Book
Reviews: Fiction
Do you
ever wish for a good read, something that entertains and touches your
heart? I’ve found some wonderful
authors that do just that for me. When I read fiction I want to feel my
spirit has been brushed—that I’m different somehow because of what I
read. There are some best-selling authors out there that entertain me, but
if I don’t feel stirred in my soul, I feel an empty spot inside when I
put the book down. The authors here have, to varying degrees, stirred
something within me through their writing. I also love the old classics
like Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and anything written by Jane
Austen, but I’m only reviewing contemporary writers here. BTW, speaking
of classics, if you haven’t read the children’s book The Velveteen
Rabbit, run, speed, fly to the library and grab it! (It’s my all-time
favorite). (Don't forget to check back periodically. As I read new
books that I like I'll add them to the top of the list! Also,
I’ve recently added a new page of reviews of inspirational
romance.
Murder,
Mayhem, and a Fine Man, Claudia Mair Burney, NavPress - Burney’s début
novel is a sheer delight for readers,
especially
those of us who have long been fans of her blog, The
Ragamuffin Diva. I knew Mair would write a novel that was real, fun,
and deep. I knew she could write characters with personality, that drew
you right in. I knew God’s grace would just ooze out of anything she
wrote. What I didn’t know is how her dialogue would sing or how she
could weave a mystery that made me hold my breath as I flipped the pages.
Her book is a bit of an amalgamy—blending chick-lit, mystery, romance,
and women’s fiction into one story.
In the
book, forensic psychologist Bell Brown hooks up with a handsome detective
to solve a mystery that forces Bell to face her past, deal with her
present, and will threaten her future. Burney does an amazing job of
drawing you into the story with her sassy humor and breathless romance,
but it’s the way she goes deep at the end that knocked my socks off.
Well written, a mystery that keeps you guessing with characters you
won’t soon forget. A must read. Burney is one of the best new talents in
Christian Fiction. And don’t miss Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz,
the soon to be released sequel. Read
my interview with Mair on Crosswalk.com or
an
unabridged version of the same interview on GraceReign.
Watching
the Tree Limb and Wishing on Dandelions, Mary DeMuth, NavPress
- These two books are poignant, grace-filled, and honest. Mary DeMuth is
courageous and sensitive while
writing about the painful subject of childhood sexual abuse, weaving
beauty into a world of brokenness. Watching the Tree Limbs begins
as nine-year-old Maranatha, lost and confused, endures abuse, lives in
fear, and longs for real love. You’ll fall in love with Marantha, her
quirky friend Camilla, and the woman who first loves Maranatha,
housekeeper Zady. You’ll cheer for Maranatha as she sifts through the
rubble of her childhood and begins the journey to healing. In Wishing
on Dandelions, Maranatha, now a
teenager,
must deal with the trust issues left-over from the darkness of her
childhood and face her past before its darkness pulls her back down.
You’ll cheer for the pure-hearted Charlie and find yourself thanking God
for Marantha’s friend, Old Mack. The characters become so real, don’t
be surprised if you start praying for them.
Both books
are beautifully written, full of lyrical passages and apt metaphors. It
takes courage to read about this difficult subject, but God’s grace and
healing are woven so powerfully into the story, that you will be glad you
did. Race issues are also written into the story, a meaningful subplot in
themselves. DeMuth’s incredible talent combined with her deep inner life
bring these stories to a caliber rarely experienced in Christian fiction.
I can’t recommend this writer highly enough. You’ll also be blessed by
her non-fiction writing, reviewed on my non-fictions pages. To see
interviews I did with Mary, visit this GraceReign
page for the fiction interview and this GraceReign
page for the non-fiction interview.
SAHM
I Am, Meredith Efken, Steeple Hill - Get ready to laugh. This is the
funniest book I read all year—maybe in the last
decade. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed out loud like I did while
reading this. I even poked my almost sleeping husband one night and made
him listen to some of the funnier passages. Efken takes us on an hilarious
ride via the Internet as a group of stay-at-home moms share real life,
with all its glory and drudgery through email. It took me a chapter or so
to get used to the format—skipping from email to email, but once I
caught the rhythm, I was hooked. A must read for any moms out there who
need a break and some laughter in their day. You’ll even find little
nuggets of truth hidden within the pages that will lift you up and help
you keep your head on straight. If you are familiar with Internet loops,
you’ll find this book rings true to form. Get lost in the lives of
Efken's passel of moms—you’ll find their stories too familiar to be
fiction and too funny not to be. Read
my interview with Meredith on GraceReign.
A
Seahorse in Thames, Susan Meissner, Harvest House - I’ll be honest. I
was on vacation and looking forward to reading in the car. I picked up
several different books and they just didn’t draw
me
in. I needed something to capture me—either with the beauty of the
writing or the brilliance of the story. I kept trying to read the other
books I took, sighing, and putting them down. Then I opened the first page
of A Seahorse in Thames. I was immediately drawn into the beautiful
writing and intrigued by the story. I’d never read anything by Susan
before, but I found a new favorite in Christian authors.
A Seahorse
in Thames is a beautiful love story combined with a very real voyage
through family crisis, broken relationships, buried lies, and haunting
questions. Meissner somehow takes readers on Alexa’s interior journey of
discovery, while gently weaving mystery and pulling on their
heart-strings. You’ll love how the Poole family comes to grips with its
issues and how the truth of the past, suddenly uncovered, helps them on
their passage into wholeness. (I’ve been seeking out Meissner’s other
books and just finished In All the Deep Places, another beautifully
written novel.)
