Spotlight: Their Healing Hearts by Angie Cole

(Cardinal Creek)

Publication date: March 17th 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Some hearts don’t need fixing. They need time—and the courage to hope again.

But when love appears quietly, will Deborah and Luke be ready to risk what they’ve built?

In the charming town of Cardinal Creek, Deborah Clemmons has found peace and stability after a difficult past. She’s content with her quiet life at the Old Hughes place, where she’s found meaning in transforming the farmhouse into a shelter for women in need.

Fire Chief Luke Erikson understands the value of careful living, shaped by his own losses. He believes love should be patient, honest, and kind. As he and Deborah grow closer, their relationship feels safe and steady in ways neither expected.

When a fire threatens the shelter, Luke makes a choice meant to protect Debora, fracturing the trust they’ve built. As Deborah fights to save the shelter and the life she’s reclaimed, she faces a difficult truth: protecting herself may mean standing alone.

In a town where people show up and hearts remember, Deborah must choose between retreating into safety or taking a chance on love.

Their Healing Hearts is a later-in-life small-town romance about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to choose what comes next.

Perfect for readers who enjoy later-in-life romance, like The Inn at Rose Harbor, and heartwarming stories about community and love, such as The Quilter’s Apprentice. Don’t miss out on this emotional and uplifting read.

Excerpt

 (In Cattle Trail Cafe Deborah sees Luke after months apart)

She picked up her phone, but before Deborah could respond, the bell over the door jingled.

She looked up—and froze.

Luke walked in, tall and easy. He paused by the counter, scanning the room, and then his gaze landed on her.

Her pulse slammed against her ribs.

His warm smile made her heart flutter. It had been too long. She’d forgotten how easily he could undo her—how her body reacted before she could stop it.

He ordered coffee, then turned and headed straight for their table.

He’s coming this way. Not now. I look a fright.

She tried to smile as a flush crept up her neck, suddenly aware of everything—her breathing, her posture, the space between them.

“Good morning, ladies,” he said, voice low and calm, his eyes fixed on Deborah.

“Good morning, Luke,” Liz, Peggy Sue, and Sissy chimed in together.

Deborah stayed silent, her throat traitorously empty while the rest of the room practically gushed with approval.

Luke winked, and she nearly fell out of her chair.

What on earth was happening?

He turned to her. “How are you? Jon told me your divorce is final. Are you holding up okay?”

His voice was gentle. Genuine.

She managed a nod, cheeks burning, words stuck somewhere deep in her chest. The café’s chatter blurred around her, drowned out by the pounding of her heart.

The moment stretched—too intimate, too exposed—until Luke cleared his throat.

He glanced at his watch. “Did you hear about the town hall meeting Monday? Someone’s opposing a new development on the edge of town.”

Sissy leaned forward. “What kind of development?”

“They’re not saying,” he admitted. “City Hall, 6:30. It could affect the small businesses.”

His gaze flicked over the group, then settled on Deborah again.

“It was really good seeing you all,” he said softly. “Especially you, Deb. I miss our dinners.”

Her breath hitched.

“It was great…for me too.”

She could only watch as he turned and walked away. When the door jingled shut behind him, Deborah realized she’d been holding her breath.

She dropped her face into her hands.

“That was intense,” Liz said.

“Yep,” Sissy added with a grin.

Deborah forced herself to sit up, pressing her palms to her cheeks. “So… the town hall meeting. Do you think it’s about the shelter?”

Her phone buzzed under the table.

Unknown number.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Angie Cole pens endearing tales of small-town love, featuring reliable cowboys and charming firefighters in her hometown of Cardinal Creek, Texas. When she's not crafting delightful characters and fiery heroines infused with a hint of sass, she enjoys seeking inspiration at the local quilt shop or contemplating the unexpected success of her fictional quilt club within the local quilting community.

Angie Cole is recognized for her charming tales that intertwine romance with wit and deep emotion. She wholeheartedly embraces the notion of giving opportunities a second chance, cherishing slow dances, and the power of love and a close-knit community to foster healing. Her novels transport readers to a cozy realm where patience is essential in matters of the heart, small towns overflow with gossip, and happy endings are meticulously crafted.

