Book picks similar to
A Rush of Light by Penelope Marzec


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romance
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The Sheriff's Unexpected Family (Mail Order Brides of Sanctuary Book 4)


George H. McVey - 2017
    When he takes advantage of her and leaves her ruined and pregnant she answers a letter from Deputy Henry White to become his mail order bride. Arriving in Sanctuary, Montana with her new baby she finds herself without a husband, rejected by the judgmental deputy. Jack Fury came west to escape a shattered heart after finding his fiancée in the arms of another man. He vowed to never marry or love another, dedicating his life to upholding the law till death. When his deputy refuses to marry the mail order bride he sent Jack finds himself offing to marry her and take care of her child. Can Abbie-Ann learn to trust a man after her violation? Can Jack’s hard heart soften toward his new bride? Will two broken and scared individuals be able to heal each other? Or are they destined to live together in a loveless marriage? Will the past destroy their future before it even gets started? Can healing be found in the Sheriff’s Unexpected Family?

The Promise Remains


Travis Thrasher - 2000
    A contemporary setting with great character development. The first novel from a promising new author.

The Gresham Chronicles


Lawana Blackwell - 1999
    

Snow Country


Kristin Neva - 2016
     JILTED THREE WEEKS BEFORE HER WEDDING, Beth Dawson escapes sunny California for the snowy Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where a young State Trooper challenges her to let go of her rules for Christian courtship. Her domineering mother chides her to stay single and wants her to talk her ailing grandmother into moving to Los Angeles. COPPER ISLAND averages over 200 inches of snow annually. The fictional towns of Douglass and Quincy mirror the actual towns of Houghton and Hancock, and although the names of businesses and persons are imaginary, the history, landmarks, and spirit of the region described in the novel are real. Reader praise for Snow Country: “Her novels—and the characters that live in them—are endearing and wholesome. But they’re also so real, full of healthy grit, humor, flaws and appetites. She creates an authentic Yooper world that I think other readers, including those who don’t know anything about life in da UP, will find as fascinating as I do.” (Cyndi P.) "Kristin Neva’s fiction invites the reader to consider the weightier questions of life and offers wise insights to ponder. It’s not just entertainment – it’s worth your time. Snow Country offers a fascinating look into the local culture of an isolated part of the United States. With surprising, yet believable characters and storyline twists, it is at once captivating, suspenseful, funny, and reflective. The light-hearted scenes balance some very intense – but real-life – drama. (It may be more believable to those of us who have lived in the unique cultural landscape. Outsiders beware: truth IS stranger than fiction!) More than a romance novel, it is a story of life in its many complexities: family loyalties and secrets, faith, vocation, AND love.” (Alexandra L.) “Fun book, and with a message or two! The characters and conflicts feel real.” (Dan R.) About the Author: KRISTIN NEVA grew up in an old farmhouse on Copper Island in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula where the hard-working, rugged residents persevere through harsh winter weather, sustained by friendship and family, surrounded by natural beauty. As an adult, she lived in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas for seventeen years before returning to her hometown with her husband and two children. Kristin’s first book, Heavy, co-authored with her husband, Todd, journeys through the first year after Todd’s ALS diagnosis as the Nevas struggle to find meaning, hold on to faith, and discover joy in the midst of pain. It is this life experience that brings authenticity to Kristin’s fictional works as she explores themes of love, loss, and faith on Copper Island. Learn more about Kristin and explore Copper Island at KristinNeva.com.

Destined


Patricia Haley - 2009
    But after three years of self-imposed exile, he has returned to take over DMI at the gentle urging of beautiful Abigail, who was once his father’s assistant. His brother, Joel, plagued by a slew of illicit affairs and poor judgment, is plunging the business into ruin, and Don’s plans to secretly assume control of the ministry come into question when his estranged sister refuses to help him. Don must decide whether to face down his power-hungry brother to save the ministry his father worked so hard to build—and take a chance on an unrequited love he never dreamed Abigail would reciprocate—or return to South Africa to find refuge in his own thriving company and the budding romance he left behind. After much soul searching, Don comes to realize that his destiny is inescapable. Patricia Haley’s evocative modern-day interpretation of these popular biblical tales will keep readers riveted until the stunning conclusion.

Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy: Seven Christian Winter Romances


Cindy Flores Martinez - 2016
    Kisses and kids abound in this collection of novellas that will warm your heart all winter long. One Winter Kiss - Lindi Peterson - Deena Ross travels to Ohio to try and sway her grandfather from making a big mistake, a mistake his neighbor Andrew has been encouraging. When a winter storm hits, and Deena is forced to stay with Andrew and his young son, Evan, Deena's vision of love is tested and she might lose her heart in one winter kiss. Childish Ways - Jenn Faulk - Kevin Peterson, a teacher at a small town elementary school, is unexpectedly reunited with Lisa Walker, a girl who spent most of their childhood tormenting and bullying him, when she comes back to town where she helps organize a winter carnival to benefit her niece's school. Lisa has no idea who he is, though, and as they work alongside one another and Kevin sees how much she has changed, he begins to question whether or not he can really trust her and let her into his life. The Baby & the Bachelor - Cindy K. Green - Playboy bachelor, Alec, discovers a baby on his doorstep only days away from being appointed to a political office, prompting him to appeal his assistant, Jane, for help. Misunderstandings and accusations from the press abound, leading Alec to wonder, even if he were prepared for a ready-made family, could sweet, church-going Jane ever find it in her heart to marry a sinner like him? For Tracy - Trisha Grace - One phone call led to Sarah Carter becoming the guardian of her favorite student, Tracy, while waiting for Tracy’s Uncle Keith to show up. But Sarah has no idea Uncle Keith was Keith Sutton, Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor, and doesn’t realize how much trouble she is heading for. Tropical Kiss Or Miss - Liwen Y. Ho - Therapist Olivia Chan can’t wait to escape it all—a failed marriage, a struggling practice, and her son’s recent health scare. The Hawaiian getaway she planned, however, gets rained on—quite literally—by a tropical storm and the unexpected arrival of her estranged husband Matthew, who’s determined to win her back. To Gain a Mommy - Tanya Eavenson - When Hope Michaels decides to face her past, she unknowingly purchases the house across the street from her former fiancé—the man her twin sister married, then widowed. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him—some things never change. Foolish Heart - Cindy Flores Martinez - Judy and Graham have feelings for each other, but they won’t admit it. After all, she lives in America and he lives in Scotland with his daughter, Mairi, who he could never leave to be with the woman he loves.

Something Better


Jenn Faulk - 2014
    In the worst way possible. Life has taken on a very empty, depressing tone, and she needs a change. So, when the opportunity to leave the country to take pictures for the very intriguing Henry Booth presents itself, she welcomes it gladly. But her exotic vacation soon proves to be more stressful, heartbreaking, and life changing than she ever imagined it could be. When she returns home, things only get worse. As she finds herself confronting very real truths about the world around her, about her own life, and about what her future holds, she struggles to understand what it means to be poor in spirit and rich in grace as Christ changes everything into something better...

The Come to Me Complete Collection


Leah Atwood - 2015
     Come to Me Alive: Bryce Landry, country music’s hottest star, has it all, or so everyone on the outside thinks. They can’t see his struggle to discover himself, to find his place in unfamiliar territories, both as a dad and as a Christian. He takes a month off and escapes to the small town of Oden Bridge, Louisiana, where his daughter lives with his grandparents. Sophie Thatcher has never been a risk taker but never thought her life lacked until her boyfriend of three years breaks off their relationship. Only then, does she begin to question what she’s missed by always playing it safe. Meeting Bryce is a call to action. She can let fear rule or trust in faith, which means taking the biggest risk of her life. As the weeks and months pass, they discover finding each other was easy, but holding on will be a different story. Come to Me Free: Career-driven Dani Trahan wasn’t interested in finding a husband. At only twenty-eight, she had plenty of time in her future to settle down and have a family, but for now, her sole focus was keeping her restaurant afloat. When tragedy strikes, however, she’s forced to examine her priorities and relationships. Rob Jackson didn’t do relationships. He’d long ago accepted that happily ever afters didn’t belong to him. That was a decade ago, right around the time he stopped believing in God. Then he met Dani, and for the first time in ten years, he wanted to believe again—in love and in God. To move beyond friendship, Dani and Rob must first accept several truths, but can they learn to rely on faith before it’s too late? Come to Me Again: Dominic Sellers dreamed of escaping a life of poverty and making a living playing music. On the brink of giving up, he’s offered the chance of a lifetime to be the new guitarist for Bryce Landry. His life finally aligned with his goals, but something was missing. Four years ago, Maisy Rothchild walked away from her fiancé—her best friend and the only man she’d ever loved. She’d give anything to go back and change that day, but that wasn’t possible. There were factors that complicated the situation, things she couldn’t tell anyone. When she makes a bold move to restore their friendship, can the same love that tore them apart bring them back together? Come to Me Joyful: (Bonus Novella) Kate Jergens presents her life as the picture of perfection to everyone outside her close-knit circle. Old insecurities prevent her from letting people see who she really is. As the holidays approach, events cause those insecurities to reappear. When Luke Tatum catches his co-worker, Kate, with her guard down he realizes he doesn’t know her as well as he thought. As he discovers who Kate really is behind her mask of flawlessness, his admiration for her grows and he finds himself more drawn to her. When faced with the possibility of losing someone she loves, Kate's faith wavers. This Christmas season, will she accept support from the man who loves her or will she push him away?

