A DREAM TO CALL MY OWN Brides of Gallatin County #3
By Tracie Peterson ISBN 978-0-7642-0150-9 Bethany House Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Lacy cannot let go her need to find her father's killer. With her sisters
married and settled, Lacy decides it is time finally find her father's killer. Only a stop at a ranch, a run in with the deputy
sheriff who is in love with her and growing danger at home changes everything.
Will Lacy find the peace she desires and discovers who she is in Christ
before she loses those closest to her?
Lacy is the “different” sister, the one who prefers to ride
horse and wear britches to more ladylike pursuits. While this is Lacy's story, the book draws us further into the lives of
all three sisters. A DREAM TO CALL MY OWN pulls the strands of the three sisters stories into a concluding story, rife with
danger, faith and romance, that has readers not only turning the pages, but also leaving them with a smile of satisfaction.
While you don't need to read the first two books in this series (each
focused on a different sister) to enjoy this book, doing so does add to the depth of the story.
Faith element: high
LOVE FINDS YOU IN LIBERTY INDIANA By Melanie Dobson ISBN 978-1-934770-74-0 Summerside
Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Anna Brent, a Quaker abolitionist, believes with all her heart that God’s
people includes everyone. Even those born or sold into slavery. Her home is one of the stops on the Underground Railroad.
When a young woman and her newborn child show up on Anna’s doorstep, they bring with them a danger Anna may be ill-equipped
to handle.
Then a law is passed saying anyone caught helping or harboring runaway
slaves will be fined and imprisoned. Can Anna give up what she believes is right, even when her secret is threatened? Can
she trust Daniel Stanton, the town’s abolitionist newspaper man? Can she make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save
the life of an innocent?
LOVE FINDS YOU IN LIBERTY INDIANA is not only a love story. It is a history
lesson of what of our nation’s most horrifying eras. Through Anna Brent’s beliefs, Melanie Dobson takes the reader
into a suspenseful, page-turning triumph of God’s love for us and our fellow man. A ten on the faith scale.
THE NIGHT WATCHMAN By Mark Mmynheir ISBN 978-1-59052-935-5 Multnomah
Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Ray Quinn’s identity was in his job as a homicide detective, and
he had long since established his reputation as the best in his department. When a terrible shooting leaves him physically
unable to return to the force, he feels life is no longer worth living, and sinks into depression. He spends his nights as
a watchman for a local apartment complex, and his days in a drunken stupor.
When two dead bodies turn up in one of the apartments, Ray gets thrust
into action once again. He must untangle a dark and complex mystery before his investigation gets him killed.
Due to the nature of the corruption that Ray encounters in his battle
for justice, NIGHT WATCHMAN is more suited for mature readers. A gritty, realistic novel that will keep suspense fans turning
pages.
Faith element: low
LOVE FINDS YOU IN TREASURE ISLAND FLORIDA By Debby Mayne ISBN 978-1-934770-80-1 Summerside
Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
After being left at the altar, Amanda Burns has put her life on hold
to operate a bicycle shop and to care for her flighty sister. No way is she interested in a relationship. Especially with
a tourist. But when Jerry Simpson returns to Treasure Island on his annual vacation with his parents, Amanda’s life
is turned upside down.
Just when she’s reconciling herself to the fact that Jerry is different
from her ex-fiance, and that maybe they can forge something special, Jerry and his parents move back to Atlanta. What is God
doing with Amanda’s heart?
LOVE FINDS YOU IN TREASURE ISLAND is a love story about finding treasure.
With fun, quirky characters, the reader is drawn into small town life with alls its up and downs. Sometimes the treasure we
find, isn’t what we were looking for. A ten on the faith scale.
A PASSION DENIED Daughters of Boston #3 By Julie Lessman ISBN
978-0-8007-3213-4 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
All Elizabeth O’Connor wants is for John Brady to love her as a
woman, not as the little girl he sees her being. She craves the romantic love she reads in novels and witnesses in the marriages
of her sisters and parents. Yet time after time, Brady pushes her away, claiming he’s unfit for the type of love she
wants. What deep dark secret does Brady have in his past that keeps him from returning Lizzie’s love?
She aims to find out, even if it puts their tenuous relationship in danger.
Then a stranger from Brady’s past shows up and woes Lizzie in the way she’s dreamed. Can Brady see what he’s
losing before it’s too late? Can he and Lizzie rely on their faith to strengthen and repair the damage?
Julie Lessman has done it again. A PASSION DENIED is more than just a
love story between Lizzie and Brady. It is also the continuation of the stories told in books one and two, adding in the fiery
romance of Lizzie’s parents. Although a ten on the faith scale, this book is red hot in the steamy department!
BLOOD BAYOU By Karen Young ISBN 978-1-4165-8757-7 Howard Books Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
Camille St. James champions the innocent that have been unjustly
imprisoned. Just when her uprogram “Truth Project” takes off, the man she succeeds in freeing is implicated in
a new murder case—a case that throw her into the path of her ex-husband Jack. Since the painful circumstances
surrounding their divorce, she has not spoken to him, but now they are forced to work together. She struggles to trust him,
viewing his claim of God’s transformation of his life with the same skepticism she holds toward God himself.
As they investigate the murder, both Camille’s livelihood and her
life are threatened. The stakes are high, and she cannot figure out who to trust. What will happen when her own strength and
expertise fail her?
A suspenseful read that will keep you flipping the pages until the end.
Faith element: medium
TEXAS HEAT Lone Star Intrigue By Debra White Smith ISBN 978-0-06-149316-4 Avon
Inspire Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When Charli returned to her hometown after a failed marriage, she had
no idea her former, and only real love, would end up arresting her for embezzling from the place she worked—a bank.
Police Chief Jack Mansfield isn't too happy about the situation either. It certainly doesn't put him back in her good graces,
or the graces of her precious little daughter. But if Charli didn't do the crime, who did?
So begins a journey of discovery for Charl and for Jack to find the truth.
But will they find it in time to save Charli's life?
A sweet, warm romance of suspense, faith and love with a set of characters
you aren't ready to let go once the story is wrapped up (very nicely and without gore). Good news.. You don't have to. This
series continues with the next Mansfield brother.
Faith element: low
THINGS LEFT UNSPOKEN By Eva Marie Everson ISBN 978-0-8007-3273-8 Revell
Fiction/Contemporary Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Jo-Lynn Hunter intentionally leaves her husband at home in Atlanta
when she travels to her favorite Uncle Jim’s funeral in Cottonwood. Her grandparents’ house, known affectionately
as the “big house,” has always been special to her. When its present owner Aunt Stella asks her to stay and refurbish
the mansion, she doesn’t have to deliberate. Having been left out of her husband’s meteoric climb up the social
ladder, she jumps at the chance to do something besides being a trophy wife. After all, interior design is what she does best.
The once booming farm town is gasping its last breath when a well-known
developer of historic towns tries to take on Cottonwood as its newest project. All but a few diehards agree it is a good thing.
Then the pranks begin—harmless at first, then deadly. Someone wants the project stopped, and Jo-Lynn is caught in the
crossfire.
Everson not only portrays a once prosperous small town well, but walks
you down its streets into its heart. You’ll find yourself rooting for Jo-Lynn’s family even when it looks like
the patriarchs were involved in unsavory activities, even murder. It is well-written, and a joy to read; a truly unique love
story. Faith level, low, but I highly recommend it.
THE KIDNAPPING OF KENZIE THORN By Liz Johnson ISBN 978-0-373-44348-2 Steeple
Hill Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Kenzie had no idea why she was drawn to, Myles, the newest inmate in
her prison educational program. But when he kidnaps her can she believe he did it to keep her safe? Can she believe he is
really an FBI agent sent to protect her? Why? Who would want to harm her?
So begins a journey of discovery, betrayal, disappointment, danger...and
love as Kenzie draws on her faith, stubbornness and common sense to unravel the mystery surrounding her kidnapping.
Well-developed characters and a mystery plot with enough twist and romance
to keep the reader turning pages. Vintage Steeple Hill and a nice introduction novel from author Liz Johnson.
A GIFT OF GRACE By Amy Clipston ISBN 978-0-310-28983-8 Zondervan
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Finally Rebecca has children. Why her sister made provision for her Amish
sister to raise her children should something happen didn't matter as much as the love Rebecca had to give her teenage nieces.
But while Lindsay fits into the Amish lifestyle, Jessica does not. In
fact, everything she does turns out wrong--especially when some in the community, including Rebecca's husband, are ready to
blame her for every misstep.
Will Rebecca find a way to mother her nieces and keep her marriage intact,
or is God's plan larger than Rebecca's determination to honor her sister's last wish? A story of forgiveness and hope.
This is the first of a series. Be interesting to see where the author
takes this story that explores the traditions of Old Order Amish, Mennonite and the modern world.
Faith element: medium
EXPOSURE By Brandilyn Collins ISBN 978-80310276432 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Kaycee was used to looking over her shoulder after a lifetime of living
with her paranoid mother. But her mother was gone and Kaycee's fears have taken on a life of their own. Only they aren't fears.
They are real, at least until the police arrive. Where is God when Kaycee's life spins out of control, when her fears impact
those she cares for?
Can Kaycee deal with her fears long enough to focus on finding the truth?
Will she finally trust the only One who can really help?
Two mysteries for the price of one and a twist that will shock even jaded
mystery readers. “Don't forget to breathe.”
Warning: Lock the doors before opening the book.
Faith element: low
ENDURING LOVE Sidney Cove #3 By Bonnie Leon ISBN 978-0-8007-3178-6 Revell
Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
John and Hannah Bradshaw want nothing more than to leave their past behind
and build a successful sheep ranch in Australia. Their family grows as they adopt a young boy. Love coats the four walls of
their home. Life is perfect. Then the unthinkable happens, and everything they hold dear is ripped away.
When John’s supposedly dead wife arrives in town and wants to rekindle
their marriage, Hannah turns to her faith to sustain her during this hardest of times, choosing to turn the other cheek instead
of retaliation. But rumors fly and she finds herself thrust into deception and danger. Can she do something that may drive
John away for good if it reveals an ugly truth?
ENDURING LOVE is a love story between a husband and wife. Strong in faith,
the story pulls the reader within the pages to cheer for John and Hannah. To cry with them when their world is shattered.
To laugh with them when joy arises. A ten on the faith scale.
GOLD OF KINGS By
Davis Bunn ISBN 978-1-4165-5631-2 Howard Books Reviewer Keith W Scheidies
Sean Syrrell
is murdered. His granddaughter, Storm, is determined to discover the legacy he left for her. Along the way, she comes in contact
with treasure hunter, Harry Bennett, released from prison due to Syrrell's influence, as well as the attorney hired by her
grandfather, Emma Webb. Webb offers important and useful connections to assist Storm in her quest..or does she?
If you are
a fan of the “National Treasure” and Indiana Jones' movies, you'll enjoy following the characters of GOLD OF KINGS
as they seek the treasure stolen from the Jerusalem Second Temple before it was destroyed.
Faith element:
medium
SAINTS IN LIMBO By River Jordon ISBN 978-0-307-44670-1 Waterbrook Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
On her birthday, Velma True receives a gift from a stranger.
Kept to her yard by strands of thread, she’s afraid of being pulled
from life. Yet, it seems as if her gift does exactly what she fights not to succumb to. She shares the experience with her
loved ones, not knowing they will all be thrust into a fight of good versus evil. The gift is not what it seems; sometimes
appearing more curse than blessing. When darkness threatens, the gift surprises Velma and her family with strengths they weren’t
aware they possessed.
SAINTS IN LIMBO is an allegory. Beneath its clever dialogue and lyrical
narrative lies a story of thankfulness. A masterfully hid message. A delightful surprise lies within the pages of River Jordan’s
novel. A page turner of suspenseful proportions. The faith element is subtle, but there. The reader needs only to look for
it. A five on the faith scale.
TURNING THE PAIGE By Laura Jensen Walker ISBN 978-0-310-27698-2 Zondervan
Reviewer Holly Wolfe
Paige Kelley is thirty-five and hanging on her mama's apron strings.
It’s about the only place she can hang, since her marriage broke up and she lost her job. It doesn’t matter that
those disasters happened primarily because of the manipulations of said mother; Paige just can’t turn off the guilt.
She’s a good Christian girl and wants to do right, but it’s a struggle to determine where obligation to her mother
ends and her own life begins.
The second installment in the Getaway Girls series, Turning the Paige,
is a light-hearted look at the relationships that drive us. Join Paige as she finds peace with who she is and where she fits.
It’s a story with touches of humor, romance, good friendship, and a tour of Scotland that’s worthy of a travel
guide.
The ending seemed a bit abrupt, but since it is part of a series, I’m
sure that the next book will contain more threads of Paige’s tale. A word of caution: reading Laura Jensen Walker’s
novel will create strong urges to form your own Getaway Girls group!
Faith element is medium.