Waiting
for Summer’s Return, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Bethany House - Having read way
too many Prairie romances as a young adult, I initially picked up this
book only because I adore the author, Kim—a lovely, godly woman who has
blessed me in
countless ways—but I soon discovered a real treat in Waiting for
Summer’s Return and quickly understood why this book by a newbie in
the world of Christian fiction so quickly climbed the sales charts. From
page one, I was drawn into Summer Steadman’s world and pulling for her
as she faced a bleak future, having just lost her children and her husband
as she traveled west. Without a will to live, but knowing she must somehow
survive on her own, Summer accepts a teaching position with a Mennonite
widower, causing upheaval within the Mennonite community. I read the book
in one sitting, totally engrossed in the moving story and captured by the
characters. After I finished the book, it lingered with me for days—like
the sweet aroma of homemade pie lingers in my home after I bake. It
whispered this truth to my heart, “God is the mender of broken
things.” If you need to just rest in the arms of Jesus for awhile, this
book is for you.
Rekindled,
Tamera Alexander, Bethany House - This is another one of those books I read
because I knew of the author, but probably wouldn’t have picked up
otherwise. I thought it wasn’t
particularly
my choice of genres, but I LOVED it. It’s another one of those books by
a brand new author that made the best sellers list of Christian fiction
soon after its release. Set in the Colorado Territory in the late 1800’s
it deals with Kathryn Jennings struggle first to love her husband in a
marriage that has disappointed her, then to save the home they built
together. As things go from difficult to worse, Kathryn wishes she could
turn back time and love her husband for the man he was instead of the man
she wished he would become. You’ll find yourself pulling for this
couple, frustrated by all the twists and turns and completely delighted as
it all comes together in a perfect ending. It’s a page turner that
offers readers God’s grace and bushels of hope. The sequel, Revealed
is available any day.
Just as
I Am, Virgina Smith, Kregel Publications - You’ll love Mayla, the
strong willed, purpled haired young woman who finally responds to God’s
love and walks the aisle of Salliesburg Independent Christian church.
You’ll laugh with Mayla and
cheer her on as she struggles to figure out what God wants from her now.
Does she ditch the piercings? Dump her old friends or witness to them?
Does she have to fit the culture of her mother’s small town church, or
can she hang onto her individuality as she lives as a Christian in the big
city? Mayla’s journey is sometimes funny, often poignant, but also
convicting. The novel shines with the truth that God loves us just as we
are. A delightful, heart-tugging read.
Everything’s
Coming Up Josey, Susan May Warren, Steeple Hill Café - A bit of
chick-lit, a bit of romance, and an ride across the ocean to Russia, Everything’s
Coming Up Josey offers the reader a creative escape, a few chuckles,
and a whole lot of wisdom.
When
Josey signs up for a one-year missionary stint in Russia, she is really
just trying to escape the marriage of her ex-boyfriend to her very own
sister, but what Josey confronts in Russia is her own self-concept as well
as her faulty view of God. As she heals from the boyfriend turned
brother-in-law fiasco, she explores her romantic ideals and meets some
interesting new possibilities for Mr. Right, but then she discovers the
one true love she left behind. The question is, can she help him trust her
heart this time, or are the past hurts too deep to overcome? A fun read
written in that first person chicky voice that’s become so popular.
Kudos to my good friend Susie. You did it again! You can find her other
books, including In
Sheep’s Clothing, which was nominated for a Christy award, at her
website. To
read my interview with her, visit GraceReign.
Chateau
of Echoes, Siri Mitchell, NavPress - If you love being transported to
far away places, digging around in history and mystery, and falling in
love, Chateau of Echoes is for you.
Suddenly widowed in a foreign country, Frederique Farmer buys a castle and
hides from the world, but when an ancient treasure is discovered at her
chateau, Frederique can no longer protect her reclusive lifestyle. She
opens a bed and breakfast for the elite and hires a mysterious and
beautiful graduate student to help her run it. A famous American writer
who comes for an extended stay to do research for his next novel then
invades her quiet world, changing her forever.
You’ll appreciate Siri’s incredible writing ability and her
wonderful descriptions of a foreign culture as you’re caught up in
Frederique’s story and the ambiance of the mystifying place she calls
home. I’ll be looking for more books by this fine author.
When the Heart Cries, Cindy
Woodsmall, WaterBrook Press - Cindy and I both stood in the crowded room,
hearts beating, as the winners of the ACFW writing contest were announced.
I
didn’t
know her at the time except as the sweet-looking woman who’d beat me out
of first place. Over time, however, I came to know Cindy as a beautiful
woman of God and encouraging friend and I was able to celebrate her
victory a little more fully. J
When the Heart Cries is Cindy’s début novel, set in a present
day Amish community. Hannah Lapp, an adventurous seventeen-year-old, is
secretly engaged to a young Mennonite man, something not allowed in the
strict community Hannah is raised in. But on the night of their
engagement, tragedy strikes, changing Hannah forever, challenging her
belief and dreams. Well-written, with believable characters and a grasp of
the clashing cultures of the Mennonites and Amish, this book quickly drew
me in and kept me engaged to the very end. Readers will cheer Hannah on,
believe in her when no one else does, and rejoice as her heart finds
wings. The only complaint I have about this book is that I have to wait
too long for the sequel!
