Summer of Suspense

Sixteen Tales By Some of Christian Fiction's Most Popular Mystery and Suspense Authors: Mary Alford, Christy Barritt, Patricia Bradley, Vannetta Chapman, Mary Ellis, Debby Giusti, Rachel J. Good, Ruth Hartzler, Shaen Layle, Ruth Logan Herne, Loree Lough, Elizabeth Ludwig, Nancy Mehl, Serena B. Miller, Samantha Price, Alana Terry.

Copyright ©2019 by Mary Alford.

Beyond the Shadows

Elice Glasser is a widow with three young children to raise. Cabot Murray is an ex-cop who returns home to Freeland, Maryland, to deal with the pain of his own tragic loss: the death of his wife and daughter in a fiery explosion intended for him. Grieving, their sorrow brings them together, and a friendship develops that leads them to explore the possibility of finding love again. But vengeful enemies and jealous rivals are determined to destroy the peace and happiness that Elice and Cabot have found in each other’s arms. Why are their rivals so intent on keeping Elice and Cabot apart? Loree Lough's latest suspenseful romance is a page-turner! (More...)

50 Hours

Franco Allessi is a broken, lonely man who wants nothing more than to outrun the ghosts of his past. For years, he tries to numb the pain of his wife's death with cheap beer and whiskey. When he's convicted of drunk driving, the judge revokes his license for six months and orders him to serve fifty hours of community service. Franco chooses Savannah Falls Hospice for no reason other than it's walking distance from his dilapidated house trailer. On his first day on the job, he meets Aubrey Brewer, a woman whose time on earth is quickly ticking to a stop. Their unusual connection teaches powerful, life-changing lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of appreciating that precious treasure called Life. (More...)

The Man She Knew

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to Baltimore after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man... but she simply isn't convinced. (More...)

Bringing Rosie Home

A kidnapping shattered their family. Rena and Grant VanMeter lived every parent’s worst nightmare when their preschool daughter was abducted. Riddled with guilt and hoping time apart would help them heal, Rena made the hardest decision of her life. But stunning news reunites her with Grant. Rosie has been found. Putting up a united front for their child’s sake isn’t as easy as they thought. Grant hasn’t forgiven Rena for taking her eyes off Rosie for a few critical seconds. And Rena has yet to forgive herself. But their little girl needs them more than ever... (More...)

The Reformation of Lillie Rourke

She’s ready for that second chance... But will he believe she’s changed? When she fled Baltimore after a near-fatal accident that left her dependent on painkillers, Lillie Rourke had lost everything. Now, emotionally healed, she’s ready to make amends and start over. But Jase Yeager has moved on, and who can blame him? Yet Lillie isn’t giving up—on her or them. Earning back Jase’s trust won’t be easy, but Lillie’s no stranger to challenges... (More...)

Once A Marine

Summer Lane is no damsel in distress. For the past two years, she's been battling her way back from her worst nightmare all by herself. So she doesn't need the fabulous former Marine Zach Marshall swooping in to save her. But she needn't worry. Zach has hung up his shining armor. His instinct to rescue has only brought him heartache, and he's not about to risk it all again -- even though everything about Summer makes him yearn to help... (More...)

Sweet Mountain Rancher

Nate Marshall used to be a yes-man... until being so agreeable cost him dearly. But Eden Quinn has a way of getting him to reconsider his "just say no" policy. Which is how a bunch of troubled teens end up at his ranch for the weekend. Nate can't help but be attracted to the woman who keeps them in line. This cowboy knows Eden's no damsel in distress, yet hers isn't a one-woman job. If she must do everything on her own, how can he help her... let alone get her to fall for him? (More...)

The Firefighter's Refrain

He's a man who wants it all... if only he could have it. Dreams of stardom took musician and firefighter Sam Marshall far from his Colorado roots. Starting fresh in Nashville, he's working his way to the Grand Ole Opry one open mike at a time. Yet Sam's intentions are shaken when he meets the lovely owner of a local café. Too bad that as the daughter of country-music wannabes, Finn Leary's been there, done that. She'll never choose a musician. So how can Sam possibly get the girl and keep the guitar? (More...)

Raising Connor

When Brooke O'Toole's sister and brother-in-law die in an accident, her only priority is the well-being of her nephew, Connor. That means making nice with the man responsible for her mother's murder: Hunter Stone. She can't understand why her sister forgave him, and worse, became his friend. But even she can't deny the bond between the man and child. Despite her instinct to fight this ex-cop for custody, Brooke suspects the best thing for Connor is a life with both of them in it. (More...)

Devoted to Drew

Why would a former football star like Logan Murray pay attention to her? Bianca Wright was a far cry from the beautiful women she'd seen him with in the tabloids. He was just being kind. Or even worse, felt sorry for her. He knew she was a widow with an autistic son. That had to be too much baggage for any man, and Bianca won't accept less than the best for her child. But if Logan can use his connections to match her son Drew with a therapy dog, she'd swallow her pride. (More...)

Saving Alyssa

When Noah Preston entered witness protection, his only concern was for his daughter. He couldn't save her mother, but he would save Alyssa. Now, three years later, he's done his best to make their new lives work. But he can't let go of the fear - and the guilt - that haunts him. So when Billie Landon stumbles into his bike shop, he's determined to keep his distance. He can't risk giving in to his attraction to her. Even though she could be exactly what he and his child really need. (More...)

