Christian Fiction

With this issue, we wave goodbye to Tamara Butler, who has authored this column for many years. Butler knew her Christian fiction, and she will be a tough act to follow. I must admit that I am a reluctant convert to this genre. My journey on the road to Damascus began when I was assigned to compile an author readalike list on Lori Wick for NoveList. I groaned. I kicked. I screamed. But something miraculous happened. I actually enjoyed these books. Here were stories of families and friends with the same trials and adversities that characters in secular fiction faced. They were gentle reads that took place within the framework of the Christian faith without being heavy-handed or preachy. I have included CF in my reading ever since.

More important, however, is the awareness that many of my patrons read in this genre. I need to purchase these titles for my collection, having some knowledge about what I am ordering and how they appeal to readers. Thus, I will be taking a more readers' advisory (RA) approach with this column, keeping the reader and not the librarian in mind. Your feedback is important, so let me know if you like the direction I'm taking.

Many of the titles below are soul-searching stories with protagonists who learn to face their past and embrace their future. The selections are a varied lot, from contemporary and historical fiction to fantasy and chick-lit offerings. You'll find familiar favorites like Amanda Cabot (Scattered Petals) and Catherine Palmer (The Courteous Cad) as well as newcomers to the CF scene like Jen Stephens (The Heart's Journey Home).

Finally successful in the photography career of her dreams and about to marry the love of her life, Indigo Burns is in a happy place until her brother Reuben, the prodigal son, returns home, hoping to mend broken fences—fences Indigo is not sure can be fixed. This contemporary story features strong African American characters in a small Texas town, a refreshing change from the urban settings of many African American novels, and a family that works to stay close even as events threaten to draw them apart. VERDICT Without becoming too preachy, Essence best-selling author Adams examines the role that faith can play in healing old wounds. Fans of the series (The Someday List, Worth a Thousand Words) will be eager to see this latest entry, but it will also win the author new readers who enjoy contemporary African American fiction that offers a positive view of black family life.

This anthology by three popular African American authors explores how an unexpected windfall changes their characters in surprising ways. In "Shower of Blessings," Christy Award nominee Benson (Awakening Mercy) presents a pastor with a compulsive gambling problem who hits it big. Can he find the strength to fight temptation before he loses it all? Marilynn Griffith's ("Shades of Style" series, "Sassy Sistahs" series) "Second Chance Blessings" focuses on a professional football player who loses his wife and career after an accident. He finds comfort in his faith-based community, but can he resist the pull of a second chance at fame and fortune? In "Knight in Pink Armor" by Tia McCollors (The Last Woman Standing), a woman uses her lottery winnings to rebuild her destitute community, but will gang violence turn her away from her faith and belief in humanity? VERDICT Populated with well-developed characters, these tales ask thought-provoking moral questions. Sure to appeal to the authors' fans and a great way to introduce new readers to these writers.

Yearning for adventure, Priscilla convinces her parents to travel from Boston to the Texas Hill Country to attend a family wedding. Tragedy strikes on the arduous and dangerous journey when bandits kill her parents and injure Priscilla. Alone in a new land, she is determined to build a life on her own, while ranch foreman Zachary Webster does not believe he is good enough for the city-born woman who is always on his mind. VERDICT Taking place in 1850s Ladreville, TX, this second entry in Cabot's new trilogy (after Paper Roses) is a quaint historical romance with Christian undertones and is sure to please Lori Wick fans. This title stands on its own and can by enjoyed by new readers.

Orphaned after her parents die in a shipwreck, two-year-old Addie Sullivan is raised by lighthouse keepers near Crescent City, CA. She grows up wondering about her past and the family she doesn't remember. Then an injured stranger shows up at the lighthouse and recognizes Addie's locket. Determined to uncover her past, she finds not only employment as a governess at the lavish Eaton estate in 1907 Mercy Falls but also danger and romance. VERDICT This historical is one of Coble's ("Rock Harbor" series, "Aloha Reef" series) better novels, full of intrigue. Those looking for a wholesome story with some suspense will enjoy the book's gothic feel.

Thirty-year-old Harper's life finally seems to be getting back on track. An out-of-work actress, she has just landed a job as understudy to the lead in a Broadway play. Now wanting to find true love, she joins an online dating service to help her locate the perfect man in New York City. There's one hitch: the only man she is even remotely interested in lives on the West Coast. VERDICT CF meets chick lit in this inspirational novel of modern love. Women readers may be skeptical of this male author (A Beautiful Fall), but they need not be. He has done a wonderful job of presenting a fully rounded female protagonist who will appeal to young women who can relate to her quest for love.

Elisabeth Byler and Aaron Detweiler feel like outsiders in their Amish community. Elisabeth is "too spirited," and Aaron is trying to overcome a past mistake that separated him from his family. When danger threatens Elisabeth, it is Aaron who saves her. Meanwhile, Lukas, Elisabeth's brother, has proposed to Anna Esh, but she is carrying a secret she fears will cost her Lukas's love. VERDICT Fuller's second entry in her "Hearts of Middlefield" series (following A Man of His Word) is a sweet Amish romance that is sure to appeal to fans of Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunsetter. Readers new to the series need not have read the first book to appreciate this title.

FBI forensic genealogist Raleigh Harmon's behavior got her exiled to Seattle. Now that she's returned home to Virginia, she is hoping for some normalcy when she gets caught up in a civil rights case and is forced undercover in a drug investigation. Problems with family, friends, and an old flame further complicate her life. VERDICT Giorello's third Raleigh Harmon novel (after the Christy Award-winning The Stones Cry Out and The Rivers Run Dry) is a gritty, suspense-filled page-turner that will appeal to those who prefer their forensic thrillers with a moral theme.

