lord alone. But that was before Betsy’s Return.

3. Black Hills Blessing, A 3-in-1 Collection by Mary Connealy. Three Contemporary Romances from from Barbour. Buffalo owner butts heads with an ornery cattleman; a lady rancher has a cantankerous neighbor; A doormat wife stands up to her tyrant husband. Who will survive when worlds collide?

4. Clara and the Cowboy by Erica Vetsch. A Romance from Heartsong Presents. Alec takes on robbers, rustlers, and kidnappers, but his greatest challenge will be taking on Clara, his boss’s daughter.

5. Finding Jeena, Book 2, Homecoming Series by Miralee Ferrell. — Women’s Fiction from Kregel. Shaken to the core at the threat of losing everything, Jeena is confronted with her prejudices and with a God she had long forgotten.

6. In Harm’s Way, Heroes of Quantico, Book 3 by Irene Hannon. A Romance from Revell. An abducted infant, a tattered Raggedy Ann doll, a terrified woman and a skeptical FBI agent come together in what Publishers Weekly calls “an ever-climactic mystery.”

7. It Had to Be You, the third and final novel in the “Weddings by Bella” series by Janice Thompson. General Fiction from Barbour. Bella couldn’t be happier that her long-feuding Aunt Rosa and Uncle Lazarro have finally admitted their love for one another and are getting married. Their forties-style wedding is sure to be a night to remember.

8. Kate’s Philadelphia Frenzy, Camp Club Girls Series, Book 5 by Janice Hanna. General Fiction from Barbour. The Camp Club Girls series introduces young readers to six friends who meet at church camp and solve mysteries together.

9. Legendary Space Pilgrims by Grace Bridges. A Sci-fi/Fantasy/Futuristic from Splashdown. If Pilgrim’s Progress were a space opera, it might look something like this: two young seekers on a journey of discovery, searching for freedom and a planet to call home.

10. Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley. An Historical Romance from Summerside Press. Heroine in peril becomes a mail-order bride. . .gone awry

11. Love is Monumental, Book 2, A Walk in the Park by Annalisa Daughety. A Contemporary Romance from Barbour. Finding love has become a feat of monumental proportions for a shy park ranger.

12. Morning for Dove, Book 2, Winds Across the Prairie by Martha Rogers. An Historical from Realms, a Division of Strang Communications. Luke and Dove struggle against prejudice and a deadly natural disaster for their love.

13. No Other, Protecting the Witnesses LIS continuity series–book #3 by Shawna K. Williams. An Historical from Desert Breeze. Jakob Wilheimer longs for healing after his family’s internment during WWII, but will freeing Meri from the captivity of her upbringing heal them both, or tear them apart?

14. Nowhere Carolina, Book 2, Southern Discomfort Series by Tamara Leigh. A Romance from Waterbrook. When Maggie Pickwick’s teen-aged daughter decides it’s time she knew the identity of her father, Maggie’s carefully balanced world begins to teeter.

15. Seeds of Summer, Book 2, Seasons of the Tall Grass by Deborah Vogts. A Romance from Zondervan. When a former Miss Rodeo Kansas queen returns home after her father’s death to care for the family ranch and her two younger siblings, what follows is a summer full of change, life-lessons and an unexpected romance with the new minister in Diamond Falls.

16. So Over My Head, Book 3, Charmed Life Series by Jenny B. Jones. General Fiction from Thomas Nelson. Newly single, stalked by a killer, and in desperate need of some chic clown shoes,˜ Bella is one mocha frapp away from a total meltdown.

17. The Heiress, New Jersey Historical Series Book 2 by Laurie Alice Eakes. An Historical from Barbour. Desperate for money, Daire Grassick sells a family heirloom to a lady he doesn’t know, only to discover it holds a secret formula for glass without which his family will be ruined.

18. The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler. A Romance from Abingdon. When they must combine efforts for the most important event in Ted’s church’s history, can modern Mennonite Miranda Klassen and Old Order Mennointe Ted Wiebe find peace somewhere in the middle?

