Christian Fiction, August 2011
Aug 15, 2011Historical fiction dominates these upcoming titles, from Lynn Austin’s Wonderland C reek to Sandra Byrd’s reimagining of Anne Boleyn (To Die For). Maggie Brendan (Deeply Devoted) examines the role of mail-order brides in the Wild West, while Yvonne Harris travels to 1874 Texas (A River to Cross). A number of publishing houses are featuring new series this season. Ballantine is pushing A Simple Winter, the first book in Rosalind Lauer’s “Seasons of Lancaster.” And Abingdon Press launches its new “First Responders” series with From Ashes to Honor by Loree Lough. Recommend them to your readers or pick them up yourself, and let me know what you think!
Allan, Christa. The Edge of Grace. Abingdon. Aug. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9781426713118. pap. $14.99. CF
Forgiveness, acceptance, and family ties figure prominently in Allan’s second novel. She does not avoid tough subjects (her Walking on Broken Glass deals with alcoholism). Widow Caryn Becker is having a hard time raising her young son while getting her new business off the ground. When her brother David tells her he is gay, she is unable to cope and rejects the one person she has been able to count on. When her brother is attacked, his partner, Max, asks Caryn for help standing up against the attacker. Reluctantly, she agrees. Throughout the trial, Caryn comes to accept David and finds the grace to stand up for what is right. VERDICT This sophomore effort deals with a difficult subject for many Christians with sensitivity and grace, exploring Caryn’s feelings honestly while never shirking from the issue of justice and forgiveness. It is difficult to find a comparative CF novel, but readers who believe in a more forgiving and accepting God are sure to enjoy it.
Austin, Lynn. Wonderland Creek. Bethany. Oct. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780764204982. pap. $14.99. CF
Set during the Great Depression, this novel by six-time Christy winner Austin (While We’re Far Apart; Hidden Places) examines the life of a bookish young woman who loses her library job and her boyfriend at the same time. As the gossip begins to mount, Alice agrees to deliver books to a rural Kentucky library in need. Once there, she is abandoned by her family members who dropped her off. Stuck in Acorn, she befriends the librarians and discovers that there is more of interest in this small town than she assumed. VERDICT Austin’s historical novels have been well received by her numerous fans. This latest entry will not disappoint. The vivid female protagonist and touches of humor and romance will appeal to fans of Lynn Morris and T. Davis Bunn.
Brendan, Maggie. Deeply Devoted. Revell. (Blue Willow Brides, Bk. 1). Sept. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780800734626. pap. $14.99. CF
Instead of choosing the young lady his mother has picked for him, Peter Andersen sends to Amsterdam for a mail-order bride in this new series by Brendan (“Heart of the West” series). Catharine Olsen arrives in Cheyenne, WY, with her mother’s china and her two sisters in tow. Peter is patient not only with Catharine but with her sisters. However, as the two begin their life together on the wheat farm, Peter’s mother will go to any length to see her son’s marriage destroyed. VERDICT This novel should appeal to fans of Lori Wick who enjoy a gentle romance with a Western twist as well as those who like reading about cultural clashes.
Byrd, Sandra. To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. Howard: S. & S. (Ladies in Waiting, Bk. 1). Aug. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781439183113. pap. $14.99. CF
Told through the eyes of Anne Boleyn’s best friend, Meg Wyatt, this stunning novel by “French Twist” series author Byrd reexamines Boleyn’s life from her beginnings to her rise and eventual fall in the Tudor court. Meg has her own tale of young love and pride, having turned her back on her childhood love when he accepted a religious calling. She travels with Anne to court and finds her life intimately tied to Anne’s changing fortunes. VERDICT Byrd’s novel adds a depth to the character of Anne Boleyn that is often missing in other novels, and she brings the history to life in exquisite detail. Readers might indeed find themselves sympathizing with the young queen. Highly recommended for fans of Philippa Gregory. One warning: Byrd is best known for her Christian chick lit; fans looking for another in the same style will be surprised.
Carlson, Melody. The Christmas Shoppe. Revell. Sept. 2011. c.176p. ISBN 9780800719265. pap. $15.99. CF
The residents of a small town learn that things are not always as they appear in this latest Christmas novella (after Christmas at Harrington’s) by Romantic Times award winner Carlson. Matilda Honeycutt moves to Parish Springs, but the townsfolk are put off by her unkempt looks and even more so by the junk shop she has opened. Their opinions of both change, however, when folks begin visiting the store and find peace and grace in old memories. VERDICT This heartwarming story should appeal to fans of Richard Paul Evans and Jan Karon.
