A firefighter saves what he can.
An artist creates what she must.
From the ashes of loss, will love ignite?Sydney Swan’s dream goes up in flames when a devastating fire destroys her art gallery and studio. The fiercely independent artist is determined to rebuild Creative Express without relying on anyone, especially after past heartbreak taught her that accepting help may come at a cost.

Firefighter Landon Price, Dogwood Creek’s golden boy, returns carrying the guilt of a tragedy he couldn’t prevent, desperate to prove he’s still worthy of the faith others place in him.

With the gentle nudging of a wise and determined matchmaker, Sydney and Landon discover that healing often comes in unexpected ways—and that love may be waiting where they least expect it. But can Sydney find the courage to trust again? And will Landon realize that sometimes even heroes need rescuing?

Small-town charm and rediscovered dreams are always in season in Dogwood Creek, Tennessee.

JULIE’S REVIEW

Full disclosure, I am coming to you as a reader of this series. I LOVE the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series so much. BUT, I am also a participating author. Our works are separate, and I had nothing to do with the creation of the other authored novellas. These are my opinions, and mine alone.

Rescuing the Hero features Sydney who is trying to buy an art gallery, and Landon, a firefighter who resists hero status. They both have past wounds that on paper would make the two seem unlikely. Thanks to Matchmaker Maggie, Landon and Sydney build a friendship where they heal from their past. Of course, with a fire starting the novella, sparks fly.

I thought this was full of hope, healing, and relatable themes. I loved the pacing and character build.

I definitely recoomend this novella.

Yes, it’s me with a new release! I’m excited to announce that Autumn’s Grace, a Contemporary Christian Romance, is available for pre-order.

This is the 11th book in the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers series featuring me, Leah Atwood, Robin Bayne, JoAnn Durgin, Dawn Kinzer, Lisa Prysock, and Lori Soard. You can read the series, or as standalones.

The series is a small-town Christian romance set in fictional Dogwood Creek, Tennessee. It’s about an hour away from Gatlinburg. Each novella features a Matchmaker. In Autumn’s Grace, we return to Alicia Caruso, the Matchmaker from my November release, Clean Sweep.

Here’s more about Autumn’s Grace:

A teacher without a classroom.
A tech producer without a stage.
A story about finding purpose again.

Autumn Grace Whitaker never imagined seizures would end her teaching career. Returning to Dogwood Creek with her service dog, Bo, she hopes to catch her breath and recover from the transition. But when she’s invited to help shape a new disability ministry, she’s torn between fear and the longing to matter again.

Caleb Hicks can’t shake the guilt of missing family moments while traveling for work. His years touring with a country duo has always been his refuge, but now that he’s home, he’s wrestling with wounds he’s never named—until reconnecting with Autumn brings them to the surface.

Their lives keep intersecting in unexpected ways: quiet moments, awkward apologies, shared vulnerability. With a little help from the Dogwood Creek Matchmakers, Autumn learns a life restart can be a blessing, Caleb realizes what home means, and something tender begins to grow between them.

What About the Song? by Rebecca Reed — What About the Song? is a kisses-only, faith-forward, contemporary Christian romance set in Nashville, perfect for readers who love equine therapy, wounded-hero, and music-driven slow-burn love stories. (Contemporary Romance from Moonsong Publishing)

Her Reluctant Amish Heart by Pamela Desmond Wright — When a reckless street race injures her brother, Anika Glick wants nothing to do with the man responsible—especially when he’s sentenced to help her family. But Elam Muller is desperate to prove he’s changed. As they work together on her family farm, Anika finds herself drawn to Elam’s remorse and kindness. But when they’re presented with one last risky race that could secure their future or destroy it all, everything they’ve built is put to the test. Will their growing love survive the pull of the past—or will it all come crashing down? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sibella’s Stand by Naomi Musch — A woman on the New York frontier, whose husband has gone to fight, must use her wits to protect herself and a young girl when enemy forces arrive at her door. (General Historical, Independently Published)

A Contrary Betrothal by Denise Farnsworth — A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love. (Formerly published as Bent Tree Bride). (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Darling’s Daughter by Sydney Schmied — In 1912, Chillicothe, Ohio, a painter lands a job at a local theater in hopes of discovering the truth behind her stage actress mother’s murder, while enlisting the help of an architect battling his own secrets. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

The Heiress and the Woodsman by Christine Hill Suntz — She’s a city-bred heiress chasing a brother in trouble. He’s a rugged settler with everything to lose. What begins as a desperate bargain becomes a journey of hope, healing, and a love neither saw coming. (Historical Romance from Tyndale House)

Stars and Stripes for Freedom by Delores Topliff, Jennie Atkins, Ellen E. Withers, Shirley Gould, and Cindy Bonds — With admiration for the women in all five branches of our military, these high action stories present five intelligent seasoned warriors who risk everything to protect the land of the free and the home of the brave. (Military Action/Adventure from TrueNorth Publishing)

Mad Dog by Sara Davison — Nothing was worth what it had cost him to walk away. In the next eight seconds, he will achieve everything he ever thought he wanted. Or he will die. (Romantic Suspense, Independently Published)

When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard — A deathbed confession. A decades-old secret. A mountain that holds the answers–and danger closing in. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [Baker Publishing Group])

The Last Noel by Sarah Hamaker, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Jayna Breigh — The Last Noel is a riveting Christmas novella collection with suspense, intrigue, and second-chance romance. The stories are “Do you see What I see?,” (Hamaker) “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (Breigh) and “Do You Know What I Know?” (Woodhouse). (Romantic Suspense Novella Collection from Kregel Publications)

Jezebel’s Children by Lynne Basham Tagawa — Historian Geneva Fielding and physicist Peter Donatelli travel back in time to document the trial of Anne Hutchinson, but they find themselves caught in a web of politics, doctrinal disputes, and colonial intrigue. A dystopian time travel story where faith, gentle romance, and even humor overwhelm the dark elements. (Speculative/Time Travel from Blue Rock Press)

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

Disguised Love by Marie E. Bast — Disguised Love: An Inspirational Victorian-Era Sweet Marriage of Convenience Romance Set on the Western Frontier During the Cholera Epidemic. (Historical Romance)

The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti — Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend’s sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. (Historical Romance)

Passionate Pursuit by Pamela Jo Harstad — Difficult backgrounds in the midst of threatening life challenges make having a relationship and safety almost impossible. (Romantic Suspense)

Sweet Dare by Sally Jo Pitts — A research biologist and curious youngsters are accused of unleashing a curse when a honeymooning couple is unearthed in an Indian burial mound. (Romantic Suspense)

Sunset Pointe: The Baby Between Us by Brenda Poulos — On the day before her Senior Prom, Karla finds out that her boyfriend, Jonathan, has fathered a baby with her best friend, Missy. (General Contemporary)

Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas — In the charming English village of Bramble Downs, threads of betrayal unravel the sickening truth as a ballerina’s family is stalked by a delusional murderer… (Romantic Suspense)