Check out an uplifting read among new inspirationals

Here are some newer inspirational romance and women's fiction, compiled for you and HEA by some of our favorite romance authors (info provided by publishers and/or their websites.

The following new releases were compiled by HEA contributor Serena Chase, author of The Ryn, a romantic YA fantasy retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale Snow White & Rose Red. Visit her website at www.serenachase.com.

Carolina Gold by Dorothy Love (Thomas Nelson Publishers). In Carolina Gold, Charlotte Fraser returns to Fairhaven, her family's rice plantation in the South Carolina Lowcountry, after her father's death. With no one else to rely upon, smart, independent Charlotte is determined to resume cultivating the superior strain of rice called Carolina Gold. To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to tutor the two young daughters of her widowed neighbor and heir to Willowood Plantation, Nicholas Betancourt. Just as her friendship with Nick deepens, he embarks upon a quest to prove his claim to Willowood and sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that uncovers a long-held family secret, and threatens everything she holds dear.

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Jennifer Faye author of the Christmas romance Snowbound With the Soldier. Her website is jenniferfaye.com.

Cozy Christmas by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired). For the first time in years, Christmas brings hope to Bygones, Kansas. But for Josh Barton, Main Street's coffee shop owner, it brings back sad memories. He's a new man, with a new life and faith. Still, he hides a huge part of himself from his neighbors—and from one very inquisitive reporter. Whitney Leigh seems determined to uncover the mystery of the town's recent windfall, and Josh could help her. But that would mean opening up his guarded heart. Can a man who thought family and Christmas were only for others find a forever home where he least expects?

Sugarplum Homecoming by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired). Widower Davis Turner doesn't need to hear his children's whispered wishes for a new mom to recognize that new neighbor Lana Ross is a beautiful woman. But he worries that his feelings for the former bad girl could put his family at risk for small-town scandal. Lana knows she should steer clear of Davis. Yet she can't resist spending time with the single dad, even if the truth might soon tear them apart. Though Lana has turned over a new leaf, her secrets have followed her to Whisper Falls. Secrets that could destroy her hope for a future with Davis.

Amish Christmas Joy by Patricia Davids (Love Inspired). One minute, Caleb Mast is an oil-rig roughneck and the next, he's the father of a special-needs child he never knew existed. What kind of home can a man like him—without faith or community—provide for an eight-year-old girl? For little Joy's sake, Caleb returns to the Amish community he left behind years ago. His daughter bonds with Amish schoolteacher Leah Belier, and Caleb feels hopeful for once. But Leah blames Caleb for dashing long-ago dreams and can't bear to trust him. With Christmas weeks away, one special girl just may bring two hearts—and an entire community—together.

Her Holiday Hero by Margaret Daley (Love Inspired). Captain Jake Tanner is struggling to find Christmas cheer. Having survived a devastating attack overseas, he has emotional scars that run deep. When Jake meets beautiful widow Emma Langford, his heart is unprepared for the feelings she inspires. Training service dogs has taught Emma to recognize those in need. She wants to show Jake that a four-legged companion is the best therapy, but she's afraid that the closer she gets, the more her own wounds are revealed. Together, Jake and Emma will discover it takes a different kind of bravery to open themselves to love—and to healing.

The Lawman's Holiday Wish by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired). No one in Kirkwood Lake seems willing to forget, or forgive, Rainey McKinney's troubled past. But Rainey can't afford to let that bother her. Her top priority is rebuilding her life and being a good mom to her twin daughters. Even handsome deputy sheriff Luke Campbell can't distract her, tempting as he is. She's determined to keep her distance, but as his son and her girls form a special bond, Rainey and Luke can't help but do the same. Can Rainey put her past behind her once and for all and embrace a future full of hope—and love?

Jingle Bell Romance by Mia Ross (Love Inspired). Julia Stanton loves Christmas—almost as much as she loves the home she's made in Holiday Harbor. So when her beloved pastor's prodigal son returns for a brief visit, she hatches a plan to keep Nick McHenry in town. Growing up as an ambassador's daughter, she's charmed countless dignitaries and surely she can get the brooding bachelor to see how much joy there is in a family-filled holiday. Julia never expects to feel the spark of something more for Nick. But it will take more than attraction to turn this handsome scrooge into her hometown hero.