Coldwater
Revival, Nancy Jo Jenkins, River Oak - In my opinion, this is one of the
most beautifully written Christian novels of 2006. The language is so
lyrical it is almost poetic and the descriptions so rich you can almost
taste them. Nancy’s characters are well drawn, the culture of Texas in
the 1930’s
well
portrayed, and the story gripping. When Emma Grace Falin returns home just
three weeks before her wedding, she knows she must face her past before
she can fully embrace her future. Emma takes the reader with her on a
journey relieving the glory of a loving family, the devastation of
tragedy, and the relationship with the elderly woman and teen-boy who
helped her heal. By the end of the book, I was begging Emma to seek the
beauty in the healing of her past and reach for something more. I’m sure
you will, too. Don’t miss this opportunity to enter Jenkin’s
well-crafted, poignant world.
The
Wedding Caper, Janice A. Thompson, Barbour Publishing - I’m not
really a cozy mystery fan, but I gotta tell you this little fluffy read
was a lot of fun and full of nuggets of truth that
touched
my heart. I should have known my friend Janice would pull off fluff and faith with a flair. When Annie Peterson’s husband hands her an envelop
full of cash to pay for their twin daughter’s weddings, Annie can’t
help but wonder where he got the $25,000. Her suspicions grow when the
bank where her husband works reports a missing sum of exactly the same
amount. Signing up for an online course at investigativeskills.com, Annie
becomes an amateur sleuth determined to prove her husband’s innocence,
even as she fears he might be the burglar. This fun read had the
opportunity to be trite and unbelievable, but Janice was able to pull it
off, making us believe in Annie’s character and learn with her as she
discovers nuggets of truth. The mystery is solved in a surprising twist
that somehow worked out just right. Need a break from real life with a
dash of laughter and a sprinkle of godly advice? This book is for you.
The
Happy Room, Catherine Palmer, Tyndale House Publishers - The Happy Room
is one of those books that found me. I did not seek it out, but it
happened upon my nightstand via a good friend and I opened its covers
wondering why she’d suggested I read it. What I discovered within its
pages was a
very real portrayal of the journey of faith for children brought up in
homes where the ministry and following “God’s will” took precedence
over all else. The Mossman children were sent off to boarding school at an
early age so that their missionary parents could engage fully in reaching
the native Africans around them. The result was lots of misunderstanding
and pain, and the Mossman children each handled in their own way. When
crisis brings the family together, they have to visit their past to find
healing and truth. As they make peace with each other, they each find
their way to the God who never left them. A meaningful book that probes
the heart.
Gardenias
for Breakfast, Robin Jones Gunn, Westbow - Having
read
Robin’s Sisterchicks books, I expected a light, humorous read sprinkled
with timeless truths. This one is different. A deeper story of a
mother-daughter’s journey home, readers walk with Abby and Hannah
through the muddy waters of inter-generational relationships. Poignant.
Full of truth. A moving story that grips you from beginning to end.
Fame,
Karen Kingsbury, Tyndale - Sometimes I just have to visit old favorites,
like Karen Kingsbury. I waited a while to read Fame, wanting to
read it closer to the time the rest of the series
came out. I had fallen in love with Dayne Matthews when I read the Baxter
Family Series years ago and wondered what had happened to their oldest
son. I wasn’t disappointed. In true Kingsbury fashion, the book makes
you love the characters and jump in the middle of the story line.
Kingsbury has always written page-turners and Fame is no exception.
Now I just have to get the rest of the series!
The
Potluck Club, Linda Evans Shepherd and Eva Marie Everson, Revell - I’ll be candid. It took me a few chapters to get
into
this book, but I’d heard such good things about it that I kept reading.
I’m really glad I did. After the reader grasps the essence of the six
women who gather each month to eat, chat, and pray, the story begins to
unfold in a meaningful way that not only keeps the reader engaged, but
speaks to her heart. There are poignant moments of friendship and grace in
this story, as well healthy chuckles sprinkled throughout. The Potluck
Club dishes up a good read that will touch your heart. Readers will also
benefit from Potluck Club recipes.
The
Salt Garden, Cindy Martinusen, Tyndale - One reviewer described this
book as “mystery wrapped in beauty.” It fits.
This is a beautifully
written story full of deep places and sprinkled with light mystery. Set on
the West coast the novel weaves together the lives of three women around a
lost story hidden in the depths of the sea. The women all have nuggets of
truth to share with the hungry reader: Claire, a young writer, passionate,
questioning, and growing; Sophia, an aging reclusive novelist, afraid yet
stretching, wise yet guarded, real yet spiritual; and Josephine, a woman
long dead whose journal touches on the mystery of the sunken ship and the
mystery of God.
I’m not
sure I can explain how this book affected me. At one level it’s a gentle
story with a touch of intrigue. At another level it is a whisper of the
soul. I found myself wishing for a highlighter as little phrases caught my
attention and begged to be reread. It also caused me to think a lot about
such things as grace, prayer, the giving of self to something greater, and
the pursuit of our souls, our passions, and our God. These were the places
my heart went as Cindy’s almost poetic writing style took me on the
journey into the lives of her characters. I think I swam for a while,
venturing into the depths. If you read the book, you'll understand that
statement. This is my favorite read of 2005. It also won the Library
Journal Book of the year award.
Always
Jan by Roxanne Henke, Harvest House – True to form, Roxanne
weaves an honest, heart-warming tale of truth
and grace. Another
installment in her Coming Home to Brewster Series, Always Jan
tackles the struggles of mid-life and the blessings and hardships of old
age. I adored Ida, a feisty, elderly aunt who gets frustrated with her
nephew, Kenny, but prays for him just the same. I also came to care for
Jan as she is transformed from a shallow beauty to a deep, caring woman.
If you like to read about real heart-issues, handled with poignant
gentleness, this author is for you.