Christie, Judy Pace. Rally ’Round Green. Abingdon. Aug. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9781426713194. pap. $13.99. CF
Christie continues the story of Lois and Chris, who married in the last book (The Glory of Green), with this fourth installment. The newlyweds have just returned home to Green, LA, when the state announces the closure of Green’s schools. The closures will put Chris out of work and result in the bussing of Green’s students to another parish. In typical fashion, the residents of Green rally together to fight for what’s right. VERDICT This charming series will appeal to fans of Jan Karon and Philip Gulley for its homespun feel.
Fisher, Suzanne Woods. A Lancaster County Christmas. Revell. (Lancaster County Secrets, Bk. 4). Sept. 2011. c.208p. ISBN 9780800719951. pap. $15.99. CF
In this heartwarming entry in Fisher’s series (The Search), two very different couples find redemption at Christmastime. Mattie and Sol Riehl, members of the Old Order Amish community, have long yearned for a baby of their own. Jaime and C.J. Fitzpatrick, who are as secular as you can get, are on the verge of divorce. When a storm forces the Fitzpatricks to seek shelter in the Riehl home, both couples discover the true meaning of Christmas. VERDICT The leisurely pace and homey feel of this novel should sit well with readers of Marta Perry and Jan Karon.
Girzone, Joseph F. The Homeless Bishop. Orbis. Sept. 2011. c.272p. ISBN 9781570759253. $25. CF
Carlo Brunini is an Italian bishop who wants to understand why Jesus loved the poor. He takes an 18-month sabbatical and moves to New York City to live among them and as one of them. His journey takes him into the home of Mexican immigrants and to Albany to live as a squatter. He eventually returns to Italy and becomes a cardinal. VERDICT Former priest and million-dollar author of the “Joshua” series Girzone’s legions of elderly fans are reportedly dwindling. This latest novel should win him admirers for its upbeat tone and well-developed characters if librarians and booksellers are willing to hand it to a new generation of readers. Recommend it to fans of Lynne Hinton.
Gunn, Robin Jones. Canary Island Song. Howard: S. & S. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9781416583417. pap. $14.99. CF
Carolyn, a fiftysomething widow in this stand-alone by Gunn (“Sisterchicks” series), has not been the same since she lost her husband seven years ago. Her daughter Tikki has decided that her mother has been in mourning long enough and insists it is time she get on with her life. Since Carolyn’s own mother is getting ready to celebrate her 70th birthday at her Canary Island home, Carolyn and Tikki decide it is the perfect time for a visit. Surprises abound, however, when Carolyn’s high school flame shows up. VERDICT Canary Island is just as much a character in this novel as the people. In Gunn’s capable hands, descriptions of warm breezes and sand transport the reader. Tender and heartfelt, this should appeal to readers who like older characters receiving second chances. Recommend it to those who enjoyed Roxanne Henke’s Finding Ruth.
Harris, Yvonne. A River To Cross. Bethany. Aug. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780764208058. pap. $14.99. CF
In Harris’s (The Vigilante’s Bride) new novel set in 1874, Texas Ranger Jake Nelson has his hands full patrolling the border and protecting citizens from danger. A revolt against the government results in a murder and the kidnapping of Elizabeth Madison, the daughter of a U.S. senator. When Jake and his rangers travel to Mexico to rescue Elizabeth, he finds himself impressed with the independent woman, who is not at all the spoiled brat he expected her to be.
VERDICT A tender romance set amid the chaos and turmoil of a difficult period in U.S. history, this is sure to appeal to readers who like Western romances. Recommend it to fans of Tracie Peterson and DiAnn Mills.
Healy, Erin. The Baker’s Wife. Thomas Nelson. Oct. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781595547521. pap. $15.99. CF
Reverend Geoff Bofinger lost his congregation when Sergeant Jack Mansfield exposed a scandal at his church. With the hope of making a fresh start and restoring their family’s good name, Geoff and his wife, Audrey, purchase a failing bakery business. One morning while driving to work, Audrey has a collision and gets out of her car to discover she has hit a scooter. Though the scooter is bloody, there is no victim to be found. The missing victim turns out to be none other than the wife of the sergeant responsible for Geoff’s loss of credibility within the church. Jack is convinced that the Bofingers are to blame for his wife’s disappearance, but he is unable to prove it. Frustrated, he takes the bakery hostage and issues Audrey an ultimatum: return his wife within six hours, or lose her husband. VERDICT A tightly woven, character-driven suspense story. Healy collaborated on several titles with Ted Dekker (Kiss; Burn), and this should appeal to Dekker fans as well.