19. The Wedding Garden, Book 3, Redemption River by Linda Goodnight. A Romance from Love Inspired. Join RITA and ACFW Award-winning author, Linda Goodnight, in “Redemption River”, where healing flows.

20. The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel. Women’s Fiction from Zondervan. Kim has found a way to suffer for her sins and ease her guilt–but is her relief more important than her innocent daughter’s safety?

21. They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti. Women’s Fiction from Abingdon. He was supposed to go fishing, not missing.

22. To Be a Mother by Ruth Axtell Morren and Cheryl St. John. Romance from Steeple Hill. Two heartwarming stories of non-traditional families becoming families in a very traditional sense.

23. White Roses by Shannon Taylor VanAtter. A Romance from Heartsong Presents. Can a heart-broken florist and a widowed pastor reclaim romance after their lives collide among the thorns?

24. Wildflower Bride, Book 2, Montana Marriages by Mary Connealy. A Romance from Barbour. Glowing Sun, a white woman raised by the Flathead tribe, has never met a man she didn’t want to pull a knife on, including the man determined to marry her.

Happy reading~

1. A Promise Forged, Heartsong Presents Historical Ohio Series by Cara C. Putman An historical from Heartsong Presents. A player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League finds challenges and love as she travels with her team.

2. Abbie Ann, Daughters of Jacob Kane Book 3 by Sharlene MacLaren An historical romance from Whitaker House. Abbie Ann, president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in 1907, butts heads with a handsome divorcee, blindsided when she realizes her utter attraction to him.

3. Blood Ransom Mission Hope Series Book 1 by Lisa Harris A suspense/mystery/thriller from from Zondervan. A thriller about the modern-day slave trade and those who dare to challenge it.

4. Calculated Revenge by Jill Elizabeth Nelson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill. When a teacher finds on the playground a backpack belonging to her long-ago abducted sister, she turns to the principal, an ex-private detective, to stop a child-killer from targeting her daughter.

5. Chesapeake Weddings by Cecelia Dowdy A romance from Barbour. Life sends three African American women into a tailspin. Can these women let God rebuild their tattered hopes when new romances unexpectedly enter their lives?

6. Code Blue by Richard L. Mabry M.D. A suspense/mystery/thriller from Abingdon. A doctor finds that returning to her home town has put her in the midst of conflict and possibly marked her for death

7. Crossroads Bay by Kathleen Kovach A romance from Heartsong Presents. A beautiful charter boat captain searches for lost treasure while her real prize is the caterer trying to keep up with her.

8. Damages by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Desert Breeze. A story of second chances, found in an unexpected place.

9. In Plain Sight by Michelle Sutton A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Abused by her gypsy ex-boyfriend and left for dead, Jovana moves to America seeking a new life; two handsome men desire her heart, but she must choose the right one or end up in a situation much worse than before.

10. Lorenzo and the Pirate by Rick and Lila Guzman An historical from Blooming Tree Press. Will Lorenzo Bannister, marooned on a deserted island with two pirates, ever get home to New Orleans?

11. Love Lessons by Margaret Daley A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Alexa Michaels brings a breath of fresh air into Ian Ferguson’s and his daughter’s life, but is it enough to make Ian trust in love again?

12. Lucky Baby by Meredith Efken Women’s fiction from Howard Books/Simon & Schuster. Will adopting an orphan from China bring Meg and Lewis the happiness they long for?

13. Mountain Peril by Sandra Robbins A suspense/mystery/thriller from Steeple Hill, Love Inspired Suspense. A woman discovers violence has once again entered her life when a grisly website sets the stage for murder and terror on a peaceful college campus.

14. Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd A suspense/mystery/thriller from Desert Breeze. Daphne Dean never knew that serving her country as a spy during WWII would send her into hiding in an abandoned mental institution with secrets of its own.

15. Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson A suspense/mystery/thriller from Kregel. As Camden Bristow works to uncover the past and present mysteries harbored on Crescent Hill, she discovers a deep family secret hidden within the mansion’s walls that could change her life˜and the entire town˜forever.

16. Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St.Amant A romance from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. She grew up with a cowboy hat and a pony; he grew up with designer duds and a silver spoon. Will this mismatched couple ever be able to lasso their differences?

17. Rooms by Jim Rubart A suspense/mystery/thriller from B&H Fiction. A young Seattle software tycoon inherits a home on the Oregon coast that turns out to be a physical manifestation of his soul.

18. Scenarios for Girls Book 3 by Nicole O’Dell Interactive books from Barbour. Molly Jacobs must decide between stealing to please her new-found friends and doing what she knows is right.

19. Scenarios for Girls Book 4 by Nicole O’Dell Interactive books from Barbour. Will Kate Walker succumb to pressure from swim teammates to take an illegal substance to succeed or give up her dream of being best?

20. Seasons in the Mist Seasons of Destiny Book 1 by Deborah Kinnard A romance from Sheaf House. An eager historian, a time portal, and intrigue in King Edward III’s court.

21. She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell An historical from Bethany House. As Clara Carter makes her debut, she realizes it’s not just her heart at stake–the future of her family depends on how she plays the game.

22. Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson An historical from Bethany House. Sixteen Civil War widows join the Ladies Emigration Society and head west to claim homesteads, only to find their organization has other plans. . . involving the word “brides.

23. Sworn to Protect by Diann Mills A suspense/mystery/thriller from Tyndale. Border Patrol Agent Danika Morales is caught up in a conspiracy and her life is at stake.

24. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three mail-order brides and a contest to discover which bride would make the best wife turns into mayhem when there is a fourth anonymous entry.

25. The Cowboy’s Baby by Linda Ford A romance from Love Inspired Historical. The prodigal returns but is he too late for a second chance?

26. The Word Unleashed, Face in the Deep Book 2 by Steve Rzasa A sci-fi/fantasy/futuristic from Marcher Lord Press. Baden Haczyk’s adventure continues as he tries to keep the last Bible safe from the religious secret police.

27. Too Close to Home, Women of Justice Series Book 1 by Lynette Eason A suspense/mystery/thriller from Revell. An FBI agent and a detective must track down a killer of teenage girls before his next victim hits Too Close to Home.

28. Wildflower Hearts, Book 1 in Series Set in North Dakota by Vickie McDonough A romance from Barbour. Three siblings who live on a ranch face problems and romance in the North Dakota Badlands

29. Wildflowers of Terezin by Robert Elmer An historical from Abingdon Press. In Denmark’s darkest days, is it duty, faith…or love?

1.  A Distant Melody, Wings of Glory, Book One by Sarah Sundin An historical from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Allie is promised to a man she doesn’t love, but a B-17 pilot captures her heart–will she honor her family’s wishes or take a chance on love?

2. A Woman Called Sage by Diann Mills An historical from Zondervan. A woman bounty hunter fights bitterness and revenge to find the killers of her husband.

3. Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett Women’s fiction from Tyndale. A moving story about women helping women and lives changed across continents, inspired by a non-profit organization of the same name.

4. Beguiled by Deanne Gist and Mark Bertrand. A suspense/mystery/thriller from Bethany House. A dog-walker and a journalist pursue a thief (and each other) in atmospheric Charleston.

5. Cowboy Protector by Margaret Daley A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. When Hannah Williams comes to help Austin Taylor with his injured daughter, she draws him into an intrigue that threatens their relationship–and their lives.

6. Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Abingdon. Trapped by a terrorist plot in Mumbai!.

7. Disarming Andi by Elizabeth Goddard A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. Contractor Andi Nielsen has another chance to discover what ís hidden inside the missile base she was hired to remodel. Is she prepared to detonate her feelings for the new owner?