Made
of Honor by Marilyn Griffith, Steeple Hill Café – I struggled a
bit about whether to put this book on the main
fiction page or the romance
page, but finally put is here because it’s just too edgy for the typical
romance—and it has that chick-lit feel, vs. the typical romance style.
While there is a love story, and a good one, it is really about the
struggles of life and trying to receive and give God’s love in the midst
of its pain and struggle. This is Marilyn’s first published book and I
don’t know exactly how to describe it. It’s funny, but goes deep at
the same time. It’s like the entire time you’re reading you’re on
two planes, one full of humor and crazy experiences that bring a chuckle,
and the other chalk full of real-life struggles, that make you want to
cry. You love how the main character, Dana, hangs onto Jesus as she tries
to hold it all together. The book opens as she is surviving yet another
wedding as a bridesmaid and praying that her friend won’t throw her the
bouquet. You’ll laugh and cry with her as she is humiliated only to be
rescued by her ex-boyfriend—and that’s just one of the surprises her
of her past who comes to visit. The author, Mary, is an amazing
woman—mother of seven and homeschooling when she first started writing.
I met her blogging and then in person through ACFW. She is a powerhouse of
faith and friendship, but incredibly authentic and down to earth. She’s
deeply impacted me both as a writer and as a person and I’m thrilled to
get to recommend her first book.
To
read an interview I did with Mary, visit
this post on GraceReign.
Dreaming
in Black and White by Laura Jensen Walker, WestBow Press – From
the first line, Laura’s feisty, funny writing style captured me in this
first book of her new chick-lit
line, the Phoebe Grant series. This book
is simply fun. Witty humor, references to old movies, and lots of
silliness, mixed with a dab of faith and dash of reality, make this a
perfect book for “those days” when you need to laugh, be entertained,
and reminded that somehow God makes it all work out all right.
When Phoebe meets charming Alex Spencer, she immediately senses
compatibility. Unfortunately, he turns out to be the new company owner
that cut her job, dashed her dreams, and sent her packing back home to the
small town she’d hoped to escape. But when Phoebe decides to save her
beloved movie theater, will she refuse Alex’s unexpected help? A fun,
new voice in chick lit. I’ll be reading the sequel.
Northpointe
Chalet by Debra White Smith, Harvest House – Debra and
Harvest House picked a winner when they decided
to remake the classic Jane
Austen books into modern day stories. I read this one with interest, being
an Austen fan myself, and enjoyed the subtle similarities of Northanger
Abbey, the Austen book this one parallels. I thoroughly enjoyed
getting to know Kathy, a Texan transplant in CO, who opens her own
bookstore and determines to act as an independent businesswoman. Her
frivolous imagination gets her in trouble, but it’s hard to stay anger
with someone that adorable. She also possesses a surprising amount of
wisdom underneath her absent-minded ways—and that’s a good thing,
because though Ben is solid and faithful, there are a few things he needs
his mind opened to.
Premonition
by Randall Ingermanson, Zondervan – A part of the City of God series,
this book begins in the year A.D. 57 in the city of Jerusalem. Its main
characters Rivah and Ari, don’t
belong in that decade, but by some twist
of science, here they are. Well-written and deeply researched, this book
will so plunge you into 1st century Jewish culture that the New
Testament stories will never again read quite the same. Meet such heros as
Apostle Paul and such villains as King Agrippa as you are swept away by
the struggles of Rivah, Ari, and their friends. Randy’s a talented
author and teacher and I’ve had the honor of attending his workshops.
I’ve always been impressed by his humor, intelligence, and teaching
ability. Now that I’ve read his work I am also impressed by his writing
brilliance.
Dying
to Decorate by Cyndy Salzmaan, Howard Publishing – Cyndy’s
debut novel blazes a good trail for the emerging
“mom-lit” genre. Her
character Elizabeth is real, funny, and someone you’d want for a friend.
When Elizabeth’s friend, Lucy, grieves the deaths of both her husband
and her mother, she needs the help of her friends to overcome emotional
paralysis. All kinds of fun breaks out when all six member of the Friday
Afternoon Club determine to help rehabilitate an old house left to Lucy.
An interesting addition the typical feisty, fun “mom-lit” feel is a
mysterious secret and an old journal that helps these friends discover
deeper spiritual truths and rewards of friendship. Another creative touch
in this book is an enticing recipe woven into each chapter. I briefly met
Cyndy and was impressed by her excitement and passion for this, her debut
novel.
Club
Sandwich by Lisa Samson, Waterbrook Press – As I said in an
earlier book review entry, I read any book Lisa writes. She always touches
a nerve somewhere and makes me think
more deeply about God and grace and
right and wrong. This book was very real, for lack of a better word. I
have friends who would be uncomfortable reading it because they would say
the story made the wrong choice look better than doing what was right. I
say that is precisely part of the reason we should read it, because in
real life wrong choices can often look pretty good! I won’t tell you
whether the main character, Ivy, chooses wrong or right, but I will tell
you it’s worth your read. It’s about a woman who gives 100% and it
never seems to be enough. Ever felt like that? She’s part of the
“sandwich generation,” caring for an aging parent while still raising
small children.
Read Paul's
interview with Lisa here.
Journey
to Thelo
by
Terri Thompson, iUniverse – While Journey to Thelo was written
primarily as youth fiction, I just had to include it here because I
enjoyed it so much. (I also read
it to my children, who enjoyed it. There
were a couple of difficult scenes that might not be suitable for younger
children.) Terri masterfully creates a fantasy place where light and dark,
good and evil are worlds apart. Through it’s young hero, Peter, readers
explore questions like, “Dare I hope life can be different? Can I really
trust? Can I truly accept a new identity as good, beloved, and accepted?
