Shetland Sunset: An Excerpt

By Linda Shenton Matchett

Askel strolled from the docks toward Bergen’s shopping district. He’d needed a part for one of the boat engines he’d been repairing, and Gustav offered to keep him company. His cousin talked the entire trip into town but now whistled quietly and seemed lost in thought. No matter. They didn’t need to converse for Askel to feel the camaraderie that was almost instantaneous after he’d arrived from America. His cousin could be a chatterbox, but at other times, like now, he was meditative and quiet.

A slight breeze, smelling of the ever-present sea, ran its fingers through Askel’s hair. Since arriving in Norway, he’d stopped wearing his bank-required crew cut. Living in landlocked Minnesota, he hadn’t experienced the ocean, and he wasn’t sure he’d ever return to a state that didn’t have access to the wide expanse of water. He’d been immediately drawn to the crashing waves and varied shades of blue and gray that colored the crystal-clear water, depending on the season and weather. Combined with mountains, Norway was evidence of God’s majesty, and Askel never tired of the reminder.

“Oof.” He hadn’t looked ahead before entering the bakery, and he managed to run into someone. Not just someone. Her. He stammered, “Unnskyld meg.”

Crystal-green eyes pierced his as the woman recoiled. “You’re amerikansk.”

Gustav smirked. The woman had driven his point home about Askel’s non-native accent. Askel glared at him before returning his gaze to the woman and her friend, who was pretty but not nearly as beautiful as the blonde, whose lithe figure had just made contact with him. He blinked. How long since he’d noticed a woman’s looks? “Ja. I’m from Minnesota. Here to help my cousin with his fishing. I’m Askel, and this is Gustav.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Tonje, and this is my friend, Carina.”

“You are either very brave or very foolish to take on those soldiers.”

Her expression hardened. “Someone had to rescue that woman, and no one else seemed interested. Unless the soldiers want to annoy us, they take little heed of women. I could say the same about you. An amerikansk on the streets of occupied Norway. Not wise.”

“You would be hard to ignore.”

Her eyebrow shot up. “Have you been taking lessons from James Cagney? Save your compliments and leave Norway if you can.” She tugged on her friend’s arm, and the pair marched down the street.

Askel watched them walk away. Tonje looked back for a second and seemed startled. Her pace quickened, and they were soon enveloped in the crowd.

His cousin snickered and shook his head. “You’d be hard to ignore. Smooth, Askel, real smooth. And what did I say about your—”

“Yes. My accent sticks out. Let’s go. I’ve got a boat to finish repairing.” Before Gustav could retort, Askel strode forward, his legs eating up the distance and leaving the shopping district behind. However, try as he might, the vision of the lovely Tonje wouldn’t disappear as easily.

Question for readers: What’s your favorite “meet-cute” from a book or movie?

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About Shetland Sunset (The Resistance Chronicles, Book 1) Christian Historical Romance:

Bonded by a cause but an ocean apart, will their love survive a world war?

After months in Norway helping his cousins with their fishing business, American Askel Westgard seems trapped when the Germans invade until he has a chance to get back at the Occupiers as part of the Shetlandsgjengen, or Shetland gang, a group of fishermen who transport weapons and equipment from Shetland to Norway under cover of darkness. Unfortunately, the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s just met refuses to join him in safety. Will he ever see her again?

Distraught when the Germans overrun her beloved Norway, Tonje Bondevik refuses to take the occupation sitting down. She joins the fledgling resistance movement, deriving great satisfaction distributing the underground newspaper and performing acts of sabotage…until the day the Nazis come looking for her, and she must flee for her life. Perhaps she should have listened to the handsome Norwegian American when he offered to take her to Shetland.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/u/4AWqJk

Bio: Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.  A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state, immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors, and drinks copious amounts of tea.