WIND OF THE SPIRIT The American Patriot Series Book 3 By J. M.
Hochstetler ISBN 978-0-9797485-3-0 Sheaf House Reviewer Kristine Pratt
Timing is everything. Elizabeth Howard has built her life around being
in the right place at the right time. As a spy for General Washington during the Revolutionary War, she is used to relying
on herself – on her quick wits and cunning to stay one step ahead of the British forces.
Being in the right place at the right time has affected Colonel Jonathon
Carleton as well. He’s gone from prisoner of the Seneca to position as war chief of the Shawnee tribe under the name
of White Eagle. Being where he is now has enabled him to bring victory against the encroaching white settlers into Indian
lands.
For over a year these star-crossed lovers couldn’t have been further
apart. But now, with New York fallen to the British, General Washington needs his Colonel back, and Elizabeth is just the
one to take on the task. Only the timing couldn’t have been worse…they’ve been apart too long and are both
contemplating marriage…to someone else.
Can two such fiercely independent people accept that God’s timing
isn’t their own? Everything around them is changing and only by keeping their eyes on the One who never changes, can
the survive the coming storm and find that perhaps this time is theirs after all.
A dramatic and passionate story, WIND OF THE SPIRIT picks up where DAUGHTER
OF LIBERTY and NATIVE SON left off, though you don’t need to have read the rest of the series to follow the action.
(But trust me, after reading this, you’re going to want to read the books that came before!) With action and lots of
enthusiasm J. M. Hochstetler weaves a tale that will take you so vividly back to the Revolutionary War that you’ll feel
you’re right there in the midst of the action. With a clear message about God’s faithfulness, this book will leave
you wanting more, eagerly anticipating the next volume in the series.
Faith Element Medium
THREE TIMES BLESSED By Lori Copeland ISBN 978-0-06-136493-8 Avon Inspire Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
In this second book of the Belles of Timber
Creek, Audrey and Copper return to Timber Creek. Both have been offered teaching jobs in nearby towns. But Audrey's position
has disappeared before she arrived. Now she's dependent on her friend Willow. When rain that refuses to let up deluges the
town and a strange illness hits a wagon train stopped nearby due to the rain, Audrey and her friends must find a way to survive
as they reach out to those needing their help.
Will the man who holds Audrey's heart, be able
to move beyond his pain to find in Audrey a true helpmate?
As always, Copeland is excellent at setting
the scene and drawing the reader deeper into the lives of her characters. Her stories make us cheer on the heroines as they
overcome enormous odds, doing so with grit, humor and faith.
As I reached the last page I looked on for the
next chapter only to find author's notes instead. What! This book ended quietly, leaving me blinking back to reality unfocused
and a bit confused at the ending or lack thereof.
Not necessarily a bad thing. It does mean that
this is a series you'll want to get from beginning to end so you can continue the story of Willow, Audrey and Copper.
Want the next book--NOW--to find out how the
story ends!
Faith element: low to medium
ROSE HOUSE By Tina Ann Forkner ISBN 978-1-4000-7359-7 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Holly Wolfe
After suffering a devastating loss, Lillian Diamon empties her grief
into the soothing gardens of a house covered with roses. This cottage, set in the lush California wine country, sparks a ray
of hope and ignites a mystery. On a return visit, Lillian discovers an anonymous painting in a local gallery that captured
her private moment of anguish in amazing detail. Her quest to discover the artist that invaded her privacy weaves like a garden
path; like gorgeous blooms, there’s beauty in the sense of healing and in the budding love story, but like thorns amidst
the roses, there’s pain in the secrets and the heart-breaking betrayals.
In Rose House, Tina Ann Forkner paints a multi-layered picture that is
so rich in texture and detail that you are there. From vivid scenery to intense emotion, you live the story with Lillian.
Grief, betrayal, lies and secrets give way to forgiveness, healing, hope and love; and all in a rich atmosphere that will
make you consider the Sonoma Valley for your next vacation.
Faith element: medium.
DEADLY CHARM An Amanda Bell Brown Mystery By Claudia Mair Burney ISBN 978-1-4165-5195-9 Howard Books. Reviewer:
Kristine Pratt
It isn’t a sin to be charming, but what that man does with that
charm is another matter entirely…
Amanda Bell Brown is way to canny to buy into the fallen preacher’s
persona…there’s no way that sweet talker can be the voice of God. Especially when he keeps insisting that she’s
pregnant, something she KNOWS can’t possibly have happened to her.
But when Ezekiel Thunder’s child drowns, Bell is positive that
it was no accident. The problem is she needs a little help from her estranged husband Jazz and her best friend (the very reason
for that estrangement), Rocky. There’s no way this sort of teamwork can possibly work, well not unless God steps in
and brings the truth to Llght. Hopefully before anyone gets hurt this time around.
In this exciting page-turner I met Bell and Jazz for the first time,
though this is their third book together. You don’t need to read the other books to immediately get a sense for these
characters and their remarkable chemistry. I ran the gamut on emotions as I devoured this mystery, going from laughter to
tears in the space of pages. And when the mystery came to a satisfying (and no, you won’t see this one coming) conclusion,
I hope you’ll do what I did and run out to get the other books by Claudia Mair Burney. You won’t regret it!
Faith element: Medium
THE RELUCTANT COWGIRL A McCord Sister Romance By
Christine Lynxwiler Barbour Publishing ISBN 978-1-60260-150-5 Reviewer Kristine Pratt
When do you let go of a dream? And when do you
hang on?
When Crystal’s twin sister dies, Crystal
throws everything she has into making their dream of being on Broadway a reality. But when everything comes tumbling down.
Crystal runs back home to her family’s Arkansas ranch. After all, her parents need her help to run the place. But it’ll
take more than her acting skills to keep her composure when handsome neighbor Jeremy Buchanan shows up.
Jeremy’s had some dreams of his own. But
wealth and the ranch he’s planned for his entire life mean nothing now that his precious daughter is gone. It’s
time to rebuild those dreams. Will that mean a family that might someday include Crystal? As things seem to come together
for Jeremy, Chrystal is forced into a decision. Has she been living her dream or her sister’s? And is it OK to leave
behind a dream that was never hers to begin with?
Drama abounds in this contemporary romance.
While it explores characters so realistic they come right off the page, questions are raised that stick with the reader long
after the last page is read. What is the importance of following your dream? And where does God’s leading figure into
all this? I highly recommend read about a family you wish you could call your own.
Faith Element: Medium
JULLIAN DARE Modern Retelling of Jane Eyre By Melanie M Jeschke ISBN 978-0-8007-3316-2 Revell Reviewer Carolyn
R Scheidies
Julian couldn't wait to take on the job of nanny for a precious little
girl. What she hadn't figured on was her response to Cadence's father Ethan. But when she begins receiving threatening emails
and worse, Julian begins a journey of fear and romance that tests her commitment not only to Ethan and Cadence but also to
her faith. Will her decisions lead to healing and hope or total despair?
This could well be the book Bronte would have written today. A sweet
romance that leaves the reader with a sigh of contentment and a desire to read Bronte's classic.
Faith element: Medium
BELOVED COUNTERFEIT Fairweather Key #3 By Kathleen Y'Barbo ISBN 978-1-60260-342-4 Barbour Publishing Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Ruby found grace and acceptance for she and her nieces on Fairweather
Kay, but then, her new friends didn't know who she'd been, didn't know her “daughters” were really the children
of a notorious pirate, and didn't know danger still lurked. But when Micah stormed her heart and wouldn't take no for an answer,
Ruby finds love. But will that love last when her past catches up to her? Is forgiveness for real? And is Micah different
from the men in her past who've merely amused and abused her for their pleasure?
I must admit to some frustration with this third in the series, especially
at the end, after everything, Micah still didn't allow Ruby to fully explain. In not doing so, leaves Ruby without the support
she needed at that time. By the end, I would have thought they would both have figured out full disclosure brings healing
and help. That said, the characters had depth, the plot carried the reader forward and, even though I wanted, alternately,
to slap the hero and heroine silly, I also didn't want to put the book down.
A story of brokenness, forgiveness, healing ...and love.
Faith element: medium to high
JOURNEY TO THE WELL By Diana Wallis Taylor ISBN 978-0-8007-3309-4 Revell Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Without
explanation, fourteen-year-old Marah is sent to Jacob's well by her only living relative, Aunt Reba. Carrying her jar out
of town, she daydreams about the day she can marry her poor friend Jesse, but when she returns she finds herself engaged to
an older craftsman, and her petulant aunt considerably richer. Less than a year later, she is the mother of a stillborn son,
and a widow to husband number one.
Her mother-in-law's grief is so unbearable her mind snaps, so Marah nurses
Athalia through her dementia. But in one of her lucid moments, Athalia makes Marah and her younger son promise to marry in
order to carry on her first son’s name. Before the marriage takes place, husband number two hands her a bill of divorcement
and skips town before the high priest can stone him for his preferred lifestyle.
So goes Mara’s, life,
husband after husband. Until she meets someone at Jacob’s well. If you like biblical fiction, you will love this true-to-the-times
account of the woman at the well, and the miraculous outcome of Christ’s visit to this Samaritan town.
VEILED FREEDOM By J M Windle ISBN 978-1-4143-1475-4 Tyndale House Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
When Amy Mallory, a teenage Sunday School teacher, and her class send
a picture, a letter, and a small New Testament to a soldier heading for Afghanistan in 2001, it will have far-reaching effects.
Her dream is to go there some day and make a difference, like the soldier is doing, but she is only sixteen, so for the time
being, she must stick to praying for him.
Steve Wilson thinks they are setting the country free from tyranny, but
he soon finds out the new rulers are not much better than the Taliban.
Eight years later he returns to Afghanistan, this time as head of a private
security group commissioned to protect to these same rulers. The same day, he rescues the grown-up version of that Sunday
School teacher (whose picture he has kept) as she tries to help a small child after a suicide bombing. "You!" they both say
at the same time.
Although I felt uncomfortable being moved out of my American comfort
zone into the real Afghanistan, I grew to love Amy and the women and children she rescues. And I began to understand the real
situations that exist in this foreign land. It will definitely change the way I pray for these people. This book is so well
written, I cannot recommend it highly enough. The gospel is clearly lived, and shared. One person really can make a difference.
A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE By Robin Lee Hatcher ISBN 978-616-698-3331
(Check ISBN #) Zondervan Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
A new century. A new type of woman, one not afraid to stand on her own.
But even Gwen hesitates when her sister encourages her to run for Mayor of the small Idaho town. When Gwen realizes the only
other choice is a drunk, she files, only to discover the wealthy owner of the spa being built has also filed.
Will these two stop fighting one another long enough to recognize the
real danger from someone who seeks to destroy them if he can't control them?
A story of faith, love and romance with a hint of suspense. Vintage Hatcher
with solid characters and a writing style that draws the reader back in time and into the story. A book to read with a hot
drink and a comfortable chair.
Faith Element: low to medium
BREATHE By Lisa T Bergren ISBN 978-1-4347-6708-0 David C Cook Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Odessa just needs to make it to Colorado Springs from her home on the
East Coast. The sanatorium to which her father sends her offers she and her siblings hope she might actually live to see another
day. And the treatment works. Odessa makes friends as she begins the long journey to health, friends that give her incentive
to keep fighting the consumption.
While her brother and sister set up the bookshop in town and get acquainted
with some interesting characters, Odessa is trying to stay alive and not just because of the illness that keeps seeking to
drag her down. For things aren't quite what they appear at her sanctuary. Events around her spiral out of control when she
loses a new friend who just may not have had a natural end. But can Odessa and her friend Bryce find the truth before they
are laid low, not from the illness that brought them to the sanatorium, but from another sinister force all together?
An intriguing romance mystery set in the wild and beautiful historical
mountains of Colorado.
Faith Element: low to medium
CANDY-COATED SECRETS A Summer Meadows Mystery #2 By Cynthia Hickey ISBN
978-1-60260-185-7 Barbour Publishing: Heartsong Presents Mystery Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Summer didn't mean to be pulled into a mystery, but then a circus crashes
in front of her house. How can she say no when asked to walk Ginger the elephant to the fair grounds? Who knew that once on
the grounds, she'd run headlong into a murder?
When the murderer turns attention to Summer, how can she not try to solve
the mystery? But will she do so before those she loves and who seek to keep her safe are touched by the danger as well?
A fast-paced, fun romp with an eccentric cast of characters and a disaster-prone
heroine who nevertheless manages to put the pieces of the puzzle together. In doing so, she learns to let go a secret guilt
she's been carrying for years and to trust her Savior not only for her salvation, but also for safety.
Faith element: medium+
THE PASSION OF MARY-MARGARET By Lisa Samson Thomas Nelson ISBN
978-1-59554-2113 Reviewer Kristine Pratt
Mary-Margaret loved God with all her heart, and set up her life to follow
only Him. Then He asked her to do the impossible.
