The Heart’s Journey Home Jen Stephens Paperback, 224 pp., $13.99 Sheaf House (February 1, 2010)
Three years after the unexpected death of Kate Sterling’s husband, she moves back to Harvest Bay, Ohio, with her young daughter. She soon discovers that things have changed in the sleepy little community she grew up in. When she suffers another devastating loss, she finally understands that the One who loves and cares for her has given her a second chance at love. But is God leading her to a love linked to the past… or to one who will walk with her into the future?
No Greater Love: Book One Extreme Devotion Series Kathi Macias Paperback, 320 pp., $10.19 New Hope Publishers (April 5, 2010)
Orphaned when their parents were murdered, Chioma and her brother Masozi live and work on an Afrikaner family’s farm. When Chioma and the farm owner’s son find a mutual attraction, tragedy revisits their lives. Cultures clash in life-or-death struggles, and Chioma must choose between violence and revenge, or forgiveness and selfless love. Based on historical events and set near Pretoria, South Africa, in the violent upheaval prior to Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1990, this story of forbidden romance produces an unlikely martyr.
Her Mother’s Hope Francine Rivers Hardcover, 528 pp., $24.99 Tyndale House Publishers (March 16, 2010)
Near the turn of the 20th century, Marta leaves Switzerland to find life on her own terms, finally landing her with family in tow in California. Her experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’s daughter, becomes a nurse and gains independence, if not her mother’s respect. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins her own family. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.
A Cousin’s Challenge Wanda E. Brunstetter Paperback, 304 pp., $10.97 Barbour Books (March 1, 2010)
Kumme back to Amish country, where sign-language tutor Jolene Yoder finds herself attracted to her newest student—a brokenhearted Lonnie Hershberger. Love-shy Lonnie sees no future in becoming emotionally tied to Jolene. For how could he hope to protect her, if he can’t even hear? Besides, Jake Beechy seems to be taking up most of her free time. Meanwhile, Ella Miller is worried Jake will end up breaking her cousin Jolene’s heart. Little does Ella know that Jake is interested in her—not Jolene. What drastic measures will God use to bring these couples together?
While Callie Duflay’s family has built white collar lives, she prefers getting her hands dirty by working with children and local California causes. When Callie learns that a beloved piece of untouched property may soon be developed, she confronts the project’s architect. Gage Mitchell may be an easygoing, eco-friendly professional, but he’s not about to back off this job no matter how cute Callie may be. His reasons and hers are noble—both have a heart for protecting God’s creation, and the truth is these two would be perfect for each other outside of this face-off. But will they ever figure that out?