What’s Happening In Narelle’s World?
Dear Friends,
Welcome to mid-February! I'm sending my newsletter a little later this month because I've been busy launching my new podcast and YouTube show - Fan Girling with Narelle (scroll down for episode links).
I co-hosted StoryChats @ InspyRomance podcast/YouTube show for 3 years but I wasn't involved in the admin side of the production process. I've enjoyed doing a podcasting course and I'm on a fun learning curve with my son who's helping me. My son and husband created and recorded the intro and outro music for my show. I've really missed talking about books and I'm looking forward to recording more episodes.
I'm plugging along with my Read the Bible in a Year Challenge. My goal is to listen to the daily readings in The One Year Chronological Bible and the encouraging Daily Bible Podcast - Audio Bible Reading Plan episodes with Tricia Goyer and her friend Michelle. We're currently in Exodus and moving into Leviticus.
Fan Girling with Narelle
Visit the Podcast Page on my website for links to my podcast and YouTube episodes.
Ep. 1 - Love Contemporary Romance: The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh
Launch day - Pilot Episode
Book Recommendations
I’ve shared a few fiction book recommendations on my blog since I sent out my last newsletter.
Book Recommendation – Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson
JustRead Tour & Recommendation - Where I Found You by Betsy St. Amant
Book Recommendation – An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon
Book Recommendation – Fiancé Finale by Angela Ruth Strong
For those interested in learning about Christian fiction new releases, I also compile a monthly new releases post on my blog — Christian Fiction New Releases - February 2025.
I have a Friday weekly blog series showcasing books on preorder. Here are the links to my recent "Narelle's Preorder Roundup" blog posts:
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 2/14/25
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 2/7/25
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 1/31/25
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 1/24/25
Paperback Giveaway - The Nature of Love or Storm Warning
My contemporary Christian romance selection is The Nature of Love by Toni Shiloh that's set in Colorado. Chris is a YouTube star and wildlife conservationist who lives in an eco-friendly home. Erykah is a busy orthopedic surgeon who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her young nieces. I loved how Chris and Erykah's delightful meet cute created the foundation for a sweet romance that included a salvation journey to faith. I recommend The Nature of Love to contemporary romance readers who like friends-to-more romances that deal with hard issues, including grief and the daily challenges of caring for young children, and have a strong faith element in the story. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-the-nature-of-love-by-toni-shiloh/
My alternative selection is Storm Warning, the first book in Elizabeth Goddard's new Christian romantic suspense series set on the Pacific Coast in Washington. Remi is ex-military and has amnesia. She can’t remember what happened in Eastern Europe two years ago and she's in hiding at the remote lodge she manages. Hawk is staying at Remi’s lodge because he’s looking for someone. He’s a helicopter pilot with a military background and there’s a massive storm heading their way. Danger surrounds them and I read the book quickly because I couldn't put it down. I recommend Storm Warning to romantic suspense readers who like fast-paced thrillers with the amnesia trope and a relevant faith element in the story. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-storm-warning-by-elizabeth-goddard/
The paperback giveaway is open to readers with USA and Australian mailing addresses who can receive paperback books from Amazon USA or Amazon Australia. The choice of book is subject to availability from Amazon.
I’m happy to substitute an ebook for readers who live outside USA and Australia, as long as they have digital access to ebooks at either Amazon USA or Amazon Australia and can redeem an Amazon gift card for the equivalent US or Australian ebook price at the US or Australian store.
To enter the giveaway, please reply to this email by FEBRUARY 24, 2025 (USA Pacific West Coast Time Zone) and include your first name and the name of the country where you live and include the book title (The Nature of Love or Storm Warning) that you'd like to win.
The winner will be contacted by FEBRUARY 27, 2025 to arrange the delivery of their paperback book.
Our JANUARY winner, Kara A, chose Tea with Elephants.
Questions for You
Have you read any books by Toni Shiloh or Elizabeth Goddard? Do you prefer contemporary romance or romantic suspense?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and I will do my best to reply to your emails within 7 days. If I receive an undelivered email message, I’ll try again and send a second reply. If you don’t receive a reply from me, please let me know because emails can go astray. You can contact me via my website.
February Featured Author ~ Autumn Macarthur
I've enjoyed reading Autumn's books and I'm happy to share that she's offering a FREE ebook download (reader's choice) for new subscribers to her newsletter.
I've shared recommendations for Autumn's books at my blog:
Book Recommendation – Cherish Me (A Chapel Cove Romance Book 3) by Autumn Macarthur
Book Recommendation – Forget Paris by Autumn Macarthur
Claim your free ebook at the following link:
https://faithhopeandheartwarming.com/sign-up-here-3/
I'm sponsoring a quarterly gift card giveaway at the ACW blog for Tuesday Book Chat posts. Check out the ACW book chat posts here:
https://australasianchristianwriters.com/category/book-chat/
Final Thoughts
Thank you for journeying with me on my often crazy and challenging book publishing journey. If you’re a praying person, I’d love continued prayers for my health, writing and podcasting. I'll learn more next week via routine blood tests if my dietary changes and daily exercise schedule have helped to regulate my insulin and blood sugar levels. I'm praying I'm moving toward a pre-diabetes diagnosis. I'd also appreciate prayers for a stressful family situation that's coming to a head this week. Please pray for a just and fair outcome for everyone involved. The emotional stress has blocked my creativity, which is one reason I've started podcasting now rather than waiting until I'd finished writing my book. Podcasting is a fun and constructive distraction. I have appreciated all your email replies, prayers, good thoughts, and support.
Blessings and love to you,
Narelle xo
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