When Mary-Margaret met Jude Keller she was just a child. But even at
that tender age, and even with a certain awareness blossoming between her and the handsome rebel, she knew she was destined
to be Jesus’ bride, not man’s. Then on the eve of taking her final vows to become a nun, God tells her very clearly,
no. Instead he wants her to marry Jude.
What is the true cost of obedience? Mary-Margaret finds that out
as she lays it all on the line – reputation, profession, even her life –for the man that the world has written
off.
A thought provoking and delicious read, Lisa brings you a story with
such depth and emotion that you can’t help but be pulled along as Mary-Margaret looks back over her life. You will never
look at what it means to live your faith the same way again. Nor will you forget quickly the characters, who jump off the
page to become both friend and mentor. I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Faith content: Moderate to high.
MISS MATCH An Allie Fortune Mystery By Sara Mills ISBN 978-0-8024-6927-4 Moody
Publishers Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
MISS MATCH delves back into the life of Allie Fortune, the only female
private investigator in 1947 New York City. Regrets over her long-missing fiancé still haunt her, and she strives to uncover
any information that might reunite them—with no success. At the same time, she juggles a busy caseload.
Jack, an FBI agent who worked with Allie in a previous case, receives
a mysterious message from his former girlfriend in East Berlin, pleading for his help. He and Allie push everything aside
to solve this new case. The cost is high for both Allie and Jack as they fall into new adventures, these ones inextricably
linked to their pasts. They face difficult decisions about when to embrace the past and when to let go.
Mystery, suspense, and touches of romance combine to provide a satisfying
story. The cliff-hanger ending will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel.
Faith element: medium
ENDURING JUSTICE Defender of Hope Series #3 By Amy Wallace ISBN
978-1-60142-014-5 Multnomah Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Hanna ran away when the walls protecting her hurtful past crumbled. Now
she's back trying to pick up the pieces of her life, but how can she when her past crashes into the case her brother and the
man who has captured her heart is trying to solve? Can she tell them the truth and find healing or will it crush them all?
Can faith sustain them when evil seems to triumph?
The author digs deep into the minds and hearts of the reader, forcing
us to face our own fears and prejudices, forcing us to choose faith and healing or anger, bitterness and walls.
ENDURING JUSTICE offers characters of richness and depth, suspense that
curls the stomach and a story that propels the reader to turn the next page and the next.
Faith element: medium, but very integral to the lives of the characters.
YESTERDAY'S EMBERS A Clayburn Novel By Deborah Raney ISBN 978-1-4165-9309-6 Howard Books. Reviewer Carolyn
R Scheidies
Mickey loved her daycare kids, but longed for a husband and a family
of her own. When Douglas loses his wife and youngest child, he is lost dealing with his pain--and his five remaining children.
When the two are thrown together, Mickey thinks she's found love and
her purpose, along with a family. Douglas has found an answer for his pain--or has he?
Marriage seems the answer for two people in love until reality, children
still struggling with loss, and the past intrudes. Can Douglas and Mickey find the true key to healing and love?
There were times during this read I really identified with the oldest
daughter and times I was furious with Douglas, even as I groaned for Mickey. The story was engaging and so, sadly, true-to-life.
Raney's books are seldom "light" reading. She has a way of digging beneath
the surface, shredding emotions, then putting the reader, and her characters, back together again stronger, at peace and on
a solid foundation of faith. A good read.
Recommended reading for those who've recently lost a spouse and for those
longing to find that Mr. Right.
A GIFT OF GRACE Amy Chipston ISBN 978-0-310-28983-8 Zondervan Fiction/Christian/General Reviewer:
Elisabeth H. Bantz
Rebecca "Becky" Kauffman, who has remained childless through fifteen years of marriage, believes
her prayers are answered when she is awarded custody of her two nieces after her "English" sister and brother-in-law are killed
in a car accident in Virginia.
Fourteen-year-old Lindsay fits right in with her Pennsylvania Amish relatives,
but sixteen-year-old Jessica balks from the start. Their sudden presence is causing a strain on Becky’s marriage. And
the community gossip-mongers could just prove to be the last straw.
A moving story worth reading, I recommend this Amish tale. It demonstrates
the flaws of both the "English" way of life, and the Amish traditions, using scripture as the sword that both cuts and heals.
KATT'S IN THE CRADLE Secrets From Lulu's Cafe By Ginger Kolbaba & Christy Scannell ISBN 978-1-4165-4389-3 Howard
Books Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Felicia, Mimi, Lisa, and Jennifer regularly meet at Lulu’s Café,
looking for support and encouragement in their challenging roles as pastors’ wives. As if being a pastor’s wife
isn’t hard enough, their families are in turmoil.
Felicia is caught in a family feud, and faces a difficult decision on
whether or not to have another child. Mimi’s live-in alcoholic father puts a major strain on their family with his trouble-making
behavior. Lisa’s church teeters on the verge of a split, and her mother—another pastor’s wife—gives
her no support through her trials. Jennifer is followed around town by a stalker, and her mother hides important secrets from
her. While each woman struggles with unique issues, their problems all center on family and church life, particularly the
difficulty of relating properly to your parents as an adult. They must grow in faith, or be defeated by their problems.
Following four women means less time to connect with each one, but their
struggles to balance family life and the expectations of others will make them easy to identify with for many women. A relational
novel that delves into the very real struggles of life.
Faith element: medium
A LOVE TO LAST FOREVER Brides of Gallatin County Book Two By Tracie
Peterson ISBN 978-0-7642-0149-3 Bethany House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Beth Gallatin is so happy not to be moving from place to place. Since
her father's death, she and her sisters have settled in to running the stage stop in a small town in the Montana frontier.
But while she longs to stay put and never move again, her heart longs for love...and not the kind found next door at the saloon.
Beth hardly knows where to turn when her younger sister grows tired of
waiting for the law to find their father's killer, when events next door prompt them into unwise actions and when evil seems
to be closing in on all sides. With an uncertain future, will Beth reach for the truest love of all? Or will circumstances
and her own scarred heart keep her from hearing that still small voice?
There is something about Tracie's writing style that sooths away my tension
even as it engages my mind and heart. In this second of the series, we come face to face with guilt and pasts we must let
go. A wonderful story of faith and love with an memorable set of characters. I can't wait for the next in the series.
Another winner from Tracie.
DECEIVED By James Scott Bell ISBN 978-0-310-26904-5 Zondervan Reviewer
Holly Wolfe
Rocky, short for Roxanne, is a sharp freelance insurance investigator.
When her brother, Arty, is accidentally killed in a hike through the local canyons, her deception antennae broadcast full
alert. Her sister-in-law, Liz, swears it was an accident and dons her weeping widow robes, going so far as to make a dramatic
conversion to Christianity even before her husband’s funeral.
Arty’s friend Mac is a Gulf War vet who's just released from prison,
but his Christianity is rock solid. He joins Rocky on the quest to sort truth from lies. Will he discover that Liz is really
a new sister in Christ or a spider spinning her web?
DECEIVED is a satisfying read for suspense lovers and for those who like
faith integrated into the character’s personalities and not preached from a mountaintop. Mix in missing diamonds, a
couple of murders, an abusive boyfriend, and an obnoxious parole agent and you’ll see there’s nothing deceptive
about James Scott Bell’s ability to write a page-turning thriller… and the twist at the end is like an unexpected
gourmet dessert after a fine meal. Grab a copy and dig in.
THE DESIRES OF HER HEART Texas Star of Destiny By Lyn Cote ISBN
978-0-06-137341-1 Avon Inspire Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Dorritt Mott wants to be free. Free of the restrictions regarding a woman
of influence in New Orleans, free from the demanding hand of her stepfather, and free from the expectations that she marry
a man she doesn’t love. When circumstances force her and her family to leave New Orleans and head to Texas to claim
land, Dorritt despairs of ever winning her heart’s desire. Why must a woman’s fate always rest on a man’s
shoulders? When will God give Dorritt the desire of her heart?
Then she meets Quinn, a handsome, half-Cherokee who knows the wilds of
Texas like the back of his hand. To complicate matters further, another man declares his love for Dorritt. When she is kidnapped,
both men band together to save her. Who’s love will she accept?
THE DESIRES OF HER HEART is a splendid historical romance full of rich
detail, and a gritty heroine. Lynn Cote shows us that sometimes our desires are not the Lord’s. A great read. High on
the faith scale.
THE SOMEDAY LIST Jubilant Soul #1 By Stacy Hawkins Adams ISBN
978-0-8007-3266-0 Revell Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Engaging from start to finish.
Rachelle
and Gabe, both doctors, have two daughters who are being sent to grandparents in Philadelphia, while he prepares to go to
a conference in New York, and she plans to visit a drying college friend in California . But even before they return to their
palatial home from seeing their daughters off at the Houston Airport, we know that something is very wrong in their marriage.
Although
Rachelle appears to be living the all-American dream, with all its trappings, inside she is dying for love. And a purpose.
And direction.
It did take me a while to realize that the man Rachelle eloped with in the prologue, is not the
man she is now married to---and can't wait to get away from, but I was drawn into the drama nevertheless. Skillfully revealed
in gradual increments, the story unfolds to a dramatic conclusion, and is well worth the trip. High spiritual content.
A LEVER LONG ENOUGH Amy Deardon ISBN: 978-0-9808997-2-5 Taegals
Publishing Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
This action packed sci-fi thriller never lets up. An amazing debut
for Deardon.
In order to thwart the enlarging growth of Christians threatening Israel's
existence, Benjamin Feinan is heading an Israeli team of four who will travel in the time machine back to Christ's crucifixion
and video the stealing of his body from the tomb.
When a bomb planted by a mole trying to stop FlashBack fails to stop
the mission, a dropped detonator fuse in the pod succeeds in altering the exact time when they arrive. After that, everything
that can go wrong does go wrong, and they have to leave one of the crew behind.
The action is so intense at times I had to take a breather before I could
continue. A good case substantiating the resurrection of Jesus is made by the author, a former skeptic. You'll love the surprise
ending.
MICHAL The Wives of King David #1 By Jill Eileen Smith ISBN
978-0-8007-3320-9 Bethany House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Michal fell in love with the shepherd lad who killed the giant, saved
her country and was able to soothe her father, King Saul, when madness descended. She loved the idea of being queen when David
took the throne. What she couldn't do was force David to conform to her expectations or keep her life from falling apart.
Will she ever recognize the problem of her own heart?
A book that takes the story of Michal and David and brings it to life.
The writing draws us into to this age-old story as it draws us into examining our own walk with God. The narrative stays fairly
close to the Biblical account, though the ending takes some poetic license to wrap up the story.
Biblical fiction is not my first or second choice of reading material,
but I found this book captured and held my attention. A good start for a new series.
Faith element: medium
AGAINST ALL ODDS Heroes of Quantico By Irene Hannon ISBN 978-0-8007-3310-0 Revell
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
He was one of the best of the best of agents and He didn't like babysitting
jobs. But when terrorists threaten the daughter of a high-profile diplomat, he has no choice. What he didn't figure on was
how dangerously the assignments would be not only for Monica, but also for his heart.
But can he and his team protect her from an enemy they can't even find
and will Monica's faith prove the best protection of all?
Mystery-suspense that makes you hang on for the ride. This book has well
developed characters and a nice balance of plot and character, mystery and romance.
Faith is an understated but vital element that centers the book.
This is a winner. For me that usually means I'll just have to read it
again. I want to see more from this author.
AGE BEFORE BEAUTY Sister-to-Sister #2 By Virginia Smith ISBN
978-0-8007-3233-2 Revell Reviewer Cassie Scheidies
The second in the series of three sister-to-sister books
focuses on Allie Harrod. An independent career woman, Allie never thought that she would desire to be a stay at home mom.
When she decides to stay at home to raise their child, she still plans to contribute to the family income.
Unfortunately, this results in a makeup selling scheme that puts more
money on her credit card than in the bank. How is she ever going to tell her husband?
AGE BEFORE BEAUTY is an
amusing read that involves charming characters and antics. I read this book quickly and excitedly. In a world where things
aren't always the easiest, it's fun to read a book that does nothing but bring a smile to my face.
Faith element: very low
LOVE TO WATER MY SOUL By Jane Kirkpatrick ISBN 089-1-59052-949-2 Multnomah
Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Asiam’s earliest memory is of a wagon train disappearing in the
distance, her family inside, unaware that they left their young daughter behind. Picked up by Indians, Asiam must serve her
captors, scuttled from place to place, never belonging to anyone. She yearns for the day when she might find her “place
of belonging” and enjoy the affectionate care of a family, perhaps even the family she lost. But just when it seems
she might find acceptance, she suffers the most grievous loss of all.
In the midst of repeated heartbreak, the thirst Asiam has for steadfast
love only increases. She must embrace the God who can satisfy her deepest longings, or be consumed by her pain.
A well-crafted, engaging novel that will satisfy historical fans.
