Safe Haven Stalker Sighting!

Front Cover of Safe Haven Stalker

Fun news!

Safe Haven Stalker, my second contribution to the Hearts in Peril Book Club is now available. 

Readers looking for riveting romantic suspense can subscribe to this fifteen-book, multi-author club with Annie’s Fiction here: https://www.anniesfiction.com/products/hearts-in-peril/safe-haven-stalker where you’ll have the option of choosing from hard cover books at $14.99 USD + shipping or Ebooks at $5.99 USD.  

In this series, you’ll find captivating, intelligent women caught in jeopardy, and the brave, steadfast heroes who will stop at nothing to win their hearts as they race against the clock to solve mysteries. 

Our rehabilitative journey with my grandson, Jed, inspired the career choice for my heroine in Safe Haven Stalker. And it proved to be a unique opportunity to highlight the passion and concern of so many in rehabilitative professions for their youngest clients.  

Read more about Safe Haven Stalker here: https://sandraorchard.com/books/save_haven_stalker/

Following the Example of the Magi

Image of the Magi

I’ve never thought much about the magi who followed the star from the east in search of a king. Yet…

the wise men have many qualities we’d do well to emulate.

When I’m writing a story, I research umpteen aspects of the location, characters, occupations, weather, etc. that will come into play in my story. For my latest story, I’ve been reading the UK’s Farmer’s Weekly every week to better understand the struggle of farmers and the challenges they and their vets face. I’ve researched changes to laws and subsidy schemes due to changing politics. I’ve researched the effects of WWII on farming to incorporate historical clues into my mystery. The list goes on and on. 

How much more diligently should we search out answers to life’s most important questions?

In their day, the Magi didn’t have such varied and vast quantities of information at their fingertips as we do today. They were highly educated men, who’d likely spent years studying religion, astronomy, medicine and so on. And when they saw a new star in the sky, they diligently searched their ancient texts for an explanation.

Finding it, they gathered gifts fit for a king and journeyed to find Him. 

Based on their recorded interaction with King Herod and his resultant edict, the Magi’s search had likely spanned almost two years. We can only presume that in all that time they continued to earnestly search for the king who’d been foretold. 

And when they found Him, they worshipped Him as a king deserves. They gave him gifts of tremendous value. Jesus was no more than two years old, yet they gave Him the best of what they had to offer.

May we follow their example. 

Best wishes to you and yours this Christmas season. 

 

Image by rawpixel.com

Dangerous Prospects – Reading while Flying Not Recommended

New Release – romantic suspense

Dangerous Prospects, my newest romantic suspense, comes with a warning: don’t start reading this book on a plane. Unless you have nerves of steel. 😀

Of course, once you’re through the first couple of chapters, you’re good to go! 

Book Cover for Dangerous Prospects
Book#5 in the Hearts in Peril series

Then again, if you’re reading before bed…and would actually like to sleep, you might wish to rethink your choice. 😉 

I don’t want you to say I didn’t warn you! But I do so love receiving emails complaining that my book kept the reader up all night. 😆 

And Dangerous Prospects might. Reminiscent of Romancing the Stone, this fast-paced adventure will keep your blood pumping, while putting a smile on your face…when you’re not gnawing your lip in concern. 

More About Dangerous Prospects

After their plane is shot down in the Northern Ontario wilderness, three strangers fight the elements, hired guns, and each other, but what price will they pay to escape? Read more here: https://sandraorchard.com/books/dangerous-prospects/

It’s the fifth book in Annie’s Fiction new Hearts in Peril romantic suspense book club, and is currently available in Ebook and hardcover. Check out the club at: https://www.anniesfiction.com/products/hearts-in-peril/dangerous-prospects. You’ll recognize many popular Love Inspired Suspense writers among the authors.   

Niagara-area Event

If you live near Niagara, Canada, I’ll have copies for sale (as well as older titles) at an author showcase at the public library in Fonthill on Saturday, November 4th from 10 AM to 1 PM, where you’ll also have the opportunity to meet many Niagara-area authors. 

Hope to see some of you there! 

Until next time, happy reading. 

Writing Mysteries for Guideposts

I am super excited to be writing contemporary mysteries for the Guideposts Organization. Started by the Peales in 1945, Guideposts has a rich history of offering a wide array of faith-based products including magazines, greeting cards, fiction and non-fiction books, music and videos, as well as children’s products.  