8. Fatal Burn, Big Sky Secrets Book 2 by Roxanne Rustand A Suspense/Mystery/Thriller from Love Inspired Suspense. In Montana’s wide open spaces, danger and love are waiting….

9. Forget Me Not, Crossroads Crisis Center series Book 1 by Vicki Hinze A Contemporary Romance from Waterbrook-Multnomah. Someone’s robbed her of her identity and goes to great lengths to convince her she’s someone else; someone who wants her dead.

10. Gold in the Fire/Light in the Storm by Margaret Daley A Romance from Love Inspired. Stories of love and loyalty

11. Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin A Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired. Friends, Four-legged Friends and Love.

12. Kansas Courtship, After The Storm, No. 3 by Victoria Bylin An Historical Romance from Love Inspired. Dr. Nora Mitchell came to heal the town of High Plains. She stayed to heal Zeb Garrison’s heart.

13. Katie’s Redemption, The Brides of Amish Country by Patricia Davids A Romance from Love Inspired. A young woman returns to her Amish roots but can she find her way back to her faith.

14. Katy’s New World, Katy Lambright Series by Kim Vogel Sawyer General Fiction from Zondervan. An Old Order Mennonite girl holds to her convictions while attending public high school.

15. Liberty’s Promise by Amber Stockton An Historical Romance from Heartsong Presents. Feel the heartbeat of a chaotic new country through the lives of three Pennsylvania women who seek to know to whom they can entrust their hearts.

16. Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon by Miralee Ferrell A Romance from Summerside Press. A schoolteacher must choose between a man from her past and one who could be her future, while risking her reputation to rescue two runaway orphaned children.

17. Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson A Romance from Summerside Press. A widowed father and his young daughter find healing and hope in the communal Amana Colonies.

18. Morning’s Refrain, Book 2 in Song of Alaska series by Tracie Peterson An Historical from Bethany House. Adventure and Romance in 1800’s Sitka, Alaska.

19. Once in a Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis Women’s Fiction from B&H Publishing. Faith is the first step to soaring.

20. Romance by the Book by Myra Johnson A Contemporary Romance from Heartsong Presents. A shy young woman’s crush on her favorite romance author leads her to the man who will finally claim her heart.

21. Scattered Petals by Amanda Cabot An Historical from Revell. Tragedy broke her spirit — will love mend her heart?

22. The Captain’s Lady by Louise M. Gouge An Historical from Steeple Hill. Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country’s freedom.

23. The Easter Edition by Robin Shope A romance from White Rose. Bridal shop owner Carol Horn feels she will never find a love of her own until a new pastor comes to town, turning up by accident at her mother’s funeral.

24. The Family Way by Michelle Levigne A romance from Desert Breeze Publishing. Pregnancy brings their shaky marriage to the breaking point, and Lisa and Todd must rediscover their love, their faith, and what true marriage means.

25. The Mockingbird’s Call by Diane Ashbyand Aaron McCarver. A Romance from Barbour. Amelia Montgomery, torn between her family’s traditions and her own convictions against slavery, must also choose between her duty and her heart as she works for the Underground Railroad.

26. The Promise of Morning, Book 2, At Home in Beldon Grove series by Ann Shorey An Historical from Revell. When loss drives them apart, can their faith bring them back together?

In any case, cold or warm, there is always a reason to snag a good book and live the story vicariously, right? Fiction makes some great downtime and many of the choices on this list look inviting! Of course, Abigail is at the top (alphabetically) and one I’m happy to suggest. :)

1. Abigail: A Novel,The Wives of King David, Book 2 by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Turmoil marks her life – what price will she pay for love?

2. A Valentine Wish by Betsy St. Amant from Steeple Hill. Lori, chocolate-lover extraordinary, is unemployed, single, and out of brownie mix. But when a secret admirer pops up at her new job running a chocolate boutique, she might have the ingredients for a special Valentine’s after all!

3. Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll from B&H Publishing. When a female helicopter rescues a US Marshal escorting a heart, they must race against time to uncover the largest child trafficking ring in history.

4. Hometown Promise, First in the Kellerville Series Merrillee Whren from Steeple Hill. Kellerville: Finding family, community and love in one small town.

5. Love’s Winding Path by Lauralee Bliss from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. A prodigal’s life is never out of God’s reach and His love as two lonely adventurers are about to discover.

6. The Marriage Masquerade by Erica Vetsch from Heartsong Presents, Barbour Publishing. Sometimes running away brings you right back where you started.

7. Meander Scar by Lisa Lickel from Black Lion. When Ann is ready to jump back into life with a new love, she discovers the devastating truth behind her husband’s disappearance.

8. My Deadly Valentine by Lynette Eason and Valerie Hansen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Two suspense filled stories about stalkers and the men determined to protect the women they love.

9. On Wings of Love by Kim Watters from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A dedicated nurse devotes her life helping others, only to discover the man who steals her heart doesn’t want her help.

10. The Pastor’s Wife by Jennifer AlLee from Abingdon Press. A woman must face the husband – and the congregation – she ran from six years earlier.

11. Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allen from Abingdon Press. Leah Thornton stops numbing her pain with alcohol, but discovers the road to redemption might still be under construction.

Happy reading~

1. A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna M. White from Whitefire Publishing. Born free, made a slave, married out of her bonds, Abigail never knows freedom until she feels the fire of a stray drop of blood from a Jewish carpenter.

2. A Deadly Wilderness by Kelly Irvin from Five Star/Gale/Cengage. A family that will stop at nothing to protect its secrets and a drug cartel hit man are just two of the pieces to the puzzle Homicide Detective Ray Johnson must solve to find a murderer—and save his own life.

3. Becoming Lucy The Winds Across the Prairie Series by Martha Rogers from Realms Division of Strang Communications. An alleged murderer reclaims his life, but can he reclaim his beloved?

4. Burn by Erin Healy and Ted Dekker from Thomas Nelson. A supernatural thriller about a woman who gets an unwanted chance to extinguish her fiery past.

5. First Impressions by Michelle Sutton from Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc. Playing the role of a saloon girl taught her how to flirt, but it makes a lousy first impression on the man whose heart she longs to win.

6. Jenna’s Cowboy, Callahans of Texas Book 1 by Sharon Gillenwater from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Will Jenna’s love enable Nate to put the horrors of war behind him and become the man she deserves?

7. Never Far from Home, 2nd in the Miller Family Series by Mary Ellis from Harvest House Publishers. Emma’s rebellious Rumschpringe may lead to her banishment as friendship turns to love with the English sheepfarmer.

8. Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge from Harvest House Publishers. Girl reporter Jayne Tate finds more than she bargained for when she goes to Amish Country to research a story.

9. Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills from Tyndale. Danika Morales has sworn to protect our nation’s borders. But that oath has come with a price.

10. The Chic Shall Inherit the Earth, All About Us #6 by Shelley Adina from Hatchette FaithWords. At exclusive Spencer Academy, Lissa Mansfield gains popularity when she replaces her nemesis, Vanessa, on the senior Cotillion committee, but graduation and major decisions about the future loom.

11. The Choice, Lancaster County Secrets, Book 1 by Suzanne Woods Fisher from Revell. A tender story of love and forgiveness, “The Choice” uncovers the sweet simplicity of the Amish world–and shows it’s never too late to find your way back to God.

12. The Husband Tree, Montana Marriages by Mary Connealy from Barbour. A tough lady rancher drags a reluctant cowhand on a cattle drive along with her four daughters.

Happy reading~

Here’s the article:

Best-selling author Francine Rivers’ first full-length release since 2003 is part of a strong New Year 2010 fiction schedule previewed to librarians by four leading Christian publishers.