A PROMISE FOR SPRING By Kim Vogel Sawyer ISBN 978-0-7642-0507-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Kristine Pratt
Does absence truly make the heart grow fonder?
Five years have passed since Emmaline Bradford has seen her intended.
Now that it’s 1874 things have changed. Her love, Geoffrey Garrett has gone from 'English Gentleman' to 'Sheep Farmer
on the Kansas Prairie.' The problem is, she hasn’t heard from him once in all that time, so when she arrives to marry
him, she has no idea what to expect at all. Nor does the refined Englishwoman have any idea how to survive rough prairie life.
Geoffrey is confused as well. Didn’t forever mean anything to Emmaline?
Sadly, in five year's time, her love for him seems to have faded completely. But this is only the beginning. Since Emmaline’s arrival
at the ranch, one thing after another has gone wrong, from a plague of grasshoppers to fire which destroys the barn, to illness
and snakebite. Is it possible for one person person to be bad luck?
How can two people find their way back to each other under such circumstances?
While one turns to God…the other turns away. And come Spring, Emmaline intends to return to England – alone.
Time is running out and one of them is running away. Only God can turn this right again.
An exciting and fast paced read, A PROMISE FOR SPRING is a book I thoroughly
enjoyed and was genuinely sorry to see end. Highly recommended for all who love historicals!
Faith Element: Medium
OUTLAW MARSHALL Return of the Stranger, Book 1 Al & Joanna
Lacy ISBN 978-1-60142-054-1 Multnomah
Reviewer Kristine Pratt
It’s 1887 and Chief U.S. Marshall John Brockman is on the job.
As he pursues the outlaws throughout Colorado and Kansas, again and again his face as recognized. For not only is he the Marshall,
but he holds a mysterious past, that of The Stranger.
As he goes from one chase to the next we meet a career criminal, Whip
Langford. Caught after a bit of horse thieving, Whip is headed for prison. But John doesn’t want to lock him up so much
as offer him freedom – the only true freedom of being a redeemed child of Christ.
Will Whip accept salvation before the hangman’s noose cuts his
life short? Time is running out and John has a long trail to ride.
An exciting and fast paced read, you don’t need to know the Lacy’s
or the Stranger to know what’s going on in this story. If you have stumbled across any of their other 30 odd books,
you’ll know what you’re in for – a strong salvation message wrapped around all the action and grit that
the Old West has to offer. I look forward to seeing what happens next to John in future books.
Faith element: High
DAISY CHAIN Defiance Texas Trilogy By Mary E. DeMuth ISBN: 978-0-310-27836-8 Zondervan Reviewer
Holly Wolfe
It's 1977 and fourteen-year-old Jed's best friend Daisy goes missing. Convinced it's his fault she's
gone, guilt and failure haunt him on his quest to find her. Combined with his need to protect his mama and his little sister
from an angry father, Daisy's disappearance jolts Jed onto a new path in life.
He struggles to become a man of grace and empathy in a confusing world
where even the 'best' Christians aren't perfect. In the end, he realizes that he must make his own choices. Is he doomed to
accept the burden of guilt and anger, or can he choose the infinite hope of love and redemption?
Daisy Chain
is steeped in a faith that permeates every sentence and paragraph, yet there's no hint of preaching. Just a lot of ideas and
truths that will percolate through your soul for days to come. At its center is the deep, abiding love of Jesus, vividly portrayed
in the memorable characters of Hixon and Muriel. Like a thick quilt on a cool night, Mary DeMuth wraps you in this unforgettable
story of pure southern charm.
Her talent for weaving words mixes heartbreak and hope into such an intricate
pattern that you hardly realize where one ends and the other begins. Find a wide porch with an old swing and let this book
transport you to another time and place.
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES By Marlo Schalesky ISBN 978-1-60142-024-4 Multnomah
Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
All Kinna Henly wants is a baby. All her husband Jimmy ever wanted was
to be her hero. Since the days of their childhood, when he was her knight in shining armor and taught Kinna to be a princess,
he’s only wanted to make her happy. Give her a fairy tale life.
Kinna will do anything to achieve her goal while Jimmy hides in the shadows
of her obsession. When Kinna meets a strange woman named Thea in the very spot she played with Jimmy as a child, none of their
lives will ever be the same.
It takes a series of catastrophes before Kinna sits back and realizes
her dream may not be God’s will. Her treasure may already be right in front of her.
Marlo Schalesky has written a story of hope, dreams, love, and coming
back to the Father who waits with open arms. Once again, Marlo has crafted a story that will stay with the reader long after
the last page is turned. A strong faith message of waiting on God’s will.
A SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL By Jane Kirkpatrick ISBN 978-1-59052-950-8 Multnomah Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
After a tragedy that impacts her entire family, young Jane Herbert bears
the weight of her misplaced guilt and her parents’ disapproval. She dreams of love and a future free from the pain that
plagues her, dreams that are mocked by her mother.
When her father arranges a marriage for her, she chooses instead to wed
an older man she barely knows. She finds in Joseph the unconditional love she craves, but will their love endure the harshness
of frontier life, the death of some dreams, and the price paid to see others come to pass?
The story of Jane and Joseph centers on dreams, the grief of dreams that
fail to come to pass in the desired way, and the sweet joy of dreams that are fulfilled through perseverance and God’s
grace.
A sweeping historical saga based on the lives of real people that captures
the feel of 19th century Oregon. Readers of historical fiction will find A SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL a compelling tale.
Faith element: medium
NO PLACE FOR A LADY Heart of the West #1 By Maggie Brendon ISBN
978-0-8007-3335-3 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Crystal Clark, spoiled, beautiful, southern belle must head to the high
country after her father’s death. She sells her belongings and moves to Colorado to live with her aunt. She immediately
becomes the focus of the ranch’s cowboys. Including the handsome foreman, Luke. The two clash horns every time they’re
in the same room together.
When tragedy strikes, Crystal must show she has a spine of steel as she
takes over running the ranch, even going so far as to ride along on a cattle drive. But things are not as they seem and Crystal
is in danger of being homeless once again.
NO PLACE FOR A LADY is an enjoyable read full of Colorado’s beauty,
romantic tension, and humor as the cowboys vie for Crystal’s attention. Mid-range on the faith scale, God’s message
still comes through. One of inner strength and love.
THE EDGE OF LIGHT At Home in Beldon Grove By Ann Shorey ISBN
978-0-8007-3330-8 Revell Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
The unthinkable happens and Molly McGarvie is left to begin a new life
with her children. She packs up the belongings dear to her and heads away from her home, only to face another tragedy. When
those around her believe Molly is losing her mind, she must convince them that she is capable of making a life for herself
and her children, while forgiving the man responsible for her heartache. While she struggles with forgiveness, she must admit
to a growing love for the same man who unwittingly wounded her.
THE EDGE OF LIGHT is an enjoyable historical romance of love, strength,
and forgiveness. Rich with detail and emotion, this story also injects humor in the form of young men with a crush on the
beautiful young widow. For historical romance fans, this book is a must. High on the faith scale without being preachy. Readers
will eagerly look forward to Ann Shorey’s next book.
GINGHAM MOUNTAIN By Mary Connealy ISBN 978-1-60260-141-3 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Grant understood what it was to be an unwanted orphan. He dedicated his
life to rescuing orphans no one else would take. He was the last chance for some orphans sent west on the Orphan Train.
But this time, when Grant took the belligerent Charlie and the little
girl Libby, who limped and refused to speak, he had no idea he'd be dealing with Hannah, who arrived on the same train and
looked little better than the orphans.
He had no idea the same Hannah, the new school teacher, had very bad
experiences as an orphan herself and feared for the safety of his orphans. The two mixed like oil and water until they had
to deal not only with the past, but also a present causing havoc and worse. Will truth set them free to love one another?
Another fun historical romance from Connealy with clueless but good-hearted
cowboys, and feisty, determined heroines. A read that leaves a smile.
Faith Element: low to medium
WHEN LOVE BLOOMS By Robin Lee Hatcher ISBN 978-0-310-25928-2 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Emily returned to her home in Idaho to nurse her sister. But once her
sister was able to once more take care of her family, Emily felt at loose ends, not wanting to return East but not sure what
she did want—until she read an ad for a governess.
Though Gavin let her know he thought she couldn't handle the job of governess
on a lonely, lowly ranch, his wife Dru won the day. Emily begins a journey of self-discovery that leads her into dangerous
waters of love and romance—and more complications than any virtuous woman should have to deal with. As both Emily and
Gavin discover, though people make mistakes in trying to shape the future, God is still at work bringing about His perfect
will—if we let Him.
I struggled with the plot somewhat, having in my head a movie with a
similar but much less virtuous outcome. Hatcher manages to stay within the confines of good taste and, in a complicated situation,
further highlights the positive characters and actions of both heroine and hero. The characters have depth, the plot intrigues
and Hatcher's writing, as usual, pulls the reader into the story and holds attention. An intriguing read.
Faith element: Low to Medium
SWEETWATER GAP By Denise Hunter ISBN 089-1-59554-259-5 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Josie Mitchell carries a weight of guilt so heavy it’s kept her
from going home. Until she needs to help with the family’s apple orchard in order to keep her pregnant sister from working
too hard. Though keeping a secret that could cost her life, Josie heads home determined to stay only during harvest.
Grady Mackenzie, foreman of the orchard resents Josie’s arrival,
thinking the girl is all city and a waste of time. Despite his initial feelings, he begins to fall for her, even after finding
out her horrible secret.
Can going home again save Josie’s life and give her a renewed purpose
of living?
Denise Hunter has done it again. SWEETWATER GAP is a story of self-forgiveness,
sacrifice, and love. A ten on the faith scale, I recommend this story to anyone who holds a secret, harbors guilt, or loves
a sibling.
DOUBLE MINDS By Teri Blackstock ISBN 978-0-310-25063-0 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
All Parker wanted to do was serve God and make it in the music business.
She already wrote hit songs for her friend, a rising star. She gains studio time by working as a receptionist for the studio.
But when a young intern is murdered at her desk, Parker and her family must untangle the multi-strand threads of deception,
secrets and cover-ups before any one else is killed—including Parker herself. Will her commitment to her faith hold
strong against those who want her to compromise her music; will it matter when the murderer turns in her direction and the
cops have it all wrong?
A look into the sometimes seamy side of the music business—even
Christian music where business often trumps the gospel message and not everyone lives their public persona. The mystery draws
the reader into a world of music, danger, ...and murder.
The mystery is nicely wrapped up. However, since this is a one shot book,
I would have liked more of an epilogue on the main characters. But that's me. The story ends as it begins, in worship. Not
a bad ending.
So... Grab a hot chocolate (tea/coffee), get warm, lock the doors...and
read.
CRY IN THE NIGHT Rock Harbor Series By Colleen Coble ISBN
978-1-5955-4248-9 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
She'd lost her first husband. She almost lost her son. Now with a new
marriage and her son restored to her, Bree longs for a baby. Her prayer isn't answered until she and her search dog Samson
find a baby in the snow. While she falls in love with the newborn, her life spins out of control when she searches for the
baby's mother. When murder enters the picture, her son is once more in danger and maybe even her marriage, Bree begins to
question even her sanity. For the sake of all she holds dear, Bree must find the truth. But will the truth destroy everyone
she loves?
The well-constructed plot the entangles all the characters, forcing them
to face the worst and the best in themselves and others. A mystery that tugs at the heartstrings of all we hold dear—faith,
family and love. This return to Rock Harbor is well worth the visit.
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE America the Beautiful Series #2 By Laura
Hayden ISBN 978-1-4143-18940-7 Tyndale House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Emily has won the White house and Kate is ready to step up as Chief of
Staff. But she does so with hesitation. Has she learned Emily's secrets or has what she's discovered only been the tip of
the problem? Add in Emily's ex and the whole mix gets dicey. Can Kate continue to be faithful to both her president and her
faith?
A story that is frightening in revealing the reaches of power, the extent
some with go to cover up wrong doing, and how choices may mean life or death politically, spiritually, and physically. A perfect
sequel to AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL.
Waiting for the next book.
PAPER ROSES Texas Dreams #1 By Amanda Cabot ISBN 978-0-8007-3330-8 Revell Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Sarah left behind her shattered life in the East hoping for a new start
as a mail order bride. Trouble is, when she arrives in San Antonio she discovers her proposed groom is dead—murdered
and his brother Clay has vowed to do whatever it takes to bring the murderer to justice.
Clay is sure Sarah will give up, take her little sister and go back East.
But he doesn't realize Sarah has no reason to return and every reason to stay. Will Sarah and Clay be able to move beyond
their hurt, pain and bitterness to rediscover their faith as well as the future God intended all along?