Mail-Order Mistletoe Brides by Various Authors (Love Inspired Historical). Christmas Hearts by Jillian Hart: Thirteen-year-old Amelia longs for a new ma. Little George needs a father's guidance. For their children's sake, Cole Matheson and Mercy Jacobs agree on a businesslike marriage. But though Cole tries to keep his distance, Mercy offers the very thing he's stopped believing in—the chance to forge a real family. Mistletoe Kiss in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad: "Passable cook wanted as wife. Marriage in name only." Noah Miller doesn't expect any replies to his plainspoken ad, though it's the only kind of offer the guarded rancher's prepared to make. Until widowed Maeve Flanagan and her sweet daughter arrive, turning his home and his heart upside down….

The Wife Campaign by Regina Scott (Love Inspired Historical). Whitfield Calder, Earl of Danning, would much rather spend a fortnight tending to his estate than entertaining three eligible young ladies. But when his valet insists that marriage is an earl's duty, Whit agrees to the house party. He has no intention of actually proposing to anyone…until Ruby Hollingsford declares she'd never accept him anyway. Ruby has been tricked into attending this charade, but she certainly won't compete for the earl's attentions. Yet, Whit isn't the selfish aristocrat she envisioned. And with a little trust, two weeks may prove ample time for an unlikely couple to fall headlong into love.

A Hero for Christmas by Jo Ann Brown (Love Inspired Historical). Jonathon Bradby would gladly return to fighting the French if it meant avoiding his new title: war hero. Only he knows the reputation isn't deserved. Then a visit to Sanctuary Bay brings renewed acquaintance with the lovely Lady Catherine Meriweather. He's drawn to her, yet Cat surely deserves a real hero. Overwhelmed with organizing a Yuletide celebration and her sister's wedding, Cat gladly accepts Jonathan's help. Soon she sees the gentle heart he conceals beneath his wit. But Jonathan's need to prove himself could drive them apart—unless they're bold enough to seize the unexpected gift of love.

Return of the Cowboy Doctor by Lacy Williams (Love Inspired Historical). Two years shy of his medical degree, cowboy Maxwell White is out of money. So, he's back in Bear Creek, Wyoming, working part-time for the local physician. Though he is immediately drawn to the doctor's lovely, whip-smart daughter, she seems to be irritated by Maxwell's very existence. Hattie Powell can't quash her feelings for the town's new would-be doctor. But that's exactly why she must keep him at a distance. Hattie is closer than ever to fulfilling her lifelong wish of becoming a doctor. Now, the only thing standing in her way is the man of her dreams.

Christmas Cover-Up by Lynette Eason (Love Inspired Suspense). Seven-year-old Lucy Randall had been kidnapped in broad daylight fourteen years ago, and now Detective Katie Randall is determined to solve her sister's case. Her only option is to team up with the man whose family hates her. Former FBI agent Jordan Grey knows the beautiful cop isn't to blame for his brother's death, but he can't risk causing his parents more pain by falling for Katie. He'll have to focus on finding Lucy. But when Katie and Jordan uncover the truth, will this kidnapper turn killer?

Force of Nature by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired Suspense). Pulled from the waves and gasping for air, the last person Antonia Verde expects to be her rescuer is Reuben Sandoval. He may once have been the love of her life, but his drug-smuggling brother ruined their chance of happiness. Now with a storm blowing in, Rueben's island hotel is her only refuge. Soon they find themselves trapped on the island with a killer in the midst of a dangerous hurricane. Antonia's life is in Rueben's hands—can she trust him with her heart, as well?

Yuletide Jeopardy by Sandra Robbins (Love Inspired Suspense). No threats will deter TV anchorwoman Grace Kincaid from the promise she made to investigate her high school classmate's suspicious death. She'll unravel the secrets from the past—even if she has to join forces with her former fiancé, cold-case detective Alex Crowne. Working closely together rekindles old feelings, and getting close to Alex puts Grace's heart at risk. But it's her life that's in the most danger when she gets too close to exposing a killer-in-hiding who has made her his next target.

