8 Best Christian Anthologies 2015

 MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR ROMANCE COLLECTION | Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Marrying For All the Right Reasons by Erica Vetsch, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Amanda Barratt, Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Shannon McNear, Gabrielle Meyer, Connie Stevens, & Gina Welborn

Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK 

 A GENTLEMAN'S KISS ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Modern Romances with an Old-Fashioned Quality by Ginny Aiken, Kristin Billerbeck, Lynn A. Coleman, Peggy Darty, Rebecca Germany, Bev Huston, Yvonne Lehman, Gail Sattler, & Pamela Kaye Tracy

Are you ready for some good old-fashioned romance in a contemporary setting? Then you’ll enjoy these nine stories of modern women who are forced to slow down and take a new look at dating and romance when new men enter their lives. For some it will take vacation time, others will discover through music, while some need the gentle nudges from both God and Grandma. Delight in discovering how chivalry is not dead despite the stresses of today’s world. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

 THE OREGON TRAIL ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Stories of Life on the Trail into the Western Frontier by Amanda Cabot, Melanie Dobson, Pam Hillman, Myra Johnson, Amy Lillard, DiAnn Mills, Anna Schmidt, Ann Shorey, & Jennifer Uhlarik

Nine romantic adventures take readers along for a ride on the Oregon Trail where daily challenges force travelers to evaluate the things that are most precious to them—including love. Enjoy the trip through a fascinating part of history through the eyes of remarkably strong characters who stop at famous landmarks along the way. Watch as their faith is strengthened and as love is born despite unique circumstances. Discover where the journey ends for each of nine couples. 

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A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Love Stories from the Memorable 1940s by Dianna Crawford, Joan Croston, Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Janelle Burnham Schneider, & Lynette Sowell

Journey back to the great decade of the 1940s through nine romances that ignite despite the challenges and dangers of a world war. Couples meet under unique circumstances—during the bombing of London, at military outposts, through covert operations to save children, as well as on the home front—and the bond of love grows through shared ideals and faith. 

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THE AMERICAN DREAM ROMANCE COLLECTION | Nine Historical Romances Grow Alongside a New Country by Kristy Dykes, Laurie Alice Eakes, Carla Gade, Jane Kirkpatrick, DiAnn Mills, Lisa Karon Richardson, Ann E. Schrock, Tiffany Amber Stockton, & Jennifer Hudson Taylor

Meet the faithful dreamers who helped build the foundation of the new American nation—from four brothers in Colonial Connecticut determined to make something of their lives, to a colony of Quakers in North Carolina resolute in their faith, to settlers in the northwest frontier staking their claim in hostile territory. Watch as nine romances develop and legacies of faith and love are formed. CLICK TO BUY THE BOOK

8 WEDDINGS AND A MIRACLE ROMANCE COLLECTION | 9 Contemporary Romances Need a Little Divine Intervention by Tracie Peterson, Janet Lee Barton, Lena Nelson Dooley, Nancy J. Farrier, Pamela Griffin, Diann Hunt, Loree Lough, Sandra Petit, Gail Sattler

Weather the storms of life alongside nine modern couples who hope to make it to the altar—someday. Be it a meeting in the wrong place at the right time, an accident that opens hardened hearts, or weather that seems to blow things off course, sometimes love needs a little divine intervention. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Tracie Peterson—this collection of nine romances will become an instant favorite. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK

THE CONVENIENT BRIDE COLLECTION by Amanda Barratt, Andrea Boeshaar, Mona Hodgson, Melissa Jagears, Maureen Lang, Gabrielle Meyer, Jennifer Uhlarik, Erica Vetsch, & Renee Yancy

Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California . . . to the rugged mountains of Colorado . . . to a steamship on the Mississippi . . . to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail . . . into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity . . . and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory. BUY THE BOOK 

THE TIMELESS LOVE ROMANCE COLLECTION | Love Prevails in Nine Historical Romances by Dianne Christner, Lynn A. Coleman, Nancy J. Farrier, DiAnn Mills, Darlene Mindrup, Tamela Hancock Murray, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, & Pamela Kaye Tracy

Journey along as men and women emerge triumphantly out of their challenges and into romances that bolster their faith in nine historical novellas. Lonely Prudence has a secret admirer. Spoiled Olivia finds her first job. Adventurous Edie helps a ranger track bandits. Poor Lillian learns about true wealth. Fearful Katie confronts her past. Desperate Dameon finds work. Grieving Maime discovers new purpose. Guilt ridden Justin faces his fears. Newcomer Garrison seeks a business partner. 