My first release with them, Love’s a Mystery in Last Chance Iowa, is a 2-in-1 hardcover book featuring connected historical and contemporary romantic mysteries. I wrote the contemporary story and fellow Canadian, Patricia Johns, wrote the historical.  

Book Cover for Love's a Mystery

Breaking News…

Then this week, my contract to write a second book in Guideposts’ new Mysteries of Cobble Hill Farm series landed. Yee!

The series is about a young American vet who inherits her grandfather’s practice in the UK’s beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Back in March of this year, I was so thrilled to be invited to participate in this series that I immediately booked a flight to immerse myself in the culture and setting while conducting background research for my story, and for the series as a whole.

The experience was amazing, and I know my stories will be richer for it.

I’m already compiling behind-the-scenes book extras, including lots of photos, to share as the books release. 

image of a traditional Yorkshire Farm

Until then…

Be sure to check out Guideposts’ other series.

I’ve been reading the Love’s a Mystery series and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.  

In my contemporary novella in book #11 set in Last Chance, Iowa:

Bereft over the loss of the beloved hand-carved miniatures given to her by her father, Rachel Jones finds an unexpected ally in Curtis Shoemaker, the quiet colleague at her new job. When they discover an estranged branch of Rachel’s family tree, they find that they aren’t the only ones on the trail. Who is the other elusive collector who’ll stop at nothing to beat Rachel and Curtis to the prize? In unraveling the mysterious disappearance and exposing their adversary, they find something more precious than family heirlooms…a chance at forever. 

To purchase this 2-in-1 set, follow this link: book #11 in Guideposts’ ongoing Love’s a Mystery series. Or you can subscribe to the entire Love’s A Mystery series and save 10% per book.  

 

 

 

The Best Christmas Gift of All!

Writing stories about the lives of fictional characters has given me lots of insights into my own life.

In a novella I recently finished, my characters were missing out on their happily ever after because of their fears of being hurt…or so I thought.

Closeup of a calligrapher working on a project

I eventually realized that what was really going on is something that happens to a lot of us when our life derails, and we get hurt.

We attempt to control everything within our power, as a means of coping with our fear of the future.

And that quest for a semblance of control can usurp the Lord’s rightful place in our heart and become the thing we cling to instead of God, because we’re no longer willing to trust Him with our future.

If you’re feeling in a dark place this Christmas season, I urge you to trust that God still has an amazing story to tell with your life.

Enkelten ilmestys paimenille, 1815, by Alexander Lauréus

The angels’ proclamation to the shepherds that first long ago Christmas is good news, precisely because our salvation through Jesus is a gift, not something to be earned.

Speaking of gifts…

Friends exchanging gifts at a Christmas party

it’s tempting to think if I just had—fill in the blank—I’d be happy. Children sure think that way when they eagerly write a Christmas wish list.

Child with Christmas wishlist

Yet, oftentimes, it isn’t until the stuff we think we want is stripped away is that we finally see what we truly need. For myself, I’ve noticed that when I don’t spend time with God, dissatisfaction can quickly seep into my days. Have you ever had that happen and find yourself blaming your job, or spouse, or children, or the state of your home, or whatever?

The glorious news of the Christmas story is that you were created by a God who loves you. A God who sent his Son in the form of a precious babe to deliver us from the sin that separates us from Him.

And finding our hope and purpose in Him alone is the best gift we can unwrap this Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Images by rawpixel.com

Save an Extra 25% on Jingle Bell Mysteries

Annie’s is celebrating Black Friday this weekend by offering an additional 25% off your purchase. 

Use coupon code 25OFFBF at checkout, to get the hardcover Jingle Bell Mysteries set for only $7.50 USD + shipping. 

Jingle Bell Mysteries book bundle

Click the image or visit: https://www.anniescatalog.com/detail.html?prod_id=168648&cat_id=467

Christmas Book Bundle On Sale!

Did you know there are only 40 days until Christmas? 

I have a fun gift suggestion for the mystery reader on your Christmas list. 🙂 

This morning, a friend asked me for the link to my mysteries with Annie’s. And I discovered that…

the Jingle Bell Mysteries 3-book bundle is on sale for less than ten bucks!  