Through her writing, she pours her heart and soul into creating stories that explore the intricacies and triumphs of the human spirit, drawing from her personal experiences with grief and her steadfast belief in the power of love. Her goal is to portray how love can unexpectedly blossom, offering a sense of hope and renewal. She also recognizes that grief is a deeply personal journey that manifests differently for each person, as she has learned through her own experiences.

Connect:

https://angiecoleromance.com/

https://www.facebook.com/angiecoleromance/

https://www.instagram.com/angiecoleromance/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/angie-cole

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16216804.Angie_Cole

Spotlight: Trial by Town by Sharon Fernicola

Publication date: March 31st 2026

Genres: Adult, Mystery

A gripping small town murder mystery

In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.

When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.

Justice, they believe, will be swift.

Attorney Katie Russo isn’t so sure.

Invited to review what seems like an open-and-shut prosecution, Katie begins to notice small inconsistencies buried beneath the surface of the investigation. As she looks deeper, she discovers a community bound by loyalty, economic dependence, and an unspoken understanding that some truths are better left alone.

With the trial approaching and tensions mounting, long-held assumptions begin to fracture. In a place where reputation defines identity and silence protects power, the search for truth threatens far more than a single verdict.

TRIAL BY TOWN is a character-driven small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own.

Perfect for readers who enjoy small town suspense, courtroom drama, and mysteries where the truth hides behind reputation and power.

For fans of Defending Jacob and Anatomy of a Scandal comes a gripping small town murder mystery where reputation, power, and truth collide.

Excerpt

“Mr. VanAnt, as you may know, the Professor asked me to speak with Miss  O’Neill. I did so only to be of help.” She made certain her tone continued calm and  reassuring, not wanting to give the misimpression that she was speaking as a defense  attorney. “Miss O’Neill is unwavering in her claim of innocence.” 

He was quick to respond, the red deepening in color. “I’m not surprised by  anything she says. She’s always been a strange girl. Her uncle was strange. I guess it  was just in the genes. However, that’s not an excuse. Mrs. Russo, as far as myself and  this community are concerned, she killed him. Whether by accident or intentional,  she killed him. The sooner she’s removed from here, the better. We have enough to  deal with without her presence being a constant painful reminder.” 

He tried to take another sip of coffee, but his shaking hand made him unsteady.  A small amount poured onto the table. Katie grabbed a few napkins to blot up the  puddle. She worried that she may have pushed him too far, but as concerned as she felt  for him, she was compelled to continue the discussion. 

“I can only imagine the pressure you’ve been under. The Professor mentioned  that Mr. Keans Sr. has had virtually no involvement with the business since his son’s  death.” 

He paused a moment, then looked directly at Katie. “One does what one needs  to do to survive. I have a responsibility to our customers, our workers, our community,  and our families. A lot of people have been affected by this tragedy, and I’ll do  everything and anything it takes to see that this business continues.” 

Katie felt a chill up her spine. His words almost sounded like a threat. Perhaps he  wasn’t quite the gentle giant she had thought. It was clear that the conversation had 

gone as far as it was going to go. “I’m certain you have everyone’s support and  appreciation.” 

Katie glanced at her watch and noted the lateness of the hour. “I’ve taken up  enough of your time.” She rose and extended her hand. “This was an unexpected  pleasure meeting you, and I very much enjoyed the tour.” 

“Likewise.” He held the chair for her, the way a gentleman did in an old black and-white film, and then escorted her to the elevator. “I hope you don’t mind if I say  goodbye here. I have a few hours of paperwork ahead of me and I’d better get started.” 

“Not at all. Again, thank you.” 

He stood there looking at her until the doors closed. The chill she got earlier  seemed to return. She tried to explain away her discomfort. After all, he had a right to  feel such anger, and it wasn’t directed toward her. More chills as she walked briskly to  the car, only this time, they were caused by the late afternoon breeze off the water. She  slid into the seat and turned on the engine and the heater and waited until she was  sufficiently warmed. As she drove out the gate, she thought about his words. Other than  Jennifer, everyone she’d spoken to since arriving were aligned in their sentiment,  although none expressed it so succinctly as Mr. VanAnt. “The sooner she’s removed  from here, the better.” Katie rounded the bend, happy to be heading toward the comfort  of the Professor’s home. 