Holmes, Gina. Dry as Rain. Tyndale House. Sept. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9781414333069. pap. $13.99. CF
Holmes examines the effects of infidelity upon a marriage. Eric and Kyra Yoshida had been drifting apart for years when Kyra discovered the betrayal that led to their separation. When a horrendous car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory, Eric realizes that she has forgotten what happened. Is this his opportunity to win Kyra back? Does he even deserve a second chance? Is it fair to take advantage of her memory loss? VERDICT Holmes’s debut, Crossing Oceans, was a Christian Bookseller’s Association best seller and was positively reviewed in Publisher’s Weekly and Romantic Times, which will guarantee her readers for her second novel. Fans of emotionally packed domestic fiction will love it.
Jakes, Serita Ann. The Crossing. WaterBrook: Random. Sept. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781400073030. pap. $14.99. CF
Claudia Campbell was the popular head cheerleader. Casio Hightower was the star quarterback, with colleges vying for his admission. In 2000, their bright futures were shattered when a masked gunman fired on their school bus, injuring Casio and killing the cheerleading coach. Claudia and Casio have since been haunted by the memory of that day. When Claudia’s husband makes up his mind to solve the old case, Casio is determined to help him. VERDICT Atmospheric and haunting, this fiction debut should appeal to those who enjoy the novels of Melanie B. Dobson.
James, Steven. The Queen. Revell. (Bowers Files, Bk. 5). Sept. 2011. c.528p. ISBN 9780800733032. pap. $14.99.vCF
When FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers travels to an isolated Wisconsin town to investigate a double homicide, he uncovers a high-tech conspiracy with ties to the Cold War and the Middle East. Bowers must use all of his considerable experience to get to the root of the conspiracy and solve the murders. VERDICT This fifth book in James’s “Bowers Files” (after The Bishop) exhibits all of the page-turning, tightly woven plotting and whiplash pacing of the others in the series. This is a sure bet for fans of Terri Blackstock.
Jeffrey, Grant R. & Alton L. Gansky. The Scroll. WaterBrook: Random. Sept. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780307729262. pap. $14.99. CF
Dr. David Chambers is a well-known Biblical archaeologist. Over the last few years, however, he has begun to question his work and his faith. When an old friend and mentor invites him on one final dig to unearth the mysterious Copper Scroll, David decides to give it a try. He assumes this will be his last dig, but what the archaeologists uncover not only restores his faith but also unleashes long-buried secrets into the turmoil of the Middle East and sets into motion the end of days. VERDICT This fast-paced, detailed suspense story by Jeffrey (The Spear of Tyranny) and Gansky (A Ship Possessed; Terminal Justice) is sure to appeal to fans of Tim LaHaye.
Lauer, Rosalind. A Simple Winter. Ballantine. (Seasons of Lancaster, Bk. 1). Oct. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780345526717. pap. $15. CF
Journalist Remy McCallister is determined to make a name for herself, and she’s sure that the murder of an Amish couple is just the story to help her do it. What she does not expect is to feel so at home in Lancaster County, or the feelings she experiences for Adam King, the murdered couple’s son. Her pursuit of the truth, however, just might jeopardize her new relationships, with both Adam and the Amish community. VERDICT This is a promising start to a new series. The homespun feel and clash of cultures is sure to appeal to fans of Beverly Lewis and Mindy Starns Clark.
Lawhead, Stephen R. The Bone House. Thomas Nelson. (The Bright Empires, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.416p. ISBN 9781595548054. $25.99. CF
Kit Livingstone met his great grandfather and discovered the truth about ley lines in The Skin Map. One part of the map has been found, and Kit is on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of those who would bring the pieces together for dark purposes. The race takes him across space and time as both good and evil forces vie to discover the secrets of the bone house. VERDICT This taut thriller is full of rich imagery and will appeal equally to readers of suspense and fantasy. For fans of Ted Dekker.
Lough, Loree. From Ashes to Honor. Abingdon. (First Responders, Bk. 1). Sept. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9781426707698. pap. $14.99. CF
The events of 9/11 forever changed the lives of Austin Finley and Mercy Samara. Austin was a police officer when the towers were decimated; Mercy was a counselor. The two clashed when Mercy recommended that Austin be moved to desk duty. His chief’s decision to take the recommendation prompted Austin to resign and train as an EMT. Almost ten years later, Mercy has taken a job as a school counselor in Baltimore. An emergency at the school finds the two once again face to face. As they become reacquainted, they discover more between them than just friendship. VERDICT As the ten-year anniversary of 9/11 draws near, the market is sure to be inundated with this type of novel. Still, Lough’s (“Lone Star Legends”) is an entertaining tale of loss and redemption. Recommended it to readers of issue-driven CF (e.g., Melanie B. Dobson).