Do I really have something to offer the King?” There’s lot of
wonderful, encouraging truth hidden Peter’s escape from the horrors of
Auchmeros, his new friendship with Andrew, and his discovery of a better
place. The story moves well and is creative in its presentation. Terri is
a friend, a pastor’s wife, and has home schooled her children. Check her website.
The
Healing Quilt, The Yada Yada Prayer Group, The Church Ladies
I’m not exactly sure what God is up to in my life, but I
“accidentally” picked up these three books in close succession,
not knowing there would be a similar theme, that of women learning to be
vulnerable and the wonderful, healing things that can happen when we allow
friendship to become real. Each book also wove in a lesser theme of the
importance of godly mentors in our life—women who truly know Jesus and
have experienced enough of life to share wisdom with those of us who are
younger. I highly recommend all three of these books, and suggest you read
them close together. Don’t let my tendency to pull out the spiritual
themes and focus on them trick you into thinking these books are really a
sermon. Nothing is farther from the truth. Each story stands well on its
own two feet and draws you right into the lives of its characters.
The
Healing Quilt by Lauraine Snelling (WaterBrook Press) is my favorite
Snelling novel by far. This is one of those “heart” books, the kind
when you know the author has
reached deep inside and created a fiction
story birthed out of her own journey. Kit Cooper, who is struggling to
live again after the death of her daughter to cancer, ends up hosting a
quilting circle to raise money for a new mammogram machine. As the women
come together to stitch the quilt, their stories gradually unfold. As they
learn to trust each other, healing occurs in each of their lives. I read
the book in one sitting, laughing and crying through it. After I put it
down I spent a long time thinking about the impact we women can have upon
each other if we can just learn to be honest with our lives and take the
time to share from our hearts. I believe God uses community in healing the
deep places and this book made me more determined than ever to forge time
in my own life to be with women. The story was well done and I found
myself drawn to the characters and their struggles to come to terms with
the pain in their life. I was reminded of the many times God has used a
community of godly women to help me along my own healing path.
The
Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson (Integrity Publishers)
is amazing. Again, the theme of women coming together in vulnerability is
loud and clear. I especially loved how this book wove together the lives
of very different women, from varying ethnic and socio-economic
backgrounds,
as well as different “brands” of Christian worship.
Incased in this wonderful story is much truth about grace, relationship,
and forgiveness. The book has an amazing ability to feel fresh and even
humorous, while becoming painful toward the end. But even with the trouble
the main character faces, you put the book down feeling a hopeful
resiliency because of the examples of real, deep friendships and because
your heart will be drawn to the Giver of Grace. I almost never listen to
books on tape. With four children I find it difficult to ever have enough
quiet, but I HIGHLY recommend this book in the audio form. Narrator
Barbara Rosenblat moves easily between many varied accents and, for once,
the interpretation of the characters in her voice inflection is much
better than what I would have heard in my head. I fell in love with the
cultured gentle accent of the woman from South Africa as well as the gutsy
accident of the ex-drug addict and Jamaican blends of another character.
Even the goody- two-shoes, timid depiction of the main character, Jodi
Baxter, was appropriately annoying. (Though I have to say here I
couldn’t help but care for Jodi and found too many similarities in her
to be too opinionated about her character!) This is an amazing book.
The
Church Ladies by Lisa Samson (Multnomah) is the third book I
“happened” to pick up that furthered my thinking about taking the time
to build deep relationships with other women who love Jesus. This year
I’ve read all of Samson’s books and I’d have to say this is my
favorite. Her themes of
grace and forgiveness come through loud and clear
while also developing the thread of the importance of relationship. I wept
because Lisa did such a beautiful job allowing me to see the hearts of her
characters and the grace of God given them. I highly recommend this book.
Samson is also not afraid to tackle the struggles of the church to live in
the unity Christ prayed we would have. It’s a real book about real
people. The main character, Poppy Fraiser, is a pastor’s wife who never
asked for the job, and worse yet, has a painful secret that keeps her from
fully appropriating God’s grace to herself. Lisa’s style is considered
more “literary” than most CBA novels, which means you’ll get rich
description, much care given to turn of phrase, and a slower paced,
character driven novel. This one actually moved a little more quickly for
me than some of her others. If you are new to Lisa’s writing this would
be the novel to begin with, although the book was enhanced by her brief
references to characters from her other books, especially Songbird.
Other
books by Lisa Samson are Tiger Lily, Women’s Intuition, Songbird
and The Living End. Once I discovered Samson earlier this year, I
read all of these books. They are a different type of read for me. The
story, while vibrant, takes a backseat to the character’s inner world,
which I like, but it moves more slowly than a more plot driven novel. What
I especially like about Lisa’s writing is that she makes me think.
Don’t pick up a Samson book if you are unwilling to have your boxes
challenged or to be encouraged to think more deeply about your faith. Like
Aslan, from Lewis’ Narnia, I would say Samson’s books aren’t
“safe” but they are “good.” The first book I read of hers, Women’s
Intuition, also created a hunger in me as a writer, not just a reader.
Some of Samson’s metaphors and descriptive phrases leapt off the page at
me, causing me to crave the ability to create a more vibrant picture with
words in my own writing efforts. If the issues Samson’s books address
intrigue you, you might enjoy her blog, Author Intrusion.
Read Paul's
interview with Lisa here.
