Christian Fiction

Male readers of Christian fiction rose from 15 percent to 25 percent between 2002 and 2004. One reason for the jump is the increase in Christian suspense fiction, a natural for men's reading choices. In addition, there's a greater focus on stories told from the male point of view. Some feature traditional masculine protagonists, such as valiant pirates defending their women (M.L. Tyndall's The Reliance) or strong, heroic police chiefs (Linda Nichols's In Search of Eden) while others take on nontraditional roles (W. Dale Cramer's Summer of Light). Many of these novels also explore male relationships and issues of faith.

In Cramer's follow-up to his Christy Award-winning titles (Bad Ground; Levi's Will), he introduces another strong male protagonist, Mick Brannigan, an iron worker who is forced into becoming a stay-at-home dad after an on-the-job accident. Mick is uncomfortable with this new role in which he must learn to rediscover himself, his relationship with his family, and his purpose in life. While lacking the raw edginess of Cramer's earlier works, this novel is well written and entertaining, and the author does a good job of exploring the different parts men play in society and with each other. Although not as compelling as the previous novels, Summer of Light deserves a place in most public libraries and will appeal to male readers. Cramer resides in Georgia.

In Book 3 of their "A Place To Call Home" series (after Cherokee Rose and Bright Are the Stars), the Lacys detail the accounts of three settler families—the Parkers, the Ackermans, and the Beldens—and the unspeakable torments endured by American Indians forced to give up their land to live on reservations in the late 1800s. Well-researched details and engaging characters make this a moving historical novel. The series will please fans of fast-paced, absorbing tales of the American West and may have crossover appeal for those who enjoy Larry McMurtry's works. Recommended for public library collections. The Lacys live in Colorado.

Easily one of the best authors of biblical fiction today, Lliteras here takes the reader back to the birth of Christianity and the events surrounding the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As he did in previous novels (Jerusalem's Rain; The Thieves of Golgotha), Lliteras enters the mind of one character and tells the story from his point of view. A young boy named Addan has just witnessed Jesus's death and is confused by what is happening. He sets off to find his father, a disciple of Jesus, and, along the way, falls prey to bandits. A mesmerizing charlatan named Jeshua rescues him and lures him into working together to fleece the crowds during magic shows. Addan is charmed by Jeshua's influence even though he knows it goes against everything Jesus taught. Lliteras has woven an equally mesmerizing story about faith and purpose in an enchanting tale that readers will not want to put down. This tight, suspenseful story moves quickly toward a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended for all collections. The author lives in Virginia. [See the Q&A with Lliteras on p. 58.—Ed.]

Police chief Joseph North has been estranged from his brother, David, ever since David stole Sarah, the girl Joseph loved. When David is seriously injured in a car accident, Joseph is drawn back into their lives and that of his niece, Eden. David and Sarah adopted Eden when she was a baby, but Sarah has always had a difficult time connecting with her daughter. Joseph's life is also complicated by a mysterious woman named Miranda. Nichols uses her considerable talent (At the Scent of Water; Not a Sparrow Falls) to create a complex portrait of a family in turmoil, incorporating rich characterizations and a skillfully woven plot. This title may have crossover appeal for readers of Anne Tyler. Recommended for all collections. Nichols lives in Washington State.

Hairdresser Joel Carpenter thought he had it made when he won Kari's heart and she agreed to marry him, but married life doesn't turn out exactly as he planned. When a tragedy hits and the pressures of life seem to turn the couple into different people, Joel finds his home life spinning out of control. The only bright spot is their son, Colton. Smith writes in the first-person voice of a young male protagonist with a rawness that reminds one of W. Dale Cramer's Bad Ground. Joel is alienated from the church and God when he needs them most because of the way his gay father was treated by churchgoers. He has several Christian friends who try to show him God's unconditional love. They help him understand how God can let terrible things happen to people and still bring them through life's storms. This is an essential read for anyone who has experienced great loss and struggled to believe that God is still there. Highly recommended. Smith, a registered nurse, lives in Texas.

