Christian Fiction Reviews, November 15, 2010
Nov 15, 2010
The harvest season means not only hot cocoa and mulled apple cider, hay rides, and pumpkin picking—the crop of books reviewed this month are some of the best CF publishers have to offer. Several, like T.D. Jakes’s The Memory Quilt and R. William Bennett’s The Christmas Gift, offer uplifting stories for the Christmas season. Even those titles without an overt Christmas theme offer plenty of food for thought for holiday readers, as many of the novels are about homecomings in one way or another. Family members travel home; individuals find their way back to God’s grace; others learn that home is where the heart is.
I’ve been thinking about readers’ advisory a lot lately. As you know, we’ve been trying to make this column more RA friendly, noting appeal factors and reader recommendations with each review. I’m deeply aware, however, that what appeals to one reader is not necessarily what appeals to another. Since the recommendations I am giving are based on my own evaluation of the novels and what I find appealing about them, I sometimes worry that my opinion is not enough. So I’ve been thinking about how we can make this column more interactive. I would like to invite you to email me at nhill@mvlc.org with your own readalike recommendations for the titles we review. Let us know if you find other appeal factors for a given title or if you have another author you think will appeal to readers of these books. And tell me if you think I’ve gotten a recommendation wrong! I will include reader recommendations in future columns, noting which books they are referring to and what column the reviews ran in. Only by continuing the discussion beyond the pages of these reviews can we truly help our patrons. Thanks...and happy reading!
Afshar, Tessa. Pearl in the Sand. Moody. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 9780802458810. pap. $13.99. CF
At the age of 15, Rahab is forced by her father into prostitution in order to help her Canaanite family survive. It is a profession that Rahab is good at, and she quickly saved enough money to purchase her own inn inside the walls of Jericho. She is visited by two Israelite spies who tell her of a planned attack; in exchange for housing, the spies promise that her family will be spared. Living with the victorious Israelites, Rahab and her family learn about God. Salmone, a leader of Judah, is leery of Rahab because of her past, but he slowly learns that her dedication to God is genuine. VERDICT Afshar, an Iranian-born Christian convert, has done her research in this retelling of the Old Testament story. In addition to crafting a well-written tale, she pays particular attention to historical details and setting. This superb debut should appeal to readers who enjoyed Davis Bunn and Janette Oke’s The Centurion’s Wife or Anita Diamant’s The Red Tent.
Baart, Nicole. Beneath the Night Tree. Tyndale House. Jan. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781414323237. pap. $12.99. CF
After Julia DeSmit’s boyfriend, Parker, left her in a college parking lot six years ago, she made a new life with her son, younger brother, grandmother, and new boyfriend. She works hard at a grocery store to bring in a meager income and takes classes toward her associate’s degree. Overall, Julia is happy. But when she receives an email from Parker, her son’s father, wanting to know if he has a child, her world is turned upside down. VERDICT Baart is a promising new voice in the CF genre. Her debut novel, After the Leaves Fall (2007), received glowing reviews. This beautifully written, heartwarming story will appeal to fans of Karen Kingsbury and Lori Copeland.
Boeshaar, Andrea. Uncertain Heart. Realms. (Seasons of Redemption, Bk. 2). 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9781616380236. pap. $12.99. CF
As a governess for a sea captain’s children, Sarah McCabe is used to living in the lap of luxury. She knows what she wants—a husband who can provide her with the finer things in life. Then she falls in love with the captain’s steward, Richard Navis, who decides to leave the sea behind and become a farmer. Can Sarah give it all up to follow him? VERDICT This apt follow-up to Boeshaar’s series launch, Unwilling Warrior, will please fans of Lyn Cote and readers who enjoy historical romances with lots of drama and intrigue.
Bunn, Davis & Janette Oke. The Damascus Way. Bethany. (Acts of Faith, Bk. 3). Jan. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780764208669. pap. $14.99. CF
With a Greek father and a Hebrew mother, Julia is caught between two heritages (Gentile and Jew) and accepted by neither. Then Julia and her mother are introduced to the followers of the Way. Jacob is trying to find his own way as a Christian. His job as a caravan guard takes him many places and provides him with the opportunity to pass secret messages among the communities of believers. When Jacob is hired by Julia’s father, he is immediately distrustful of her, but he is soon awed to discover that she is a messenger as well. VERDICT Oke and Bunn have cowritten several successful novels, including the “Song of Acadia” series. Oke is a big name in the genre and has numerous fans. The success of the first two series titles (The Centurion’s Wife; The Hidden Flame) make this an essential purchase for public libraries, but the relaxed, character-driven pace and engaging story will win the authors new readers. Recommend this one also to fans of Orson Scott Card’s “Women of Genesis” series.
