What’s Happening In Narelle’s World?
Dear Friends,
Welcome to March! Autumn has decided to delay making an appearance where I live and is allowing summer's reign to not only continue, but to get much hotter. Many parts of South Eastern Australia are experiencing record breaking heatwave conditions. Staying cool indoors has been my plan in this unseasonal weather. I've started working on what I need to rewrite in the early chapters of my Chapel Cove book. The back story for the characters hasn't changed, but my life experiences since 2021 when I conceptualized the original story idea have given me a slightly different perspective. I'm excited by the prospect of diving back into the story and growing the word count.
During February I managed to stay on track with my Read the Bible in a Year Challenge. Only a few little binges were needed to ensure I stayed up to date. I listen to the daily readings in The One Year Chronological Bible and the Daily Bible Podcast - Audio Bible Reading Plan with Tricia Goyer and her friend Michelle. The audio option is working really well for me. In February I read through the books of Exodus, Leviticus and a few chapters from Numbers.
ON SALE: Sydney Sweethearts Series
Amazon US/UK - sale ends March 14
Amazon AU/CA/EU stores - on sale March 16 - 20
I recently refreshed the book covers in my Sydney Sweethearts series that's set in Australia. To celebrate the cover makeovers, books 1-3 will be on sale for 99c each at Amazon Kindle. The timing is staggered (US/UK first, then international) because Amazon is complicated. The books are available in Kindle Unlimited. https://www.narelleatkins.com/books/
New Release from Jennifer Mistmorgan
I'm excited to share Jennifer Mistmorgan's new book in her On Victory's Wings series -- The Mapmaker's Secret -- releasing next week on March 22, 2024. I loved reading this book and I highly recommend it for readers who like WW2 historical romances set in England.
StoryChats @ InspyRomance Podcast/YouTube
Here's the list of our recent StoryChats @ InspyRomance episodes that I recorded with Valerie Comer and/or Elizabeth Maddrey for the Podcast and YouTube.
Episode 164: Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson
Episode 163: Never Fall Again by Lynn Blackburn
Episode 162: CCR Set in Canada
Episode 161: Rocky Road by Becky Wade
Book Recommendations
I’ve shared a few book recommendations on my blog since I sent out my last newsletter.
Book Recommendation – Over The Rainbow by Meredith Resce
Book Recommendation – Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham
Book Recommendation – Drive You Crazy by Jessica Kate
Book Recommendation – Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson
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 - March 2024.
Paperback Giveaway - Rocky Road or Yesterday's Tomorrow
My contemporary Christian romance selection is Rocky Road by Becky Wade, the second book in her Sons of Scandal series set in Maine. Jude is an adorable hero who was a lawyer before he became an FBI agent. Gemma has a finely tuned sense of smell and she creates beautiful fragrances. I loved everything about this book and the meet cute in Gemma's perfumery store is hilarious. I recommend Rocky Road to contemporary romance readers who like law enforcement fake relationship romances with suspense and mystery story threads and a relevant faith element in the story. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-rocky-road-by-becky-wade/
My alternative selection is Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West. I first read this book when it was traditionally published by a small press many years ago. The story is set in Vietnam in 1967 during the war. The book is on my to-reread list because it's one of those stories that's thought provoking and stays with you long after you finish reading. The romance story arc is different to the typical Christian romance and the story could be considered edgy. I recommend Yesterday's Tomorrow to romance readers who are looking for an authentic and powerful romance set during the Vietnam War with a relevant faith element in the story. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-yesterdays-tomorrow-by-catherine-west/
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 MARCH 18, 2024 (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 (Rocky Road or Yesterday's Tomorrow) that you'd like to win.
The winner will be contacted by MARCH 21, 2024 to arrange the delivery of their paperback book.
Our February winner, Grace N from USA chose Pixels and Paint.
Questions for You
Are you a fan of the fake relationship romance trope? Have you read any Christian fiction books set during the 1960's?
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. I can be contacted via my website.
March Featured Author ~ Emily Conrad
I've enjoyed reading Emily Conrad's Rhythms of Redemption series. Between the Two of Us — the prequel novella in the series — is available as a free ebook download for her newsletter subscribers.
Here's the Book Description for Between the Two of Us
He hates drama, but it sure seems to love him.
Food trailer owner Asher has seen too many tears he couldn’t dry. Determined to be part of the solution, he avoids romance and all the heartbreaking drama that goes with it.
At least, that’s the plan until he falls for one of the Warren twins—and not the Warren twin who declared her feelings for him. He’ll have to proceed carefully or he’ll break not one, but two women’s hearts. And, perhaps, his own.
Between the Two of Us is available at the following link: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/e2t17zzuev
Read Easter in Gilead Series this Easter
If you're looking for Easter themed contemporary Christian romance books to read in the lead up to Easter, please check out the Easter in Gilead series. The books can be read in any order and they have character and setting connections via an annual Passion Play that's held in the fictional small town of Gilead, Kansas. The books are available in Kindle Unlimited.
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, my family, and my writing schedule. My mother is thankfully home from hospital and her health is currently stable. I appreciate all your prayers, good thoughts, and support.
Blessings and love to you,
Narelle xo
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