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Have you read any? All? Which one is your favorite?

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection - Author Gabrielle Meyer

In 1852, Luke Longley must find a bride by the end of the month, or return East to explain to the mission board why he hasn't married. He hears a single female missionary is working a hundred and fifty miles downriver at Belle Prairie, so he sets out to convince her to marry him. When he arrives at Belle Prairie, he discovers there is not one--but four single ladies--and all of them are eager to marry and stay on the mission field. Now he only has a week to decide which one is right for him.

Four Brides and a Bachelor is inspired by a true story. Years ago I came across a letter written in 1852 by one of the single female missionaries, Miss Harriet Nichols. She wrote about the event and told her brother: "There was romance enough acted here to write as good a story as you will find in any novel." The story is set on Belle Prairie, in central Minnesota, and is named by the French for it's beauty. The actual location is now a county park, and it continues to draw visitors seeking a bit of respite. The land hugs the Mississippi River, and has a profusion of lovely flowers throughout the summer.

My hero is Luke Longley, a missionary who has been in Minnesota Territory for two years. He grew up in the Boston, the son of a prominent minister. His father's congregation kept a close eye on him, and he was chastised for any mistake he made. When he went to college, he rebelled, and his parents were called in to set him straight. He brought shame to his father, and swore he would follow all the rules from that day forward. Now, as a missionary, he's been instructed by the mission board to find a wife--or return east. There is no other option in his mind, but to follow the board's wishes--no matter the cost. His favorite hobby is fly-fishing, which he does on the river every day. He's much rather be fishing than courting four prospective brides! He travels from the Red Lake Indian Mission by birch bark canoe down the Mississippi a hundred and fifty miles to Belle Prairie. It's the only logical mode of transportation for him to reach his destination. If he can get in a little fly-fishing on the way, he considers himself lucky.

My heroine is Sarah Ellis, a brand new missionary at the Belle Prairie Mission in August of 1852. She has just come west, and has learned that she must marry by the end of the year, or she will be forced to return to Massachusetts, to a lonely, bitter father. Sarah is young, and full of zest for missionary life--but she tends to break rules and get herself into trouble. She doesn't set out to break the rules, but can't seem to do anything right. What she doesn't know is that the missionary directors advise Mr. Longley to consider the three other women over Sarah, because she's so young and inexperienced. Besides teaching, Sarah's main job at the mission is to sew, mend, and clean the clothing. Her favorite hobby is horseback riding along the river. She's riding her horse one day when she comes across Mr. Longley fly-fishing...

~*~*~

Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle can be found at www.gabriellemeyer.com where she writes about her passion for history, Minnesota, and her faith.

www.gabriellemeyer.com
www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer

www.twitter.com/MeyerGabrielle 

www.pinterest.com/gabriellemeyer/

THE MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR ROMANCE COLLECTION

Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose?

AMAZON - Print and Kindle

BARNES AND NOBLE - Print and Nook

Two Great Novellas: Love's Reward and Baker's Dozen

by C.J. Chase

Years ago, a fellow writer and I were comparing the types of main characters we often default to--as writers and as readers. She divided the romance character world into two types: the larger-than-life heroes vs. the regular guy heroes. Regular guy heroes seem to dominate Christian romantic fiction. These are by and large the kind of guy most of us meet in our day-to-day lives--the small town sheriff, the cowboy, the preacher. The larger-than-life hero is the alpha male. You're most apt to find him on secular romance bookshelves: the ubiquitous dukes, billionaires, and SEALs. He excels in his chosen field and exudes power and charisma. However, he often has a ruthless streak, which is probably why we see fewer of him in inspirational stories.

