Christian Fiction

Happy New Year Christian fiction starts 2008 with a number of strong entries. From Christy Award winner Lisa Samson comes a dynamic story about society's outcasts (Embrace Me), the resiliency of Southern women is the subject of Nicole Seitz's lastest entry in women's fiction (Trouble the Water), and J.M. Windle offers a gritty look at poverty and corruption in Guatemala (Betrayed).

For readers interested in lighter fare that mixes a dose of humor into the plot, there is Michael Snyder's offbeat canine mystery (My Name Is Russell Fink) and Ray Blackston's golfing tale (Par for the Course). New chick lit includes the launch title in Robin Jones Gunn's new series (Peculiar Treasures) and Tracey Bateman's tale of youthful female angst (You Had Me at Good-Bye). Rounding out this season's entries are the latest in Brandilyn Collins's "Kanner Lake" series (Amber Morn), Mark Andrew Olsen's futuristic suspense (The Warriors), and three historical novels (DiAnn Mills's Awaken My Heart, Catherine Palmer's The Briton, and Kim Vogel Sawyer's My Heart Remembers).

Editor Dancy Ames is upset when Jack Quinn, her brother's best friend, snags the senior editor job she believes she truly deserved. When she is forced out of her job, Dancy has to face reality and think about what she should do next with her life. A controlling mother who rejects failure does not help matters. This whimsical, breezy piece of inspirational chick lit features witty dialog and a modern heroine who finds that her nemesis will figure into her future in surprising ways. A good afternoon read that will appeal to college-age and twenty-something females, this novel deserves a place in public library collections. Bateman (Catch a Rising Star) lives in Missouri.

Blackston (A Pagan's Nightmare; Flabbergasted) once again uses his trademark humor in this tale of golf-range owner Chris Hackett, who enjoys a quiet, peaceful life until he meets attractive golf student and political correspondent Molly, who talks him into getting involved with national politics. Chris tries hard to impress Molly even when it means saying and doing things that go against his beliefs. When political dealings get heated, Chris's life gets more complicated. A delightful romp that also tackles the serious issues of dirty politics, this title will appeal to readers in their twenties and thirties. Avid golfers will also appreciate the golfing metaphors. Recommended for public libraries. The author is a South Carolina resident.

The fourth entry in Collins's successful crime series (after Violet Dawn, Coral Moon, and Crimson Eve) puts familiar characters in a harrowing hostage drama when three angry men take over the local Java Joint, where the town residents have gathered for a going-away party. Kent Wicksell and his sons storm the party in an attempt to force police chief Vince Edwards to free Kent's son T.J., imprisoned for a crime they believe he did not commit. When the gunmen mercilessly kill the first hostage, Vince races against time to save the rest of his friends. Not as riveting as Crimson Eve, Collins's latest thriller is still essential reading for her fans. Recommended for public libraries. Collins lives in Idaho and California.

In the opening scene of Gunn's new chick lit series, Katie Weldon, a college junior, catches the bouquet at the wedding of her best friend, Christy (of the "Christy Miller" series books), despite potential boyfriend Rick Doyle's admonitions to "throw it high!" Katie enjoys a conversational relationship with God, praying for his help in her dealings with Rick and asking him to break them up if it is not the right thing for her life. After Katie accepts a position as resident assistant at her dorm, she faces new challenges and develops strong friendships. Katie's continued angst over Rick will resonate with young female readers and fans of Kristin Billerbeck ("Ashley Stockingdale" series) and Judy Baer (The Whitney Chronicles). Gunn lives in Oregon.

In early 19th-century Texas, rancher Weston Phillips attempts to drive longtime Mexican residents from their homes because he has big plans for their land. Phillips's intentions are thwarted when rebels led by Armando Garcia kidnap his daughter, Marianne, whose sympathies lean toward the mestizos. She is also attracted to their handsome leader, but she and Armando know that they are from different worlds and can never be together. When Marianne is returned to her father, he is more concerned with ensuring that the financially beneficial marriage he has arranged for his daughter takes place. This traditional historical romance with a Christian worldview features stock characters and a predictable plot, but it delivers a pleasant read for those who enjoy this genre. Mills lives in Texas.

In Olsen's latest supernatural thriller, Abby Sherman travels to Israel to see the dying Sentinel of Jerusalem, who warns Abby of the coming days when humankind will join the ancient war between angels and demons. Abby uses her spiritual powers to help Dylan Hatfield, a military operator who once held to the teachings of the Watchers. Olsen (The Assignment), one of the better writers in this subgenre, delivers powerful, action-packed plots that delve into mystical paranormal worlds. His novels will hold particular interest for male readers and fans of political thrillers. Purchase for suspense collections. Olsen resides in Colorado.

Set in 12th-century England, the premier title in Steeple Hill's new "Love Inspired Historical" line focuses on Lady Bronwen, who reluctantly agrees to marry the Viking Olaf in order to protect her homeland from Scottish or Norman occupation. When Olaf is attacked by his own son, she must put her trust in a Norman enemy who appears to have qualities of faith and honor, even though he is her avowed adversary. Marked by top-notch writing and sweeping drama, this medieval romance will appeal to fans of Catherine Coulter and Julie Garwood. Recommended for CF, historical fiction, and romance collections. Palmer lives in Missouri.