As he lost sight of her car, VanAnt drew the blinds and returned to his paperwork.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Sharon Fernicola is a writer drawn to layered mysteries, emotional realism, and characters who challenge assumptions. Her fascination with crime and justice began early, watching Perry Mason with her father and falling in love with the genre’s blend of intellect and drama. Her debut novel, Trial by Town, explores the fragile line between perception and truth in a small town desperate to preserve its legacy.

In her 70s, Sharon completed three triathlons, obtained dual Italian–American citizenship, and wrote her first book—living proof that bold dreams don’t come with an expiration date. She brings a poetic sensibility to her storytelling, blending suspense with empathy and nuance. When she’s not writing, she’s mapping out her next adventure or putting in time at the gym, always chasing the next challenge with curiosity and grit.

Connect:

https://www.sharonfernicola.com/

https://www.facebook.com/sharon.fernicola.1

Trial by Town Blitz

Spotlight: Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward

Aboard the Titanic, where opulence knows no bounds and the horizon seems limitless, two women fight for the futures they dream of, fraught with secrets that could change everything.

Hannah Martin is clinging to the hope that six days on this grand ship will heal the wounds in her marriage to Charles. Beneath her poised exterior lies a desperation to mend what was shattered and conceal a secret that could upend their lives forever.

Louisa Phillips, spirited and uncompromising, is escaping her family’s insistence on a passionless marriage. But this daring step could also sever the deepest bond in her life.

As the ‘unsinkable' ship strikes the iceberg, amidst the chaos and icy waters, lives are changed forever. In the face of impending doom, what dreams will Hannah and Lou decide are worth saving, and at what cost?

This evocative historical fiction will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, this is a poignant tale of love, choice, and survival against the odds.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com

Harper Collins

Spotlight: Pity Prank by Whitney Dineen

(Pity Series)

Publication date: March 30th 2026

Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

What happens when a quirkier than normal girl meets a hunky doctor from New York?

It’s not that I have subpar intelligence, or that I’m a total weirdo. In fact, I would consider myself kind, creative, and an all-in-all great catch—if you can get past a few peculiarities.

I love soft things. ALL soft things, and I surround myself with them to help self-sooth my way through the day. I have very particular opinions about sand, aluminum foil, and gum snappers. You wouldn’t believe how many men find this odd. In short, being on the spectrum has not exactly done wonders for my love life.

Enter Dr. Thomas Culpepper. Never in a million years would I have predicted someone like him would move to tiny little Elk Lake, Wisconsin. Then he gets sent to my photography studio to have his picture taken. I misunderstood the assignment, and instead of taking a boring old headshot like the hospital wanted, I forced him to take sexy pirate photos.

As far as meet cutes go, it was awkward. I won’t even mention the baby oil …

Pity Prank is a laugh-out-loud, small town romantic comedy featuring misunderstandings galore, a tiny bit of fake dating, a lot of fuzzy sweaters and socks, and oh, yeah, some sexy pirate photos.

Perfect for fans of Hallmark vibes. Book eight in a feel-good series of standalones.

*** For fans of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Excerpt

Finley

As soon as I enter, I notice a man sitting on one of the two overstuffed shabby chic chairs by the window. He looks up and makes direct eye contact which causes every thought in my brain to pour out like sand in a sieve. Holy. Hot stuff. Batman. This man is extraordinarily handsome, but his appeal is more than just physical. He emanates a kind of golden energy that’s positively intoxicating.

“Hi there.” As soon as he stands up, I can feel the room start to sway. I stagger to the counter, so I don’t fall over. He’s well over six feet and from what I can tell he’s built like he spends hours at the gym every day.

“H…h…hi, yourself. Thomas Culpepper?” I ask, both hoping he is and isn’t at the same time. How in the world will I be able to take sexy pictures of this man and keep my wits about me? I can’t even look at him fully clothed without stuttering.

“That’s me.” He flashes a brilliant smile which makes me wonder if he’s ever starred in toothpaste commercials. His hair is the softest looking wavy chocolate brown I’ve ever seen. My hand lifts of its own accord like it’s trying to reach out and touch it. Which of course I know I can’t do. At least until it’s time for me to style his hair for the shoot. I practically drool at the thought.