Jingle Bell Mysteries book bundle
Click image to go to seller or see below

 

Unlike my contributions to other Annie’s Fiction series for which you need to subscribe to a 12- or 24-book series, the Christmas bundle is sold as a single purchase on their sister site, also home to craft products, magazines, and some partial bundles of other Annie’s Fiction series: Annie’s Catalog  

They have some great stuff on the site. I subscribed to their CrossStitch magazine for years. For my Canadian readers the price is in USD. Shipping to a US address is only $5.99. My friend had her bundle shipped to Canada and the shipping cost $15. (bringing the total price to the bundle’s regular price)

Still a great deal for 3 hardcover books that would make a lovely Christmas gift.

You can read more about my contribution to the series, Boughs of Folly, here: https://sandraorchard.com/books/1-jingle-bell-mysteries/

It’s set in Georgia, so not your typical Christmas holiday setting. 🙂

Christmas in July & Exciting News!

The Jingle Bell Mysteries three-book bundle is now available!

You can order the hard-cover bundle from AnniesCatalog.com. I don’t currently see an Ebook option, but imagine we’ll see it when the bundle goes live on the sister site: Annie’s Fiction. 

In the meantime, Ebook readers hankering to cool down in this heat can check out this cool, Christmas-themed bundle: Mistletoe Mysteries

National Excellence in Story Telling 

I’m excited to share that Dangerous at Heart placed second in the suspense category of the National Excellence in Story Telling (NEST, formerly the National Readers’ Choice Award) contest. I haven’t entered a contest in more than six years, and am thrilled that readers still consider my stories award-worthy. 

book cover for Dangerous at Heart by Sandra Orchard

 

My 25th Novel ~ Boughs of Folly

Woohoo, today is the official release day of my 25th novel, Boughs of Folly. I’m extra excited about this release, because it is the first of my Annie’s Fiction titles available without a bookclub subscription. 

Order the 3-book bundle of Jingle Bell Mysteries, Boughs of Folly included, in either hardcover or Ebook.

Click Here to buy the Jingle Bell Mysteries Bundle 

About the Book:

Jillian Green’s holiday cheer nosedives when her great aunt’s friend is killed while helping them decorate their plantation home for a fundraiser. But the case is more tangled than a strand of twinkle lights, and if Jillian can’t uncover the killer, their friend’s night might not be the only one silenced this Christmas.

All three mysteries take place in the world of Annie’s Chocolate Shoppe Mysteries in Georgia–a far cry from the snowy Christmases I know and love. But happily for me, my long-time prayer partner is a lifelong resident of Georgia. I had great fun acquainting myself with their unique Christmas delicacies and turns of phrases I never hear in Canada. 

If you enjoy Christmas-themed novels, Jingle Bells Mysteries are worth checking out. 

On the horizon

Looking ahead, I’ve written two romantic suspense that release next year as part of a new Hearts in Peril series from Annie’s Fiction. And I’m currently brainstorming outlines for a woman’s fiction title set on Mackinac Island, and for three more romantic suspense set in Montana, which will release in 2024 and 2025. 

These will definitely appeal to my Love Inspired Suspense fans.

Whenever I can carve out spare time, I play with new storylines for a Serena Jones reboot, for my Serena fans who have been patiently (or impatiently as the case may be 😆 ) waiting for a sequel.

And the 25th book recipient is…

Congratulations, Sandra Basso! Let me know which book you would like.

Once again, thank you for joining me in celebrating this writing milestone. It wouldn’t have been any fun without y’all. I deeply appreciate your interest in my books. Your encouraging reviews and personal recommendations to friends help keep the contracts coming. Thank you! 

#24 Hidden Threats

Hidden Threats is my second contribution to the Sweet Intrigue collection from Annie’s Fiction.

Book Cover for Hidden Threats by Sandra Orchard
Click image to read back cover blurb

This novel is set on the enchanting Martha’s Vineyard. I plotted it with my friend Lisa as she toured me around the island to find prime locations for key events in the story. As a writer, that’s living the dream! 

It’s been several years since I’ve been able to enjoy such a research trip, but hopefully there will be more in my future. 🙂 

Our 24th book Recipient:

Congratulations Lynda Bertulli. Thanks so much for joining me in this month-long celebration! Let me know which book you’d like to receive.