Christian Fiction

This summer brings romance, intrigue, and plenty of faith for readers seeking a little vacation escape. Three top African American authors of women's fiction return with strong entries—Victoria Christopher Murray's Lady Jasmine, Stacy Hawkins Adams's Worth a Thousand Words, and Vanessa Davis Griggs's Practicing What You Preach. There are also plenty of marriage and family dramas—Michelle Bulmer Atha and Meaghan Gonzales Wagar's The Unexpected Gift, Adrian Plass's Silver Birches, and Julie Carobini's Sweet Waters. Fans of inspirational historicals will enjoy Jamie Carie's Love's First Light and Kay Marshall Strom's The Call of Zulina, and for readers of supernatural thrillers, there is Mike Angley's Child Finder.

Indigo Burns knows exactly where she is going in life until boyfriend Brian's unexpected and very public marriage proposal brings about an engagement that Indigo is not sure she really wants. Torn between her career aspirations and marriage, Indigo has some major soul searching in store in order to face the hard decisions in her future. VERDICT Adams's second series title (after The Someday List) is an excellent yet complex contemporary tale of faith and family that features a strong, independent African American protagonist and well-crafted supporting characters. Sure to appeal to twenty-something women and readers who want African American fiction that goes beyond "the streets."

Since childhood, Patrick O'Donnell has dreamed about events that come true. Lately, the air force special agent has been dreaming about a dead little boy in the woods. His psychic gift draws the attention of the FBI, which wants to use Pat's unique ability to locate missing children. But Pat's special assignment may endanger his own children's lives, and he must draw on his Irish Catholic faith to get him through this crisis. VERDICT This compelling debut novel, the first in a trilogy, features a memorable protagonist who is a combination of devoted father and mystic. For fans of supernatural thrillers and those who enjoy the TV show Medium, this is a real find. The author is a retired U.S. Air Force agent whose real-life experiences inspired this novel. [Coming in the fall are the second and third novels in the trilogy, Child Finder: Resurrection and Child Finder: Revelation.—Ed.]

This first novel is a story of friendship between two unlikely women written by two real-life friends. Drew Robbins Warren is depressed because her husband left her for another woman. Leah Cline, a pregnant teenager, doesn't know where to turn. The two women begin a journey of friendship that will change their lives. VERDICT This saccharine tale is brief and somewhat predictable, but it is a good summer novel and may appeal to readers who enjoy women's fiction in the style of Karen Kingsbury. Because of the age difference between the two protagonists, this might be a good choice for mother-daughter book clubs.

Having lost his entire family to the French Revolution, Christophe, the count of St. Laurent, escapes death by fleeing to the medieval city of Carcassone in southern France. There he meets Scarlett, a widow who helps him begin to heal until he discovers her relationship to his family's killer. Still reeling from the pain of war, Christophe cannot accept Scarlett. Will he be consumed by his need to seek vengeance, or will he learn to forgive the past and love again? VERDICT The award-winning Carie is a skilled author (Snow Angel) whose talent for rich historical detail and compelling plots make her latest inspirational romance worthwhile. For romance and historical fiction fans.

Tara Sweet has had it with life in Missouri and decides to head home to coastal California where she has memories of a wonderful childhood before her father died. She expects to regain the happiness she once knew but instead discovers a complicated family history. A possible romance with a handsome firefighter and a future at the beach may not be enough to bring Tara the healing she seeks. VERDICT Carobini's third beach-themed chick-lit title (after Truffles by the Sea and Chocolate Beach) is competent young women's fiction and will appeal to readers who like Melody Carlson or Kristin Billerbeck.

Lois Barker gives up the corporate newspaper life in the Midwest for the charms of the simple life in rural Louisiana. Her fantasy of running The Green News turns out not to be quite the perfect dream she imagined. Instead, Lois must learn to deal with corruption and prejudice while building friendships and a new life in a small, isolated community. VERDICT Narrated with the same warm charm as Philip Gulley's "Harmony" series, this debut is an above-average small-town novel.

Wedding planner Melissa Anderson agrees to a date with minister Marcus Peeples even though he didn't make a great first impression when she met him. She decides to give him a chance, but Melissa can't accept that Marcus is a divorced father. Divorce is against Melissa's beliefs, and she is not sure she can date a man who already had a wife. VERDICT Griggs's ("Blessed Trinity" trilogy) first entry in a new series is a smart novel that addresses an issue that many in the church shy away from—divorce—with frank realism. It also features an interesting romance, with characters who are refreshingly (for inspirational fiction) imperfect. For readers of African American fiction, especially those who enjoy novels by Victoria Christopher Murray (see below) and Stacy Hawkins Adams (see above).