Of course, we all know that some regular guys are Class A jerks and some successful businessmen and military leaders seek to emulate Christ in both their private and public lives. So what's a discerning Christian romance reader to do if she enjoys stories about a handsome, rich, powerful man laid low by his love for God and a good woman? Get her hands on the The Most Eligible Bachelor anthology. Two of our own Inkwell bloggers contributed to the collection, and last week, we celebrated their releases with some yummy…desserts. 

In Susanne Dietze’s “Love’s Reward,” architect Daniel Blair needs to focus his time and attention developing a set of plans for the final round of the International Architecture Prize. But his too-driven friend-turned-competitor has designed the perfect distraction. He’s placed a bounty on Daniel’s head, er, heart, with a $1,000 prize going to the woman who manages to end his bachelorhood. Now unmarried women from all over turn-of-the-century San Francisco are delivering baked goods to Daniel’s apartment, leaving notes at his office, and accosting him in the street. In desperation, Daniel turns to his long-time friend Josie Price to act as his human shield. If the other women think his heart is already spoken for, perhaps they will find another target for the attentions. Poor Daniel. His heart really is already entangled…but will Josie ever see him as more than a friend?

Gina Welborn uses the ever-popular state of Texas as the setting for “Baker’s Dozen.” Duke Baker is a successful Fort Worth businessman, a loving father to a five-year-old daughter, and a grieving widower of two years who still wears his wedding band. He doesn’t think himself ready to marry again, but his daughter really needs a mother, so he goes along with his father’s scheme to introduce him to twelve eligible debutants. Alas, Duke just isn’t at ease in social situations, and he can be incredibly oblivious about matters that don’t concern his business. He’d love nothing better than to dump the whole gracious host gig into the lap of Irie La Croix, the daughter of the Baker housekeeper. But Irie is planning a life far away from Texas. Will Duke realize before it's too late that love can come again...with a lucky 13?

I love novellas. These bite-size stories are the perfect length for the busy reader who often can’t pick up a book until the kids are in bed. Because I can finish them in one sitting, I'm not left hanging until I can find another short burst of time or tempted to sacrifice so much sleep that I pay for my reading binge the next day.

However, short stories present challenges for the writers. Because the lower word count makes it harder to develop a new relationship between the characters, writers frequently utilize a reunion or a friends-to-lovers story structure where the main characters already know each other. Both Susie’s and Gina’s are a friends-to-lovers style stories, and I found this unusual because I personally think it the more difficult type to credibly pull off. For the romance to work, the main characters need to have some sort of revelation or catalyst that causes them to see an old friend in a new—non-platonic—way. 

But even after the characters acknowledge the attraction to themselves, should they risk a valued friendship by introducing romance? What if the romance goes awry? Will they lose the friendship? Of course, I already knew the books would end with "And they lived happily ever after," but the how-do-we-get-to-there kept me reading.

Interestingly, despite their short length, both stories also have a secondary focus on the heroes’ relationships with their fathers (and to a lesser extent, the heroines’ relationships with their mothers). And while this could have detracted from the romance in such a short story, instead it nicely added dimension to the characters and depth to a story format often not credited with complexity.

"Love's Reward" and "Baker's Dozen" are two of the nine novellas in The Most Eligible Bachelor, so after you finish reading about Daniel Blair and Duke Baker (yes, the heroes of these two stories really do have the same initials), you get seven more luscious heroes to fall in love with read about in this anthology.

Interview with Susanne Dietze and Gina Welborn

I'm so excited about this new novella collection: The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Marrying for All the Right Reasons, especially since it features our very own Susanne Dietze and Gina Welborn! I'm glad to have a chance to find out more about these authors and their stories.

1.    Congratulations to both of you on your latest release! How did you get involved with this project?

    Susie:  I learned about the opportunity to submit to Barbour’s The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection through my agent. A brainstorming session with Gina Welborn got me thinking about competitions, so I started some research for ideas. I was thrilled when I received a call last July informing me my story had been accepted!

