Christian Fiction

Inspirational novels often highlight the strength of women who face great obstacles while holding tight to their faith. In this column, two Western women, Idaho rancher Cleo Arlington (Robin Lee Hatcher's Fit To Be Tied) and outlaw Sarah Prescott (Margaret Brownley's A Lady Like Sarah) don't fit into the stereotypical image of a lady and show they are made of steel. A tough rescue pilot (Robin Caroll's Deliver Us from Evil), an undercover agent (Noel Hynd's Countdown in Cairo), and a couple of lively wedding planners (Sheila Copeland's Saved and Single and Janice Thompson's Swinging on a Star) are strong, independent women.

Other novels in the column show how women deal with tough family issues (Jamie Carie's Angel's Den, Leanna Ellis's Once in a Blue Moon, Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn's Healing Sands, Sharon Gillenwater's Jenna's Cowboy, and Kara Lynn Russell's The Prodigal Father). And—an unusual step for the supernatural suspense author—Ted Dekker uses a female protagonist to explore the darkness of the human heart in his latest thriller, Burn.

Written by a prolific romance author, this heartwarming, lively Western features Sarah Prescott, who's not exactly a lady. Sarah has only known a hard life, and now she has a price on her head. When she's rescued by Justin Wells, a disgraced Boston clergyman heading to Texas, can the two of them find grace with God and with each other? VERDICT Full of adventure, humor, and a few miracles, this will surely delight fans of Western romances. [A Woman of Faith selection for 2010.]

In 1808, Emma, the daughter of a prominent St. Louis family, believes she has met and married her dream man. But she soon discovers that Eric Montclaire is not who she thought he was. Controlling and merciless, Eric insists that Emma join him in a westward expedition following the trail that Lewis and Clark had broken a few years earlier. When Emma meets cartographer Luke Bowen along the way, her life is already in turmoil. VERDICT This acclaimed author (Snow Angel) spins a captivating and complex story of forbidden love and redemption. Historical fiction and inspirational romance fans will enjoy this well-woven tale.

A search-and-rescue helicopter pilot for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Brannon Callahan is distinguished by her faith and her rescue record. She is pushed to her limits, though, when she must rescue U.S. Marshal Roark Holland from a dangerous blizzard after his plane crashes. Together, they must race to get a heart to a transplant recipient who happens to be the only witness in a human trafficking case. VERDICT Making her B&H Fiction debut, Caroll (Bayou Justice) combines suspense with a burgeoning romance in a fast-paced tale that will please readers of this genre.

Los Angeles wedding planner Tiffany is busy creating other people's dreams, but she is a 30-year-old woman with no love life. To fix that situation, her sister, Shay, unbeknownst to Tiffany, takes out an ad on an online Christian dating site. Before long, Shay and Tiffany's good friend, Deborah, signs up for the service. VERDICT Copeland's (Diamond Revelation; Chocolate Star) energetic, contemporary novel features an African American protagonist and a lively romantic plot that will appeal to single women of faith who balance their search for romance with their determination not to compromise their values in order to find the right man.

Dekker, master of evangelical suspense ("The Circle" series; Adam; Thr3e), and editorial consultant Healy, who worked on more than a dozen of Dekker's stories, team up once again, after their first coventure, Kiss. Years ago, Janeal Mikkado, a Gypsy girl, faced a life-changing decision that has come back to haunt her. Her best friend was trapped in a fire, and Janeal had to choose between saving Katie and escaping with a stash of money she had just found. Now the people she thought had died seem to be very much alive. VERDICT Dekker's talent for showing the darker side of humanity along with the redemptive grace of God showcases his latest thriller. His many readers will demand this.

Bryn Seymour was only nine years old when her mother died mysteriously on the same day as the Apollo 11 moon landing. Forty years later, a divorced, cynical Bryn meets conspiracy theorist Howard, who thinks the two events may be connected. Although Bryn tries to find closure in Howard's ideas, Howard's son, a Christian, presents a different road for her to follow. VERDICT Sharp prose and an appealing love story make this tale a winner. Ellis (Elvis Takes a Back Seat) sensitively delves into the subject of trying to come to terms with losing a parent.

Jenna Callahan is a mother of a young son and works on her father's West Texas ranch, but her happy world is about to be rocked when her former love, Nate Langley, reappears in town. After Jenna's father broke up their romance, Nate served two tours in the military and spent time in Iraq. Now he is home to heal from the horrors he experienced. VERDICT Gillenwater (Standing Tall; Home Sweet Texas) launches a new series with this romance that features likable characters and a heartwarming plot. It will please fans of traditional love stories with an infusion of faith and might attract readers of Debbie Macomber and Lisa Wingate. Gillenwater lives in Washington State.

In 1916 Idaho, Cleo Arlington is an expert rancher and horsewoman but not exactly high society's idea of a gentle lady. When she is commissioned to turn British aristocrat Sherwood Statham into an authentic cowboy, Cleo has to contend with her lack of knowledge of the opposite sex as well as her growing attraction to Sherwood. In turn, Sherwood is disconcerted by the beautiful, if unladylike, Cleo. VERDICT A master of lively historical romances, Hatcher (Catching Katie; Speak To Me of Love) demonstrates an expert ability to craft spunky, unlikely heroines who go against the tide of the times in which they live, making for fun, exciting stories. She also pays close attention to historical detail. This second series entry (after A Vote of Confidence) is highly recommended for readers of inspirational and historical romances and women's fiction.