Jasmine Bush returns (after Temptation, A Sin and a Shame, and Too Little, Too Late) when her father-in-law, Reverend Bush of the City of Lights at Riverside Church, is found shot and comatose. Jasmine's husband steps up to the pulpit to take his father's place, and Jasmine is in her glory. But a blackmailer with information from her past may cost Jasmine the reputation she has fought so hard to regain. Jasmine has a secret that she doesn't even want her beloved husband to discover, and she will go to any lengths to keep that secret. VERDICT Realistic characters and a likable heroine make this title a winner for Murray's strong following.

Still grieving the loss of his wife, Jessica, David Herrick is not in the mood to attend a reunion of friends he has not seen in 20 years. But he agrees to go when one of his wife's best friends invites him. After all, Angela tells him that Jessica sent her something to give to David shortly before she died. Through faith and over time, David must learn how to live again. VERDICT British author Plass's (Bacon Sandwiches and Salvation) novel is a sensitive and intelligent study of grief and survival. With a balance of seriousness and a dose of bittersweet humor, this title is a gem.

Set in 1787 West Africa, this first novel in a sweeping three-part historical saga features Grace Winslow, whose mother is African royalty and her father a British sea captain. Grace is trapped in an impending unwanted arranged marriage, so she flees from her home and gets involved in a slave revolt at the fortress of Zulina. There she begins to understand the horrific nature of her family's involvement in the slave trade. Grace's heart goes out to the captives, particularly Cabeto, who is determined to win his people's freedom at any cost. VERDICT This compelling drama will challenge readers to remember slavery's brutal history, and its heroic characters will inspire them. Highly recommended.

Dr. Brendan McCarthy is a blind psychiatrist trying to help Antwone Carver, a recently injured marine whose depression has reached a dangerous level. Brendan can identify with Antwone's pain because he, too, had difficulty adjusting to life as a blind man after his own tragic accident. It is a dog named Nelson, though, who teaches both men inspirational lessons about true loyalty and sacrifice and the joys of an "Alive Day." VERDICT Anyone who loves Marley and Me and other dog stories will enjoy this tale, which is a bit sappy but perfect for a summer afternoon at the beach.

Fifty-something salon owner Susan Anderson was once a New York mover and shaker, but now she is a successful businesswoman on the Las Vegas strip. Her husband is set to retire, and Susan's calm life is about to explode. The debut entry in a new series for baby boomers.

When a young girl recognizes her own face on a poster in a Wal-mart featuring missing children, she begins to wonder where she came from and why she has been traveling around with her father in an old RV. What she will discover is that her father has been running from his past.

Young widow Kate Davis thinks she should try to get on with her life, but she can't seem to shake the pain of losing her husband—especially since he keeps talking to her. Kate fears she may be losing her mind, and she tries to find out exactly what is happening to her in this first novel.

Jessie Stone has wanted to be a bride all her life, but regardless of how many times she has been an attendant, she has never gotten to the altar. Can Jessie learn that there is something more important in life than having a wedding? When God shows up in the flesh, she may just discover what is most vital. By a prolific CF author (the "Boo" series) and a screenwriter.

In the third "Safe Harbor" title (after A Time To Mend and A Time To Gather), Claire and Max Beaumont have worked out their marital problems, and now their son, Danny, is in love, and their daughter, Jenna, is learning to help her husband, who was injured in the Iraq war.

In a Puritan community in Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips is pursued by two suitors—a wealthy bachelor and a roguish captain—and must decide which path to take. She also befriends a woman in town who is an outcast. The latest by a Christy Award-nominated rising star in Christian historical fiction (A Constant Heart).

In the final chapter of Morris's mystery series, a killer is on the loose. When Lady Trent's best friend is murdered by the slasher, she partners with Dylan Tremayne to hunt down the criminal. Now it looks like Lady Trent may be the next victim.

This fantasy continues the story from On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and the characters of Janner, Tink, Leeli Igiby, and Nugget, the dog. A delightful tale from the best-selling Christian recording artist.

In his second novel (after My Name Is Russell Frank), three very different people are united in their experience of tragedy. Each will learn that there is always hope no matter how dark life seems.