Dragonspell
by Donita K. Paul (WaterBrook Press) will be forever remembered as one
of my children and my favorite books. I picked this book up at a
writer’s conference, basically begging for the last copy because it had
sold out—and with
good reason. Dragonspell is a wonderful fantasy tale
that has all the basic elements, an exciting storyline, an amazing new
world to discover, danger, humor, and the coming of age of the inner
person. The Christian reader will find that the parallels to the spiritual
world grab their soul. The School Library Journal rates it for 4th-
8th graders, but I put it on this list, because I loved it as
an adult. I read it aloud to my children and even while we were on
vacation they begged for me to keep reading and finish the book. Although
I’m well past the main character, Kale’s 14 years, I identified with
her journey into the heart of Paladin, the Christ figure, and her
discovery of her true identity as His follower. I couldn’t help but weep
as Kale began to experience His deep love and the talents He had given
her. The antics of Kale’s adorable fainting dragon keep us chuckling,
even in the tension of the battles. If you liked Lewis’ Narnia or
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, this is a must read. It’s refreshing to
find such a nurturing novel in the fantasy genre. My daughter insisted I
write the author as soon as we finished to book to reassure her that the
sequel was on the way. Donita promised we could get it in June of 2005!
To read
my interview with Donita, visit GraceReign.
Sisterchicks
in Sombreros by Robin Jones Gunn (Multnomah) is a light, fun
book just right for when you need to unwind and have a good chuckle. I
read it one particularly trying night and found just the nuggets of faith
and truth I
needed, hidden within the story of the antics of two 40
something sisters who travel to Mexico to claim the beachfront property
left them by their uncle. Between a stuffed marlin completely dressed down
to the hat, allergies on a cruise ship, and other crazy mishaps, you
can’t help but become caught up in the humor. The book is more about
life, laughter, and female relationships than an exciting plot. A fun read
when life has already given you enough drama and your soul just needs to
giggle and open up to the hope in Christ. The Sisterchicks series is part
of a new genre sweeping the nation called “chick lit.” Check it out.
What
A Girl Wants and She’s Out of Control by Kristin
Billerbeck (Westbow Press) are delightful reads in the “chick lit”
world. Based on the life of Ashley Stockingdale, 31, they 
explore the
world of church singles groups, life as a single professional woman, and
of course, the need for new shoes and a good handbag. Especially appealing
to readers more in
Ashley’s stage of life, these books were also a fun
for me. Billerbeck has a wonderful way of giving us a very real character,
full of strengths and flaws, who can make us laugh at ourselves. The style
of these books is a bit sassy and you can’t help but fall in love with
Ashley’s flamboyant style. Billberbeck’s contributions to the
Christian publishing world are so fresh they’ve even captured the
attention of mainstream media, including the Today Show.
Billerbeck’s character lives in a real world where maintaining your
integrity isn’t easy, but can be done. I met Kristin on a writer’s
loop and am increasingly impressed with her spunk, kindness, generous
spirit, and desire to give a real Christ to a real world.
All Done
With the Dashing by Pamela Dowd is another
lighter fare, which I’d
characterize as “mom lit.” A novella, 
packaged for holiday sales in a
book called All Jingled Out, this story explores the life of
homeschooling mom Maggie
Mackenzie who, after years of giving her family
the perfect
holidays, decides to go on strike. You’ll laugh as 
the cat
leaves paw prints of flour all over her kitchen or as she dashes out of
the house with only her coat hiding the towel she’s wrapped in, but you
won’t miss the message of the importance of balance, caring for
yourself, and learning to give and receive.
This is Pamela’s first novel and I’m tickled pink because
she’s a dear friend. You go girl! Do yourself a favor and join Maggie in
the journey to let go of perfectionism before that next holiday.
Hurricane:
Of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane by Janice A. Thompson weaves fact into
fiction, based on the tragedy of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. I read
most of the book in one evening, captured by the unfolding drama. I ached
as her
characters lived in shallow oblivion to the coming storm, focused
on their surface lives, forcing down and ignoring the deep things inside
that cried out for their attention. As the hurricane hit I lived their
horror with them, watched their acts of selfless bravery, and mourned
their loss. Finally, through many poignant moments, I rose with them as
they became the deeper, more beautiful people God meant them to be,
setting aside petty attitudes and learning to live, change, and care for
each other. It’s a pleasure to recommend this book in part because the
author, Janice Thompson is the real thing. She’s an encourager and truly
in love with Jesus.
A
Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney (WaterBrook Press) is a
moving book about the true meaning of family. When
Wade’s fiancé
unexpectedly dies, he enters into a fight to protect her children from
their abusive birth father and to be allowed to parent the children he
loves. This is a meaningful book with real characters and heart wrenching
situations and has a lot to say about the beauty of family and the
blessing and struggle of faith.
After Anne
by Roxanne Henke (Harvest House) is a powerful book about friendship,
truth, grace and courage. I picked it up after meeting Roxanne’s editor
at a writer’s conference. He
recommended the book and I was not
disappointed. Be warned that the book requires a box of tissue and a
willingness to be touched at the soul level. It deals with a woman’s
courageous walk through breast cancer and her best friend’s journey with
her. I just looked on Amazon and discovered Henke has two more books out
in the series, which is called, Coming Home to Brewster.
Eli by
Bill Myers (Zondervan) is by far one of my favorite books ever. Bill
places Jesus coming to earth in our time
period and shows how we as
Americans may have treated him. It puts a whole new perspective on the
life of Christ. I found myself returning to the Scriptures to see how the
stories really happened over 2,000 years ago. It is a deeply impacting
book, powerfully written, and difficult to put down. Myers made me think
about how big Christ’s heart of grace really is.