Solid characters, nicely packaged mystery, romance plot and a joy to
read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Faith element: Medium
DANIEL’S DEN By Brandt Dodson ISBN 978-0-7369-2477-1 Harvest
House Publishers Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Daniel Borden left a troubled, poverty-stricken childhood determined
never to know lack again. Relying on his own strength and intelligence, he builds a successful life for himself as an accountant.
His job gives him the financial stability, security, and respect he craves, until he uncovers information about corruption
within the company’s biggest accounts. Uncertain where to turn, and afraid of losing his job, the information Daniel
learns puts not only his job, but also his life, in jeopardy.
Daniel must leave the comforts of home and the security of his job to
flee into an unknown future, fighting for his life. His faith in his own abilities fails as he is confronted by a powerful
network of evil that will stop at nothing to bring him down. Will he find faith in a greater strength?
A fast-moving thriller with plenty of twists and turns—will satisfy
suspense readers.
Faith element: Medium
WANTED Sisters of the Heart #2 By Shelley Shepard Gray ISBN
978-0-06-147446-0 Avon Inspire Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Amish Kate wanted nothing more than a husband and family. What she didn't
want to do was revisit the mistakes she'd made during her Rumspringa, running-around years. When she is asked to watch Jonathan's
two daughters, she hopes Jonathan will see her as more than a girl or a nanny for the children. But when her past comes back
to haunt her, Kate must make decisions regarding her past, her future, her faith and where she truly belongs.
A well-told story, with sympathetic characters that draw in the reader.
The writing is smooth in a style reminiscent to that of Tracie Peterson., keeping the reader turning the pages. Well worth
time spent reading. Warning. Could get hooked on this series.
Faith element: medium
THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN By Karen Kingsbury ISBN 978-1-59995-678-7 Center
Street Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Josh lived a quiet life of regret--bad choices, parents who he'd disappointed,
a girl who'd moved on when he refused to clean up his act. But life was looking up. He'd returned to Christ and had hope,
and the lawsuit settlement would allow him to get the surgery needed to alleviate the pain that racked his body since the
accident. He would not only be able to repay his parents, but start his own business and, finally, search for his daughter.
Only what Josh doesn't know is that his time is limited and the quiet,
generous life he lived would be a wake-up call for his parents. As they come to really know their son, will they peruse his
dream and find his daughter?
Another tear-jerker from Karen Kingsbury. But, while there is a connecting
of the dots at the end, this story isn't quite her signature happy ending. In fact, my daughter had a very negative reaction
to the book and felt betrayed by the death mid-book of Josh, who appeared to be the main hero character. This ending is bittersweet.
Because of Cassie, I knew of the death going in and read the book in
that light I think it made a world of difference. While I try not to give away major novel plot points, in this case I'd suggest
reading Karen's background notes first. They provide a whole different context to the story and, may keep other readers from
a sense of betrayal, from the satisfaction of a story wrapped up in a happy ending.
A story that tears the heartstrings even as it re-enforces the realization
that life and faith don't always provide the Cinderella endings we'd always like. Sometimes, we must accept a different ending,
allowing that path to draw us back to the Lord in new and deeper ways.
STEPPING INTO SUNLIGHT By Sharon Hink ISBN 978-0-7642-0283-4 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Penny Sullivan witnesses a brutal murder while running an ordinary errand.
Her world will never be the same. Her husband, a new Navy Chaplain is deployed, leaving her alone with her demons and nightmares.
Guilt over surviving the attack threatens to overwhelm her. How can she break free and be the wife and mother she used to?
Penny concocts what she believes to be a marvelous plan. To randomly
choose one person each day to do something kind for. But how can you help someone when stepping out your door sends you into
a full-blown panic attack? And why won’t her opinionated neighbor leave her alone?
Sharon Hinck has crafted a beautiful story of healing and hidden strength.
Of a woman’s struggles with where God is when the pain of life threatens to be too much. A nine on the faith scale,
STEPPING INTO SUNLIGHT is a must read for anyone who has ever experienced fear of the known or the unknown. A deeply emotional
story of triumph.
MIDNIGHT IN MADRID The Russian Trilogy #2 By Noel Hynd ISBN
978-0-310-27871-9 Zondervan Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Alex LaDuca cuts her relaxing vacation short in order to head to Madrid
and find a missing religious artifact, the PIETA OF MALTA, which is claimed to hold miraculous powers. All part of the job
as an FBI agent. Soon, things escalate as Alex is ambushed and her partner hospitalized. A handsome, Asian, agent comes to
her rescue. But can he be trusted, or is he the wanted agent from China? Thrust in the midst of terrorism and stolen artifacts,
Alex isn’t sure who to trust, or in what direction to search for the PIETA OF MALTA, and the death count is rising.
Will she be next?
Noel Hynd has brought readers a page-turning espionage thriller. Although
low on the faith scale, MIDNIGHT IN MADRID does show an FBI agent’s belief in God’s power during a time of terrorism
and fear.
COZY IN KANSAS Three Romance Mysteries By Nancy Mehl ISBN 978-1-60260-228-1 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Her Great Aunt Bitty is dead and Ivy returns to Winter Break to handle
the details. When the details include discovering her much loved aunt might have been murdered, nothing will stop Ivy from
uncovering the truth. Will that mean rethinking what plans God has for her future? Or, will her nosing around put any future
in jeopardy?
The first mystery in this 3 book collection introduces Ivy, her childhood
friend who-would-be-more, Amos, and a lovable cast of characters that make the reader almost want to visit Winter Break, snow,
murder, danger and all.
Each mystery takes us on a journey of life, love and faith—not
to mention, murder, mayhem and danger. A perfect book for those cold Winter's nights when all we want to do is drink something
hot and curl up with a good book.
For cozy mystery and MURDER SHE WROTE fans. This author has a new fan--me.
AS THE EAGLE FLIES THE KING Book 1: REDEMPTION COMING By Wendy
M McNeice ISBN 978-1-60604-339-4 Tate Publishing Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In ancient Babylon, the fate of the Jews rests in the hands of a pagan
king and Chaim, an impetuous Jewish girl, finds herself forced into betrothal to Belshazzar, a prince of Babylon. She wants
nothing more to escape the palace and her fate. When her father is imprisoned, her determination to flee solidifies. She seizes
the first opportunity that comes, and embarks on a perilous journey to Jerusalem at her father’s request.
Along the way she meets Mohganees, a Persian who seems be following her
along the way. Danger lurks on all sides from warring armies and political forces, fierce bands of nomads, and quite possibly
from Mohganees. Chaim must mature enough to hear and heed God’s leadership, and discern the motives of those around
her, if she is to survive.
Readers of Biblical fiction may enjoy this tale of intrigue and romance.
Faith element: medium
HOMETOWN FAVORITE By Bill Barton and Henry O. Arnold ISBN 978-0-8007-1914-2 Revell Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
Dewayne Jobe has it all. A winning personality, he’s a gifted and
wonderful athlete, supported by a loving mother, and has the support of friends. When he receives a contract to play football,
he surprises everyone with his decision and turns the industry on its ear with an innovative way to make more money. He meets
the perfect woman, builds a family, and works in a sport he loves. Can life get any better?
Then tragedy strikes and everything Dewayne thought he had could be lost.
Can God save him in time?
Bill Barton and Henry O. Arnold have written a more than a sports story.
They have crafted a novel of spiritual truth and leaning on God for support when the day seems the darkest.
I enjoyed HOMETOWN FAVORITE so much, I recommended my husband also read
it. He couldn’t put the book down. Full of faith, the story will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.
A ten on the faith scale.
WHERE THE HEART LEADS By Kim Sawyer ISBN 978-0-7642-0263-6 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
College graduate Thomas Ollenburger is torn between doing what his father
desires and finding God’s will for his own life. To complicate matters, there’s the beautiful Daphne Severt and
the charming Mennonite, Belinda Schmidt. One would keep him rooted in his faith and Mennonite ways. The other poses an obstacle.
Then, there’s the matter of the presidential election. Thomas has promised to help on the campaign for Watson.
When he finds out that the man he’s campaigning for believes in
the separation of the races, and that, Daphne, agrees, Thomas must make the toughest decision of his life. Go with the teachings
of his father and God, or follow his heart regardless of the circumstances.
Kim Vogel Sawyer has done it again in WHERE THE HEART LEADS. She’s
crafted a story as relevant to today’s events as they were to history. A delightful romance full of twists and turns
that will leave the reader thinking when it’s over. A nine on the faith scale.
RAIN SONG By Alice J. Wisler ISBN 978-0-7642-0477-7 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
The last thing Nicole Michelin wants is to get on an airplane, a motorcycle,
or go to Japan. She is content to stay home, surrounded by family and her fish, and to focus on her teaching job. Japan took
her mother’s life. All Nicole wants as a reminder is her Japanese doll. But when she begins emailing back and forth
with Harrison Michaels, who lives in Japan, life takes an interesting turn.
Through their correspondence, Nicole begins to get answers to the questions
regarding her short life in Japan, and develops a strong affection for Harrison. Then he asks the unthinkable. Will she come
for a visit and find her answers first hand? Nicole’s decision will change her life.
Alice J. Wisler’s debut novel is an enjoyable, entertaining read
about strength, family, and relying on God to do what seems impossible. RAIN SONG takes the reader along with Nicole on a
journey of self-discover and overcoming life’s fears. An 8 on the faith scale.
WAITING FOR DAYBREAK By Kathryn Cushman ISBN 978-0-7642-0381-7 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Two women with variations of the same dream. Paige Woodward wants to
help pay her mother’s medical bills by being a pharmacist, despite the horrific tragedy in her past. Clarissa Richarson
wants to own her own pharmacy franchise, and will do so at any cost. Even if it destroys another woman’s life.
WAITING FOR DAYBREAK is a story of two women wanting the same, yet different,
and the conflicts that arise as they seek their goal. One has a heart of gold; the other a heart of stone, full of jealousy
and self-ambition. Can they work together to achieve what is best?
Kathryn Cushman has crafted a novel of forgiveness, seeking, and above
all, relying on God’s promises. As you read, you cheer for one woman’s victories, no matter how small, and pray
for another’s eyes to be opened. Hanging over all, is the promise of love and new beginning. A ten on the faith scale
and an all around great read.
FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER By Jennifer Erin Valent ISBN 978-4143-2432-6 Tyndale
House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Thirteen-year-old Jessilyn had a loving family, good friends and lived
in a small town where everyone knew and pretty cared about one another—at least so it seemed. When fire takes the lives
of the parents of her friend Gemma and her family takes in the young girl, Jessilyn and her family discover just how many
wrong assumptions they've made about faith, friends, family and a whole belief system of what is right for “coloreds
and whites”.
Told against a 1930's Southern prejudice, FIREFLIES IN DECEMBER is a
potent story about a young girl growing up, seeing the evil side of life and having to make choices of faith, love and hate.
In one way or another we are all touched by our own prejudice or that directed against us as the wrong religion, the wrong
race, the wrong status. This should be a must read for families and in schools.
ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS By Robin Jones Gunn ISBN 978-0-446-17946-9 FaithWords Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Miranda found not only her family in Britain, but also the love of her
life the last Christmas. This Christmas promises to be more than she ever imagined, until her true connection with an important
British family hits the tabloids. Will her dreams crumble under the onslaught or will she truly find the peace and grace she
seeks?
A sweet, sentimental and altogether charming Christmas story. A nice
sequel to last Christmas' offering FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS.
UNTIL WE REACH HOME By Lynn Austin ISBN 0-7642-0495-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When Elin saw her Uncle Sven alone with her sister Sofia, she knew she
must get her sisters away from the her Uncle's influence. When she appeals to her Uncle Lars in Chicago for help and he sends
passage fare from Sweden, Elin believes her prayers have been answered. Only the trip with a reluctant Sofia and Kirsten was
not what any of them expected, including their reception on arrival.
Can three girls make a new life in America or will choices they've already
made derail any hope of family and home? Will their faith blossom or whither under the pressure?
I received this book as a Christmas gift because of my own Swedish heritage.
Yet, it was the story itself that drew me in. The characters are well drawn, the story compelling as it details what the lives
of those entering America, even without speaking the language, went through many years ago. This is a story of God's faithfulness
even when we take things into our own hands.
It was a relief to have the complete story in this one volume. I didn't
need to buy three more books to get one story. (Not that there aren't threads that can be further developed.) A story of family,
faith...and love. A good read.
UNTIL WE REACH HOME By Lynn Austin ISBN 978-0-7642-0495-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Not only has Elin Carlson suffered through the loss of her parents, but
she’s also endured cruel betrayal at the hands of the uncle who was intended to take care of her and her sisters. Desperate
to keep her sisters from the hands of her dangerous uncle, Elin is determined to make a new beginning in a safe land—America.
What she doesn’t know is that her sisters already bear their own
hidden wounds, and that America is not the safe haven she dreams of. The struggle to make a home in a new land and the battle
to hold onto faith despite circumstances threatens to divide the sisters forever. Will they find the home they long for?