    Gina:  For years I’ve watched The Bachelor/Bachelorette TV show and wanted to write my version of the show. Problem is I never thought a story featuring a hero dating multiple women at the same time could sell in the CBA. Last summer when Barbour put out a call for submissions for a Most Eligible Bachelor collection, I thought why not give it a try. I feel blessed that Becky Germany gave me an opportunity to write Baker’s Dozen.


2.    What was the inspiration for your story?

    Susie:  The historical story's about an architect, Daniel, whose friendly rival promises a princely sum to the woman who can claim Daniel's heart (and distract him from the professional competition they’re involved in, of course). I learned about a true-to-life global architectural contest sponsored by media mogul William Randolph Hearst’s mother, Phoebe Hearst, to beautify University of California at Berkeley (near San Francisco). I fictionalized the university, sponsor, and other details, but I knew Daniel should be a finalist in this competition!

    Gina:  "The Bachelor" (an ABC program)! A Christian romance featuring a hero dating 12 women at the same time—that’s enough of a hurdle, so I figured I needed to give my story a little help by putting it in a CBA-sweet spot setting (Texas). The problem was year. After a bit of researching, I learned about an affluent neighborhood in Fort Worth that would provide the contrast of The West (cattle, ranching, men in boots) with the elegance of the Gilded Era.


3.    I love how almost anything can spark a story idea! Why did you choose your particular main character?

    Susie:  Daniel’s on the shyer side, so I wanted Josie, the heroine, to be somewhat bold. I admire her spunk: she’s so concerned about San Francisco’s unwed mothers that she’s willing to hop on her bicycle and go door-to-door inviting women to fundraiser teas. She finds the competition for Daniel’s heart degrading, and she doesn’t mince words.

    Gina:  Usually I begin first figuring out who my heroine is and then going from there. But with this story, it all hinged on the Bachelor. What type of man would agree to date twelve women at the same time? This isn’t a tv show. How do I make him empathize-able to a Christian woman who doesn’t watch (or more fittingly hates) the tv show? After much thought, I decided the easiest way was to make him a widower who loved his first wife and who realized his daughter needed a mother because he couldn’t meet the needs she had that only a mother can give. Duke Baker lived in a time-period where couples married because it made good business sense. Love wasn’t the prevailing motivation. His decision to participate is motivated by his love for his daughter.


4.    How did you choose your main character's perfect match?

    Susie:  He tempers her exuberance, and she coaxes him out of his shell. He learns from her, as she does from him. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s had a crush on her since forever. Well, more than a crush. He admires her mind, her convictions, her faith. And the spark in her eyes.

    Gina:  As an author, I had to take into consideration how could I plausibly have my hero fall in love with girl 13 while he is dating 1-12 . . . and accomplish it in 20,000 words. I decided Irie LaCroix would be the daughter of the housekeeper. This way Irie and Duke could somewhat have known each other for years. Irie fell in love with Duke when she was sixteen. That unreciprocated love lead to wounds which lead to poor decisions which lead to more wounds. Due to their social inequality, I needed a heroine who finally figured out she didn’t need a man to complete her, to give her purpose, to be the hero to her damsel in distress. She needed to be strong where he was weak.


5.    What was it like to work with the other authors who contributed to this collection?

    Susie:  They were amazing. Everyone was supportive, gracious, and kind. Plus, I learned a lot about promotion from them. I am so blessed to have had this experience be my first as a published author.

    Gina:  The working with them has been in the publicity/marketing aspect. I enjoy learning new ways to promote and connect with readers. I knew half of these authors prior to this collection. It’s been a delight getting to know the others. And I’m so proud of Susie. Love’s Reward is a delightful romance. She did such a clever job with her Bachelor premise.


6.    What are you working on now?

    Susie:  I just submitted a completed novella for Barbour’s The Cowboy’s Bride Collection, which will release in early 2016. Now that it’s done, I’m starting a new proposal I’m pretty excited about!