Calhoun, Bruce. The Discordia: A Chronicle of Lucifer’s Rebellion Against God. Hoopla. Nov. 2010. c.229p. ISBN 9780615383439. pap. $13.95. CF
Calhoun attempts to dissect the mystery behind Lucifer’s fall from grace in this fast-paced Christian fantasy novel. Full of arrogance and ambition, Lucifer first tries to usurp God through nonaggressive means. When that fails, he enlists other angels in an all-out war against Heaven. Along the way he is visited by the Holy Spirit and Christ, who both try to show him his folly, but Lucifer is unrelenting in his desire to rule the heavens. VERDICT This is an intriguing and inventive fictional debut by a playwright (The Sinister Minister?) and memoirist (Close Calls and Foolhardy Romances). The character of Lucifer is fully developed, and the story moves at a steady pace. Readers who enjoyed Glen Duncan’s I, Lucifer or other literary novels that seek to explain the mysteries of the Bible, such as Nikos Kazantzakis’s The Last Temptation of Christ, will enjoy this tale.
Clark, Mindy Starns. Secrets of Harmony Grove. Harvest House. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 9780736926256. pap. $13.99. CF
After Sienna Collins loses her marketing executive job following a legal investigation, she decides to return to Harmony Grove, PA, when she receives a call from ex-boyfriend Troy Griffin. Sienna owns a bed-and-breakfast in town, though she has not been there in years. When she arrives she finds Troy dead and herself the number one suspect. Can she unravel the clues and clear her name? VERDICT Set in Amish country, this fast-paced story by the author of Shadows of Lancaster County and the popular “Million Dollar Mystery” series will attract her fans as well as readers of romantic suspense. It should also appeal to those who enjoy Tamar Myers’s Pennsylvania Dutch mysteries about Mennonite innkeeper Magdalena Yoder, though Clark’s novel is not as light in tone.
Fisher, Suzanne Woods. The Search. Revell. (Lancaster County Secrets, Bk. 3). Jan. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780800733872. pap. $14.99. CF
In this third series title (after The Waiting and The Choice), Bess Reihl is spending the summer helping her grandmother Bertha work Rose Hill Farm. Lainey O’Toole is on her way to culinary school when her car breaks down in the Amish community of Stoney Ridge, the very town where she made a fateful choice 15 years before. Now she will have to face her past as the separate worlds of both these women collide. VERDICT This pleasant tale of love and forgiveness has a homespun feel that will attract readers who like character-driven stories with a relaxed pace. And, of course, bonnet fiction is always popular; fans of Marta Perry will snap this one up.
Herrick, John. From the Dead. Segue Blue. 2010. c.229p. ISBN 9780982147016. pap. $14.95. CF
Jesse Barlow left Ohio at the age of 18 to meet fame and fortune in Hollywood. Those dreams never materialized, and, after a failed suicide attempt, he returns home, moves in with his sister, and begins work as a maintenance man at his preacher father’s church. Finally, he gets up the nerve to visit Caitlin, the high school sweetheart he had left behind, only to learn a secret that will forever change his life. VERDICT This debut novel features strong characterizations and a well-drawn story, but its occasional preachiness may limit its appeal to more conservative CF readers. Still, readers who enjoy prodigal son tales like Rhys Bowen’s Evan Help Us may want to try this.
Parkin, Judd. The Carpenter’s Miracle. Bonneville. 2010. c.229p. ISBN 9781599554204. pap. $11.99. CF
Josh enjoys his work as a carpenter. He lives in a small town where he knows his neighbors and makes a decent enough living. He has a simple life, and that’s the way he likes it. But when he touches a dead boy who miraculously comes back to life, Josh’s simple world is turned upside down as the media and believers flock to the town. VERDICT This heartwarming and humorous story of faith will resonate with fans of Joyce Magnin and Philip Gulley.
