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 and soon to be released books of our members from February 2026 - October 2026
NB Books have already been released unless otherwise stated.
Historical Fiction
The Lifeboat Girls
Stormy Days for the Lifeboat GirlsRachel Sweasey
The first book in a sweeping WW1 era saga series: 'Vividly brings to life several major periods in history: the Titanic, the Great War and the Suffragettes, binding them together through the warmth, friendship, strength of faith, and courage of the Lifeboat Girls. Warning: tissues need to be on hand'
The Lifeboat Girls at War (Book 2 in The Lifeboat Girls saga series)
Rachel SweaseyTo be released 10th December 2026
1915: As war rages across Europe, the women of Poole Quay must do whatever it takes to keep their community afloat. For lifelong friends Kathy, Betsy and Julia, that means stepping into roles they never imagined possible, helping to keep the harbour and its lifeboat service running as more local men leave for the Front.
Rachel Sweasey is a historical fiction novelist whose stories are set in Poole, Dorset, where she grew up. Beautiful Poole and its harbour are the backdrop to all Rachel's novels: three WW2 dual timeline stories and a new series set in WW1.
Romance
The Enemy's Sister
Dienece Darling
He learned a lot of things in the army. Falling in love with the enemy’s sister wasn’t one of them.
If you love a historical romance with frontier-flare and rediscovered faith, you’re sure to enjoy The Enemy’s Sister.
Dienece Darling calls Melbourne, Australia home these days with her husband and sons. She writes first person inspirational historical romance, and her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/the-
Elizabeth Klein
Elizabeth Klein lives and writes in a caravan and has over 100 published works. These include short stories, articles, plays and poems, YA and junior fiction books, as well as educational books.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY28TS9P
Edited by Lynne Stringer and Jeanette O'Hagan
Jeanette O'Hagan's Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.
Dienece Darling calls Melbourne, Australia home these days with her husband and sons. She writes first person inspirational historical romance, and her first name is a variant spelling of Denise.
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/the-
Mystery
Murder at Crayfish Cover
Murder at Crayfish Cove (Hester Maccaby Mysteries #1)
Suzie Peace Pybus
When crime novelist Hester Maccaby follows a mysterious envelope to Crayfish Cove, she discovers it was meant to contain an invitation to a soirée. Before she can uncover why she was invited, the host is found dead. Can she solve the murder before she becomes the next victim?
Suzie Peace Pybus writes women's fiction and mystery. She lives in Tasmania on a small fruit and vegetable farm with her hubby and their springer spaniel, Pepper.
Suzie Peace Pybus writes women's fiction and mystery. She lives in Tasmania on a small fruit and vegetable farm with her hubby and their springer spaniel, Pepper.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com.
Speculative Fiction (Sci-Fi & Fantasy)
Elizion Restoration
Elizion Restoration, Book 4Elizabeth Klein
Young Sky Host Zarin embarks on a solo mission to find his Father when he is captured by sky city Edifice. He finds solace with fellow captive Hana, who helps him survive. But he soon realises something ancient and very powerful holds the city captive to its malevolent will.
Elizion Restoration made the Long List of the Ozma Awards in the Chanticleer International Awards 2026.
Elizabeth Klein lives and writes in a caravan and has over 100 published works. These include short stories, articles, plays and poems, YA and junior fiction books, as well as educational books.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY28TS9P
Dragons, Doorways and Destiny
Dragons, Doorways and DestinyEdited by Lynne Stringer and Jeanette O'Hagan
Release Date November 2026
A shapeshifting dragon must save her brother from the slayer's curse. A girl starts to fade away when she feels left out. A faerie offers a traveller a difficult choice. A poor girl decides that she definitely doesn't want to marry the handsome prince. These are just some of the stories in Dragons, Doorways and Destiny.
Each of the 15 stories from 15 different authors will transport you to worlds unknown, some closely linked to this one, others from times past.
Each of the 15 stories from 15 different authors will transport you to worlds unknown, some closely linked to this one, others from times past.
Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life. She is the author of young adult novels and novellas set in worlds of contemporary, historical and speculative fiction.
Jeanette O'Hagan's Nardvan stories span continents, millennia and cultures. Some involve shapeshifters and magic. Others include space stations and cyborgs.
Buy Link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/dragons-doorways-and-destiny-short-stories-in-fantastical-worlds/
Jewel of The Stars
Jewel of The Stars Season 1 Episode 4: Strange Alien World
Adam David Collings
Adam David Collings is a sci-fi and fantasy author known for Jewel of The Stars. He lives in Tasmania. Adam draws inspiration from his imagination, life experiences and his faith.
Buy link: https://books2read.com/jewel4
Adam David Collings
The crew and passengers of Jewel of The Stars discover a planet where they can stretch their legs. When a plague sweeps across the alien locals, Doctor Clarke must find a cure. The discovery of a rare element sets a conflict in motion that could destroy their new friends.
Adam David Collings is a sci-fi and fantasy author known for Jewel of The Stars. He lives in Tasmania. Adam draws inspiration from his imagination, life experiences and his faith.
Buy link: https://books2read.com/jewel4
Chrstian Life and Reflection
21 Gifts
21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and HealingRaewyn Elsegood
When grief becomes an unexpected dance partner, how do we keep moving? 21 Gifts offers 21 gentle, faith-filled gifts drawn from personal loss, inviting grieving hearts to notice God’s presence, honour their story, and discover their next right step through grief and healing.
Raewyn Elsegood is an Australian author, speaker and disaster recovery chaplain whose lived experience of grief shapes her compassionate, faith-filled encouragement for those navigating loss.
Buy 21 Gifts: Amazon - https://amzn.asia/d/09FRU5yp
Creation Speaks
Creation Speaks
Denise Roberts
Denise Roberts
Creation is constantly speaking of its Creator. Creation Speaks invites readers to slow down, notice God’s fingerprints in the world around them, and discover spiritual truths hidden in everyday moments. Through reflections, Scripture and personal insight, Denise Roberts encourages readers to hear God’s voice in unexpected places.
Denise Roberts is an Australian Christian author, devotional writer and speaker who loves helping people recognise God’s voice through Scripture, everyday life and the beauty of creation.
Buy Link: https://amzn.asia/d/084usX5D
No Standing Zone
No Standing Zone
Nola Lorraine
It’s easy to remain strong in our faith when life is sweet. But what happens when difficulties come our way? In this 40-day devotional, Nola Lorraine uses scripture, personal anecdotes and heartfelt reflections that provide keys for being fruitful in any season, especially the challenging ones.
Nola Lorraine loves to weave words of courage and hope. She is the author of a novel, two devotionals, and more than 150 short pieces in a variety of genres.
Buy link – https://koorong.com/products/no-standing-zone-a-40-day-devotional-on-moving-forward-with-god-in-difficult-times-678308
Young Adult and Middle Grade
The Casting Dilemma
The Casting DilemmaLynne Stringer
Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life. She is the author of young adult novels and novellas set in worlds of contemporary, historical and speculative fiction.
Buy link: https://wombatrhiza.com.au/the-casting-dilemma/
Harriet & Will
Harriet and Will: The Secret GoldDebra Clewer
On a school history excursion, a mysterious red phone booth appears, ready to play gold rush stories. But the ancient phone booth does much more, and two friends find themselves back in the gold rush days! Will Harriet Cooper be allowed to keep the historic gold items that she discovers?
Middle-Grade for readers aged 9-13
Buy Link: https://www.clewerbooknook.com (paperback & e-book)
Sephen and the Heroes
Stephen and the Heroes Book 1: A Tilt in Time
R A Stephens
Stephen’s new friend is named after the famous illusionist, Harry Houdini. But what does it mean to be named after the first Christian martyr?
Stephen, along with his rescue kitten, Demi, accidentally discovers a mysterious gate that takes him into a strange new world … or is it a strange old world? About 2000 years old, in fact.
