Meet the Voices Behind the New to Me Authors of 2025

I enjoy reflecting on different aspects of my reading year and one thing that is truly enjoyable is looking at all of the new to me authors. I’m always able to discover a lot through book tours or new authors from Instagram. It’s fun to find such a variety of voices that all hit me in a different way.

When I reflected on new to me authors from 2024, I did the typical roundup where I focused on the books that they had written and how they had connected with me. However, when I was looking at 2025, I realized that this is all wrong. This is not about the books at all, it’s about the person who poured their soul into them. It’s about the author. So for 2025, I made it all about them.

I reached out to the authors for a headshot, bio, and a series of five rapid fire questions for them to answer. The last question in the rapid fire is about what reading format they prefer and I forgot to include audiobook as an option. Which is incredibly remiss of me since quite a few of these books I’ve read in audiobook format. And because a very specific narrator was key in my experience of these books (and also new to me in 2025), I’ve included her here as a bonus interview. Keep reading to find out a few fun facts about some excellent authors you may have already read or will want to read after knowing them more.

Erica Vetsch

A woman with curly brown hair and glasses smiles warmly. She's wearing a blue top against a blurred neutral background, conveying a friendly, approachable vibe.

Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com and you can find her on Facebook at The Inspirational Regency Readers Group where she spends way too much time!

What I Read

I received A Scheming in Parliament as part of a book tour and in the first paragraph, I realized that I really needed to read book one first. I checked out A Thieving at Carlton House from the library and was hooked. The constant checking of a release date for book three is wearing out the keys that spell “Of Cloaks & Daggers” on my keyboard.

Alt text: "Book cover of 'A Thieving at Carlton House' by Erica Vetsch. A woman in a red dress stands in front of a grand building at sunset with a thoughtful expression. The mood is mysterious and historical."

A historical fiction book cover with a confident man in period attire in front of London's Parliament against a sunset sky. Title: "A Scheming in Parliament".

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: Earl Grey Tea
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: Afternoon
Favorite color: Red
Sweet or savory: Sweet
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: Hardcover

Jayna Breigh

Smiling woman with glasses and short curly hair, wearing a chunky necklace and black cardigan, sits on a white chair in a warmly decorated room.

Jayna is an award-winning author of romantic legal dramas. With over a decade of experience practicing “big city law” in Los Angeles, she brings authenticity to her stories, which feature lawyers, courtroom intrigue, senior citizens, and characters overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Beyond writing, Jayna has shared her insights as a speaker at women’s retreats and a leader of Bible studies. She’s drawn to humor, inspiration, and painfully cute social media. The only personal drama she indulges in? British period pieces and competitive games of Wordfeud. Connect with Jayna by visiting jaynabreigh.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to her email newsletter updates.

What I Read

I rarely read debut authors or romantic legal dramas, but when I saw the cover of The Hunted Heir, I knew I had to take a chance. I was not disappointed! Her books are so full of faith, without being preachy, that it makes you want to be a better person (and get out your Bible!). On top of that, Jayna is able to write book boyfriends that make your heart go pitter patter. I just finished her new book, An Appearance of Impropriety, and she keeps the momentum going.

Silhouette of a woman walking down a shadowy street lined with buildings, overlaid with the text "The Hunted Heir, A Romantic Legal Drama, Jayna Breigh."

A woman in a dark coat walks confidently through a courthouse corridor, with the book title "An Appearance of Impropriety" above her. Atmosphere is dramatic.

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: Jasmine Green Tea or homemade mocha
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: I squeeze it in whenever I can.
Favorite color: I’m weird and only like colors in combinations. Usually cool colors.
Sweet or savory: Savory
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: Audio book

Jessica R. Patch

New York Times and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, Jessica R. Patch has penned over 30 novels and is known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists. Jessica’s stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

When she’s not getting into fictional mischief with her characters, you can find her cozy on the couch in her mid-south home reading books by some of her favorite authors, down the street at the Mexican restaurant, or collecting recipes to amazing dishes she’ll probably never cook.

What I Read

I’m not sure what I can write here that I haven’t already written. Merely glancing at this book on my shelf sends shivers down my spine. Now I’m a collector of Patch books and I don’t know where to start. Just joking, I have her upcoming release The Girl Upstairs, queued up on my Kindle and it will be read well before the release date (April 28^th, in case you were wondering).

Split image of a woman's face; left is vivid and soft-lit, right is blue-tinted and cracked. Title "The Other Sister." Mystery and tension.

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: hot black tea with honey and heavy cream
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: Morning
Favorite color: pink and black
Sweet or savory: savory all the way, never mixing the two
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: AUDIOBOOKS!

Martha Fouts

Martha Fouts is a proud lifelong Oklahoman. She and her husband, Kevin, pastor Discovery Church in the Oklahoma City metro area. They have three adult sons who are all married to incredible wives. For fun, Martha enjoys reading, traveling, drinking coffee, and playing with her dog, Birdie Mae. Martha writes sweet romances that point people to Jesus. Find out more about Martha and her books at www.marthafoutsbooks.com.

What I Read

Martha’s books are full of fun and spunk. I loved The Mother’s Day Bargain so much that I read it both in paperback and audio! Of course, that made me want to keep going. I read the audio version of The Mother’s Day Letter during my walks last year and I have two more in my Audible hopper. Now I just have to wait for Spring.