Unlikely best friends Valentine and Lella, one scarred horribly and the other a multiple amputee, make ends meet by working in the Roland Wayfaring Marvels and Oddities show, always conscious that they are different from "regular people." Samson's compelling tale of their quest to make sense of their own little world and their need for love and acceptance will stay with the reader long after finishing the novel. This is truly grown-up inspirational fiction with unusual, complex characters; the publisher compares it to Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants. Highly recommended for all collections. Christy Award winner Samson (Songbird) lives in Kentucky.

When a tenement fire in 1866 New York City leaves three Irish immigrant siblings parentless, the children are placed on an "orphan train" and sent to be adopted out West. The children are separated when each is taken by a different family, and eight-year-old Maelle, apprenticed to a traveling photographer, vows to be reunited with her brother and sister. A sympathetic protagonist and interesting historical detail enhance this sweet, simple story of family bonds and faith that spans nearly 20 years. A good family read, this title is appropriate for both adult and YA readers. Recommended for inspirational historical fiction collections. Sawyer, winner of the American CF Writers' 2007 Book of the Year award (Waiting for Summer's Return), lives in Kansas.

The South Carolina Low Country is the lush setting for this poignant novel about two middle-aged sisters' journey to self-discovery. Strong female protagonists are forced to deal with suicide, wife abuse, cancer, and grief in a realistic way that will ring true for anyone who has ever suffered great loss. Seitz's writing style recalls that of Southern authors like Kaye Gibbons, Anne Rivers Siddons, and Sue Monk Kidd, and this new novel, which the publisher compares to Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, surely joins the ranks of strong fiction that highlights the complicated relationships between women. Highly recommended, especially for Southern libraries. This author lives in South Carolina.

Russell Fink is a quirky, socially awkward 26 year old, emotionally scarred from convincing himself that he caused the cancer death of his nine-year-old sister, Katie. He lives at home with his parents, has a job he hates, and has as his only confidante an elderly basset hound named Sonny, who appears to be able to predict the future. Sonny's suspicious death causes Russell to launch his own investigation into who took his best friend's life. Biting humor and an offbeat, dysfunctional protagonist shape this story of reconciliation and rediscovering God's plan for each person's life. This title may appeal to fans of Ray Blackston (Flabbergasted) or Brad Whittington (Welcome to Fred) or to readers who like a dose of eccentric humor mixed into their inspirational fiction. Recommended for public libraries.

Busy researching the "garbage people" of Guatemala, anthropologist Vicki Andrews blows off her sister Holly's request for help in investigating thefts at the animal preserve where she works, but she soon regrets her decision when she discovers her sister's lifeless body wrapped in a garbage bag. While local authorities dismiss Holly's death as another street crime, Vicki investigates, retracing her sister's last steps. Windle (CrossFire), who grew up in Colombia as the child of missionary parents, incorporates realistic details involving Guatemala's politics and stark social conditions into her engrossing story, which will attract readers who enjoy international suspense thrillers. Recommended for suspense collections. Windle lives in Pennsylvania.

Christy Castlemann and her aunt run a trash-to-treasure shop in sunny Florida. When a young girl sells her a jewelry box, Christy finds a clue to an old unsolved murder in the box's lining and decides to dig into the crime, which occurred near her grandmother's home. Darty (When the Sandpiper Calls; When Bobbie Sang the Blues) lives in Alabama.

Following A Valley of Betrayal and A Shadow of Treason, Goyer continues the story of Sophie, Philip, Jose, and Deion, a band of volunteers during the Spanish civil war. Goyer lives in Montana.

Katherine and Brad have it all: a good marriage, leadership in their church, and life as the American dream. But their world falls apart when Brad is arrested for a corporate scandal and their once perfect lives spiral out of control.

Waitress Caroline Sweeney is afraid to tackle the challenge of running the café she has inherited, but after receiving encouragement from a friend, she plunges in. However, a romance with a country singer and a fire threaten to destroy the business and relationships she has built with her staff and customers.

The saga of the Kane family in 19th-century Texas continues in this sequel to A Line in the Sand. After the loss of one Kane brother, Alan and his remaining siblings join forces with Sam Houston in his fight against General Santa Anna. Forced to leave their wives behind, the brothers must deal with loss and destiny as they forge their way into an unknown future. The Lacys live in Colorado.

In the second volume of Peterson's new historical series (after A Lady of High Regard), Catherine Newbury's father is accused of slave trading in 19th-century England. Catherine flees to America, where she must start a new life with a new name. When Carter Danby, whom she had met briefly in England, takes an interest in her, Catherine would rather sacrifice her own future happiness to protect her father. Peterson lives in Montana.

Set in early 19th-century North Dakota, this third series title (after A Promise for Ellie and Sophie's Dilemma) features 18-year-old Grace Knutson. Drawn to Toby Valders, Grace finds her loyalties tested when the son of a wealthy New York family arrives in town.