Rivers’ Her Mother’s Hope, out in March, is the first of a two-part “Marta’s Legacy” series from Tyndale House Publishers, with the second installment, Her Daughter’s Dream, to follow later in the year.

The series “is really going to hit home with book groups,” Tyndale Acquisitions Director for Fiction Karen Watson told those participating in Library Journal’s online “Christian Fiction Book Buzz” Webcast last Thursday. The books are based in part on Rivers’ “own family heritage and history,” Watson added.

Baker Publishing Group National Accounts Manager Nathan Henrion said that there was a resurgence in fiction set in biblical times, with books such as Davis Bunn and Janette Oke’s The Hidden Flame (Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group)–the second in their “Acts of Faith” series (January)–and Jill Eileen Smith’s Abigail (Revell/Baker Publishing Group), the second in her “The Wives of King David” series (February), expected to fare well.

Amish fiction was “far from peaking,” Henrion added, with Beverley Lewis’ The Telling (Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group), the third in her “Seasons of Grace” series, due out in April.

Allen Arnold, senior vice president and publisher for fiction at Thomas Nelson, spotlighted the company’s young adult efforts, including the next installments in novels by Andrew Klavan (The Long Way Home, “The Homelanders” series) and Robert Liparulo (Frenzy, “Dreamhouse Kings” series). Arnold also said that he expected a strong response to the first in a new fiction series from singer Sara Evans, The Sweet By and By.

Abingdon Press Executive Director of Marketing Susan Salley previewed the company’s debut fiction line, featuring “stories that not only entertain but explore the gray areas of our lives.” Among the releases is The Call of Zulina by Christian fiction veteran Kay Marshall Strom, the first in a three-part “Grace in Africa” series.

The Library Journal preview was hosted by the magazine’s review editor–Barbara Hoffert–who said that Christian fiction remained one of the hottest book genres, alongside mystery and romance, and was “not just your simple devotions any more.”

2. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley A Rocky Creek Romance from Thomas Nelson. He’s a preacher. She’s an outlaw. Both are in need of a miracle.

3. Angel With a Backhoe by Deb Kinnard from Desert Breeze Publishing. A small-town widower and a spunky suburban transplant match wits over a church construction project, finding true love can mix with blueprints and concrete footings.

4. Child Finder: Resurrection by Mike Angley Book 2 Child Finder Trilogy from Total Recall Publications, Inc. The highly-anticipated sequel to the award-winning debut novel, Child Finder, which Library Journal placed on its 2009 Summer Reads list for Christian fiction!

5. Christmas Peril by Margaret Daley from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Christmas themed, romantic suspense stories.

6. Cup of Joe by Teri Wilson from White Rose Publishing. A grieving woman resists the cups of comfort offered by the shy, but handsome, owner of the neighborhood coffee shop.

7. Field of Danger by Ramona Richards from Love Inspired Suspense. When April Presley can’t remember details of the murder she witnessed, deputy Daniel Rivers must help her recall the event and protect her from the killer determined to silence her.

8. Her Patchwork Family by Lyn Cote The Gabriel Sisters from Love Inspired. In spite of opposition from the rich and influential, can Felicity Gabriel establish a home for children orphaned by the Civil War and heal two wounded hearts?

9. Patterns and Progress by Amber Stockton Book 3 Michigan Historical from Barbour Publishing. A farmer’s daughter would rather turn back the hands of time than accept the fact that advancement in technology could be in God’s plan.

10. The Sheriff’s Surrender by Susan Page Davis Book 1 of The Ladies’ Shooting Club Series from Barbour Publishing. The men of Fergus aren’t keeping the town safe, so a group of feisty women take matters into their own hands.

11. The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes Book 1 in the New Jersey Historical Series from Barbour Publishing. Colin Grassick, master glassblower, hopes to bring his family from Scotland to America for a better life, but his love for Meg, the daughter of the owner of the glass works, threatens his job…and then his life.