The Eyes of the Heart


Embassie Susberry - 2014
    It is also a story about Edith Holden, a young woman living in the deep south who finds herself unwillingly confronted with racism, social injustice and her love for a man she is unsure she will ever have.

The Gambler's Amish Baby


Samantha Price - 2015
    Libby wished for nothing more than her brother's return from rumspringa. Brock Harding won half a farm in a poker game. What will he do when he visits the farm to be faced with an angry Amish woman? Libby wants nothing more than for the man who cheated her brother to get off her farm. However, with the farm failing, could a bad mannered, rough looking cowboy be Libby's answer to prayer? 'The Gambler's Amish Baby' is book 1 in the 'Amish Baby Collection.' Book 2 'The Promise' Book 3 'Abandoned' New Release 'Amish Baby Surprise' Book 4 OUT NOW. The Author is a consistent Amazon All-Star award winner for being one of the most popular authors on Kindle. All Samantha Price Amish Romance books are clean romances.

Promise of Peppermint: A Prequel


Valerie Comer - 2017
    He vows to take it as slow as she needs but, this time, he won’t let her get away.Rebekah Jackson’s fears run deep since a traumatic incident in her youth. If perfect love casts out fear, then what she’d felt for Wade couldn’t have been love. Seeing him again brings all her longings and fears back to the surface. Can she put her trust in him and in the God who loves them both? Because, while second chances are rare, third chances are all but unheard of.

Unintended Detour (Unintended #3)


D.L. Wood - 2021
    After Chloe's job loss, Jack's writer's block, and a disheartening personal disappointment, they could use a break. However, instead of hot chocolate and horseback rides through the snow, things are all wrong at the Stonehall Estate Resort. First, they learn of months of unexplained mishaps.Then there's a murder–and it's not the first at this historically tragic mansion.It soon becomes clear someone wants the resort to fail and will stop at nothing to make that happen. The question is…why?Eager to help the family business, Chloe picks up where the hotel’s last historical curator left off. But things quickly become dangerous when her research uncovers truths hidden for decades—clues related not only to mysteries sparked by a young girl’s death in 1931, but also those haunting the estate today. Before long Chloe finds herself in a deadly race to expose the mansion’s secrets before more innocents become victims of the malevolent force behind it all.Will Chloe bring the long-lost truth to light in time, or will she be the next to fall prey to the dark scheme that could claim everything, including her life?If you enjoy riveting intrigue, heart-warming romance and heroines and heroes you can't help but root for, you'll love USA TODAY bestselling author D.L. Wood's third installment in the award-winning Unintended Series of thrilling suspense novels laced with romance and faith.

Starlight Inn


Lucie Ulrich - 2016
    She seeks refuge at The Starlight Inn. Though the inn is full, an elderly guest offers to share her room. Accepting the kind offer, Ella soon realizes Tillie Spencer isn’t your average “little old lady.” She knows things nobody else does, and appears to come and go on a whim. Nick Wallace runs the inn along with sister, Fran. The attraction Nick feels for Ella is instantaneous and unexpected, but with the miles that separate them, and both busy with their careers, Nick doubts much will come of their Christmas Eve meeting. Tillie, on the other hand, holds a much different view. Though Tillie won’t admit to being an angel, Nick and Ella think otherwise. How else can they explain the twists and turns that began at The Starlight Inn.

The Best Christmas Present (Mail Order Bride Christmas in the Country Book 4)


Emma Morgan - 2018
    James Carter in California, or give up her inheritance and live in poverty in her hometown. So soon, she is on train headed west, to a dusty little town in Arizona. Mabel is accustomed to a life of privilege and wealth, and is not all at happy with the weather-beaten farmhouse and lack of luxury. James Carter has made a fortune in the silver mines, but he prefers a simple life. A kind and intelligent man, he is known for his generous nature, and is loved by the town. But when James announces a Christmas party to help welcome Mabel to town, she is not pleased. What kind of party can they have out here, in the desert, with a group of strangers in the house? But the holiday spirit can find us, wherever we are. And sometimes, so can love.

Mail Order Bride - Aiyana (A Bride for the Lonely Soldier Book 3)


Indiana Wake - 2020