Wilderness Peril by Elizabeth Goddard (Love Inspired Suspense). Run off the road and left for dead, Shay Ridiker's only hope for surviving the frozen claws of the wilderness is pilot Rick Savage. The beautiful airplane mechanic came to Alaska expecting a routine repo, but a missing coworker and a crippled plane are just the tip of the iceberg. Now held captive by ruthless killers at a derelict gold mine, Shay needs Rick's protection more than ever. But Rick has shadows that follow him into the land of the midnight sun. With gunmen at their backs, can he be all Shay needs—a haven…and a hero?

The Lady's Hero by Carolyn Scheidies (Heartsong Presents). The London Season is a trial for Betsy Carrington. So no one is more surprised when Betsy is surrounded by suitors vying for her hand. But she has eyes for only one man—Edward Denning. Edward's faith sent him to India, far from the glittering life of London. But he's never been able to forget Betsy. When they meet again on his return to England, he knows Betsy is the woman of his dreams. Dare he hope a lady could accept a humble missionary into her life—and her heart?

The Professor's Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes (Heartsong Presents). Mia Roper has what she always wanted. Her independence, her career and her home back East. But when a train wreck strands her in Hillsdale, Michigan, the town she once called home, Mia begins to wonder if she made the right choice to leave Hillsdale—and her true love—behind. Rescuing injured passengers, Professor Ayden Goswell can't believe his eyes. Could that really be Mia, the woman who once owned his heart, emerging from the wreckage? Long ago, Mia and Ayden chose their careers over love. But God, it seems, may have other plans for them….

Seeking Mr. Perfect by Yvonne Lehman (Heartsong Presents). Lizzie Marshall is giving up on dating. Then Mr. Perfect walks into her life—except that he's dressed as a clergyman! Outspoken Lizzie wouldn't make a good pastor's wife, so it's for the best that she's no longer looking for a husband. When Lizzie mistakes him for a clergyman, Zach Grant plays along, if only to get close to the sweet beauty who has sworn off men. Though Zach has business reasons for wanting to know her better, soon his feelings for Lizzie become all too personal. But will his deception keep her from giving love one last chance?

Home at Last by Anita Higman (Heartsong Presents). Olivia Lamington's never had a home or family. When her late employer leaves Bromfeld Manor to her, Olivia feels secure for the first time in her life. Then Bromfeld's prodigal son returns, challenging her claim to the estate—and everything Olivia understands about family…and love. The woman his father left his fortune to is as beautiful as she is innocent, which is why Noah Bromfeld offers to let Olivia stay while he settles his father's affairs. Noah starts to wonder if this beauty is the key to his future. But will his dark past destroy his only hope for happiness?

WOMEN'S FICTION

The following new releases were compiled for HEA by Angela Kay Austin, author of Sweet Victory. Her website is www.angelakayaustin.com.

A Beautiful Wedding: A Novella by Jamie McGuire (Atria Books). You know that Abby Abernathy unexpectedly became Mrs. Maddox. But what do you really know? Why did Abby pop the question? What secrets were shared before the ceremony? Where did they spend their wedding night? Who else knew about it . . . and didn't tell?

Blue Lines: The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo (Loveswept). The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lie behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she's lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test. Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he's been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it's not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn't take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it's supposed to be all for show, the second they say "I do," the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

I'll Be Seeing You by Suzanne Hayes, Loretta Nyhan (Gale Group). It's January 1943 when Rita Vincenzo receives her first letter from Glory Whitehall. Glory is an effervescent young mother, impulsive and free as a bird. Rita is a sensible professor's wife with a love of gardening and a generous, old soul. Glory comes from New England society; Rita lives in Iowa, trying to make ends meet. They have nothing in common except one powerful bond: the men they love are fighting in a war a world away from home. Brought together by an unlikely twist of fate, Glory and Rita begin a remarkable correspondence. The friendship forged by their letters allows them to survive the loneliness and uncertainty of waiting on the home front, and gives them the courage to face the battles raging in their very own backyards. Connected across the country by the lifeline of the written word, each woman finds her life profoundly altered by the other's unwavering support.

If you're an author who has an upcoming new romance, you can send information about the book (subgenre, title, author, publisher, 75ish-word blurb). to happyeverafterusat@gmail.com. Please include "new release inspirational" (or whatever subgenre it is). in the subject line. HEA will do its darnedest to get your listing into a new releases post as close to your publication date as possible. All romances and subgenres are accepted, including self- and indie-pubbed.