Peterson, Tracie & Judith Miller. To Have and To Hold. Bethany. (Bridal Veil Island, Bk. 1). Sept. 2011. 352p. ISBN 9780764208867. pap. $14.99. CF
In 1886, Audrey Cunningham seizes upon an opportunity to bring her father back to his roots in hopes that he will stop drinking and find a connection with God. She moves with him to his childhood home on Bridal Veil Island. Once there, they discover that investors are hell bent on purchasing his land in order to build a mammoth resort. Her father contacts Marshall Graham, a contractor who is the son of a former drinking buddy. Audrey is openly hostile to him, and he doesn’t much like her either, but when she becomes romantically interested in a widower with two daughters, Marshall realizes that he likes the independent Audrey a lot more than he originally thought. VERDICT Peterson (“Brides of Gallatin” and “Song of Alaska” series) is a household name among CF readers, and that alone should necessitate purchase. Her popularity aside, this is a fine start to a new series by the coauthors of the “Broadmoor Legacy” series. Its unconventional heroine and historic backdrop should appeal to fans of Miller’s other works.
Pittman, Allison. Forsaking All Others. Tyndale House. (Sister Wife, Bk. 2). Oct. 2011. c.351p. SBN 9781414335971. pap. $13.99. CF
Camilla Fox (For Time and Eternity) has fled her home and her Mormon faith, leaving two daughters behind. Lost in a storm, she is rescued by the 5th Infantry Regiment and taken under the wing of Capt. Charles Brandon. When she learns of her father’s illness, she knows she must return to Salt Lake City in the hopes of reconciling with him.
VERDICT Once again Pittman tells an engaging story in which the characters are moved to examine their faith and make difficult decisions. Readers who enjoy CF dealing with family relationships and crises of faith will appreciate it.
Walsh, Dan. Remembering Christmas. Revell. Sept. 2011. c.272p. ISBN 9780800719791. pap. $15.99. CF
In Walsh’s (The Homecoming; The Deepest Waters) new novel, Rick Denton was 12 when his father abandoned him. Still, he’s never had any great fondness for the man who took his place. When his mother calls him at Thanksgiving asking him to come home following his stepfather’s stroke, Rick is in no rush. But he answers his mother’s plea to help out with the family bookstore. Over the course of the next few weeks, he meets and comes to care for a multitude of bookstore customers, including one special woman. VERDICT This bittersweet tale of families abandoned and rediscovered should appeal to fans of Richard Paul Evans.
Walsh, Sheila & Cindy Martinusen-Coloma. Sweet Sanctuary. Thomas Nelson. Aug. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781595546869. pap. $15.99. CF
Wren and Charlie share the special bond of a single mother and her only child. Wren dreams of being able to send Charlie to an expensive music program, but it seems all but impossible given the budget cuts at the library where she works. When Wren’s grandmother Ruth shows up, Wren is thrilled to have her back in her life, and she and Charlie are both excited about the 95th birthday celebration Ruth wants to throw for herself. Unfortunately, Ruth wants to invite Wren’s estranged siblings. With bills piling up and her family’s arrival renewing old hurts, Wren seems ready to uproot Charlie and flee, but Charlie has his own prayers and asks God to grant his mother happiness. VERDICT Walsh (Angel Song) cohosted the popular 700 Club as well as her own show, Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh. She’s well known and her fans will be looking for this. Its leisurely, character-driven story line should appeal to fans of Karen Kingsbury.
Whitson, Stephanie Grace. A Most Unsuitable Match. Bethany. Aug. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780764208812. pap. $14.99. CF
On a steamboat ride to Montana, Miss Fannie Rousseau meets the Reverend Samuel Beck. The two are polar opposites. She is a spoiled rich girl, and he is en route to help the poor who live in the wilderness. Nothing could make the two fall in love in this novel by Whitson (Sixteen Brides), and yet.... VERDICT This engaging tale features a strong female protagonist who faces many bumps on the way to love. Recommend it to readers of Janette Oke for its heroine and setting.
| Author Information |
| Nanci Milone Hill (nhill@mvlc.org) is the Director of the Boxford Town Library in Boxford, MA. She has several years' experience with collection development and readers' advisory services. She started out in an elementary school library but has spent most of her career in public libraries. |
CORRECTION
In the LJ 6/15/11 CF column, L.L. Reaper’s Black Widow and the Sandman was incorrectly reviewed as Christian fiction. This Hourglass title is a general thriller/suspense novel. The review also erroneously states that the terrorist group that released a toxin in Cuba is Cuban. Additionally, a key protagonist, mercenary Roman Tate, is not reclusive and does not help find a cure for the toxin.