Christmas
Every Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren (Waterbrook) is a moving book about
a woman dealing her
struggle to come to grips with her childhood as she
loses her mother to Alzheimer’s disease. It is a powerful book of
forgiveness and moving beyond one’s past. I also recently read a three
book historical series called The Northern Lights by Lisa dealing with the
life of a woman who marries a sea captain. The first book is The
Captain’s Bride. The series is packed with adventure and wonderful
experiences in several cultures. If you like to travel in time and
distance, try this series!
And
the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers, (Tyndale) is not my favorite book
by Rivers, but is a book that makes you think
about the church in America,
its politics, and its people. If you’re not already a River’s fan,
I’d start with Redeeming Love or Atonement Child, but this is a good
read. (See reviews on Rivers below in my original text) Anne Graham Lotz
called it “A powerful and almost prophetic statement of the church in
America.”
The Bridge by
Lisa Tawn Bergren (Waterbrook Press) – A couple of years ago I was
chosen to participate in a fiction clinic taught by Lisa. Since I was
unfamiliar with her writing I immediately called the library and hunted
down some of her
work. As I read this book I was deeply impacted by its
heart of worship. I remember crying and thanking the Lord that I would be
allowed to sit under a teacher who could write with such a heart. I
suppose what I love so much about this book is the way Lisa portrays the
emerging young woman as she discovers the passion and courage growing
within her. I found much artistic beauty in this book and recommend it
highly. It’s a love story, but more than that it is a story of becoming.
I can also say from experience that Lisa’s love for God and heart for
people shine just as brightly in real life as they do in her book!
Redeeming
Love by Francine Rivers (Multnomah) – Rivers is my favorite
Christian fiction writer. If she writes it, I read it!
I’ve been known
to be the first name on the library’s waiting list when a new book by
her comes out—and I’ve splurged as often as I can on her books as
well. They’re keepers! This book is perhaps her most impacting novel for
many women. Set in 
the 1850’s, it explores the life of a woman who has
received nothing but betrayal from men, beginning in her childhood, when
she is sold into prostitution. God send Michael Hosea to teach her of true
love and help her find the One who will never let her go. Based on the
Bible’s book of Hosea, it shows God’s unconditional, all-consuming
love. This book, like all of River’s books, is a page-turner. You’ll
find your heart impacted and your hands unable to put it down!
Anything by
Francine Rivers is a must read! I won’t take the time to review each of
her novels separately, but you’ll also want to check out The Mark of
the Lions series, The Scarlett Thread, Leota’s Garden, The
Last Sin Eater, The Shoe Box, Atonement Child, and her
Lineage of grace novellas (Unveiled, Unafraid, Unshaken
and Unashamed). (If you’re looking for my recommendations I like
Antonement Child and The Mark of the Lion series best . . . but then
again, I LOVED the Lineage of Grace series . . . and how can I really
choose? I’m looking forward to reading her mostly recently published
book, And the Shofar Blew. I held off reading it for a while since
I’ve been writing a novel about a pastor and didn’t want to be
influenced by hers. When I get a chance to read it I'll let you know what
I think!
The Mitford
Series by Jan Karon (Penguin-Putnam) – Karon changed my perception
of good modern fiction. I’d been immersed in the fast paced novels of
Rivers, Thoene, Hoff since I had discovered Christian fiction a while
back, but
Karon’s gentle, beautiful style with her character driven
stories won me over. It’s a little easier to lay the book down
when I read Karon, but I find it refreshing in a peaceful sort of way to
read something that captures my attention and lets me get to sleep
at night! Karon is a master at making the reader identify with the
character. The story all revolves around the people instead of the people
revolving around the plot. Another thing I absolutely love about her books
is the unobtrusive way she shares the Truth of Christ without preaching.
Her beautiful writing and amazing character building ability has landed
her time and again on the New York Times Best-sellers list. I’m sure
you’ll fall in love, like I did, with the quaint little town where
everyone knows each other and where Father Tim, an Episcopalian priest,
gives his heart to his parishioners and discovers that it’s not too late
for romance. When I read Karon I am impacted by the simple joys in life
and the gentle love of God for me. Karon is quickly becoming one of my
favorites!
The Writing
of Karen Kingsbury – If you want to read fiction that has something
to say, this is the lady to check out. Her
books are page-turners—action
packed! They deal a lot with social or spiritual issues. She tells stories
that make you think about the real stuff of life. After reading her books
I often find myself examining my heart or meditating on and praying about
the state of our society. Kingsbury knows how to tell a good story and
she’s worth reading. You’ll find her books are very straightforward,
Don’t expect a lot of beautiful description or to fall in love with a
character,
but get ready to be challenged!
Not A Sparrow
Falls by Linda Nichols
(Bethany House) – My husband picked this book up for me at conference
when the
saleswoman at one of the booths said, “If you’re looking for
fiction with some depth, this author has something to say.” I’d never
read Nichols before, but I wasn’t disappointed. In this story, a broken
young woman assumes a false identity in an attempt to regain her life. She
longs to bring joy to a troubled family she becomes involved with, but
worries that her own secrets will hurt them all. I was moved by the theme
of God’s loving redemption in this book. The author also gave insight
into family dysfunction and learning to walk forward in health.
The Emerald
Ballad Series by BJ Hoff (Bethany House) – If
you like historical
fiction you’ll find the events in Ireland and the struggles of the Irish
in America moving. This series is heart wrenching, yet beautiful, and
moves well—another one of those hard to put down reads. It’s been a
few years since I read it, but it still ranks up there on my list of
must-reads. I like it the best of the series she’s written so far.