Rogers, Martha. Finding Becky. Realms. (Winds Across the Prairie, Bk. 3). 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9781616380243. pap. $12.99. CF
Becky Haynes went off to college a God-fearing Christian but returns home to Barton Creek, OK, a new and liberated woman. Her change in attitude confuses her family and her longtime friend Rob. Enter a new man in town. Geoff Kensington is handsome and charming, and he has his sights set on Becky. Soon, strange things begin happening around town. Can Rob convince Becky that Geoff is to blame? Can he bring her back to her faith and those who truly care for her? VERDICT Readers who enjoyed the first two novels in this historical Western series (Becoming Lucy; Morning for Dove) will want this, but Rogers is unlikely to earn new fans with her stilted prose and corny dialog. Readers looking for CF historical romances would be better off with the novels of Robin Lee Hatcher or Tracie Peterson.
Rosenberg, Joel C. The Twelfth Imam. Tyndale House. 2010. c.512p. ISBN 9781414311630. $26.99. CF
Rosenberg’s latest thriller (after Dead Heat) features another ripped-from-the-headlines plot. As the United Nations considers another round of sanctions against Iran, that country’s leaders have called for the total destruction of Israel and the United States. As a CIA operative, the Iranian-born David Shirazi, begins a covert mission to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program, rumors begin to spread that the prophesized 12th Islamic leader has emerged. Iran begins planning an attack on Israel that is aimed to bring about the End of Days. VERDICT This fast-paced, plot-driven novel will appeal to readers who enjoy the political thrillers of David Baldacci, Stuart Woods, and Brad Meltzer.
Rue, Nancy. The Reluctant Prophet. David C. Cook. 2010. c.496p. ISBN 9781434764966. pap. $14.99. CF
Allison Chamberlain may go to church every Sunday, but she’s not the most likely candidate for the role of prophet. At age 44, she still hasn’t figured out her life. No one believes Allison when she claims to have a divine feeling that she should buy a Harley and travel to preach to the poor and destitute. VERDICT Allison is a likable protagonist, and the humor and warmth of this first title in a new trilogy by a prolific CF author will appeal to fans of Neta Jackson’s “Yada Yada” series and Robin Jones Gunn’s “Sisterchicks” series.
Weyer, Jonathan. The Faithful. Brio. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 9780982668702. pap. $14.95. CF
Assistant pastor Aidan Schaeffer is undergoing a crisis of faith and conflicted about the church itself when he learns that his former girlfriend was murdered in what appears to be a demonic ritual. His inquiries reveal that she is just one in a series of women killed by a group seeking to resurrect evil. Soon, Aidan finds himself at the center of the investigation, hounded by demonic threats, a group of paranormal investigators, and the police. VERDICT This suspenseful debut novel is a spine-tingling addition to the emerging genre of Christian horror (e.g., by Ted Dekker, Tom Pawlik) and is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy tales where good wins over pure evil.
Whitehouse, Maggy. The Miracle Man. O Bks. Nov. 2010. c.224p. ISBN 9781846944161. pap. $19.95. CF
Whitehouse has taken on the seemingly impossible task of retelling the four Gospels of the New Testament in a contemporary setting with reality television as the backdrop. After Josh Gardner and his TV superstar wife are killed in a car accident, Josh miraculously comes back to life and spends the next 40 days in the desert. Following his cleansing and the rebirth of his spirit, Josh shows up as the newest judge on The Miracle Mile (think America’s Got Talent). The contestants are sinners of all types, and Josh uses his newfound healing powers to rid them of what ails them. VERDICT This debut novel doesn’t live up to its daring premise. A multitude of characters are introduced but are never fully developed, and the writing could be of better quality. Readers looking for modern-day biblical retellings would be better off with Elizabeth Berg’s The Handmaid and the Carpenter or Joseph F. Girzone’s Joshua in a Troubled World. Whitehouse writes about and teaches the Spiritual Laws of Prosperity, Bible metaphysics, and Kabbalah, so this book might appeal to New Age and visionary fiction fans.
cF in brief
Cramer, Dale. Paradise Valley. Bethany. (The Daughters of Caleb Bender, Bk. 1). Jan. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9780764208386. pap. $14.99. CF
After Caleb Bender and his neighbors are arrested when it is discovered that their Amish children are not attending public school as required by Ohio state law, Caleb volunteers to move his family and establish an Amish settlement in postrevolutionary Mexico. VERDICT This historical series launch will appeal to fans of Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall for its homespun tone and uplifting story line.