Social Media Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

Facebook Reader’s Page: www.facebook.com/groups/lindashentonmatchettsreadersgroup/

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lindamatchett

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett

June 2026 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Would You Rather: Bible Attire Adventures by Jerah Alvarado — Would you rather wear a coat of many colors like Joseph? Or would you rather wear clothes made of camel fur like John the Baptist? Choose from thirteen different Bible clothing adventures, the one you would rather experience! (Children’s Picture Book from Mt. Zion Ridge Press)

Wildflower Heart by Tara Baisden — She didn’t come to Serenity Crossing to fall in love. She came to disappear. Tori Hamilton has spent nearly her entire life being managed by a powerful family who gave her everything except the one thing she actually wanted — to be loved for who she is. After a lottery win hands her the means to finally break free, she leaves Atlanta behind and drives to a small mountain town in Tennessee where nobody knows her name, her family, or the secret she’s carrying. She buys a house, purchases a building for the flower shop she’s always dreamed of, and begins building the ordinary, beautiful life her parents would call beneath her. But the fresh start she’s counting on has a crack running through it — because the truth she left out of her new story is the one thing that could cost her everything. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Gone with the Woodwinds by Jennifer Lamont Leo — January 1921 brings two arrivals to Timber Coulee, Idaho: the Idaho All-State Music Competition, and a killer. Amanda Parrish, proprietress of Mountain Melodies Music Shop and newly engaged to Sheriff James Holcomb, has pulled off a small coup for the local planning committee—convincing her old conservatory friend to come up from the University of Idaho to judge the woodwinds competition. Gerald arrives on the train charming, warm, and unchanged after twenty years. He is dead before the week is out. Suspicion settles immediately on Amanda’s co-manager, Callan MacTavish—a Scottish WWI veteran whose midnight walks and troubled silences make him an easy target. Amanda knows better. The clock is ticking on finding the real killer before they vanish forever…or strike again. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

Jane’s Secret by Jennifer E. Tirrell — Bound by blood, but separated by centuries, the two women unravel a hidden family secret in a thrilling quest for truth that could change everything. Jennifer E. Tirrell’s richly layered suspense story weaves between the Tudor period and present day, pulls readers into a world of hidden truths, historical intrigue, and modern-day discovery. (Dual Timeline from Ambassador International)

Shining Bright by Janet Joanou Weiner — How can a young woman with disability contribute to the French Resistance? Can she survive Nazi contempt? Jeanine Bourguet resides in a château in the south of France, but her life is no fairy tale. A repressive grandmother and a wheelchair have long impeded her desire to make significant contributions to her community. When those limitations threaten her determination to take in a young Jewish refugee, Jeanine’s lively mind and sharp sense of justice overrule her fragile body. Increasing deportations of Jewish families, food and clothing shortages, and a constant stream of Nazi propaganda present her opportunities to resist the tightening noose of Nazi control under the turncoat Vichy regime. (General Historical, Independently Published)

Mail-Order Viscountess by Misty M Beller — When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want. Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister. Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Freed by the Frontier by Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan F. Craft — Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge’s daughter flees an unwanted betrothal during the War of 1812, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a music teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

Uncharted Blessing by Keely Brooke Keith — When Charlotte’s caregiving leads her into Josiah’s home and an orphaned baby into her arms, two wounded hearts discover an unexpected blessing. Uncharted Blessing (Book Sixteen in the Uncharted series) weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. Prepare to be captivated by this timeless romance, brimming with mystery and suspense. Perfect for readers seeking traditional family values, faithful men who are true heroes, and clean, heartwarming courtships. If you enjoy the simplicity of frontier romance and the wholesomeness of Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Blessing. (Historical Romance, Independently Publish)

