Two themes rise to the top in this issue: romance (even sexuality) and war. Setting these pieces next to each other makes for interesting artistry and fun with juxtaposition. This issue of Relief features fiction by Nancy Alvarado, J. Brisbin, Michael Dean Clark, Anne Evans, Heather A. Goodman, Susan J. Masters, Jared Yates Sexton, and Michael Snyder. Our poets for this issue are Leslie D. Bohn, Rachel Bunting, Amy Calkins, Renee Emerson,Terri Kirby Erickson, Jennifer Fandel, Chris Haven, David Holper, Jennifer Jean, Lance Le Grys, Andrew James Massena, Masashi Musha, Tania Runyan, Michael Schmeltzer, Karissa Knox Sorrell, Richard Thompson, Kristin Van Tassel, and Bradley William. Last but not least, our Creative Nonfiction for this issue is contributed by Tara Isabella Burton, Jill Noel Kandel, Nancy J. Nordenson, Gretchen Stahlman, Angela Stewart, A. Trevor Sutton, and Richard Wile. This issue raises the intensity level in Christian writing. Be forewarned, this issue is not for the faint of heart or easily offended.