Visit America’s favorite small town one book at a time. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon, this is the new e-collection of the first five novels in the beloved Mitford Years series.
Readers have come to feel at home in Mitford, the little town with the big heart. As this charming mountain village works its magic, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll quickly make friends who feel like family-for the residents of this small town are the most ordinary people who live the most extraordinary lives. A visit to this amazing place is good for the soul, and now you can visit it again and again.
Jan Karon is a bestselling author of nine novels in this award winning series. The main story line features Father Timothy Kavanagh, an Episcopal priest entrusted with the spiritual care of the village of Mitford.
Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Karon’s Mitford books include At Home in Mitford; A Light in the Window; These High, Green Hills; Out to Canaan; A New Song; A Common Life: The Wedding Story; In This Mountain; Shepherd’s Abiding; and Light from Heaven. The Father Tim Novels include “Home to Holly Springs” and last fall’s release of “In the Company of Others,” set in County Sligo, Ireland. There are over 40 million Mitford and Father Tim novels, children’s books, and CDs in print.
After years as a Chicago homicide detective, Lisa Grant is ready for the kinder, gentler life of a small-town police chief. But the discovery of a human skeleton by a construction crew at the edge of town taxes department resources. Enter ex-Navy SEAL Mac McGregor, the detective sent by the county to assist on the case. As they work to solve the mystery behind the unmarked grave, danger begins to shadow them. Someone doesn’t want this dead person telling any tales–and will stop at nothing to make certain a life-shattering secret stays buried.
Hannon, “The queen of inspirational romantic suspense,” (Library Journal) is at the top of her game with this riveting new series.
“Hannon launches the new Men of Valor series, drawing readers in with an ideal blend of romance and intrigue. Women will especially love the strong, independent Lisa and the way Mac respects and admires her intelligence. As they fall for each other but insist on putting work first, readers will avidly pick up each clue, eager to see Hannon’s irresistible characters close the case and make room for love.”–Booklist
The small town of Ashton is the unexpected setting for an epic clash between good and evil as a Christian preacher and a news reporter unearth a plot to take over their small community, and eventually the world. Unseen supernatural forces are at play, as armies of angels and demons wage battle, with groups of Christians and New Agers influencing what they cannot see by the power of prayer.
This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti, is among the classic novels of the Christian thriller genre. First published in 1986, Peretti’s book set a suspenseful standard in spiritual warfare story-telling that has rarely been met by his contemporaries. Set in the apparently innocent small town of Ashton, This Present Darkness follows an intrepid born-again Christian preacher and newspaper reporter as they unearth a New Age plot to take over the local community and eventually the entire world. Nearly every page of the book describes sulfur-breathing, black-winged, slobbering demons battling with tall, handsome, angelic warriors on a level of reality that is just beyond the senses. However, Christian believers and New Age demon-worshippers are able to influence unseen clashes between good and evil by the power of prayer. Peretti’s violent descriptions of exorcisms are especially vivid: “There were fifteen [demons], packed into Carmen’s body like crawling, superimposed maggots, boiling, writhing, a tangle of hideous arms, legs, talons, and heads.” This book is not for the squeamish. But for page-turning spiritual suspense, it’s hard to beat.
When truth doesn’t make sense, will lies prevail? Let Terri Blackstock take you on a journey.
Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on high-profile homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she’s about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief . . . until her brother’s wife is murdered and all the “facts” point to him. The killer has staged the crime to make the truth too far-fetched to believe. Working to solve the murder and clear her brother’s name, Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne’er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear to hunt down the real killer.
Stakes rise when their brother’s grieving five-year-old son is kidnapped. As police focus on the wrong set of clues, the three sisters and their battered detective friend are the only hope for solving this bizarre crime, saving the child, and freeing their brother.
• “A story rich with texture and suspense, this family murder mystery unfolds with fast pacing, with a creepy clown murder suspect and threatening blog visitor to boot.” (Publishers Weekly)
• “Crisp prose, an engaging story, and brisk pacing make this thriller another home run for Blackstock (Downfall). Recommend it to readers who enjoy material by Lynette Eason and Erin Healy.” (Library Journal, starred review)
In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to teach school in the Smoky Mountains — and comes to know and love the resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy, by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion.