Laura Foster escapes the horrors of her childhood by posing as a respectable widowed owner of a boarding house in 1870s Glory, TX. Having caught the eye of Rev. Brad McCormick, she resists his attention, fearing that her past will be revealed and ruin his reputation. In truth, the good reverend has a past of his own. VERDICT This series debut features well-drawn characters and a touching story line that makes this a sure bet for fans of a popular CF author (The Accidental Lawman) who has already garnered many awards.

Military widow Brandy Beauchamp and her daughter, Gabby, move to Vancouver Island when Brandy inherits a bed-and-breakfast. As she struggles to run the business and fit in with her new community, Brandy finds herself thwarted by a land developer who wants to take it all away from her. VERDICT In her fifth novel, Nordberg (Serenity Bay, A Season of Grace) presents a well-developed story line sprinkled with a touch of romance. It is sure to appeal to Elizabeth Adler fans for character development and setting.

In the follow-up to the Christy Award-nominated Auralia's Colors and Cyndere's Midnight, King Cal-raven and his people flee Abascar for the forest when danger threatens. Following a dream, he leads his subjects toward a legendary city where he hopes to rebuild his kingdom. When Cal-raven is attacked and abducted, his followers must confront the peril on their own. VERDICT Fantasy is a growing CF subgenre, and the rich details, well-developed characters, and complex story will make this a new favorite among fantasy readers, especially fans of Karen Hancock.

While touring the English countryside, Miss Prudence Watson visits the mill in Otley, where she discovers deplorable working conditions and pits herself against the owner—William Sherbourne, a recently returned naval officer. VERDICT Rich in historical detail, this latest Regency romance in Palmer's Miss Pickworth series (The Affectionate Adversary, The Bachelor's Bargain) is a fun, lively read as hero and heroine meet, argue, and fall in love. It also stands well on its own for readers who haven't read the other series titles.

Like guardian angels, Drifters attach themselves to one individual. Unlike angels, they have physical bodies and walk among us. In this spiritual thriller, a Drifter becomes attached to the daughter of a notorious crime boss. VERDICT Readers who like Joel Rosenberg, Don Brown, and Brandilyn Collins will love this gripping page-turner from the author of Sinner and Unpretty. It may also appeal to readers who enjoy Ted Dekker's supernatural thrillers.

Katy loves her Mennonite community but yearns for knowledge. After receiving permission from the elders, she begins attending public high school and meets teens different from herself. Their influence brings her into conflict with her family and community. VERDICT This YA series launch by a popular CF author (A Promise for Spring) will also appeal to adult readers and brings a new dimension to the ever-popular Amish subgenre, focusing on the more modern Mennonite sect that, while embracing modern comforts, still lives simply.

In 1840s Beldon Grove, IL, Ellie Craig and her minister husband mourn the loss of three children who died in infancy. While Ellie struggles with sadness and loneliness, Matthew faces a challenge to his authority in the church. As secrets from Ellie's past are revealed, she discovers she is not as alone in the world as she once thought, and Matthew defends his right to the ministry. VERDICT Shorey's second historical series title (after The Edge of Light) focuses on the themes of overcoming loss and triumphing over tragedy.

After her husband's death, Kate Sterling returns with her daughter to her hometown of Harvest Bay, OH, to discover that her small community has changed. When Kate suffers another loss, it is almost more than she can bear, until she turns to her faith for guidance—and a second chance at love. VERDICT This debut is sure to win Stephens a name with its multidimensional characters and engaging story line.

Becca Daniels, 25, hops from job to job and relationship to relationship in search of new experiences. Accused of being commitment-phobic, Becca bets her friends that she can withstand 25 dates with the next man who asks her out. Imagine her surprise when that man turns out to be Ben, who's very involved with his church and committed to his faith. VERDICT Chick lit for the young Christian set. Walker's third series title (after Turning the Paige and Daring Chloe) is a fun story with well-developed characters.

Zenovia has spent her life caring for her schizophrenic mother. One day two missionaries visit their home and talk Zenovia and her mother into joining their church. But when fellow members convince Zenovia's mother that she is possessed and should stop her medication, Zenovia leaves town rather than watch her mother's decline. Years later, a phone call about her mother's death causes Zenovia to question her faith. VERDICT Warren (The Bishop's Daughter) has written a wonderful tale with in-depth characters. Her debut novel, What a Sista Should Do, has been adapted into a stage play, which should garner her new readers.

Ripped away from her family and the man she loves, the beautiful Hadassah joins the harem of the Persian king. Strong-willed and proud, she challenges Xerxes to give her his heart before bedding her. This fictionalized account of the biblical Queen Esther is interspersed with contemporary research. VERDICT First published by NavPress and named by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association as one of the five best novels of 2006, this reissue is sure to earn Garrett new readers, especially those enthralled with women of the Bible stories and fans of Francine Rivers.

To help librarians, retailers, and readers identify the latest CF titles, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the country's largest CF writers' group, has launched FictionFinder.com, a free online database searchable by author, title, genre, topic, publication date, and target audience. Each title is rated for content (e.g., action, conflict, humor, romance, spirituality, language, sensuality, and violence); other info includes publisher details, main themes, settings, the author's other titles, and "similar books" suggestions. Users can post reviews and create an account with their preferences. The database is not limited to books by ACFW members.