Illustrated book cover showing colorful houses under a bright sky with clouds. Text reads, "The Mother’s Day Bargain" by Martha Fouts, with a warm, cheerful vibe.

Cover image of "The Mother’s Day Letter" by Martha Fouts features an open envelope with colorful flowers. A warm coral background sets a heartfelt tone.

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: I like plain old brewed coffee. I fancy it up with creamer and cinnamon sometimes.
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: I write whenever I can find the time. Usually that is in the evening on weeknights and during the day on Saturdays.
Favorite color: My favorite color to decorate my house with is blue, and my favorite color to wear is green, and I just think pink is pretty!
Sweet or savory: I love savory snacks like potato chips with French onion dip — yum.
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: I am a paperback reader. I have tried e-readers, but they give me a headache. I wish I could do them, though, because they are so convenient.

Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can’t put down. Her books have garnered several awards and nominations. Mary lives deep in the heart of Texas with her husband, two cats, and a dog. Discover more about Mary and her books at www.maryalford.net.

What I Read

Surprise, surprise, surprise! That’s all I can say. Once I read Amish Country Killer, I was hooked. Mary brings shocking endings that come out of nowhere. But yet it all fits together beautifully. Do you think that you can catch the killer?

Cover of "Amish Country Killer" by Mary Alford, featuring a rustic wooden house, an Amish buggy, and a moody sky, conveying a suspenseful tone.

A woman in traditional Amish attire gazes sideways, set against a dramatic sunset with a horse-drawn buggy and red barn nearby. Text reads: "Framed in Amish Country."

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: Bai Coconut Water
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: Afternoon
Favorite color: Red
Sweet or savory: Sweet
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: Ereader

Sara Jane Jacobs

Sara Jane Jacobs writes inspirational romance focused on faith, family, and second chances. She’s mom to two, Nonna to seven, and shares her home with a family of felines. You can connect with Sara Jane at her website, www.sarajanejacobs.com.

What I Read

I read Sara Jane’s books in audio format and sometimes it was difficult to continue my walk. Literal tears, hurt, betrayal, love, loss, and anger so real I wanted to punch fictitious someones. This is a series that must be read in order starting with Season of Hope. Each season will give you exactly what it says. I think that I’m finally emotionally ready to handle a Season of Faith this Spring.

Cover of "Season of Hope" by Sara Jane Jacobs. It shows a serene landscape with a white chair, green field, flowers, and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Autumn scene with a path covered in leaves, a wooden bench holding a book, and mountains in the background. The cover reads "Season of Deception."

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while writing: coffee
Morning, afternoon, or evening writer: morning and afternoon
Favorite color: yellow
Sweet or savory: savory
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: paperback

Bonus: Narrator Lisa Lynn Sandlin

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles, holding a book. She wears a black top with small white designs. Behind her is a pink fluffy chair, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Lisa Lynn Sandlin is a seasoned theater actor and director turned audiobook producer, she has a passion for strong female characters and tales of redemption. Lisa’s versatile voice enlivens narratives, drawing in while keeping their focus on the plot. Join her on a journey through richly conflicted characters and the power of second chances. Connect with Lisa on her website www.sandlinhouse.com.

Books I Experienced on Audio

I have tried audiobooks in the past and did not enjoy them. That was until I met Lisa Lynn Sandlin. Lisa’s voice acting is top notch and when the weather is right, there is nothing I enjoy more than taking a walk while Lisa transports me into another world. All of these books are excellent in their own right, but Lisa’s narration makes the books come alive in a way that resonates with me.

A woman in a blue cloak stands on a barren landscape under a dramatic sunset sky. Magic swirls around her, evoking a mystical, enchanting mood.

Cover of "The Way of Water" by Toni Cabell. A determined woman in armor rides a horse through water at dusk, under a starry sky. Text: "Water Witch Book Two."

Rapid Fire Q&A

Go to drink while recording: Must drink water before, during, and after recording. Otherwise my voice will get dry and scratchy.
Record in the morning, afternoon, or evening: I record from 11-4 every day.
Favorite color: My favorite color is deep navy blue.
Sweet or savory: Can I pick both? I’m a chip-a-holic but also…brownies!
Paperback, ereader, or hardcover: Audiobook! I am an avid runner and listen while on the trail.

This has been a fun look at 2025. I truly appreciate everyone’s participation in one of my favorite bookish things — author interviews. I’m excited to see what new authors I discover in 2026. I hope you uncover lots of authors, books, and faithful reading this year too.

Keep Reading

buffywnabe

02/12/2026

This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing all of these authors and getting some answers from them too.

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Leslie

02/11/2026

I love posts like this. Finding new authors every year is such a great thing. I am doing the same with narrators this year. They really can make or break a book!

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Rissi

02/10/2026

This was a fun feature! A unique way to feature a list of favorite new authors. :) Thanks for visiting one of my lists today.

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Cindy Davis

02/10/2026

Great post, Carla. I don’t think I have listened to Lisa Lynn before.

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Reading in the Heartland

02/10/2026

I recognize all of these and have read from many of them.

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Carla

02/10/2026

Great post, Carla. I don’t think I’ve listened to anything Lisa Lynn Sandlin has narrated, so I will watch and see what she might have done that I already have on my TBR shelf. I also enjoy legal fiction stories, so Jayna Breigh’s books intrigue me. Off to check them out.

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