Currency of the Heart

Socialite Shaina Sterling hates living a lie. But in 1880s Denver, the young widow feels she has no choice. Soon after the death of her husband, she learns he's left her deep in debt. To protect his name, her reputation, and save their stately home, Shaina secretly sells valuable possessions, piece by piece, hoping her wealthy Denver friends never learn the truth. But Sloan Remington, a neighboring rancher, knows far more about Shaina than she realizes... (More...)

Guardians of the Heart

Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather's barren gold mine. Instead, she went to Denver to work as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn. Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him to fight, and he refused to participate in a raid on peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe. Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he'd inherited. Will Nell still love him when she learns the truth? (More...)

Healing of the Heart

Heiress Ruby McCoy came to Fairplay, Colorado to right wrongs committed by her outlaw father by spending her inheritance on those hurt by his crimes. Sheriff Rex Jennings admits that Ruby is helping many, but he questions the young beauty's motives. When he discovers Ruby's identity, will he blame her for her father's sins -- including his own father's murder? And can Ruby convince him that faith in the Almighty heals even the most broken of hearts? (More...)

A Man of Honor

On a steamy spring morning, Dusty Parker, pastor, search-and-rescue team member, and administrator of a school for troubled boys joins the search for a missing teenage girl. He partners with volunteer and teacher Grace Sinclair, and they bond in ways neither expected. As they build their lives together, a visitor from the past causes them to further open their hearts and home. But a threat looms on their seemingly perfect lives and in one terrifying night, everything changes. (More...)

Ashes to Honor

Minutes before two jumbo jets changed U.S. history, NYPD officer Austin Finley ignored a call from his brother. Regret consumes him, and when counselor Mercy Samara recommends desk duty, Austin resigns. Haunted by her own 9/11 memories, Mercy takes a job as a school counselor. When Austin, now an EMT, responds to an emergency at Mercy's school, both are wary. Common memories turn suspicion into romance. But can they move beyond judgments? (More...)

Honor Redeemed

Search and Rescue (SAR) team leader Honor Mackenzie works as hard at guarding the secrets of her past as she does training SAR dogs. As for widowed Sun reporter Matt Phillips, not even his former SAR work is as important as protecting his twin boys. When a jet crashes one cold night, their respective jobs put them face-to-face at the grisly scene, and force Matt and Honor to reconsider the difficult decisions that resulted in their long-standing "single forever" status. (More...)

Beautiful Bandit

Joshua Neville is a quiet, even-keeled rancher who was just minding his own business when he witnessed a brazen bank robbery in San Antonio, that leaves three men dead. Even more shocking is that the ringleader looked like a woman! Weeks later, when Josh is on the trail, a lost and confused woman stumbles upon his campsite. After he agrees to take "Dinah" to Mexico, Josh realizes he's fallen in love. But after the truth comes out, will he put his life at risk to keep her with him? (More...)

Maverick Heart

Nurse Levee O'Reilly and her husband are headed west when their stagecoach is attacked by infamous Frank Michaels and Dr. O'Reilly is killed. Alone and grieving, Levee lands in Eagle Pass, Texas. Daniel Neville wants to be a preacher, but he's battled doubts for most of his life. When a coincidental meeting brings Levee and Dan together, they're awakened to a desire for love by the realization that they may have found it. Can these mavericks accept God's plan? (More...)

Unbridled Hope

Life is a dream come true for Callie Roberts until a steamboat boiler explosion kills her parents, her older brother, and her beloved fiance. It also deafens her younger brother and leaves Callie with a scar from cheek to chin, a haunting reminder of the tragedy for which she was partly responsible. To put the past behind her, she settles in Eagle Pass, Texas, and launches a business. The same is hardly true for the Micah Neville's family, whose nearby Lazy N Ranch is struggling. (More...)

...In Folly Beach, NC

First impressions can't be trusted! When marine biologist Holly Leonard agrees to help Parker Brant write a book on sea turtles, she expects a charming charter boat captain, not the strait-laced, all-business dud who greets her. For his part, Parker is surprised to find that Dr. Leonard is not the matronly grandmother he expected but a blue-eyed beauty who's lively, fun &emdash; and a total klutz. The harder Holly tries to shed her "Holly Folly" nickname, the clumsier she becomes... (More...)

...In North Pole, Alaska

A former Marine is no match for the spunky Sam Sinclair. Bryce Stone is forced to return to his hometown of North Pole, Alaska, "The Town Where It's Christmas All Year Long," when his Aunt Olive retires and leaves him to manage the family's cluttered Christmas boutique. Bryce hires a petite and inexperienced young woman to run the store, cleverly figuring that if she fails, he can sell just the place! But Bryce underestimates Sam... (More...)

...In Paradise, Pennsylvania

For as long as anyone can remember, tourists have flocked to the quaint town of Paradise, Pennsylvania, where Amish buggies are as common as shops selling handcrafted goods. Raised in foster homes, Julia Spencer has succeeded in life only through steely determination and independence. The close-knit Amish people are a mystery to her, but local veterinarian Simon Thomas knows them well and is fiercely protective of their simple ways. (More...)