Stephen and the Heroes Book 2: For Such a Time
R A Stephens
The first time Stephen time travelled he went back 2000 years and met St Stephen. When Stephen and his friend Harry take their rescue kittens to the park, a new gate shows up. Where or when did he go this time? There’s a palace, a dusty road and a girl named Hadassah. Who is this girl and what is Stephen doing in her time? And why didn’t he think about how to get home? Travel with Stephen as he meets Bible heroes as kids.
R. A. STEPHENS: Rochelle writes children’s and young adult fiction and non-fiction with a focus on science and maths. She has a Masters in Editing in Publishing with a thesis exploring middle fiction for teens, and works in publishing.
R A Stephens
Stephen, along with his rescue kitten, Demi, accidentally discovers a mysterious gate that takes him into a strange new world … or is it a strange old world? About 2000 years old, in fact.
R A Stephens
R. A. STEPHENS: Rochelle writes children’s and young adult fiction and non-fiction with a focus on science and maths. She has a Masters in Editing in Publishing with a thesis exploring middle fiction for teens, and works in publishing.
Graphic Novels
Izzy & Bart
Izzy & Bart: The Case of the Unidentified Creature
R. A. Stephens and Tamlyn Teow
Giant isopods, Izzy and Bart, live in the twilight zone. Bart draws every sea creature he sees, while Izzy dreams of being a reporter. Together they discover an unidentified creature and venture into the midnight zone, hopeful to identify the unknown animal. But when things get too dark, they realise they’re lost. Will Izzy and Bart find their way home
Picture Books
Karen Brough
One Nest or Two
Karen Brough and Hiruni Kariyawasam
Five siblings. One broken nest. Many BIG feelings.
When a storm separates the Bird family between two nests, five young birds learn that every feeling belongs, love doesn’t disappear when a family changes shape, and home is more than just a place.
Buy link: https://karenbrough.com/product/i-cant-believe-theyre-gone-faith-edition-a-gentle-grief-story-with-scripture-to-comfort-help-and-bring-hope/
I Can't Believe They're Gone: Faith Edition
Karen Brough and Hiruni Kariyawasam
The bestselling grief picture book I Can’t Believe They’re Gone, now gently woven with the hope-filled words of Scripture. Follow the Mouse family as they navigate big feelings after loss, with the guidance of Wise Old Bear. This special Faith Edition also includes prayers, a blessing, and support for children’s big questions.
Karen Brough is a former teacher and multi-award-winning children’s author who creates books that hug the heart. She writes from her sunroom in Melbourne, Australia.
Buy link: https://karenbrough.com/product/one-nest-or-two-a-story-about-big-feelings-divorce-separation-and-finding-home-again/
R. A. Stephens
Connected
R.A. Stephens & Tamlyn Teow
Chloe has a dot on her shirt called a node. So do her friends and family. They are joined by lines called edges. The edges spread out and connect people all around the world. Connected introduces children to the mathematical concept of networks, while emphasising that no one is alone. Everyone is connected. Introducing the mathematical concept of networks, where no node (or person) is left unconnected.
How to Wait for Christmas
R.A Stephens and Novia Heroanto
An adorable contemporary picture book, celebrating Christmas traditions, Advent and the joy of waiting for Christmas.
Jemma can’t wait for Christmas, especially the presents. But there are lots of sleeps to go... With Mum, Dad, and her brother Luke, she counts down the days with carols, baking, cards, paper decorations and giving gifts. Maybe Christmas isn’t just one exciting morning. Maybe it’s a whole season filled with joy, kindness, and wonderful waiting. For every child counting down to Christmas Day.
R. A. STEPHENS: Rochelle writes children’s and young adult fiction and non-fiction with a focus on science and maths. She has a Masters in Editing in Publishing with a thesis exploring middle fiction for teens, and works in publishing.
Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements.
Jeanette O'Hagan & CWD team
Jeanette O'Hagan & CWD team
