Highlighting Members Recent Releases

Christian Writers Downunder is a diverse group of writers, editors, bloggers, illustrators. As a group we support each other through our Facebook page and blog.

Today's blog will highlight some of the recent releases of our members from November 2023-August 2025

Recent Releases

Historical Fiction

River Song

River Song

by Jeanette Grant Thomson

  

Shy Claire braves university and befriends flamboyant Vivien. The girls hope to find husbands – but what is wrong with Viv’s boyfriend? And will Mark ever make that commitment? Amid the cultural revolution of the sixties, shadowed by the Vietnam War, relationships become tangled. Will a calamity sort it all out?

Jeanette Grant Thomson is a Moreton-based author who has had all sorts of writing published since her childhood. This is her seventh published book-length work. You can find her books at www.facebook.com/jeanette.grantthomson

Stones of Wrath

Stones of Wrath-The Twins 

by SJ Ratcliffe

Professor Mikkel Jacobsen smuggles an ancient artefact from England to Argentina. It is now 1943, and the Nazis hunt the artefact in Argentina, putting Mikkel and his twin daughter Ruby in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Christian, Ruby’s twin, is in Denmark helping the Jews escape across the sea to Sweden.

SJ Ratcliffe is a christian fiction author. ‘Stones of Wrath’ won the 2025 Pencraft Award. In 2024, she appeared on BBC Radio, US podcasts and was recognised by the NSW parliament.

Social Link: https://www.facebook.com/sjratcliffeauthor?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Stones-Wrath-Twins-Book-Two/dp/B0F7Y8Q45D/

Hearts Unknown

Hearts Unknown

by Dienece Darling

After this London season, not the boy next door. Clarence has loved Edith for as long as he can remember. What will it take for Edith to notice him? One bird, one ball, and a pesky street preacher.

Dienece Darling is a former Georgia Belle who now calls Australia home with her husband and two sons. She writes inspirational historical fiction, and her first name is pronounced Denise. https://www.dienecedarling.com

Buy link: https://books2read.com/heartsunknown/

First Fleet Convict Era Trilogy 1788-1800

by Sara Powter

Gentle Annie Soames

Her dreams lead to unexpected outcomes. An Australian First Fleet story with the descriptions taken directly from the Journal of Doctor Arthur Bowes Smith was the doctor on board the Lady Penrhyn.

Annie Soames is a girl beloved by the community but not afraid to voice her desires. That leads to trouble, illicit love, and transportation to New South Wales as a convict. When her former employer, Oliver Quilpie, recently widowed Marquess, goes searching for her, will nAnnie want to see him?

Long-listed in the Historical Fiction Company Competition 2024

https://mybook.to/GentleAnnieSoames


The Emancipated Potter

Not all felons are convicts, and not all convicts are felons. 

Colin Osborne’s serene life as a talented potter is crushed by a self-important peer. A single punch sends Colin across to the other side of the globe. Aggie Gibbs is a young convict girl being hunted by a wayward soldier. The two find themselves in a town of criminals and lecherous men but an unlikely mentor. Can they build a decent life for the convicts destined to live out their lives in the penal town? 

Paternity Unknown

Connie Waterson is attacked and traumatised when the convict women were landed in the colony. She finds herself expecting an unwanted child. Along with her friends, she must learn to cope with the challenges of their new environment while protecting the life growing within her. Can those who attacked her? 

https://www.sarapowter.com.au/
(with an online store)

YA Speculative Fiction

Keeper of the Archives

Keeper of the Archives
by Lynne Stringer

After their home burns to cinders, Eden Fittell gets work in the government’s Archives to support her family.

But the city is being stalked by a crime boss who is using a freak to kidnap people off the street. And he usually snatches government employees.Is Eden safe?

Lynne Stringer began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynne_stringer_author/

a buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Archives-Lynne-Stringer-ebook/dp/B0D7W7314J/

Signal Erased

Signal Erased 

by Adele Jones

Anna Faraday’s carefully ordered world comes crashing down when her gift of singing is turned against her. After a reckless car drive ruins a night of romance, her gifted voice is then exploited for a secret frequency-based experiment that alters her atomic state.

As time is running out, she seeks help from the last guy she ever thought she’d ask—a guy who has been all but invisible to her, until now. Will he, or anyone, understand what’s happened before she disappears forever?

Adele Jones is an Australian author of "Science fiction for the real world". Writing YA fringe and near sci-fi stories, she tackles complex teen issues including self-worth, disability, loss, domestic violence, youth crime and more, drawing inspiration from her passion for family, faith, friends, music and science.

