What’s Happening In Narelle’s World?
Dear Friends,
Welcome to mid-February! We celebrate Valentine's Day in Australia but it's usually more low key than in USA and other countries. Which means I usually don't have a cute romantic story to share. On Saturday morning, hubby and I went out for a Valentine's Day breakfast at a local cafe in Canberra.
These days I restrict my sugar consumption. I've successfully managed to avoid a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis via diet and exercise. The added bonus is I'm gradually losing weight at a slow and sustainable pace which further decreases my diabetes risk.
My Valentine's Day breakfast treat was eggs benedict with smoked salmon and bacon. We ordered our breakfast and the barista gave us both free coffees. An earlier customer had paid for ten coffees for the the next ten customers at the cafe. I enjoyed my latte and we appreciated the free coffee gift from a kind stranger.
I've featured Janice Cantore's novel, Edge of Truth, in recent Fan Girling podcast/YouTube episodes. Today I dropped an author chat episode with the lovely Janice that includes a giveaway.
Edge of Truth - Paperback Giveaway for USA readers
Enter at the following link: https://www.narelleatkins.com/romantic-suspense-chat-with-janice-cantore-edge-of-truth-giveaway/
Fan Girling with Narelle
Visit the Podcast Page on my website for links to my podcast and YouTube episodes. Here are the links to my recent episodes.
Romantic Suspense: Chat with Janice Cantore – Edge of Truth + Giveaway
Ep. 53 – Love Romantic Suspense: Edge of Truth by Janice Cantore + Giveaway
Ep. 52 – Love Romantic Suspense: Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard
Ep. 51 – Love Contemporary Romance: Her Mistaken Identity Cowboy by Karen Baney
Ep. 50 – Love Contemporary Romance: Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon
Suspense: Chat with Kristine Delano – The Lies We Trade
Book Recommendations
I’ve shared a few fiction book recommendations on my blog since I sent out my last newsletter.
Book Recommendation – South of Somewhere by T. I. Lowe
Book Recommendation – Deadly Currents by Elizabeth Goddard
Book Recommendation – Her Mistaken Identity Cowboy by Karen Baney
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 2026.
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: 2/13/26
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 2/6/26
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 1/30/26
Narelle’s Preorder Roundup: 1/23/26
Paperback Giveaway - Hearts in Circulation or Gelato at the Villa
My Christian contemporary romance selection is Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon that's set in Tennessee. Hayley is a small town librarian who gets stranded in an old bookmobile in a remote mountain town. Levi is a reclusive mechanic with sensory issues who rescues Hayley. Their romance is quirky and adorable. I recommend Hearts in Circulation to contemporary romance readers who like opposites attract and grumpy sunshine romances with forced proximity, instalove, bookish characters, and relevant faith elements in the story. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-hearts-in-circulation-by-sarah-monzon/
My alternative selection is Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn, a contemporary fiction vacation novel set in Italy. I loved travelling with Grace and Claire as they immersed themselves in experiencing the fascinating history, architecture, churches, art, culture, hospitality and culinary delights of Northern Italy. Pasta and gelato, among other local delicacies, are featured in the story. I recommend Gelato at the Villa to contemporary readers who like vacation, foodie and friendship women's fiction that includes strong faith elements with forgiveness themes. Read my book recommendation here:
https://www.narelleatkins.com/book-recommendation-gelato-at-the-villa-by-robin-jones-gunn/
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 23, 2026 (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 (Hearts in Circulation or Gelato at the Villa) that you'd like to win.
The winner will be contacted by FEBRUARY 25, 2026 to arrange the delivery of their paperback book.
Our JANUARY winner, Kim O, chose Into the Fire.
Questions for You
Do you like reading about bookish characters? Have you read many Christian fiction books set in Europe?
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.
Discover New Authors - FREE ebooks
I haven’t read all of the books in the Romantic February promo and the majority of authors are new-to-me. I’ve spotlighted books and shared recommendations by some of the authors in previous newsletters including Valerie Comer, Toni Shiloh, Jan Thompson, and Karen Baney.
The Cowboy's Forever Crush by Valerie Comer is the prequel novella to Valerie's Saddle Springs series. Here are the links to my recommendations for the first two books in the series.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion by Valerie Comer
The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker by Valerie Comer
Here’s the BookFunnel website link for all of the free ebooks in the promo:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/ccr-lb-2026-february/ou7yfte83l
Do you buy and/or borrow Christian fiction ebooks at Kobo?
Look no further! These bestselling authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of ebooks available on Kobo Plus.
Here’s the BookFunnel website link for all of the Kobo ebooks in the promo:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/kobo-christian-fiction/bb7wdazi09
Ultimate Christian Romance Reader Giveaway
FaithBooks is excited to present our 6th bi-annual Christian Reader Ultimate Prize Giveaway!
We've curated a special collection of some of our favorite Bookish gifts and Bible study accessories just for you. We have over $150 in gift cards and 60 paperback books to give away along with other fun prizes! If you love reading Christian romance, you won't want to miss this!
www.faithbooksromance.com/giveaway
Final Thoughts
Thanks for journeying with me on my often crazy and challenging book publishing journey. If you’re a praying person, I’d love prayers for my family. My dear father-in-law is back in hospital with serious health issues. This is his third hospital admission this year. I have appreciated all your email replies, prayers, good thoughts, and support.
Blessings and love to you,
Narelle xo
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