An intense journey from 19th century Sweden to America that will keep
historical readers riveted.
Faith level: Medium-high
O LITTLE TOWN By Don Reid ISBN 978-1-4347-9930-2 David
C. Cook Publisher Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
The storyteller opens with the scene as he sees it, down Main
Street where Macalbee's Five and Dime used to be, across the way where the old Police Station once was, and up on top of the
hill where you can still see the steeple of the Mason Street Methodist Church.
From the book blurb: "The story
begins at Christmas time back in 1958; Elvis was on the radio, Ike was in the White House, and the Lord was in his Holy Temple--but
there is no peace in Mr. Jefferson."
In two paragraphs, the storyteller has whisked me into the center of a winter
storm of the people kind. The preacher's daughter is caught shoplifting, the police detective's daughter is pregnant, and
on it goes until I am caught in the center until the blizzard subsides, all is forgiven, and I sigh with satisfaction. You
will love this story of small town, U.S.A., written by singer Don Reid of the Statler Brothers. High spiritual content. Highly
recommended.
ONE PERFECT GIFT A Culdee Creek Christmas By Kathleen Morgan ISBN
978-0-8007-1883-1 Revell Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Jesse has left everything behind in the East to take a job as nurse for
a doctor in Colorado. When that job falls through she finds herself serving as in-home nurse for a stroke patient. Though
most of the family welcomes her and her daughter with warmth, the couple's son does not. What lies behind his anger at her
presence and will Jesse not only be able to discover the hurts in Sean's past but also be able to forgive hurts in her own?
A story of faith, trust and forgiveness.
This is one of those short novels written for the Christmas season that
just make you smile and leaves you with lots of warm, fuzzies.
Faith element: high
BON APPĖTIT By Sandra Byrd ISBN 978-1-4000-7328-3 Waterbrook
Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Lexi Stuart not only has a goal of being a fabulous pastry chef; she
wants to work in France. Leaving behind her family, friends, and maybe boyfriend, she enrolls in a French chef college and
works in a French family-owned bakery. Loneliness sets in as she tries to fit in with the people of France and prove herself,
an American, in the pastry world.
Her first friend is a little girl, her second, the girl’s father,
and Lexi’s goals become muddled. She’s proving herself as a baker, but feels life getting more difficult when
she’s unsure whether God intends for her to stay in France or go home to America, and finds herself leaning toward God
to find her answer.
A delightful, easy-to-read story of a young woman’s striving toward
her dream. With an extra bonus of French baking recipes, Sandra Byrd has written the perfect story to curl up in your favorite
chair, grab a drink, and while away the afternoon.
Medium on the faith level.
TWICE LOVED #1 Belles of Timber Creek By Lori Copeland ISBN
978-0-06-136491-4 Avon Inspire Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Willow Madison only wants to take care of her uncle and family. To do
so, she must move to Thunder Ridge, Texas, teach school, and win the heart of a rich man. Nothing goes as planned. Not only
does she arrive in town with a wagon full of kerosene, she burns down the town’s lumber mill and clashes instantly with
the mill’s owner, the handsome, but bull-headed, Tucker Gray. Despite their instant antagonism toward each other, Tucker
tries to talk Willow out of her plans to marry and says she has to pay him back the cost of rebuilding the mill.
To top things off, the rich man her uncle hopes she’ll marry is
old enough to be her grandfather, and the school house she’s expected to teach in is a chicken coop! When her uncle
falls ill, she’s even more determined to follow through with her plan to care for her family and friends. Add the daily
clashing thunder with no rain and you have a rollicking fun story with a feisty heroine who has to learn that even the best
laid plans often go awry.
Lori Copeland has written an engaging historical with wonderful characters,
rich detail, and a story that will have you laughing long after you close the book. Full of faith, love and humor, TWICE LOVED
is a keeper.
DARK PURSUIT By Brandilyn Collins ISBN 978-0-310-27642-5 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Kaitlan has cleaned up her act, is in love and excited about the future.
That is, until she discovers a body in her house, on her bed. The murderer left the one piece of incriminating evidence that
shatters her world and sends Kaitlan running to her hot-shot suspense author grandfather for help. Only he's not the man who
once threw his druggie granddaughter out.
Since his accident he can scarcely hold two consecutive thoughts in his
head. But with his granddaughter's life on the line, can grandfather and granddaughter work together to bring a criminal to
justice and, just maybe, save their lives in the process?
This is a different book for Collins, or maybe not so different after
all. She unravels the plot until you know the ending...or do you?
Another thrillingly, creepy page-turner from the queen of suspense.
WHITE CHRISTMAS PIE Wanda E. Brunstetter ISBN: 978-58789-937-6 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
Will Henderson stares at the headlines: Three-year-old girl abandoned
in small town park. It brings back memories of his own abandonment. True, he wasn't left in a park but in the safe home of
his dead mother's friends, but the sting of it still hurt even though he was now grown and about to marry a sweet Amish girl.
Unable to break through the barrier Will has erected around his heart,
Karen Yoder seeks advice from an old boyfriend which only serves to widen the gap between the couple. Their December wedding
may never take place.
Riddled with guilt over the loss of his son, Frank Henderson sinks into
depression. Although he had tried to locate him, his attempts had been unsuccessful, when a surprising ally comes to his aid.
And a white Christmas pie holds the final piece of the puzzle. A pleasant Christmas romance, with just the right amount of
inspiration.
A PASSION REDEEMED Daughters of Boston #2 By Julie Lessman ISBN
978-0-8007-3212-7 Revell Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Beautiful, spoiled, Charity O’Connor uses any means to get what
she wants. She has no time for God. What had He done for her anyway? She’s got her heart set on staying in Ireland and
winning the heart of the man she loves. By any means possible. Even if it means selling her soul to a man set on breaking
her.
As she sets out to claim her love, she lays a treacherous path of deceit,
seduction, and feminine wiles. When life deals a heavy blow and her world crashes around her feet, will Charity finally turn
to God?
Julie Lessman has crafted another passionate love story in the continuing
saga of one of the O’Connor sisters. A PASSION REDEEMED is every bit as good as Lessman’s debut novel, A PASSION
MOST PURE and will have the reader turning the pages fast enough to create a breeze! When the last page is read, the reader
will sigh that the pleasure has past and eagerly look forward to book #3. A well-written story of love, redemption, mercy,
and romance.
Faith element: high
THE SHAPE OF MERCY By Susan Meissner ISBN 978-1-4000-7456-3 Waterbrook
Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Though prejudice may take various forms in different generations, the
choices people must make when they are confronted with it are the same. Do you blindly adopt the prejudice of those around
you? Remain silent in the face of injustice? Or stand against it in whatever way you can? Sometimes the right response isn’t as clear as we imagine.
From two women—Abigail and Mercy—who have battled these very
issues, Lauren is about to learn more than she bargained for about how dangerous her preconceived ideas can be, and the importance
of the choice for love and mercy.
Richly drawn, identifiable characters struggling with tough issues will
pull you into this thought provoking, engrossing read.
Faith element: High
WHERE DO I GO? A Yada Yada House of Hope Novel By Neta Jackson ISBN
978-1-59554-523-7 Thomas Nelson Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Gabby Fairbanks has always endeavored to be the model wife—supportive
of her husband’s business ventures, perfect hostess, and always the picture of poise—but in the process has lost
the carefree joy of her early years. She longs to recapture the passion she once knew, but as she pursues her dreams, the
distance between she and her husband grows.
When the relationship reaches the breaking point and she’s on the
verge of losing everything, she realizes she needs more strength than she has on her own, and seeks the true shelter that
can only be found in God.
Fans of the earlier YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP series will enjoy this story
and be delighted to see the characters of earlier books make a reappearance and help Gabby on her journey.
Faith element: Medium
HOME ANOTHER WAY By Christa Parrish ISBN 978-0-7642-0523-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Life isn’t easy for Sarah Graham who carries a lot of baggage.
When her estranged father dies, Sarah heads to Jonah, New York hoping to walk away with enough money to set her back on her
feet. But, things don’t work out the way she’d planned. Jonah is full of people who loved her father and love
God, neither of which Sarah has time for. Life in Jonah turns everything she’d believed upside down--including her heart.
Jack Watson, the handsome pastor of Jonah, holds secrets of his own.
Secrets Sarah is all too happy to bring into the open. But the reaction of the people living in Jonah to Jake’s opening
up, shocks Sarah. What she’d meant for evil, God meant for good.
Christa Parrish’s debut novel, HOME ANOTHER WAY, is a wonderful
prodigal son story full of love and redemption. God can melt even the hardest of hearts, and heal the deepest wounds. HOME
ANOTHER WAY scores a 8 on the faith scale. The characters will linger long after the book is closed.
VERMONT WEDDINGS Three Romances in Small Town Goosebury By Pamela
Griffin ISBN 978-1-60260-113-0 Barbour Publishing
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Leslie wanted the job of reporter, not to take over the position of Dear
Granny. But what Leslie doesn't know is that God has a plan to draw Leslie to her true calling. Will she recognize one of
her writers is the man of her dreams?
Carly has been hurt by life and made bad choices as a result. This time
she chooses to get away to think by agreeing on a long hiking adventure with Christian friends. What she doesn't want is anything
to do with is either God or the gorgeous hunk assigned as her trail mate. But God has other plans as His creation and his
caring people begin to soften her heart.
Sharon has no intention of getting married again after her abusive husband
dies in prison. But when Jared declares “She's the one,” Sharon has to decide if this kind, caring man is a nut
case or the real deal. Can she let go and let God heal the pain in her heart?
Three sweet, interconnected romances that draw the reader to romance
and the lover of our soul—Jesus. A pleasure to read.
Faith element: High.
A CONSTANT HEART By Siri Mitchell ISBN 978-0-7642-0431-9 Bethany
House Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In Queen Elizabeth’s court, immorality and intrigue run rampant,
and angering the Queen is a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. In this environment, Lytham strives to gain the Queen’s
favor, for only she can give him back his ancestral home and the place in society he so desires. Suddenly thrust into this
world by her marriage to Lytham, Marget finds herself shunned by the court and viewed with disfavor by the Queen for her beauty
and her morals. To what lengths will she go to find a place in the court and please her new husband?
A CONSTANT HEART will pull you into the opulent chambers of the palace
and the lives of Marget and Lytham. An enthralling tale of enduring love and tested faith.
Faith element: Medium
BELOVED CAPTIVE Fairweather Key #2 By Kathleen Y'Barbo ISBN
978-1-60260-230-4 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When Emilie returns home to care for her ailing father, she discovers
something about her background that changes her perception of the past, her place in the world and her perception of herself
and family. Burdened with her knowledge, Emilie seeks to return to her new home and her job as a teacher only to be waylaid
by pirates and not just once. Her rescue leads her on a journey of discovery of herself, faith and love—but can she
take the chance?
Filled with a balance of characters and plot, this story draws us to
the truth of who we are in Christ. Though the second in a series, the reader can read this book as a stand alone. (Chances
are good the reader will want to pick up the first of the series and wait for the third.)
A swashbuckling romance.
DANGEROUS HEART Westward Hearts #3 By Tracey Bateman ISBN 978-0-06-126635-7 Avon
Inspire Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Ginger didn't want to have feelings for the doctor man she blamed for
the death of her brother. Never mind, she'd been part of an outlaw gang and never mind that since joining the wagon train
to harm him, she found herself changing, accepting the loving care of those around her. But when her innocent younger brother
and outlaw father re-enter her already topsy world, Ginger must make life altering decisions that will change not only her
life but also the lives of those around her. Will she return to her father's domination or will faith lead her to forgiveness...and
love?
A satisfying ending to a good historical, romance series. I enjoyed every
book and this one is no exception. The characters draw the reader into a book with enough plot to keep the story moving and
enough depth to leave the reader wishing for more. Though the stories tie together, it is not critical to read the whole series
in order to enjoy each individual book. This is the best sort of series, the sort that makes you want to read the whole story
over again from the first book.
Faith element: high
THE OUTSIDER By Ann H Gabhart ISBN 978-0-8007-3239-4 Revell
Reviewer Melanie Jones
Ann H. Gabhart provides a fascinating glimpse into life in a Shaker village
in THE OUTSIDER. Don't mistake the white bonnet on the cover for an Amish prayer kapp, and this isn't like a gentle Amish
novel. The violence of the War of 1812 dominates portions of the story.
Shakers had not only a different way of life, but also a different belief
system. They believed their founder, Mother Ann Lee, was the female incarnation of Christ and prayed to and worshiped her,
in addition to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Men, women and children were separated into different dormitories. One
character is scandalized by the thought of "committing matrimony."
Gabrielle Hope came to a Shaker village in Kentucky as a child with her
mother. There had never been a strong spiritual influence on her life before the move, so she grows up believing the Shaker
way to be right and true. She also has visions, which the Shakers believe are a gift from God.