• Deeply moving…filled with suspense adventure, humor, and even comedy. (Pasadena Star News)
• Christy is Wonderful…an epic novel. (Dallas Times Herald)
• An affirmation of faith… A clear impression of the proud Scotch-Irish mountaineers and their harsh, lonely lives. (Library Journal)
• A powerfully moving book of great depth. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
• Christy has something that keeps the reader reading… Relevant and heart-opening… Rich, dramatic. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
• An inspiring story. With skill, Catherine Marshall has described human qualities common to all people everywhere. (Boston Globe)
• A novel of celebration… wholesome, inspiring… Enjoyable reading. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Catherine Sarah Wood Marshall LeSourd was an American author of nonfiction, inspirational, and fiction works. She was the wife of well-known minister Peter Marshall.
An investigator who knows tragic loss firsthand, and his new client, missing far too long…
Abducted at the age of sixteen and coerced into assisting the Jacoby crime family, Shannon Bliss has finally found a way out. She desperately wants to resume some semblance of normal life, but she also knows she has some unfinished business to attend to. She might have enough evidence to put her captors behind bars for a very long time.
When Shannon contacts private investigator Matthew Dane, a former cop, to help her navigate her reentry into society, he quickly discovers that gaining her freedom doesn’t mean her troubles are over. If the Jacoby family learns she is still alive, they’ll stop at nothing to silence her.
If justice is to be done, and if Shannon’s life is ever to get on track again, Matthew will need to discover exactly what happened to her–even if it means stirring up a hornet’s nest of secrets.
“Henderson follows her tried-and-true formula in this well-paced tale of slowly developing love, which will please readers who enjoy the pairing of romantic suspense with evangelical Christian fiction.” -Booklist
But God decided to create a world where free will was more important than no one ever getting hurt. There must be something stunningly beautiful and remarkable about free will that only God can truly grasp, because God hates, literally abhors, evil, yet He created a world where evil could happen if people chose it. ~Dee Henderson from Taken
God has been acting honorably throughout history regrading what He wants. We’re the ones at fault. God is good. And I still really, truly like Him. ~Dee Henderson from Taken
She’ll defend her friend until the bitter end–but is she in over her head?
It’s not every day you see your childhood friend and onetime crush on national news. Jackie Sellers just wishes it were under different circumstances. She can’t believe that Ian Lockwood is wanted in connection with a terrorist plot, and she’s determined to find him and help him clear his name. Unfortunately, she’s not the only one looking for him. The FBI wants him captured. The bad guys want him dead. Ian just wants to stay alive long enough to prove his innocence and prevent a catastrophe.
Lynette Eason delivers nonstop action as Jackie and Ian travel a dangerous road–one that may lead straight to destruction.
Praise for the series:
“For any reader looking for ‘edge-of-your-seat’ thrills, this series is the perfect gift.”–Suspense Magazine
“Fans of Eason’s and readers of Christian suspense will definitely want to check out this new series. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment.”–Fiction Addict
“An exciting new series with action and thrilling chase scenes.”–RT Book Reviews
Top 50 Books loves Karen Witemeyer. We look forward to what the future holds for this superlative author. Here’s the storyline of her latest work:
of A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?
Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is she villain or victim?
Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.
Karen Witemeyer delivers a compelling and suspenseful story that is sure to keep you up late at night.
Marlena needed time to let things sink in. It was beyond her how all this could possibly work out–adding the care of an infant to her daily routine. Fortunately, it would just be until Luella returned home from the hospital and was stronger. No more than a couple weeks, surely.
Marlena Wenger’s life takes an unexpected turn on the day she learns she must care for her estranged sister’s baby. Spending the summer in Brownstown, Pennsylvania, to assist her Mennonite grandmother, and miles from Marlena’s Old Order Amish beau, she feels out of her element in nearly every respect. Yet Marlena determines to do her best and stay focused on her future, even as those hopes become drastically altered.
Beverly Lewis is an outstanding writer with the ability to deliver. Her characters are believable and the storyline is deeply satisfying. Few writers are able to capture the reader early on and hold their attention throughout the story. Lewis has the ability to keep you coming back again and again.