Thomas looks at my hand suspended in mid-air before copying the gesture and waving at me. “He-llo.” He breaks the word into two syllables like I’m new to the English language and might not understand otherwise.

I drop my hand immediately and try to regain my composure. “Constance is very excited about these shots.”

“Really?” He looks confused, like he doesn't know who I'm talking about.

“Really,” I assure him. “She’s ordered the basic package to start but if she likes what she sees…” In lieu of finishing my sentence, I give him an exaggerated wink.

“I didn’t realize this was such a big deal to her,” he says. I wonder if I got it wrong and they aren't a couple? Darn it, that's the thing with me, I have an awful time reading people. 

“Oh, it's a very big deal.”

Thomas’s hazel eyes narrow in confusion before he bends down to pick up the bag he brought with him. “I brought some different shirts.”

“Oh, we won’t need shirts.” There’s no way, I’m covering up this man in unnecessary clothing. No way. Unless of course it’s a pirate shirt, wide open, and billowing in the wind. Lucky for him, I have such an item in my costume collection.

Thomas’s gorgeous brow furrows, drawing my attention to the golden flecks in his eyes. “I brought a doctor's coat too, if you prefer that.”

“A doctor’s coat?” I love the idea of turning him into a sexy doctor. It’s decided then, we’ll do a pirate look and a doctor one. Constance is going to love these.

Motioning to Thomas, I tell him, “Follow me into the backroom and you can get ready there.”

As he approaches, I inhale his spicy aftershave. Cloves, cinnamon, and orange, oh my! “You smell great.” The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them. That’s another fun thing about me, I don’t always think before speaking, which can sometimes make other people uncomfortable. Like the time I told a woman in the grocery store that her pants made her butt look amazing. While meant as a compliment, it was clear she wasn’t used to such a forthright comment from a stranger. I figured that out when she walked out of the store, leaving a full cart behind.

The last thing I want to do is make Thomas nervous, so I hurry to tell him, “You smell like my favorite Christmas cookies.”

“Huh. I’ve never heard that one before.”

“It’s a compliment of the highest order,” I assure him. “My mom makes the best orange spice shortbread you’ve ever tried.” Just when I think I’ve saved the moment from getting too awkward, I groan suggestively and declare, “Yummy!” Thomas’s eyes pop open wider in an expression I once again worry is fear.

The backroom of my store is one big unfinished space with a variety of backdrops scattered about. I point toward the barber-style chair in front of a big lighted mirror in the corner and tell him, “Let’s start there. I’ll get your hair and makeup done first and then we’ll settle on wardrobe.”

“Hair and makeup?”

“Yeah, you know, so we can get the look we’re after.”

“I thought I was okay the way I am.”

“You’re fantastic,” I assure him. “Really great! But I want to make sure we capture your character to the fullest.”

“I’m a doctor,” he tells me. I’m starting to think Thomas might be the one new to the English language.

“Doctor, pirate, sexy duke with a superiority complex… you can be anything you want and I’m here to make that happen.”

Thomas sits down in the makeup chair looking highly uneasy. “I really am a doctor.” Then he asks, “Do you get a lot of pirates and nobility in here?”

“Tons,” I assure him.  

Thomas sits down with the same amount of enthusiasm he might have knowing he was about to be electrocuted. “I’m pretty sure I don’t need hair and makeup,” he says again.

“I’m not putting lipstick on you, Thomas.” Picking up a bronzing palate, I tell him, “Just a bit of contrast to sharpen your angles.”

“Why exactly do I need sharper angles?” How is it possible that he’s even sexy when he’s acting stupid?

Turning to look him square in the eye, I ask, “Why do you think you’re here?”

“I’m here to get my picture taken for …”

 “Constance,” I finish his sentence for him. “You’re here for Constance. And you want to make her happy, don’t you?”

“I… suppose?” He isn’t selling it.

“You suppose? She’s paid me four hundred dollars to take very specific pictures of you and that is exactly what I’m going to do. Do you understand?” He nods his head almost imperceptibly, so I tell him, “This is my job, Thomas. My job. It’s what I do for a living. It’s how I pay my bills.”