Dickerson, Melanie. The Healer’s Apprentice. Zondervan. 2010. c.272p. ISBN 9780310721437. pap. $9.99. CF
Rose, a simple woodcutter’s daughter, has been named apprentice to the healer of Hagenheim Castle in lower Saxony. Rose intends to do well. If she fails, Rose will be forced marry the old man her mother has picked out for her. VERDICT This well-written, character-driven YA novel will appeal to both teens and adults who like Karen Cushman’s historical fiction for its honesty and humor.
Nesbit, Jeff. Peace. Summerside. (Principalities & Powers, Bk. 1). 2010. c.320p. ISBN 9781609360436. pap. $14.99. CF
In his series launch, Nesbit asks, “What would happen if Israel were to attack Iran?” and imagines a terrifying world of possibilities. VERDICT This suspenseful page-turner will appeal to Christian thriller fans and readers who enjoy Stephen Coonts.
A Homespun Christmas
Bennett, R. William. The Christmas Gift. Burgess Adams. 2010. c.152p. ISBN 9780982560631. $14.95. CF
Sixth-grader Scott moves to a new town and meets a bully on the first day of school. Ben has been tormenting other kids for a very long time. When Scott witnesses Ben’s abusive behavior, he intervenes on behalf of another child. This earns Scott Ben’s undivided attention, making his life miserable until he finally explodes. Plagued by his outburst, Scott worries over the right thing to do and finally works up the nerve to apologize to Ben, which sparks a series of events that bring Scott and Ben together as friends and change the culture of the school. VERDICT This heartwarming tale of forgiveness and redemption is sure to be a big hit with fans of Richard Paul Evans.
Chapman, Vanetta. A Simple Amish Christmas. Abingdon. 2010. c.256p. ISBN 9781426710667. pap. $13.99. CF
After three years on her “rumschpringe” (time out among the English), 20-year-old Annie Weaver returns home when her father has an accident. There, she finds herself falling in love with an Amish farmer and has to decide what to do with her future. VERDICT This quaint, coming-of-age story should appeal to fans of Janette Oke and Beverly Lewis.
Gray, Shelley Shepard. Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel. Avon. (Sisters of the Heart, Bk. 4). 2010. c.304p. ISBN 9780061990960. pap. $12.99. CF
Everyone at the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast is looking forward to closing the inn for Christmas and several weeks of rest. When two unexpected guests show up hoping to stay through the holiday, the family welcomes them, but not without trepidation. How did these two strangers, one a widow and the other a pregnant woman, end up alone at an Amish B&B over the holidays? VERDICT Featuring beloved characters from Gray’s “Sisters of the Heart” series (Hidden; Wanted; Forgiven), this simple, homespun love story is sure to please fans of Wanda E. Brunstetter and Beverly Lewis.
Jakes, T.D. The Memory Quilt: A Christmas Story for Our Times. Atria: S. & S. Nov. 2010. c.240p. ISBN 9781439170458. $19.99. CF
Lela Edwards recently lost her husband of 50 years, and her daughters all live far away. Her favorite granddaughter, Darcie, has just left her husband and is expecting a child. Knowing that her grandmother would not approve of her decision, Darcie travels to Texas for the holidays to see her mother instead of visiting with Lela in Chicago. Finding herself alone for Christmas, Lela joins a ladies Bible study group focusing on the Virgin Mary. Can Lela heed her guidance? VERDICT Jakes is a household name among evangelical Christians. His books have sold millions, and he has been compared to Billy Graham. Jakes’s popularity alone recommends library purchase of his first Christmas story, a character-driven tale that will also appeal to fans of Kimberla Lawson Roby and other authors of African American inspirational fiction.
CF NEWS IN BRIEF
Starting in April 2011 as part of a company-wide rebranding, Harlequin is replacing its Steeple Hill imprint with Love Inspired as the primary brand for its inspirational fiction publishing program. The Steeple Hill logo will no longer appear on the books.
| Author Information |
| Nanci Milone Hill (nhill@mvlc.org) is the Head of Readers’ Services at the Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, 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 |
