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Hey reader friends, we have a big beautiful book list from today’s featured author!!! Don’t miss her brand new release and join her Sunday on Facebook for an author chat party!!

About the Author

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters.

When she isn’t in the world of make believe, she can be found in a small desert town in central Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

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Five Favorite Books in Five Favorite Genres

Sarah: Contemporary

Bamboo and Lace by Lori Wick—I honestly can’t pinpoint what it is about this book that draws me. I just love it and would not be exaggerating to say I’ve read it about a dozen times.

Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay—The epistolary construction of this novel is so unique and beautifully crafted. The Jane Austen references and the way the character uses Austen I found very relatable.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade—This one gets my vote for two reasons. Number one the complete swoony factor. I mean, c’mon.

And number two, I can’t read a Becky Wade book without being in awe of her amazing writing talent.

The Carpenter’s Daughter by Jennifer Rodewald—Really, any of Jennifer Rodewald’s books would make a top favorite list of mine.

Along the veins of Francine Rivers, she is masterful and digging deep to the heart of her characters and taking her readers on a fantastic journey to redemption.

Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg—On a caveat here, I’m going to say, really, her entire Walker Family series. She carries you along with her, makes you feel like one of the family, a member of her quirky made up little town, and gets you right in the heart with a stirring message that adds depth to every one of her stories.

Beth: You have excellent taste! I have 3 of these on my tbr… must. read. faster!

Sarah: Historical

The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischoff—Everyone talks about how this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and that may be, but I see it more as a story of salvation retelling. The way the hero would sacrifice anything for an innocent child so reminds me of God’s love.

The Unveiling, Baron of Godsmere by Tamara Leigh—All of Tamara Leigh’s books are my favorite, but my favoritest favorite are these two.

I read The Unveiling three times last year and Baron of Godsmere twice in just a couple of months. I’m sure I’ll reread them both many more times, too!

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin—Who doesn’t relate to a book-loving heroine? Add in a bit of mystery and the beauty of the mountains and you’ve got a can’t-put-downable book.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers—Pretty much a Christian fiction classic, this is an edgy retelling of the book of Hosea. And just like Hosea, who was a reminder of God’s unwavering love for Israel, Redeeming Love reminds us that there are no boundaries to Go’s love.

The Shortstraw Bride by Karen Witemeyer—All of Karen Witemeyer’s books are pure fun! A great escape when life gets hectic.

Beth: Tamara Leigh, LionHeart, Karen Witemeyer! ????????????

Sarah: Speculative These I am going to list by series. This isn’t cheating, I promise.

The Staff and the Spear series by Patrick Carr—Action, adventure, and romance! What more could you ask for?

The Kinsman Chronicles series by Jill Williamson—This series was one of the first I read in the speculative genre and it wet my appetite for more! The characters, the world building, the story… all fantastic!

Black Tiger series by Sarah Baysinger—Along the veins of The Hunger Games and Divergent, this Dystopian series will keep you turning the pages!

The Uncloaked series by J. Rodes—Okay, so this series isn’t published yet, but I’ve had the privilege to read them…well, except the last book which is currently being written.

Let me just say it is torture to wait for it! Must. Find. Out. What. Happens.

The Gifting series by K. E. Ganshert—I read this whole series in record time and it even invaded my dreams. My mind continually processed the story even when I had to do real life and adult.

Any way I can slip in Frank Paretti’s This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness? Seriously, I’m having problems sticking to just five.

Beth: Not my cup of tea but my daughter adores this kind of story.

Sarah: Suspense/Mystery

Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig—There’s a reason why Ronie Kendig’s tagline is “Rapid-fire fiction.” I’m just sayin’. I love the mix she has here in this new series. A mix of military thriller and archeological intrigue.

Book of Dreams by Davis Bunn—I knew I had to include a Davis Bunn book and it was hard choosing which one. This book has a supernatural element that will really get your brain gears turning.

Submerged by Dani Pettrey—I picked this one because it is the first in her Alaskan Courage series and because it is currently free. I would never willingly choose a favorite McKenna book.

Dani Pettrey does a fabulous job of marrying suspense and romance without making the romance super cheesy.

A Fool and His Monet by Sandra Orchard—I admit I’m a sucker for quirky, lovable characters, and this series definitely has that! I just finished this book and now I’m hunting down the rest in the series.

The Last Plea Bargain by Randy Singer—Talk about edge of your seat, Randy Singer will get you there. Try to keep up with fast-paced writing. It’s worth the ride.

Beth: A couple of new to me titles here and a couple of favorites!

Sarah: Biblical

Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar—I’m not sure I ever ugly-cried like I did when I read this book. I say that in a completely good way, of course. Completely beautiful. If you have the time, you should read ALL of Tessa Afshar’s books. Every one is a gem.

Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews—Some interesting twists to the story of Job that I hadn’t thought of before. Definitely made me think.

The Thief by Stephanie Landsem—Another one that will have you reaching for your tissues as you get lost in the last days of Jesus’ life and death.

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette—I loved the unique perspective of this book, the point-of-view being taken from an Egyptian that joined the Israelite’s journey across the desert.

The Master’s Wall by Sandi Rog—This one is a bit different in that it is set during New Testament times but the characters aren’t ones you’d find in the Bible. You’ll be hooked from the very first page.

Beth: I need to read #allthebooks, ASAP!

Books

Tell us about your latest release

Sarah: It’s kind of funny because when I started writing All of You my husband was a pastor of a three-church district. About halfway through the manuscript he was sworn in as a chaplain in the US Navy.

Michael Carrington, the hero in All of You is a Navy fighter pilot. It was kind of like my real world and my fictional world collided. While I am super new to this military life, I have a deep respect for all our service men and woman who work and sacrifice for the sake of our country. I think even more so now that I am a part of this community and since I have taken that journey with my character Michael.

Because of that and for so much more, I felt honored to be able to give back and donated the proceeds of all the pre-order sales to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. I’m hoping to announce just how much that donation was in the next couple of days.

 

Maryland, Present Day
Jacqueline Rogers can rebuild anything…except the shambles of her past. A restorer of vintage planes, she’s worked hard to earn the reputation of being one of the guys. The last thing she needs is a former Navy pilot fighting his own inner demons stepping in to defend her from dangers she thought she’d outrun long ago. Some battles must be fought alone.

After a freak accident severs Lieutenant Michael “Finch” Carrington’s dreams, as well as two limbs, he’s left with nothing but a fragile faith and a duty-bound promise to watch out for his friend’s baby sister. A promise she insists is as unnecessary as it is unappreciated. But when she turns the tables and begins to weld together the broken parts of his life, it may be his heart that is in need of protection.

England, 1942
With the world at war yet again, Alice Galloway rejects her father’s traditional expectations and offers her piloting expertise to the Air Transport Auxiliary. She may be a woman in a man’s world, but when she overhears key intelligence, she must find the strength to transcend boundaries and her own fears. Or countless people may die.

Sometimes the past reaches forward to bring hope to the future.

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Beth: Y’all are going to enjoy this story!!! my review

 

Tell us about your next release

Sarah: Haha. Well, seeing as All of You released only two days ago, there isn’t a new book on the nearby horizon. Of course the third book in the Carrington Family series will be coming up, so keep an eye out for that. But I also have an idea for another book along the lines of The Isaac Project that won’t leave me alone, so I better get that one written as well so the characters (and me!) can get some peace. *wink*

Beth: Oh I know you writer types have all kinds of characters living in your imagination ???? Thank you for sharing all your wonderful book favorites and your bookish news, Sarah!

You’re Invited

 

What are your favorite genres?