For more visit www.adelejonesauthor.com

Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/signal-erased/

Kingdom of Longing

Kingdom of Longing (Prequel to Bethloria series) 

By Elizabeth Klein

26th March, 2024

When Mistrelle Evanspay is overtaken by a storm and her frightened horse throws her, she is discovered by the enigmatic Ewarn Skylander, Morgran’s Chief Mage and councillor. Her head warns her not to get involved, but her heart yearns for a different life than the one her parents have in mind for her. Will she follow the check in her heart, or the wild romance Ewarn can offer?

Elizion Fractured Books 2 & 3

Elizion Fractured book 2 

by Elizabeth Klein

Published 22nd Jan. 2024

The story explores the challenges of surviving in a hostile environment. The plot follows the lives and destinies of Freya, newly crowned queen, the earth-born Fin, and several key sky-born characters as they face increasingly difficult challenges on Tara’s surface.

Elizion Conspiracy book 3 

by Elizabeth Klein 

Published 5th September 2024

Memories of the aliens have faded and life is good for the sky-born, until the day a group of mercenaries come looking for a fugitive. Queen Freya wants to locate him before the mercenaries get to him, clearly an impossible task. But when he locates them first and issues a dire warning, Freya realises they have all been asleep to the perils still lurking on Tara.

In 2015, Elizabeth and her husband left Sydney to travel in a caravan full time. Besides having written many short stories, articles, plays and poems, she’s also authored YA and junior fiction books, as well as educational books and has 100 published works to date. You can find out more about her books here:
https://www.elizabethkleinauthor.com/

Stepping Sideways

Stepping Sideways: Stories of Steampunk and Dystopia

Editors Emily Larkin and Lynne Stringer
Rhiza Edge

A circus is not all it seems. A monster… and opportunity… waits in ocean mists. A friendship is out of time. A group of kids escape scavenger dogs in a brutal world. A water sprite is far from home. And a machine generates romance. These stories and others await in this steampunk and dystopian anthology by Australian authors, sure to transport you into worlds of danger and wonder.

Authors include Lynne Stringer, Emily Larkin, Annaliese Hudson, Linsey Painter, Shaye Wardrop, Andreas Katsineris-Paine, Adele Jones, Elizabeth Klein, Jeanette O’Hagan, Rachel Denham-White, Jennifer Horn and Bianca Breen.

Time’s Key by Emily Larkin, shortlisted for Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024  Aurealis Awards.

In a League of Her Own by Jeanette O’Hagan, winner of the Best Young Adult Short Story in the 2024 Aurealis Awards

Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/stepping-sideways-stories-of-steampunk-and-dystopia/

Jeanette O'Hagan has spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight. She enjoys writing fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, and editing. Her Nardvan stories involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs. She has published the Under the Mountain Series (5 books) the Akrad's Legacy series and numerous short stories, one of which recently won the 2024 Aurealis Award for YA Shorty story category.

Memoirs and Biographies

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

Unravelling: loving my parents through dementia

by Claire Belberg (aka Claire Bell)

Unravelling is the story in prose and poetry of a daughter accompanying her parents on the journey of dementia. It’s raw, honest, sometimes disturbing. This book was written for those who want company on a similar journey, and those who want to gain understanding of those who travel this way.

Claire Belberg personal story of her parents' dementia was released in September 2024.

Claire Belberg writes to understand, which typically includes reflections on nature. She has published poetry, fiction and non-fiction. She blogs occasionally at The Character Forge (clairebelberg.wordpress.org).

Buy - e-book at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unravelling-claire-belberg/1146288051 and print book direct from author (cheapest option!) at bellwriting@gmail.com (postage within Australia only)

Treasure Island

Treasured Island: Exploring the Delights of King Island

by Josephine Petrovic 

An armchair traveller’s delight, this little brightly coloured book relates how our family ‘discovered’ King Island in Bass Strait, Tasmania, lived and worked there, and shared our experiences. It is well researched and includes numerous fascinating backstories, a gallery of amazing photographs and an extensive visitor’s guide.

Josephine Petrovic is finally an author, two years off eighty! Happily married, she’s Mum to five, Nanna of nine, and a born storyteller who loves to inspire and bless others.

Holdfast Books / jopetrovic.author@gmail.com


Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Treasured-Island-Exploring-Delights-King-ebook/dp/B0FHWZPB49/

Christian Life and Reflection

Swansong

Swansong: start creating your legacy of life-giving words today 

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, 

Authentic Media UK 

In Swansong, Jo-Anne Berthelsen issues a gentle challenge to consider carefully how God’s words and the words of others have impacted us and how the words we in turn speak and write on a daily basis can best honour God and build others up.

