Most Anticipated Summer Book Releases 2016: Collections (Plus the CFRR2016)

Besides the historical fiction new releases that I’ve already mentioned looking forward to this summer, I’m also very eager to read these collections that are coming out in the next couple of months! Sometimes it’s because of the authors involved. Sometimes it’s because of the theme.  Sometimes it’s a combination of both. (And yeah, sometimes it’s just the cover lol) I’m sure I’m missing some (does Seekerville have one coming out soon?) but so far these are the ones that have caught my bookish eye 🙂

The 12 Brides of Summer Collection (Barbour Publishing, June 1) – Meet 12 adventurous Victorian era women—a beekeeper who is afraid of bees, a music teacher whose dog has dug up a treasure, a baker who enters a faux courtship, and six more—along with the men they encounter while making summertime memories. Will these loves sown during summer be strengthened by faith and able to endure a lifetime? 

(Originally published in 4 separate collections in 2015, now together in one volume.) Twelve historical novellas by Mary Connealy, Amanda Cabot, Miralee Ferrell, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Margaret Brownley, Susan Page Davis, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Amy Lillard, Davalynn Spencer, Michelle Ule, and Vickie McDonough. Goodreads  | Amazon

The Valiant Hearts Romance Collection (Barbour Books, June 1) – Join brave women who take on wars, social injustices, and westward expansion, living to find love and build a legacy in these nine stories of historical romance. From Virginia west to Oregon, meet Lucy, a nurse; Helen, a bookkeeper; Permelia, a farmer; Birdie, a seamstress; Francie, a writer; Collette, a widow; Christiana, a midwife; Glorie, a nurse; and Josephine, a maid, who each have their ordinary lives disrupted by mysteries and challenge—and extraordinary love.

Nine stories of love put to the test from MaryLu Tyndall, Pamela Griffin, Colleen L. Reece, Marjorie Vawter, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, Janet Spaeth, Kristen Billerbeck, and Darlene Franklin.  Goodreads | Amazon

The Courageous Brides Collection (Barbour Books, July 1) – Ride into adventures alongside nine determined women of yesteryear whose acts of compassion and bravery attract male attention. Marcy helps displaced Indians. Emmy tends wounds at Fort Snelling. Ronnie stows away on a cattle drive. Daisy disguises herself as a Pony Express rider. Elinor becomes an abolitionist. Mae tames wild horses. Hannah gets help for accident victims. Lucy’s curiosity unnerves criminals. Viviana nurses soldiers on the battlefield. Will real dangers douse the sparks of love?

Stories of compassionate heroism … from the heroines! Nine novellas written by Johnnie Alexander, Michelle Griep, Eileen Key, Debby Lee, Rose Allen McCauley, Jennifer Uhlarik, Jenness Walker, Renee Yancy, and Donita K. Paul. Goodreads | Amazon

The California Gold Rush Romance Collection (Barbour Books, August 1) – Rush to California after the 1848 gold discovery alongside thousands of hopeful men and women. Meet news reporters, English gentry, miners, morticians, marriage brokers, bankers, fugitives, preachers, imposters, trail guides, map makers, cooks, missionaries, town builders, soiled doves, and more people who take advantage of the opportunities to make their fortunes in places where the population swelled overnight. But can faith and romance transform lives where gold is king?

Nine stories of finding treasures worth more than gold from authors Amanda Barratt, Angela Bell, Anne Greene, Linda Farmer Harris, Cynthia Hickey, Pam Hillman, Jennifer Rogers Spinola, Dianne Christner, and Jaime Jo Wright. Goodreads | Amazon

An Amish Harvest (Thomas Nelson, August 16) – Faith, hope, and love remain forever in season in this collection of four richly absorbing novellas set amidst the wonder of an Amish autumn.

Under the Harvest Moon, by Beth Wiseman – When Naomi Dienner is suddenly widowed, she never expects to find love again . . . until she meets Brock Mulligan, an English family friend hired at harvest time. As a sinister presence begins to threaten Naomi, Brock seeks to prove himself trustworthy while struggling with growing feelings for Naomi and her children. Will God open Naomi’s heart—and give Brock his own second chance at love? Love and Buggy Rides, by Amy Clipston – Janie Lantz is a cashier at Lancaster Souvenirs and Buggy Rides, where Jonathan Stoltfuz is a buggy driver. A frightening accident brings Janie and Jonathan together in a blossoming friendship, yet daunting obstacles stand between them and something deeper. Can love kindle into flames that burn away fear and regret—and lead them to a life together? Mischief in the Autumn Air, by Vannetta Chapman – When items start going above market value at his auction house, Eli Wittmer is first thrilled, and then puzzled. But when the house is broken into, Eli and his new bookkeeper, Martha Beiler track down a trail of clues. Will they solve the mystery before the fall festival ends—and discover an unexpected new love? A Quiet Love, by Kathleen Fuller – Dinah Hochstetler, quiet and bookish, longs for marriage but hides in her shyness. Amos Mullett, a simple farmer, knows he’s different but aches for a loving wife. As Dinah and Amos navigate a budding romance, will the power of love—and the blessing of God—be enough to overcome their doubters?  Goodreads | Amazon

There’s another collection I’m looking forward to this summer, and that’s the collection of authors, readers, and bloggers who will be attending the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat on August 24th in Nashville. (don’t you love my segue there? lol) Around THIRTY-FIVE authors will be there!! Check out their lovely faces below and see if there are any of your faves! (I know there are!)

Enjoy speaker sessions, author panels, breakout sessions, praise & worship and author signings with your favorite Christian fiction authors! With 30+ authors, food, swag (including free books), games and TONS of giveaways, you don’t want to miss this event! In fact, check out some of these giveaway items & swag from my creative co-planner (and organizational guru) Annie JC’s instagram feed:

Speaking of giveaways (I’m just full of segues today), for the first giveaway at the event, all those registered can enter NOW for the chance to win a BOX of Christian Fiction from the stewards of the event (that’s me and Annie JC and Bonnie Roof). Just click here to enter.

Ready to register?? Here’s the pertinent details:

August 24, 2016
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville TN

For more information, including schedule, authors list, registration info and other logistical questions, check out our website HERE. Registration is now open for $98 through July 26th! (or until venue capacity is reached) So hurry up and register!

To register, just go right HERE.

Besides the #CFRR2016, what collection new releases are YOU most looking forward to this summer? (You can totally tell me how much you’re looking forward to the CFRR too… I get it.)