Recently in First Chapter Category

Chicago has a new resident – a heartless killer on a long crime spree. Kristen Conner is a good cop and a good girl: she loves her mom, goes to church and coaches her niece’s soccer team. And her track record and instincts as a detective are impeccable… but this case and this killer expose a blind spot that ultimately endangers those closest to her. Can she catch this hauntingly familiar culprit before he strikes again?

Cuts Like a Knife is loaded with action, humor, and wry introspection.

 

 

Check out the first chapter to Cuts Like a Knife.

The battle didn’t start this year… or even this millennium.

It began when Moses was on Mt. Siani. Tired of waiting on the One True God, the twelve tribes of Israel began worshipping a golden calf through pagan revelry. Many received immediate death for their idolatry, but 40 were handed a far worse punishment – endless life on earth with no chance to see the face of God.

This group of immortals became the 13^th Tribe, and they’ve been trying to earn their way into heaven ever since – by killing sinners. Though their logic is twisted, their brilliance is undeniable. Their wrath is unstoppable. And the technology they possess is beyond anything mere humans could imagine.

Jagger Baird knows nothing about the Tribe when he’s hired as head of security for an archaeological dig on Mt. Siani. The former army ranger is still reeling from an accident that claimed the life of his best friend, his arm, and his faith in God.

The Tribe is poised to execute their most ambitious attack ever and the lives of millions hang in the balance. When Jagger’s wife and son are caught in the crossfire, he’ll stop at nothing to save them. But how can one man stand against an entire tribe of immortals?

“Liparulo plunges deep into the pages of scripture to find intriguing what-if’s and stunning revelations – all woven into a tale that is both skin-tinglingly supernatural and thought-provokingly real. Packed with high-tech gadgetry, action and heart… Read this novel! Seriously!” – Ted Dekker, New York Times best-selling author of Forbidden and the Circle Series

Check out the first chapter to The 13^th Tribe.

Texas, 1874. Years ago, Will McMillian had fought in the open, next to his captain, Clayton Proffitt. Now he’s waging another war undercover, pretending to be a member of the notorious Walton Gang.

But when a hostage situation goes awry and an innocent woman, Jamie Ellis, is in the middle of the fray, will knows he must protect her no matter what happens. Even if his cover is blown. Even if they risk being killed by his gang or by the lawmen on their trail. Even if the woman he’s risking everything for will never love him back.

 

 

Check out the first chapter to A Texan’s Honor by Shelley Gray.

Neta Jackson just released Stand By Me, the first book in her new series, A SouledOut Sisters Series.

Kathryn Davies is as bright young woman from a prominent Phoenix family. But after making a leap of faith at a Christian music fest, dropping out of med school, and moving to inner city Chicago, her family all but disowns her.

When Kat discovers SouledOut Community Church, she longs to become a part of the multicultural church family. But her tendency to immediately say whatever she’s thinking steps on the toes of nearly everyone she meets – especially Avis Douglass.

Avis has a strong faith, is the principal of one of Chicago’s highest performing elementary schools, and is a founding member of SouledOut. But the country’s economic downturn has thrown both her and her husband’s jobs in question. And Avis hasn’t heard from her youngest daughter in moths – an estrangement that gnaws at her every day. Where is God in this?

Kat’s flamboyant zeal for living a “radical” Christian life is a stark contrast to Avis’s more reserved faith. But in God’s timing, the two women discover they need each other in ways neither of them expected.

Check out the first chapter to Stand by Me. There is also a reading group guide in the back of the book which makes it a great book club selection.

One of my favorite novels from last year was the debut work of Rosslyn Elliott, Fairer Than Morning. Her second novel just released and I can’t wait to start it. Sweeter Than Birdsong is already receiving strong reviews so it promises to be an excellent read. Here’s a glimpse into Rosslyn’s new book:

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter’s dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she’ll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance – and use it to mask her flight.

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College’s musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing – and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage – and her voice – if she is to sing a new song for their future.

Check out the first chapter to Sweeter Than Birdsong.

Rosslyn will be joining us tomorrow here on the blog to share a bit more on her new book.  We'll see you then!

Colleen Coble is starting a new historical series called Under Texas Stars. The first book is now available at LifeWay Christian Stores. Here’s a glimpse at Blue Moon Promise (by the way, isn't that a beautiful cover?)...

Lucy Marsh’s worldly resources are running out, but she’s fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father’s recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to provide for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he’d marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh – a city girl – on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he’d give anything to protect Lucy and the children he’s grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.

Blue Moon Promise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense… immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.

Colleen will be joining us tomorrow on the blog to share more about her new book.  You can read the first chapter to Blue Moon Promises here.

Also, be sure to check out last week’s post that included Colleen and writing buddies Kirstin Billerbeck and Denise Hunter as they chatted about Smitten, a romantic novel set in Vermont that they just wrote together.

Lynette Eason is starting a new series. The Deadly Reunion Series begins with When the Smoke Clears and is available now!

As a member of the North Cascades Smokejumpers, Alexia Allen always takes care of the equipment that keeps her safe. So when she nearly dies in a fire due to equipment failure, she knows something is up. Ordered to take time off while the investigation continues, Alexia makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother’s home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she’s involved with murder, arson – and a handsome detective. But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she strives to remember and forgive her family history, she must also decide if the secret she’s been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Check out the first chapter to When the Smoke Clears.

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey is a new novel that I was anxious to get my hands on. Their first novel together, The Swiss Courier, was an excellent read so I had high hopes that their next release would be just as engaging. While there are characters from The Swiss Courier in the new book, you don’t have to read the first one to enjoy the second (although I highly recommend it!). I believe both men and women will find Chasing Mona Lisa to be an intriguing read. You’ll find yourself wanting to tour the Louvre and stroll the streets of Paris while reading it!

August 1944. Paris is on the cusp of liberation. As the soliders of the Third Reich flee the Allied advance, they ravage the country and steal countless pieces of irreplaceable art. In fact, Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring will stop at nothing to claim the most valuable one of all – the Mona Lisa – as a postwar bargaining chip.

But the woman with the mysterious smile has some very determined protectors. Can Swiss OSS agents Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler rescue Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece before it falls into German hands?

With nonstop action and intrigue, Chasing Mona Lisa is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you join the chase to save the most famous painting in the world. From war-ravaged Paris to a posh Swiss chateau, the race is on – and the runners are playing for keeps.

 

 

Check out the first chapter to Chasing Mona Lisa.

Former Marine and current Nightshade team member Griffin “Legend” Riddell is comfortable. So comfortable he never sees the set up that lands him in a maximum security prison, charged with murder. How can he prove his innocence behind bars?

Covert operative Kazi Faron is tasked with reassembling Nightshade – the black ops team someone dissected. Breaking Griffin out of a federal penitentiary amid explosive confusion may turn out to be her last assignment. What will it take to convince the fugitive that whoever set him up has also dissected the Nightshade team? As Kazi and Griffin race to rescue the others and discover the traitor, love begins to awaken in their hearts.

Can a covert operative and the felon she’s freed overcome their mutual distrust long enough to save Nightshade? Will anything prepare them for who – or what is coming?

 

Check out the first chapter to Firethorn by Ronie Kendig.

Elizabeth Camden’s new novel is now available at LifeWay Christian Stores. If you enjoy reading novels by Laura Frantz, Tracie Peterson, or Deeanne Gist then you should give Elizabeth a try.  Here is what The Rose of Winslow Street is about.

In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael’s shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby’s father’s house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court’s decision about the house looms, and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael’s past are unveiled, Libby’s loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

 

 

 

 

Check out the first chapter to The Rose of Winslow Street.