Jo-Anne Berthelsen is a Sydney-based author of seven novels and four non-fiction works. She holds degrees in Arts and Theology and has worked in teaching, editing and local church ministry.

www.facebook.com/joanne.berthelsen

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey

God Moments: 101 little lessons for life’s journey 

by Jo-Anne Berthelsen, Authentic Media UK 

In God Moments, Jo-Anne Berthelsen shares personal experiences of how apparently mundane events in daily life have created unexpected ‘God moments’. Grounded in Scripture, these 101 uplifting devotions will encourage you to open your heart to God and look out for him as you go about your daily life.

Buy link: www.jo-anneberthelsen.com

Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3

Messages from the heart of God - Volume 3
by David Hollis

Messages from the heart of God – Volume 3” is a collection of 40 short devotional chapters that lead the reader on a journey of inspiration, encouragement, and hope, especially in the difficulties, trials and uncertainties of our daily lives.

David Hollis lives in the far north of New Zealand on the rocky coastline of East Bay. He’s been writing prose and poetry for five years and published three books.
www.facebook.com/breadonthewaters

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/author/davidhollis777

10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss

10 Blessings of God You Won’t Want to Miss
by Susan Barnes

10 Blessings of God will enrich your faith as you embrace the different ways God desires to bless and encourage you to trust him more deeply. His blessings are intended to renew our minds and stir our souls so God’s people can make a difference in the world.

Susan Barnes has thirty years of experience in pastoral ministry and a degree in Christian ministry. She has published hundreds of devotional articles, sharing her experiences of trusting God.

https://www.facebook.com/susanannebarneswriter

Buy Link: Options for print and ebook: https://www.susanbarneswriter.com/10-blessings-of-god/

From the Prison to the Palace

From the Prison to the Palace
by Karen Roper 
August 2024

Have you ever wondered how Joseph in the Bible felt with not only being sold into slavery but being separated and betrayed by his family?

He took the same journey that most of us will take in our lives. What journey am I talking about? Our emotional journey through life.”

Karen Roper is passionate about seeing people live their lives the way God intended and to fulfil the purpose and plans that God has for them.

Instagram link is: https://www.instagram.com/roper.karen/

Buylink: From the Prison to the Palace: A Journey of Emotional Healing : Roper, Karen Faye: Amazon.com.au: Books

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional

Comfort Zone: A 40-day Devotional on the Father of All Comfort
by Nola Lorraine
Armour Books, 2025

In this 40-day excursion into the heart of the Father, Nola Lorraine uses personal reflections and scriptures to show how God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can then share his love and comfort with others.

Nola Lorraine writes fiction, nonfiction and poetry that weave words of courage and hope. She would love to connect with you through her website: www.nolalorraine.com.au


Buy link - https://koorong.com/product/scattered-nola-lorraine_9781925380859

 

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.

Jeanette O'Hagan

A Writer's Resilience

by Claire Bell 

I said to a fellow writer recently that creative writing is my counselling room. As a long-time counsellor and a new writer, he got my analogy straight away. It’s not that I have had an especially hard life or a history of trauma. I considered myself a relatively even-tempered person, with some good coping strategies and a great God who is the foundation of all the wonderful support I receive from others. So how do I end up in this unexpected counselling room?

I've not had to work as hard at any other role in my life as I do in professional writing. I love writing; the act of writing is the easy part. Words flow out of my fingertips with ease. I was the student who had to learn editing early because my essays were always thousands of words too long, not because of waffle but all the ideas I wanted to include after extensive literature research.

The hard work of writing for me has been largely emotional. I have plenty to learn in the way of craft but I find that can be fun. It’s the emotional roller coaster that throws me. That was the inspiration behind my blog, The Character Forge – as I develop characters in story, I am having to develop character in myself. And I have a suspicion this might be one of God’s reasons for calling me to write…

It’s ironic, really. My first degree was in Psychology but my intention to become a counsellor faded as motherhood took my attention. When I took up writing in my 40s, having had a lifelong interest in it, I thought it was a creative channelling of my earlier desire to help others with their emotional challenges. But here I am, dealing with mine more obviously than anyone else’s!

Perhaps you don’t suffer the emotional reversals that accompany my writing journey. I know I am not alone, but I also recognise there are all sorts of people who write, each with their unique personal make-up. So let me list the triggers for my emotional flip-flops:

• plotting. I love the internal experience of characters but working out how to make the external story work does not come naturally. It’s like opening a treasure chest and finding it empty.
• finding beta readers. I don’t have good networks of readers who I feel I could ask to help me this way, especially the target audience of my YA novels.
• finding publishers who are interested in what I write. I can’t even find suitable ones to attempt submission. All of us are discouraged when we submit and get no response or a rejection, and we have all had to find ways to manage those. It’s the battle to find someone to submit my manuscript to in the first place that stresses me more.
• promoting my published work. This is the biggest trigger. It registers as an existential threat! With each book, I have pushed myself to try a new promotional platform (blogging, book talks, newsletters, Goodreads, reading and commenting on others’ blogs and reviewing their books). It’s exhausting, and takes so much of the time I set aside for writing. Putting myself out there is not something I feel at all equipped for.