Beverly Lewis does it again! She tackles a little of everything that makes a family tick. I could not turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to transpire next. Lewis writes with such feeling you feel like you are the character you are reading. ~Goodreads review
Beverly Lewis has written another wonderful book. She continues to capture my heart with these breath-taking stories that she writes. Have you ever questioned something that happened in your past? If you could go back and change it. Have you ever just thought that something was going to turn out the way that you had planned and then things go totally different? You will experience such things with the characters in this book. This wonderfully spun story has a way of making you stop and think. ~Goodreads review
When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler’s one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.
A series of small miracles leads Tyler to a maintenance job at a retirement home and a friendship with Virginia Hutcheson, an old woman with Alzheimer’s who strangely might have the answers he so desperately seeks.
A team of Angels Walking take on the mission to restore hope for Tyler, Sami, and Virginia. Can such small and seemingly insignificant actions of the unseen bring healing and redemption? And can the words of a stranger rekindle lost love? Every journey begins with a step.
It is time for the mission to begin…
New York Times bestselling novelist Karen Kingsbury is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than 25 million copies of her books in print. Not only do her books entertain, but they encourage and inspire.
Quotes:
Battles are won and lost through prayer.
I learned something a long time ago. I’d rather be single than be with the wrong guy.
Love first. Questions later. Grace beyond measure. All of it unconditional.
You’ll live your life a lot happier if you stop trying to be perfect. Do your best for Jesus. When you fall short, He’ll carry you. ~Angela Kingsbury
In 1989, Claire Dellamare disappeared from her own fourth birthday party at the Hotel Tourmaline on the island of Folly Shoals, Maine. She showed up a year later at the same hotel, with a note pinned to her dress but no explanation. Nobody knows where Claire spent that year—and until now, Claire didn’t even know she had ever been missing.
But when Claire returns to the Hotel Tourmaline for a business meeting with her CEO father, disturbing memories begin to surface . . . despite her parents’ best efforts to keep them forgotten.
Luke Rocco lost his mother under equally mysterious circumstances—at the same time Claire disappeared. After a chance encounter reveals the unlikely link between them, Claire and Luke set out together to uncover the truth about what happened that fateful year.
With flashbacks swimming just beneath her consciousness and a murderer threatening her safety, Claire’s very life depends on unscrambling her past . . . even if her family refuses to acknowledge it. Someone—maybe everyone—is hiding something from Claire Dellamare, and it will cost her everything to drag the truth out into the light.
USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has written several award winning romantic suspense novels including, Tidewater Inn and Rosemary Cottage.
The Inn at Ocean’s Ridge is Colleen Coble at her best. The story is richly layered around the theme of what makes us a family. Is it blood relationships? Is it love? Is it something else? ~Goodreads
The Inn At Ocean’s Edge is a mesmerizing, compelling, mysterious tale.
As haunting as a Hitchcock, this story will keep you reading late into the night. An eerie beachside hotel, brings back haunting memories for the main character and as the reader, I got to follow in her footsteps as she desperately tried to uncover the truth of the past. ~Goodreads
Impatient to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. But her plan goes sadly awry when her train is held up by robbers who steal her dowry and Axel, her groom-to-be, isn’t even in town when she finally arrives.
Axel’s business partner, William Stanton, has no head for business and would much rather be a doctor. When his friend’s mail-order bride arrives in town with no money and no groom in sight, he feels responsible and lets her help around the store–where she quickly proves she’s much more adept at business than he ever will be.
The sparks that fly between Will and Eliza as they work together in close quarters are hard to ignore, but Eliza is meant for Axel and a future with the store, while Will is biding his time until he can afford medical school. However, their troubles are far from over when Axel finally returns, and soon both Will and Eliza must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams–or if God has a new dream in store for them both.
Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of A Bride for Keeps,” is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house.
Purchase Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears through Amazon.
In the first of a brand-new series set in Victorian England, a young woman returns home from India after the death of her family to discover her identity and inheritance are challenged by the man who holds her future in his hands.
Rebecca Ravenshaw, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her…and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca’s name, but her home and incomes.
That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father’s investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives—does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer a similar fate as the first “Rebecca”?
A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.
After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books.
Heather Burch’s novel is “simply brilliant.” Armed with only a journal and a promise, soldier Ian Carlisle returns home to fulfill his friend’s dying wish: to find the man’s daughter and read her his journal, one page at a time. The woman he finds in River Rock, Missouri, is just as warmhearted, artistic, and feisty as her father described. Ian had fallen in love with Charlee McKinley before he even met her, but he has no idea if she’ll ever return his feelings.