Swashbuckling pirates, high seas adventures, and ardent romance abound in this 17th-century tale. Capt. Edmund Merrick has retired from his pirate lifestyle now that he is happily married to his beloved Charlisse. But an old nemesis, Ken Carlton, has arranged to kidnap a pregnant Charlisse and convince Edmund that his wife is dead. This high-spirited, fun read should please fans of historical and pirate romances. Book 2 in the "Legacy of the King's Pirates" series (after The Redemption) is reminiscent of Johanna Lindsey's romance novels without the sexual language. The recent popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise may also peak interest in this. The author lives in California.also of interest

This Christy Award-winning husband-and-wife team returns to the small town of Hideaway, MO, in Book 7 of the series (following Under Suspicion). Nurse Jill Cooper is put to the test as her dear friend Edith Potts dies, two old boyfriends return to town, and it appears that a secret from 30 years ago could reveal a long-ago murder. Small-town charm and likable characters make each visit to Hideaway a pleasurable escape. Equal doses of suspense and romance will please the series' fans, who will be glad to catch up with these characters. Readers of romantic suspense will want this rewarding, delightful story. Recommended for public libraries.

After leaving a successful teaching career just a few years before retirement to dive into the antiques business, Mona VanderMolen is not always sure she made the right decision. But she had to get away from her old life after her niece died while in her care. Mona's sister blames her for losing her daughter and won't let her remaining child, Hallie, be part of Mona's life. But 15-year-old Hallie is battling her own demons and runs away from her parents to her aunt's cottage. Mona and Hallie must work together to overcome their guilt and find forgiveness. This first novel is a competent work with believable characters and a thought-provoking plot. Recommended for readers looking for fiction that deals with grief and redemption. Beach is a professional speaker who lives in Michigan.

An inspired collection of short stories from prolific Catholic writers over the past 75 years, this compilation is highlighted by Richard Russo's memoir, "The Whore's Child"; Andre Dubus's complex family tale, "A Father's Story"; Philip F. Deaver's provocative story of a man looking for inner peace, "Silent Retreats"; and classics from Flannery O'Connor ("The Displaced Person") and Mary Gordon ("Mrs. Cassidy's Last Year"). In summer 2006, WestBow published The Best Christian Short Stories, with excellent pieces from Larry Woiwode ("Firstborn") and James Calvin Schaap ("Exodus"). Both of these spiritual collections are recommended for public and academic libraries.

Amanda "Bell" Brown is a single 40-year-old forensic psychologist who is hung up on the handsome but emotionally unavailable police lieutenant Jazz Brown. When Jazz's ex-wife is found murdered in his home, Amanda has to put her feelings aside and figure out whether the man of her dreams might be responsible. Sassy and witty, Bell is the kind of woman readers will want to have as a best friend. A refreshing African American chick-lit entry, Burney's second novel in the "Amanda Bell Brown Mystery" series (after Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man) should delight readers who enjoy the works of ReShonda Tate Billingsley (Let the Church Say Amen) or Victoria Christopher Murray (Grown Folks Business). Recommended for women's fiction collections and especially libraries with a demand for African American Christian fiction. Burney lives in Michigan.

Chapman, best-selling author of the nonfiction series "The Five Love Languages," and veteran fiction author Palmer (The Affectionate Adversary) team up for a new series exploring the seasons of marriage. In the first entry, empty nesters Steve and Brenda have lost touch with each other. Brenda views Steve as obsessed with his real estate career and thinks he has lost interest in her. Steve can tell something is bothering his wife, but he hasn't got a clue what to do about it. When Brenda begins to behave strangely and form questionable relationships, everyone in the small town of Deepwater Cove is talking about it. These two accomplished authors combine their skills in this charming, poignant effort. This would make a great book club selection and stir up conversations on marriage and the seasons of life. Recommended for public libraries. Chapman is a pastor in North Carolina; Palmer resides in Missouri.

Nineteen-year-old Maddie Chase and her journalist aunt Sid are off to the island of New Guinea this time, where they discover the beauty and tragedy in the lives of the people they meet. Maddie tries to help in their struggles while she learns some valuable life lessons. Carlson lives in central Oregon.

Sophie Edwards is a Civil War widow with four children. Clay McCellen decides to marry his sister-in-law, but he comes to realize that Sophie and her daughters are more than he can handle. This novelist lives in Nebraska.

Gulf War comrades Cale, Pug, and Kirby are being toyed with by an enemy seeking revenge for something that happened 15 years ago. This psychological thriller works toward a suspenseful conclusion, with a dramatic twist. Downs lives in North Carolina.

This suspense novel details a double homicide and civil rights investigation by FBI agent Raleigh Harmon. Raleigh knows this is no ordinary case, and no one is willing to talk about it. Former journalist Giorello lives in Washington State.

Grief over the loss of a child is straining the marriage of Maddie and Jeff Bowman to the point where they don't know if they can make it through. When God brings a new child into her life, Maddie must learn to surrender to God. Maclaren makes her home in Michigan.