“Yes, but…”

“Constance came in here herself to tell me what she wants, and as she is my client. I’m not going to let her down.”

Thomas sits as still as a statue while I brush bronzer on his cheeks and jaw. By the time I’m done with him, he could have posed for a Michelangelo statue of a Greek god. I can’t take all the credit for that though; he practically is one on his own.

Once I’m convinced his face couldn’t look any better, I put the makeup brush down and face my model once again. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. After turning the chair so his back faces the mirror, I lift my hands and run all ten of my fingers through his hair. Holy heck. It’s even softer than it looks. It’s better than all my furry sweaters combined. It’s like running my hands through a litter of baby minks. It’s softer than the Barefoot blanket I spent way too much money on. But only because it lost some of its softness after being washed. Until then, it was worth ten times as much.

Dear Santa, all I want for Christmas is to rub Thomas Culpepper’s head every day of my life until I die.

Reluctantly, I remind myself that Thomas is Constance’s boyfriend, not mine. Yet I don’t understand how that can be because this man is so vital and alive. Constance has the warmth of a vampire bat in winter. But they got together somehow and now it’s my job to give my client the best fantasy material I can.

She never has to know it’s doing the same for me.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

Whitney is a multi-award-winning author of romcoms, non-fiction humor, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to. 

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016.

Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017.

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards, 2017

Finalist Top Shelf Indie Book Awards, 2017

Connect:
https://whitneydineen.com/
https://twitter.com/whitneydineen
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8145525.Whitney_Dineen
https://www.instagram.com/whitneydineenauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/Whitney-Dineen-Author-11687019412/

Pity Prank Blitz

Spotlight: Verity Guild by Mai Corland

Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down.

High Priestess Kerasea Vestal has spent her life hiding the truth—that she’s the last surviving heir of the magical bloodline the republic slaughtered. One wrong step could be fatal. But when a senator is brutally killed and a temple blade is found at the scene, all eyes turn to her.

Praetorian Torren Morvane has made a career of dragging liars into the light, and Kerasea is the one person he’s vowed to ruin. But locked on a mountain with a murderer, scheming senators, and a prophecy of death, he’s forced to work at her side. The closer he gets, the more dangerous the truth—and their attraction—becomes.

With traitors closing in and a nation on the verge of shattering, Kerasea and Torren must risk everything to uncover the real killer…even if it means trusting their sworn enemy

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Mai Corland is a New York Times and international bestselling author, born in Seoul and adopted into New York. She studied at Rollins College and the University of Miami. Due to a variety of questionable decisions, she currently lives in the cold again with her partner, children, and a goldfish who will outlive them all. When not writing, you can find her asleep or clutching her latte machine.

Giveaway

Enter below to win a digital arc copy of the book!

Spotlight: Stockbroken by Billy Hemby and Jan Hemby

Bo Parrott has spent a lifetime studying the stock market. After forty years as a respected investment advisor, he believes he knows how markets behave—their patterns, their warning signs, and the subtle signals that reveal when something is about to break. As retirement approaches, Bo is ready to leave Wall Street behind and return to North Carolina with his wife, Selby. But the numbers refuse to cooperate. Beneath the optimism of a roaring market, Bo sees troubling patterns forming, the kind that history remembers only after the damage is done.

When a sudden death pulls him into the orbit of powerful international players who thrive on economic chaos, Bo discovers that the threat isn’t just a financial downturn. A hidden network is quietly positioning itself to profit from a massive collapse, and Bo’s decades of insight make him both valuable and dangerously inconvenient. As pressure mounts and the markets begin to tremble, Bo must decide whether to protect the life he’s built—or risk everything to expose a scheme that could shake the global economy.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Billy Hemby is a managing director with Level Four Financial, a division of CRI Advisors, PLLC, and has over thirty years of experience in the financial services business.

With multiple books in publication, Jan Hemby is an award-winning fiction novelist and a regional featured speaker.

The two are native North Carolinians with deep roots in Southern culture. Their goal is to bring to life money dynamics, global events, and local culture in story form that engages both experienced investment enthusiasts and casual readers alike. 

Visit them at their website.