Eye of the Beholder by Linda Shenton Matchett — Left with physical and emotional scars after the Great War, Hank Drake has been shunned by polite society as the Ugly Duckling. Fine by him. He’d much rather be alone. Until he meets the kind proprietress of a tea stand at New York’s World’s Fair who isn’t repulsed by his appearance. Can he hope for acceptance…or even love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch — After being sent away on an orphan train and surviving years of hardship, nineteen year old Lily Mae Dodge is finally heading east, determined to find the mother she lost and a life shaped by hope rather than fear. On the journey she meets Francis Basnett, a kindhearted circus roustabout barred from the Great War by his failing vision and concealing deeper unworthiness behind a pair of dark glasses. Though branded a coward by strangers, Francis longs to prove his courage. Drawn to Lily’s quiet resilience, he offers friendship and refuge in the dazzling world of the traveling Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, as she begins her search. There, amid the sawdust and spangles, Lily allows her guarded heart to soften. But when a runaway train slams into the circus cars in the dead of night—igniting a catastrophic fire—her fragile new beginning collapses. Dozens are dead, hundreds injured. . .and Francis is missing. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Sarah’s Search by Jodie Wolfe — Can two searching hearts find the same path? All her life, Sarah McBride has gone along with whatever her guardian dictates. Now on the verge of graduating from the Shippensburg State Normal School, she questions her ability to teach in a classroom when her heart isn’t in the profession. What she wouldn’t give to pursue her heart’s desire of becoming a writer instead of following what’s expected. But how can Sarah defy her guardian’s plans? (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Heart’s Hope by Penny Zeller — To what lengths will one woman go to rescue her sister? She’s from high society. He’s a humble rancher. Can an unorthodox marriage lead to love? A Heart’s Hope is a heartwarming marriage-of-convenience love story that reminds us that God has a way of working out even the most unconventional things. (Historical Romance from Maplebrook Publishing)

Scarlet Oak by Demi Griffin — With the fragrance of Cerulean roses filling the air, all seemed well in the kingdom at last. Dealing with guilt and fractured loyalty, Enris wasn’t prepared to embark on the quest his father asked him to take. With his newly restored relationship with the King of Cerulean redefining him as both a son and a prince, Enris couldn’t refuse the odd request to locate a twin brother he never knew he had. (Speculative Fiction Fantasy, Independently Published)

Canthany Rising by Kenneth Bliss — T’alla was a simple cat frolicking in Eden until the serpent came and changed everything. She and six other animals willingly ate the only fruit T’WA-O, the Three-Who-Are-One, had forbidden. Instead of just being expelled from the Garden, they awake in another world called Canthany with human-like forms. Strange rules govern this world, where health points, character levels and special abilities determine survival. And they’re not alone. The fallen angel, Ashtoreth, wants to steal them away from T’WA-O and make them and their future generations her slaves. Unsure of her place, T’alla must master her newfound psionic abilities and conquer her fears. Armed with a mysterious staff called Kolonos, every battle with Ashtoreth’s demonic minions brings new knowledge and new skills, but also a test of the Seven’s faith in T’WA-O. In a world where prayer is power and sacrifice unlocks miracles, some victories will require the ultimate price. (Speculative Fiction Romantic Fantasy, Independently)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Find Me at the Table by Andrea Christenson — She ruined his career with one review. Now they have to cook together. (Contemporary Romance)

Three Good Lies by Luana Ehrlich — When CIA operative Titus Ray arrives in Panama, he discovers the intel is false, the sources can’t be trusted, and the objective is a lie. With his team under fire and the secret police closing in, Titus must rely on his training—and his faith—to survive and uncover the truth. (Romantic Suspense)

A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter — In Big Sky Country, Sometimes forgiveness takes the most courage… For her son’s sake, widowed veterinarian Vicky Siden works hard to pretend all is well. But the arrival of game warden Nick Youngston at her family’s animal rescue—with a horse and donkey in tow—changes everything. (Contemporary Romance)

Callie’s Redemption by Tammie Edington Shaw — Can a pampered Eastern young woman, alone and betrayed, learn to trust and love again in the rugged West and a young man from the West pursue his calling to be a preacher and leave his love for a transplanted Eastern girl behind? (Historical Romance)

The Stained Glass Window by Crystal Walton — She’s fighting to heal him. He’s risking everything to protect her. In the line of fire, they’ll need a miracle to survive. (Contemporary Romantic Suspense)

Ready for a gentle Summer Reset?

If your heart’s been craving a slower rhythm, a little breathing room, and a fresh start, I’d love for you to join me in my 5‑Day Summer Reset Challenge.

It’s simple, free, and designed to help you release the stress, embrace the joy, and restore your spirit — one gentle day at a time.

I’m not doing this because I’ve mastered some kind of zen life. Quite the opposite. I’m healing. Growing. Listening to God’s whispers. I’m in a reset season. I’m an encourager, and I think together we can do this.

Sign up here: Summer Challenge Reset

What’s one thing you’d love to reset this summer?