Charlee loved her father—but she didn’t like him very much. Regimental and strict, Major Mack never approved of his daughter’s choices. So when a down-on-his-luck soldier arrives on Charlee’s doorstep, she’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but not her heart. It isn’t until he starts reading to her that the beautiful, touching words begin to unlock something deep inside. But when Ian reveals a secret that shakes Charlee to her core, will she close herself off to love out of fear?
Heather Burch has always been drawn to epic stories about love and loss. She writes high adventure young adult novels. She lives and writes in Florida.
From the haunting opening scene to the satisfying conclusion, Heather Burch’s newest novel, Along the Broken Road satisfies like a big comfortable quilt. This tale of loyalty and friendship envelopes the reader and, like the story within the story, reveals the patience of true love, one glorious page after another. ~Goodreads
This is the first time I have read a book by Heather Burch but it will not be the last time. I enjoyed this book very much. She reaches the depth of emotions of her characters and brings them to a self awareness that is fascinating to read I certainly recommend this book. ~Goodreads
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it’s a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises–not the least of which is Sean O’Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!
Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 6.5 million. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.
Carlson does an amazing job as tour guide and I actually felt I had visited the Big Apple once I’d finished the book. Armchair traveling is so much fun. Once Upon a Summertime offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action of the hospitality industry and the author infuses such wonderful descriptions that starkly contrast the Value Lodge and the NYC boutique hotel. Really pulled me into the ambiance of the story. ~Goodreads
I have never read a book by Melody Carlson I did not enjoy. This one will be added to the list. It was a refreshing change from historical novels. I never fail to learn something new from the books I read. ~Goodreads
“Davis is a master storyteller and his ability to tell an ancient tale in a contemporary style regularly leaves readers wanting more.” —Dave Milbrandt, author, Chasing Deception
In his latest historical epic, worldwide bestselling author Davis Bunn takes readers on a journey through an ancient landscape. Travel with Empress Helena from Caesarea to Judea. Abandoned by her husband, in danger because of her faith, but with an implacable will to do what God calls her to, she takes a perilous pilgrimage. Along the way she meets those who would help her (the wizened and wise bishop Macarius; the rough-edged but kind-hearted sergeant Cratus; the young soldier Anthony, a man who has lost everything, including his faith) and those who would harm her (the menacing and murderous Roman assassin Severus). Miracles seem to follow this humble but determined woman as she wins many over to the faith, and changes lives forever—including her own.
This unforgettable story of the discovery of the True Cross will thrill readers with its adventure, and with its vivid portrait of one of Christian history’s most important women.
“[Bunn] does something few Christian fiction writers do…his stories open readers to a bigger multicultural and multireligious world…he always seems to surprise and lead into places readers don’t expect.” —Publishers Weekly
Davis Bunn has once again come up with a wonderful book. I have thoroughly enjoyed The Pilgrim. Davis takes us on a journey of a woman who is completely broken, but hears the voice of God and is focused to complete the mission she has been instructed to do. Although the journey seems impossible, she continues on with the faith that is inside her even through many obstacles are placed in front of her at each step. ~Goodreads
In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?
Miriam Zehr has worked at the Sugarcreek Inn longer than she cares to admit. The restaurant is a favorite of town residents as well as the many tourists who come to taste the famous Amish fare. Though she always tries to have a smile for every customer, deep down Miriam knows something’s missing: a family of her own.
Miriam has never felt particularly beautiful, especially because she’s always been a bit heavier than other girls her age. When Junior, the man she’s pined for all her life, suddenly seeks her out, she’s thrilled to be noticed . . . until she realizes he’s only asking her to help get the attention of Mary Kathryn Hershberger, her pretty friend.
If Miriam helps Junior court Mary Kathryn, she’ll get to spend a lot of time with him, but she might lose him in the process. Are these few stolen moments worth a lifetime of sacrifice? Is Miriam right to even hope for the life she dreams of?
Shelley Gray is the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of several series: The Seasons of Sugarcreek, The Sisters of the Heart, and The Families of Honor.
Find Hopeful: Return to Sugarcreek by Shelley Gray at Amazon.
Visit America’s favorite small town one book at a time. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon, this is the new e-collection of the first five novels in the beloved Mitford Years series.