    Gina:  I just finished my next Barbour novella. All’s Fair is in the Lassoed by Marriage Collection releasing spring 2016. At the same time Barbour put out a call for Most Eligible Bachelor stories, they asked for marriage of convenience ones. Confession here, I have never liked marriage of convenience stories, especially in the CBA. Usually they revolve around the idea to marry so they can accomplish _____ and then once that happens then they’ll get an annulment. Or they get married and decide not to have sex until they fall in love but the whole time the heroine is angsting about wifely duties and husband expectations. Or the husband is angsting.
    I told my brainstorming partner I refused to submit a marriage of convenience idea. There was no way I could come up with an idea I’d even want to write. Well, Becca challenged me to give us 30 minutes to brainstorm. I literally set a 30 minute timer on my phone. Everyone of her suggestions I nixed. She said, “Is there any idea you like even just a little?” I liked the idea of two people marrying not for their benefit but to get their families out of jail.
    All’s Fair is my Hatfields/McCoys meets Romeo/Juliet story.


7.    How do you work writing into your busy schedule?

    Susie:  I am not good at balancing, but I’m working on it. I cook a lot of crockpot meals.

    Gina:  I like to write during the week while my kids are at school. If I’m not on deadline, I tend to not do anything writing related after 4 p.m. Nothing on weekends.


8.    Cats, dogs or something else?

    Susie:  My mom is really allergic to cats, so I could never get too friendly with one when I was a kid. Even today, the choice around my house is a cat or grandma, and we chose grandma. Love’s Reward features a cat and a dog, however.

    Gina:  Dogs and other people’s cats. We have a box-lab named Kansas, four guinea pigs (Max, Hershey, Fawn, and Ginger), two rabbits (Hobbit and Elphaba) and one fancy Russian dwarf hamster named Tom-Bob Deucalian. He’s evil.


9.    What do you read for fun?
    Susie:  I’m pretty eclectic. Inspy historical romance, of course. Research books. I also read YA, partly to know what my kids are reading, and partly because I like it, too.

    Gina:  Non-fiction. I’m currently reading a 60-year anniversary book about Corvettes, a biography of Zora Duntov, and Beth Moore’s A Heart Like His.


10.    Where can we find  The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection?

    Susie & Gina:  It can be found at local Christian booksellers, as well as in Walmart. Or online.

Amazon
http://amzn.to/1v0xquA

Barnes and Noble
http://bit.ly/1t6uQVU

Gospel Bookstore
http://bit.ly/1oLTUmz


Thank you both for telling us about your writing and yourselves. Sell a million!

ABOUT SUSIE:
Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she writes in the hope that her historical romances will encourage and entertain others. A pastor’s wife and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, travel, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her on her website: www.susannedietze.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanneDietzeBooks

Blog: www.susannedietze.blogspot.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SusanneDietze

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Dietze/e/B00O3MR63A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_4

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13657688.Susanne_Dietze

LOVE'S REWARD:
A rich man’s joke, offering a monetary reward for the capture of a shy architect’s heart—but the game is on for every female in town except a charity-minded miss who won’t compete for the bachelor’s affections. Just his bank account.


ABOUT GINA:
Gina Welborn worked in news radio until she fell in love with writing romances. Her manuscripts have finaled in the RWA Golden Heart, Daphne du Maurier, Duel on the Delta, Maggie, and ACFW Genesis. She is a past-president of RWA-FHL chapter and currently serves on the ACFW Foundation Board. She is also a 2014 Selah Contest finalist. A moderately obsessive fan of Community, Chopped, and Once Upon a Time, Gina lives in Cache, Oklahoma with her pastor husband, their five Okie-Hokie children, a boxer-lab, two rabbits, four guinea pigs, and a fancy Russian dwarf hamster named Tom Bob Deucalion. Visit Gina at her website:  www.ginawelborn.com

BAKER'S DOZEN:
Texas, 1910 – Twelve socialites vie to win the heart of widowed shipping baron Duke Baker, but his daughter scorns them, only spending time with the family cook. After four years of studying at Miss Farmer's School of Cookery, Irie LaCroix wants to open her own cooking school. Could she give up a dream for love?