1. A Silent Pursuit by Lynette Eason from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Gina Santino and US Ranger, Ian Masterson race to discover the treasure her deceased fiance left behind, and hope to stay alive in the process.

2. Chasing Shadows by Terri Reed from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. An heiress turns to her former love, a cop, for help when she fears for her grandmother’s life.

3. Close to Home by Carolyn Aarsen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A reunion of old lovers brings up the shadows of past tragedy.

4. Fit To Be Tied , The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Book #2 by Robin Lee Hatcher from Zondervan. Who says a woman can’t do a man’s job?

5. I’m So Sure, A Charmed Life, Book 2 by Jenny B. Jones from Thomas Nelson. Can Bella find out who is trying to sabotage the prom queen contest AND keep it together as her life goes public on a wrestling reality show?

6. The Bartered Bride, by Erica Vetsch from Barbour Heartsong Presents. Tempests rage, in the board room, the ball room, and on treacherous Lake Superior as two hearts set sail on a collision course.

7. Together for the Holidays, Fostered by Love series Book 5 by Margaret Daley from Love Inspired. Can the true meaning of Christmas bring two loners together?

Happy Reading~

2. Double Take by Jenness Walker from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When a stalker becomes obsessed with a woman, the key to stopping him lies in a best-selling thriller…until he stops going by the book.

3. Dreaming of Home by Glenna Kaye from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Two wounded hearts must learn to trust that God’s dreams for them far exceed any they may have for themselves.

4. Eternity Falls, Book 1 of the Rick Macey Cyberthriller series by Kirk Outerbridge from Marcher Lord Press. A cyber-enhanced detective must stop a religious zealot from destroying a serum for eternal life.

5. Gripped By Fear, Chicago Warrior Thriller Series, Book 2 by John M. Wills from Total Recall. Chicago Detectives hunt a serial rapist in the mean streets of Chicago in the midst of personal struggles.

6. Leaving Yesterday by Kathryn Cushman from Bethany House. A mother rejoices at the return of her prodigal, but is faced with an impossible decision as evidence from his past refuses to stay buried.

7. Loves Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire by Lauralee Bliss from Summerside Press. Successful artist Tom Haskins and penniless Sara McGee discover through their circumstances that the most precious gifts of life and love don’t always come as they’re expected.

8. Love Finds You in North Pole, Alaska by Loree Lough from Summerside Press. A story that’s sure to warm your heart, despite the icy Alaskan setting!

9. Love is a Battlefield, Book One in the Walk in the Park series by Annalisa Daughety from Barbour Publishing. War rages again at Shiloh, but this time it’s a battle of the heart.

10. Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter from Thomas Nelson. Tucker McCabe wants to hire Sabrina Kincaid to help locate his friend “Sweetpea”-not knowing that the person he’s trying to find is . . . her.

11. Soldier Daddy, Wings of Refuge Series-book 5-all standalones by Cheryl Wyatt from Steeple Hill. A USAF Pararescue Jumper searches for a nanny for his twins and instead finds a future with a woman harboring a secret tied to his past.

12. The Case of the Mystified M.D., Book 2, Bouncing Grandma Mysteries by A.K. Arenz from Sheaf House. First a foot, now a hand–what body part is next?

13. The Christmas Journey, by Winnie Griggs from Steeple Hill Love Inspired.

14. The Jewel of his Heart, Heart of the West Series by Maggie Brendan from Revell. Discover the classic struggle between the world’s wealth and the lure of eternal love in this Western story of elegance and survival.

15. The Matchmaking Pact, After the Storm #4 by Carolyn Aarsen from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. A single father and a single mother have to deal with matchmaking children.

16. Thirsty, by Tracey Bateman from Waterbrook. “Deep, cutting, an intoxicating blend of human and supernatural, of characters scarred by the past, drained by life. This is the book I’ve waited for.”

17. Trial By Fire, by Cara Putman from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. When an arsonist targets her family, Tricia has to find him before harm is done without losing her heart to a fireman.