What’s this all about? For me, the biggest answer is that God is teaching me resilience. I am having to learn to do what we learn in prayer: to ask and keep on asking, to trust when the answers don’t come or they come differently from what we had hoped, to be patient for however long it takes, to not lose sight of the goal (which is ultimately our relationship with God and serving his purposes). I am learning (slowly!) to dream big and manage disappointments; to keep on writing, submitting and promoting; to turn my sorrows, my fears and my sense of failure over to Jesus and to let him comfort and re-energise me; to step up to activities that stretch and threaten to overwhelm me.

When I let go of the dreams or shrink them to something that looks more achievable, it’s God who eggs me on to think big. He hasn’t given up on me in this writing gig even when I have given up on myself. I think he’s plotting something I haven’t seen yet!

We all face challenges as writers and, while you may not fall apart emotionally as I do, we’re all growing in craft and character as we pursue this crazy writing life. If you have a particular encouragement that helps you in your times of struggle, please share it in the comments.

Claire Bell writes as Claire Belberg, and has published two short YA novels in a genre she calls ‘speculative realism’. She also writes poetry and is currently working towards industry engagement with her poems about the impact of her parents’ dementia (Unravelling: A story of dementia), yet to be published. She has had poems and short stories included in various anthologies, including inScribe, and in the independent Adelaide news service inDaily. She writes an occasional blog called The Character Forge loosely exploring the development of personal character through the act of writing. Claire lives in the Adelaide Hills and loves to watch birds wherever she can find them.

Fiction and hindsight

by Claire Bell

I often think about whether spending time writing imaginatively is time well-spent. Is it worth doing? Is it likely to be fruitful?  And to be honest, it’s probably not the writing time that I struggle with so much as the time spent trying to get the book into the hands of readers. I visit this question often: is this what I should be doing with my life? What does it contribute to the kingdom of God?

A tablecloth?!

I was remembering recently the last gift my mother chose for me. No longer able to shop independently, she pored over direct buy catalogues in the lead-up to Christmas. On the day, she was obviously pleased with what she was giving me – a brightly flowered, square vinyl tablecloth with plastic lace edging.

It was impersonal, garish and something I didn’t have a use for as our outdoor table was oblong and we had plenty of covers for it. I think I tried to be appreciative but I recall feeling disappointed. Mum loved giving and was pretty good at choosing apt gifts. This gift seemed pointless.

My outlook has changed. Since that Christmas we learned that Mum has frontotemporal dementia (FTD). If I had known the not-so-distant future that Christmas Day, I would have valued the gift more highly as I understood the challenge Mum experienced in choosing a gift. Hindsight makes us wise after the fact. Fiction can lead to wisdom too, rather more usefully than hindsight and without regret.

Equipping readers for life

It seems ironic that ‘pretend stories’ can equip a person for life in the real world, and, of course, it depends on the kind of stories and the skill of the telling. But it seems to me that unlikely things often turn out to be useful. I like the title of a book by John Dufresne that teaches fiction writing: The lie that tells a truth. Good fiction tells a truth – something honest and valid in the way of human experience. We can only write out of our experience (with some research, perhaps, to ensure accuracy of detail) and, if we are being ourselves as we write, truth will emerge. It might not be factual truth (the talking animals of Narnia aren’t ‘true’ in a way that can be verified by science), or biblical truth (if by that we mean ‘as appearing in the Bible text’), but it will be a truth. When truth meets an open heart, something good happens. Who wouldn't want to be part of that?

Storysight

Not only does the hindsight of understanding Mum’s mental health change the way I see the gift of the tablecloth, but now that we have a square outdoor table, the gift has proven useful; that was something I hadn’t anticipated. Fiction, too, can make an unexpected contribution to a reader’s life. We write, send our stories out and trust that the truth God has invested in us will become wisdom to readers, proving useful to them. Perhaps we could call it 'storysight' - wisdom gained through story. So I encourage myself to value the output of time spent in imagination, wrestling with words and investing in promotion, so that storysight might prove fruitful to a reader.

There are many other reasons to value fiction. In your experience as a reader and a writer, what encourages you the most? Why not jot it in a comment?

Author bio

Claire Bell writes as Claire Belberg, and has published two short YA novels in a genre she calls ‘speculative realism’. She also writes poetry and is currently finalising a collection of poems about the impact of her parents’ dementia (Unravelling: A story of dementia). She has had poems and short stories published in various anthologies, including inScribe, and in the independent Adelaide news service inDaily. She writes an occasional blog called The Character Forge loosely exploring the development of personal character through the act of writing. Claire lives in the Adelaide Hills and loves to watch birds wherever she can find them.