The Zion
Covenant and The Zion Chronicles
by Bodie
Thoene – These two series highly impacted me when I read them
about 10 years ago. One is about the horrors of World War II and Nazi
Germany and the other is about the rebuilding of Jerusalem. With that
historical backdrop you can imagine that these books move and make you
think about society as we know it. Besides the historical benefit, the
stories are well written and exciting with plenty of romance and mystery.
I remember stopping mid-page one time and reading a paragraph out loud to
my husband just to share the sheer beauty of the way Thoene wove her words
together. If you haven’t read these, I’d recommend them.
Winter
Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen (Tyndale
House) – I came
across this keeper at a little Messianic-Jewish store. It’s begins with
a young woman’s sacrifice in a Nazi concentration camp and leads to a
mystery of a dear German grandmother who fled to the United states. In an
effort to make sense of her grandmother’s last words, Darby travels to
Europe where she finds the answers to her questions and all her heart
could longs for. There’s a depth and heart in this story that makes it
compelling.
The Writing
of Beverly Lewis (Bethany House) – (Adult fiction) Many people enjoy
the stories of the simpler life of the Amish community written by Beverly
Lewis. While I’ve
enjoyed all the books I’ve read by her, some of her
more recent books have captured my attention and shown depth in ways some
of the earlier stories did not. I like to read Lewis, but my daughter is an
absolute fan. Lewis has written many books in youth fiction and my
daughter loves them. I like knowing my daughter is reading someone I can
trust and she likes the way Lewis’ books help her think about issues of
growing up. Actually, one of my personal favorites by Lewis is also
considered youth fiction. It’s called The Sunroom and is a
touching story of a young girl’s struggle to have faith as her mother
faces cancer.
The Writing
of Lauraine Snelling (Bethany House) – When I sat in a class by
Lauraine at a writer’s conference, I not only learned a lot, but also
felt embraced by this woman of great
love and energy. A prolific
writer, Lauraine has written both adult and youth fiction. Her Red River
historical fiction has earned her a loyal readership. Lauraine lives out
what she teaches when she says to write a good novel you have to get them
in trouble and out of trouble and into worse trouble and out of it and . .
. I especially enjoyed her book Hawaiian Sunrise. This is another
author whose writing I like but my daughter ADORES. Her all time favorite
books are Lauraine’s High Hurdles series. The heroine’s courage and
love for horses won my daughter over. Lauraine’s ability to help
disciple my daughter through her writing won me over. For a long time my
daughter called DJ, the series’ heroine, her best friend. Several times
she mentioned things to me that indicated her faith was growing through
her reading. Now I call that a reason to buy your kid a book!
While we’re
talking about youth fiction, I just have to mention my good friend Neva
Andrews. She is the creator of the Jo Barkley books, which you can
check out through on her website.
Neva is one of my heroes because she began her
writing career when most
people are focused on retiring. Her books are rich with stories of farm
life in the 30’s and 40’s. They are entertaining and lay solid values
for young lives. Her books are aimed at a mid to late elementary age
audience. She’s a horse lover and so horses are a recurring theme in
the Jo Barkley series. I caught my daughter with one of Neva’s books
hidden under her pillow the other night. You know you’ve made it when
you’re selected for late night flashlight reading!
A Slender
Thread by Tracie Peterson (Bethany House) – I met Tracie at a
writer’s conference and was impressed by her
loving, open spirit. She
has a real heart for other people and it shined through in the way she
interacted with the new writers that sought her out for advice and
encouragement. After meeting her I had to check out her work and I
wasn’t disappointed. This book is about five sisters who struggle to
overcome the pain of an absent mother and the love of their grandmother as
she trusts God to bring them all together. I’ll be picking up more books
by Tracie! She has several out right now, published by Bethany House.
The Writing
of Linda Chaikin – Several years ago my librarian recommended
Chaikin. I found her writing to be a bit
more exotic than what I was used
to reading, but enjoyed the story line—often suspense or intrigue mixed
with romance. I wouldn’t say these books took me to deep places within
myself or that I fell in love with the characters, but they were a good
read. If you like some action and a story line that is perhaps a little
less believable, you’ll enjoy Chaikin.
On the edge
of things I like to read are authors like Alton Gansky and Sigmound
Brouwer – they tend to be a more
masculine (imagine that) and plot
driven. Gansky researches well and his books are action packed. I
met him at a conference and was impressed by his quick, intelligent mind,
which shines in his writing. I also found him to be a big-hearted,
personable, sincere man who loved teaching us novice writers!
Brouwer is
an incredible writer, but I have to take his books in small doses. Some of
them deal with hard stuff and his descriptions are real enough that I
don’t always want to think about them. But, like I said, his is writing
is good.
Intimidating, in fact. I read one of his more recent novels and
almost put it down because the clarity and power of his words made me feel
I would never be able to write! I’ve been reading through his works
slowly. I suppose I can’t handle a steady diet of rough stuff and I
don’t like too much suspense. That said, though, Brouwer has an amazing
way of putting a Christian worldview into books that would also be read by
the secular market.
Also, If you want lighter reading, check out Lori Wick
(Harvest 
House) I read her when I need something quick and entertaining
that I don’t have to think too hard about. Her recent English Garden
series was a quick read in an intense time and God used it to remind me
that He wants us to live a life of abundance, not just tread through our
days. Sometimes those fanciful, gentle romances just hit the spot.
There’s a season for light reading!