C.J. Baxter is a writer who doubts his talent and has a messy personal life. Returning home to upstate New York for a funeral, he finds he must face some unpleasant family secrets while learning to navigate through life with his recently embraced faith in God. VERDICT Hoesel, the author of the acclaimed adventure thriller Elisha's Bones, switches gears with this intelligent drama, which will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about complicated familial relationships and the faith that guides one through life.

The final book in Hynd's spy trilogy (after Conspiracy in Kiev and Midnight in Madrid) has federal agent Alexandra LaDuca traveling to Egypt to face a deadly enemy whom she believed was dead. Alexandra lives for her faith and her country and will go to any length to get the job done. She only hopes that her new partner can be trusted. VERDICT This fast-paced adventure with twists and turns will keep fans of spy thrillers captivated; it may also appeal to readers who enjoy Alton Gansky or Eric Wilson.

In the third series entry (after Healing Stones and Healing Waters, selected as the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year), single mom and photojournalist Ryan Alexander-Coe takes a job at a small-town newspaper to be closer to her two sons, who chose to live with their father after her divorce. When one of the boys is arrested, Ryan's anger spills over and brings her to the office of Dr. Sullivan Crisp. Sully is also in crisis, looking for the woman he blames for causing the death of his wife and daughter. Ryan and Sully may never find peace unless they turn to God for grace and guidance. VERDICT Recommended for readers facing storms in their own lives.

Set in Wisconsin, this modern story revolves around the Lunds, a family in crisis. Three years ago, Scott left his wife, Beth, but has now returned to win her back. Beth wants to believe that they can make the marriage work, but she can't quite get over his leaving and learn to trust him again. Complicating matters, Beth tells Scott that they have a daughter with Down syndrome. Scott wants to embrace them both if Beth will just give him another chance. VERDICT This well-written, tender tale of forgiveness and reconciliation features realistically drawn characters struggling with the same problems that many contemporary couples face. Sure to attract fans of domestic fiction that explores marriage issues.

In this conclusion to Smith's trilogy (after Stuck in the Middle and Age Before Beauty), Tori Sanderson is a woman on the rise, shooting to be the next account executive. But a male coworker wants the same job—and he may also have romantic interests in her. Meanwhile, Tori's sisters have their own idea of the perfect mate for her. Tori, however, needs to make peace with the first man in her life: the father who walked out on her years ago. VERDICT This engaging sister tale that touches on past family scars and healing will attract fans of inspirational women's fiction and chick lit. In 2008, Smith was named Writer of the Year at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.

Thompson's humorous sequel to Fools Rush In revisits wedding planner Bella Rossi, who is working on the most extravagant event—a Renaissance wedding—she has ever organized. In the wedding party is attractive and famous bachelor Brock Benson, whose presence is making it hard for the women to concentrate. VERDICT This lighthearted tale by a professional wedding planner makes for a delightful read that is sure to appeal to those who enjoy Kristin Billerbeck ("Ashley Stockingdale" series) or Sharon Hinck (The Secret Life of Becky Miller; Renovating Becky Miller).

This anthology of three novellas reveals the diversity and poignancy of Amish life. In Wiseman's "A Change of Heart, " Leah has a talent for writing, but her Amish community neither highly values nor encourages this skill. In Barbara Cameron's "When Winter Comes," Rebecca continues to mourn the accidental death of her twin sister. Only the love of a friend may bring her back to life. In the final novella, by Kathleen Fuller, "A Place of His Own," Josiah Bontranger returns to his family homestead only to find himself falling head over heels for a girl from his youth. VERDICT With a glossary and authentic Old Order Amish recipes, these three warm, entertaining stories are sure to please readers curious about the world of the Plain People as well as fans of Beverly Lewis, Cindy Woodsmall, and other authors of Amish fiction.

A young Amish woman is torn between leaving her community to follow the man she loves and staying to marry someone else. VERDICT The author of Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World makes her fiction debut with this first entry in a new romantic series. Revel touts this as one of its biggest fiction releases for the spring.

When a widower and his three young children arrive in Pleasant Valley, the Amish community thinks he is a perfect match for teacher Leah, but she faces a difficult decision when her old fiancé returns. Inspirational romance writer Perry, a longtime resident of Lancaster County, PA, launches a three-book Amish series. VERDICT Bonnet fiction is hot, and fans of Cindy Woodsmall and Beverly Lewis can't get enough of these romances.

When single mother Priscilla finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, she packs eight-year-old Janie and 17-year-old, special-needs Rainey Dae along with Poppy and Grandma Mona into the car and heads home to Forest Pines, SC. VERDICT For readers who enjoy Southern family stories and Seitz's other novels (The Spirit of Sweetgrace; Trouble the Water; A Hundred Years of Happiness).

This second entry in Smith's biblical trilogy (which began with Michal) focuses on the young woman who will become King David's second wife. VERDICT Drawing on Scripture and historical research, Smith crafts a tale that will attract readers who enjoy their inspirational fiction set in biblical times.