But when a fire injures one of their members, village leaders accept
assistance from a doctor, an outsider. And the handsome doctor, Brice Scott, speaks to Gabrielle about life outside the confines
of the village, planting seeds of doubt. When the War of 1812 takes
Dr. Scott away from Kentucky (and into some upsetting subplots), events in the village feed the doubts.
But pull of the Shaker faith and the fear that Dr. Scott will not return
from war are strong. Will her growing questions be enough to free her from the constraints of Village life?
THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS By Harold Bell Wright, Michael R. Phillips,
Editor ISBN:1-55661-056-4 Bethany House Publishers Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
In the early 1900s, a young boy listens to his mother's dying prayer:
"God, take care o' Dickie. . . . fer Jesus' sake . . . Amen." With his mother gone, and his drunken father asleep, Dickie
Faulner gathers his few belongings and slips away into the darkness, fearing for his life.
Years have passed. The young man crawls from beneath a stack of straw
at the edge of Boyd City's stock yard. It is early March. He watches the smoke from a nearby block of smelters disappear into
the chilling mist. Cold and hungry, he wipes himself off and wonders how much food he could get with only fifteen cents. An
old hobo startles him, and convinces him they should look for food together. It takes ten of his last pennies, but he fails
to find someone who will hire him. He's willing to do anything, even sweep floors, although he is a printer by trade.
The hobo begs him to buy him a drink. When he refuses, the hobo tells
him he recognizes him. He was his father's drinking buddy, but informs him that his father is dead. With a sigh of relief,
Dick hands the man his last nickel and continues his search for work. This act of kindness leads to one blessing after another
until he finds himself not only in a full time printing job, but face to face with the Savior who had been pursuing him. And
in the end, this one act of kindness saves his life.
A first-hand look at the industrial revolution and depression of that
time, and an inside look at the workings of the church. High faith content. Well worth reading.
FARRADAY ROAD By Ace Collins ISBN 978-0-310-27952-5 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
On dark night, a husband and wife are forced off the road and shot for
apparently no reason. The problem? The husband survives and begins to unravel a series of mysteries that not only have not
ended with the death of his beloved wife, but actually open the door to his determination to discover the truth.
The characters are well drawn with realism and depth. The plot pulls
the reader into a world of intrigue that spans centuries. But, for those who like endings, this doesn't offer one. This is
just the opening salvo in a new mystery series with a mystery so deep it will take several books to reach the full extent
of this plot.
Those who don't mind continuing a plot through a series of books (as
opposed to a series with a complete plot in each book but continuing threads), you'll love this new mystery series.
Faith element: Very low
DREAM OR DESTINY By Lillie Ammann ISBN 978-1-933869-03-02 GASLight
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Marilee knew far too many details of the crime. The cops weren't buying
her story of simply a nightmare the night of the murder. The murdered victim's brother David had a failing business and his
sister turned down his request for a loan. The cops didn't buy his story of innocence either.
Thrown together by murder and suspicion, Marilee and David team up to
find what the cops weren't—the killer. But will their efforts destroy not only their budding relationship, but also
their lives?
A mystery with all the elements: murder, eccentric characters (really
Tess should have her own story), lots of red herrings and romance. The psychic aspect might disturb some, and, while
the murder was solved, I would have liked an epilogue to wrap up all the little threads, but that's my preference. Amman did
solve the murder and pull the main threads together to give the romantic at heart the best of all endings—love.
Faith element: Very low
THE JEWEL OF GRESHAM GREEN By Lawana Blackwell ISBN 978-0-7642-0511-8 Bethany
House Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Set in 1884, Birmingham, England, I am quickly transported to the seamier
side of the city where the young widow Jewel Libby works at a corset factory to support her daughter and afford the rent at
a tenement house. After a long day at the sewing machine, she arrives home just in time to rescue her daughter from the hand
of the lustful landlord who favors little girls. Her neighbor, Mrs. Platt, is nowhere in sight, and Becky has been told not
to be outside without her.
Abruptly I found myself in Gresham, England, immersed in the busy household
of the vicar. If I had read the preceding book, The Widow of Larkspur Inn, I would have known about the blended family in
the vicarage, but at this point I hadn't, so the change is disconcerting. It took me a while to make sense of all the new
(to me) characters.
In the meanwhile, Jewel and Becky Libby are rescued from the threatening
landlord, and sent to Gresham with a note of introduction from the vicar of Birmingham, and I am pleasantly drawn in to the
enfolding intricacies of the small dairy village and its cast of characters. And Jewel blossoms in her new environment. An
enjoyable trip back in time. Faith element medium.
DIAMOND DUO Texas Fortunes #1 By Marcia Gruver ISBN 978-1-60260-205-2 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz
Jefferson, Texas, 1877
Bertha Biddie and her friend Magda
have no idea who the beautiful young woman is that just stepped off the train, but they are not the only ones stunned by her
arresting presence. Every man in the depot is too Google-eyed to think, and every woman jealous.
Bertha has two
reasons to seek the stranger out. One, she just must find out the girl's secret to attracting men---Thad Bloom in particular;
and two, she just has to tell her a message from God. Why the urgency, she cannot fathom, but then, that has never stifled
her impulsiveness, much to her parents' (and Thad's) chagrin.
Henry is a freed man with a slave mentality. Sarah,
however, has been raised as an equal, and schooled by a lady as a lady. When Sarah discovers a body in the woods, their stories
intertwine with what's happening in the southern town with its slowly changing ways, .
Fast paced, and exciting.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
Faith level, medium.
ONE PERFECT DAY By Lauraine Snelling ISBN 978-0-446-58210-0 FaithWords Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
What if another had to die so that you could live? ONE PERFECT DAY explores
this theme and its ramifications in the lives of two mothers. Nora has a healthy son, Charlie, full of life and dreams for
the future. Jenna has a frail daughter, Heather, who is barely hanging onto life as her heart fails. Heather has been on a
heart transplant list for years, but only when Charlie dies in a car accident does she find a match for the heart she needs.
One mother grieves and struggles to find hope; another rejoices, yet
recognizes the loss that has given life to her daughter. As they walk through this experience, they must grow and adapt or
else be swept away by the changes flooding their lives.
A poignant tale of grief, loss, and hope that readers of women’s
fiction will enjoy.
Faith element: Medium
THE BONE BOX By Bob Hostetler ISBN 978-1-4165-6647-2 Howard
Books Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
His occupation as an archaeologist has always consumed Randall Bullock's
life, but even more so after the death of his wife and his failure to reconnect with his daughter. Randall travels to Israel
intent on dulling his pain by participating in an archaeological dig. When he's unexpectedly called to investigate a burial
plot that was uncovered, he finds himself in the midst of a discovery that could provide substantive archaeological evidence
for Christianity.
He finds his agnostic beliefs challenged by the evidence before him,
yet it will take something more than facts to change his heart. Troubles assail him from the outside as well—his daughter
needs him to father her in a way he never has, the scientific community shuns his discovery, and the Israel authorities insist
on reburying the remains before he has adequate time to examine them. Randall must make choices that will impact the rest
of his life, decisions about faith and priorities that will impact the lives of many.
This tale of discovery and forgiveness weaves past and present together
in a way that will intrigue adventure-lovers.
Faith element: Medium-high
FORSAKEN By James David Jordan ISBN 978-0-8054-4749-1 B&H
Publishing Group Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
When terrorists kidnap Simon's daughter they make one demand “Deny
Christ and get your daughter back.” But doing so will have consequences far beyond the kidnapping for celebrity preacher
Simon, his daughter Kacey and Simon's security, Taylor. The kidnapping is only the beginning of unfolding events and discoveries
that lead Taylor to discover that even Christians are flawed. But will she see beyond the mistakes to the Savior Simon serves?
Beyond mystery/suspense, FORSAKEN probes the heart of man, explores the
meaning faith and takes us to the heart of a God of forgiveness and peace. Hard to put down.
HAVAH-The Story of Eve By Tosca Lee ISBN 978-1-60006-124-0
NavPress Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Eve, or Havah, as Adam called her recounts the story of her life from
the moment God whispers “Wake”, to her last breath. From the Garden of Eden through exile and the birthing of
a world, Havah recounts her struggles, her hopes, one son’s murder by his brother, and the turning from God of her descendents.
A sensual, passionate love story of the first woman for, not only her
mate, but for God. From the first bite of forbidden fruit, Eve spends her life trying to get back to the verdant valley of
her birth. Into exile, she brings God’s promise of hope, her bitterness toward a husband who blames her for his eating
of the fruit, and a searching to see God’s face again. Oh, the wonders Havah saw come to fruition, the despair she battles
with, and the hope she carries through her life.
Tosca Lee has crafted a story so real, so full of detail, the reader
will feel as if they know Adam and Havah intimately. The reader will catch a glimpse of God so rich they will take it with
them far beyond the last page. This novel is a ten, not only on the faith scale, but in a well-written story.
THE SECRET'S IN THE SAUCE The Potluck Catering Club By Linda Evans
Shepherd & Eva Marie Everson ISBN 978-0-8007-13208-0 Revell Books Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
The Potluck Club is at it again in a whole new adventure. This time they've
decided to pool their skills and start a catering business. What they don't figure on is all the family and other problems
that overwhelm them, along with secrets that threaten to deep six not only their new venture but also their friendships. Will
faith and friendship stand this latest test?
If you are already hooked from the earlier books, this one will not disappoint.
New to the Potluck Club books, this one will have you searching for the earlier books to “catch up” with this
unique group of women, who, after all, aren't really so different from the rest of us.
Faith element: low to medium
AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE By Patti Lacy ISBN 978-0-8254-2987-3 Kregel
Publications Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
All her life, fragmented memories of childhood rejection and abandonment
have haunted Mary Freeman. She yearns for family, for acceptance, even after she marries and has children of her own, and
this longing drives all her decisions. Yet no matter what she does—involving herself in church work, devoting herself
to her husband and children, or starting her own business, emptiness and depression always lurk below the surface.
Mary’s about to find out that she must uncover the devastating
reality of her past before she can find healing and hope for the future. But will her fragile emotions survive what she discovers?
In a tale that’s mournful yet not without hope, Mary journeys from
America to Ireland and back again, in search of the healing only God can bring.
BACK TO LIFE A Trophy Wives Club Novel By Kristen Billerbeck ISBN
978-0-06-137877-5 Avon Inspire Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
BACK TO LIFE, the second book in the TROPHY WIVES series, centers on
Lindsey Brindle, a character that will be familiar to readers of the first book. Following the death of her husband a year
ago, Lindsey has turned into a recluse. Guilt over decisions of the past haunts her, and she allows it to dictate her life.
She sees her future as dreary, cloistered in an upscale condo complex
with a group of bitter old women for neighbors. But God has other plans for her, plans that start when her husband’s
first wife shows up on her doorstep. Lindsey is launched into facing her past head on and coming to terms with difficult realities
about herself. Only by working through her past will she find hope for the future.
Lighthearted yet real, and eminently readable.
Faith element: medium
SNOWBOUND COLORADO CHRISTMAS Four Story Collection FIRES
OF LOVE by Tamela Hancock Murray THE BEST MEDICINE by Lena Nelson Dooley ALMOST HOME by Susan Page Davis DRESSED
IN SCARLET by Darlene Franklin ISBN 978-1-60260-116-1 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
It is 1913, Denver, Colorado and four school chums get together with
friends for a Christmas party. But when a blizzard ensures the four friends take very different paths to safety, only to find
romance as well.
The stories are short, fluffy love stories of romance and faith that
tug at the heart and bring a smile. Each of the four stories adds to the collection, and, like eating melt-in-your-mouth chocolate,
the reader savors the very last bite.
A book to read during a cold evening, with a hot drink, in front of a
roaring fire.
Faith element: medium
CYNDERE’S MIDNIGHT By Jeffrey Overstreet ISBN 978-1-4000-7253-8 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
A boy who refuses to give his name as other than “ale boy”.
A mysterious winged creature known as the Keeper. A beautiful heiress, a Seer, and a Beastman.
Cyndere’s husband sets out to tame the Beastmen and is killed by
those he wants to help. Despite her grief, Cyndere wants to finish what her husband started. Her midnight forays into the
surrounding forest starts a chain of events that affect many, and draw into the open a hidden evil.
Cyndere must leave behind those who pledge to have her good at heart
and trust a beast. Can her acceptance of a beastman named Jordam, change the creature’s heart enough for Cyndere to
trust him?
Jeffrey Overstreet has crafted a fantasy tale with rich characters. The
reader will get a glimpse of how goodness overcomes evil, and how even the most despised can be changed. Not overflowing with
spirituality, the reader will nevertheless get a glimpse of the eternal while reading CYNDERE’S MIDNIGHT.
ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT By Davis Bunn ISBN 978-0-7642-0541-5 Bethany
House Reviewer Elisabeth Bantz
Given Wayne Grusza's past experience, he could be languishing in prison
instead of being interviewed for this accounting job he does not want. But his sister The Preacher still holds sway over his
life, so for the time being, he’ll face the room full of misfits and answer their questions. He knows his resume has
holes in it he can't explain, but he is qualified for the CPA job this Christian retirement complex needs. And for the undercover
work that needs to be done. Someone has just bilked the residents, and the board members, of their life savings.
From the time Wayne entered the board room, he has kept his eyes averted,
yet at his sister's insistence, he is able to describe the black man seated behind him in the shadows down to his shoe size,
broken nose, and former occupation. He is the right man for this job. Observant and tenacious. Sure, he has issues, but he's learned to live with them. Sort of.
With a lackluster vote of approval, Wayne finds himself hired and ensconced
in a run-down cabin on Florida's beach-front property with a bunch of retired church people. Two crusty old men decide to
become his new best friends. Throw into this mix a wary lawyer with fantastic legs, a mysterious angel, a sweet old lady from
across the street who prays, and a troubled kid from the ghetto, and the bad guys don't have a chance.
As always, Davis Bunn's writing is brilliant. I highly recommend this
work.
Faith element high
THAT'S NOT EXACTLY AMORE #3 Drama Queen Series By Tracey
Bateman ISBN 978-0-446-69895-5 FaithWords Reviewer Elisabeth Bantz
She's in over her head, but she shakes on it. (A handshake is as good
as a contract the old man insists.) Lani and another student will be designing the interior of the expanded coffee shop, and
the owner's son will be her new boss, the son who makes her insides flip with just a smile. The owner is a long time friend,
but he's moving; the son is something else. What? He's certainly friendly, but what does that mean?
Then her apartment is robbed, and a handsome policeman walks into her
life. Where does he fit in?
Between night school, visiting her widowed and still grieving Mom, baking
goodies for the coffee shop, and juggling two possible suitors, Lani has little time for her decorating assignment.
Quirky and fun, this light read is a winner.
Faith element medium
HIGH IS THE EAGLE Kane Legacy Series By Al & JoAnna Lacy ISBN
978-1-59052-926-3 Multnomah Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
The Kane men are called into the bloody war between America and Mexico.
Their family waits anxiously at home, sending prayers heavenward for the safe return of their husbands and brothers. As the
men fight for their country, they discover a greater calling. That of mounting on wings like eagles and letting God shoulder
their burdens. As they fight, keeping an eye on heaven, and their heart with their loved ones, the Kane brothers make it their
mission to lead others to Christ.
Fans of Al & Joanna Lacy will completely enjoy this western adventure.
Full of historical detail, biblical verses and values, HIGH IS THE EAGLE, takes the reader into a novel containing the atrocities
of war, and the hope of heaven. HIGH IS THE EAGLE, is the final book in the trilogy of the Kane family and resonate with the
reader long after the book is closed. A ten on the faith scale.
COMING UNGLUED A Sisters Ink Novel By Rebeca Seitz ISBN 978-0-8054-4691-3 B&H
Publishing Group Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Kendra Sinclair has two men in her life. One that is definitely good,
the other wrong, but feels so good. How does a woman choose when she feels she is unworthy of a man that can love her unconditionally?
Adopted from a life of child abuse, Kendra feels she is a product of
her mother’s upbringing, or lack there-of. Part owner of a scrapbook networking company with her three sisters, Kendra
embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-worth. When her life crashes around her, Kendra is open to God’s view
of her and her value. Now, if she can only choose between the two men in her life and do the right thing when she makes her
choice.
Rebecca Seitz has crafted a character the reader will fall in love with.
A beautiful, spirited woman, with wounds that run deep. COMING UNGLUED has a story we can relate to. One full of family ties
and God’s agape love. A ten on the faith scale. A ten for great reading.
MAINE BRIDES Love in Three Novels By Susan Paige Davis ISBN
978-1-60260-106-2 Barbour Publishing Reviewed by Melanie Jones
Susan Page Davis captures the history of romance in MAINE BRIDES. The
three stories surprisingly start from the men's perspectives and carry a strong sense of the male point of view throughout.
THE PRISONER'S WIFE starts the collection with a glimpse of pre-Revolutionary
justice—or the lack thereof—when Jack Hunter is jailed on suspicion of murder based on his father's reputation
and circumstantial evidence. When Lucy Hamblin agreed to marry him, she thought she would be a bride for a day, a widow for
life. Davis sets the stage for suspense well, drawing readers into the search for the real killer.
The Hunter family saga continues in THE CASTAWAY'S BRIDE, when Edward
Hunter returns from five years as a castaway to find his beloved fiancee engaged to his cousin. But her little sister is all
grown up. Again, Davis includes a hint of mystery as Edward tries to figure out discrepancies in his shipping business records.
In THE LUMBERJACK'S LADY, both the lead characters are outcasts to some
extent. Etienne LeClair is a lumberjack called to do an office job, and wealthy Letitia Hunter forsakes the society her wealth
entitles her to in order to please her father by working as a clerk in his office. Keep a hankie in hand for this one.
Faith element is low, though characters live out their faith.
SINGLE SASHIMI Sushi Series By Cami Tang ISBN 978-0-310-27400-1 Zondervan Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
SINGLE SASHIMI, the third book in the SUSHI SERIES, centers on Venus
Chau, a video game programmer and one of four Christian cousins in an Asian-American family that holds to Buddhist traditions.
As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Venus has developed a tough veneer and a determination not to need anyone. More
than anything, she wants to start her own game development company.
Her life takes a downturn when another, less experienced programmer is
given the promotion she expected at her current job and her boss starts trying to steal the software she’s been developing
on her own time. When she quits her job, she’s faced with a choice: work for Drake Yu again—the last thing on
earth she ever wanted to do, or give up on her dream. As new and increasing challenges confront Venus, she must choose whether
she will try to overcome them by her own strength or if she will listen to God and rely on Him for help.
Sarcastic humor, glimpses of Asian-American culture, and vivid characters
make this a unique tale.
Faith element: Medium
THE BRIDE BARGAIN By Kelly Eileen Hake ISBN 978-1-60260-175-8 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Clara and her aunt find themselves stranded in a small town along the
Oregon Trail after being kicked out of a wagon train by an impatient Wagon Master.
But Josiah Reed who runs the general store, proposes they keep his house
and help him at the store. It seems the perfect temporary solution.
When Josiah has his doctor son, Saul, fill in while he visits his daughter,
Josiah makes a deal with Clara who wants nothing more than to provide for her aunt who took her in after the death of her
parents. If she finds Saul a wife and gets him to settle in the frontier town, Josiah will turn the house over to her. But
nothing goes right as Clara tries to set Saul up with the town's young women. He doesn't cooperate, the other bachelor's don't
cooperate and neither does her heart.
Can Clara learn to trust and find her true home?
An entertaining story with a cast of (mostly) likable characters that
makes me want to visit this place again.
A BEAUTIFUL FALL By Chris Coppernoll ISBN 978-1-4347-6852-0 David
C Cook Reviewer Melanie Jones
Emma Madison is learning that life doesn't always go according to plan.
When the powerful Boston attorney gets a phone call that her father has
had a heart attack, she rushes home to Juneberry, S.C., for the first time in 12 years. Her father recovers quickly, but his
joy at seeing her makes her feel guilty for staying away so long.
Against her senior partner's wishes, she extends her stay in Juneberry,
where she reunites with old friends—more specifically, an old boyfriend. A boyfriend who has been longing for her return
for 12 years.
Reconnecting with friends and family, she can't help but compare her
life in Juneberry to her life in Boston. In Boston, she has wealth and prestige. She can go to the theater and the city's
finest restaurants with co-workers. But life there is centered around work, staying in the office 15 to 18 hours a day some
days. In Juneberry, she has one thing she's missed in Boston: the ability to love and be loved.
Will her friendships be enough to hold her in Juneberry, or will she
return to Boston determined to make new connections there?
Faith Factor: Along with friendships, Emma finds that her life should
be rooted in faith.
MY SISTER DILLY By Maureen Lang ISBN 978-1-4143-2224-7 Tyndale Reviewer
Melanie Jones
MY SISTER DILLY is, at its heart, a story about second chances.
Hannah Williams has had more than six years to rearrange her life so
she can provide the support she believes her sister needs, the support she failed to provide six years ago. Dilly Williams
is leaving prison after more than six years and wants a second chance to be a good mother to her special needs child. Both
sisters find second chances aren't all that easy to come by.
MY SISTER DILLY travels to some dark places, exploring the desperation
of a young mother who has no support in caring for a fragile child and how far that mother will go to be free from her own
pain—and free her daughter from hers.
The story is also a reminder for those among us who are fixers, who believe
we are responsible for solving other people's problems. Sometimes, that help isn't needed or welcome.
Each sister gets a chance for a bit of romance, but those loves are secondary
to the bond between the sisters, and overshadowing it all is God's love for Dilly, who found Him in prison, and for Hannah,
who wants nothing to do with Him through most of the book.
But those second chances? They come only through God's grace, and it's
a joy to read as Hannah discovers that for herself.
Faith element is strong as we watch Hannah come to a relationship with
Christ.
A PROMISE TO BELIEVE IN The Brides of Gallatin County #1 By Tracie
Peterson ISBN 978-0-7642-0148-6 Bethany House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Gwen lost her husband soon after the wedding. She lost her Pa to a stray
bullet. All her life she's lost those she loved until she feels cursed. All she has are her two feisty younger sisters and
the roadhouse they run for those who need a place to eat or sleep. But when her husband's brother shows up accusing her of
murdering his brother, Gwen finds the walls she's built to protect herself, crumbling as she questions her faith, what's best
for the sisters bent on protecting her, the love of her husband who kept secrets from her and the man who has come for retribution.
Will Gwen be able to move beyond her hurt and pain to find the road to
healing...and love?
As always with Tracie's stories, A PROMISE TO BELIEVE IN is a delight
to read as it draws in the reader with characteristic smooth writing, well-drawn characters that come to life on the page
and a story that entangles from the first page. I can't wait to read the sequels and the love stories of Gwen's sisters. A
great start to a welcome new Peterson series.
Faith element: medium to high
THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS By Melody Carlson ISBN 978-1-4000-7081-7 Multnomah Reviewer
Melanie Jones
Ruth's life is falling apart, and it's all because of Satan, isn't it?
So why aren't cleansing prayers enough to fix her finances? Why aren't the prayers of deliverance from her church's inner
circle enough to put her family back together again?
Through Ruth's eyes, Melody Carlson takes us to THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS,
the result of Ruth's Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and a toxic, quasi-cult church.
Ruth's pastor and women's ministry leader see demons lurking around every
corner instead of evidence of God's grace. And the idea that prayer can cast out demons gives Ruth some sense of control,
and feeds her obsessions. Soon nearly every item in her house—and even some of the people in it—is associated
with dark spirits.
Carlson, who painted such a vivid portrait of life with schizophrenia
in FINDING ALICE, turns her considerable talents to OCD and how mental illnesses can leave some people so much more vulnerable
to those who twist religion into something God never intended.
THE OTHER SIDE OF DARKNESS is a powerful book, but not a happy-fun read.
The first-person perspective means the unrelenting onslaught of Ruth's obsessions becomes the readers', too. Those who find
themselves empathizing with books' characters may find it best as a daytime read, so Ruth's anxiety doesn't cost the reader
any sleep.
The faith element is strong as it reminds readers of the dangers of false
prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing.
UNPRETTY By Sharon Carter Rogers ISBN 978-1-4165-6649-6 Howard
Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
On a wall of the Sistine Chapel in Italy is Michelangelo’s masterpiece,
The Last Judgment. A piece of art, as horribly depicting man’s final resting places as it is beautiful. This picture
shows the cruelty and anguish of Hell as well as the fearsome compassion of Christ. This knowledge is frightening to a killing
artist known only as “26.”
When a cult calling themselves the Michelangelus Movement, kidnaps people
in order to recreate the original artwork and rid the world of all things “unpretty,” Hummingbird Collins and
her family are thrust into danger. With the help of an ex-football pro turned priest, and a mentally challenged young man,
Hummingbird brings the new version of The Last Judgment to light. At the risk of her life.
Sharon Carter Rogers has crafted a well-written story so suspenseful
you will race through the pages. UNPRETTY is thought-provoking. What does the world consider pretty? What does God? Beautiful
on the outside, does not necessarily mean pretty on the inside.
WHEN THE SOUL MENDS By Cindy Woodsmall ISBN 978-1-4000-7294-1 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Melanie Jones
Everyone who read "The Sisters of the Quilt" series by Cindy Woodsmall
has eagerly awaited WHEN THE SOUL MENDS, the third and final installment, to learn which man Hannah Lapp chooses. There's
the wealthy, worldly and loving Martin with his niece and nephew, or steady, Plain Mennonite Paul, the man Hannah believes
betrayed her.
Don't worry. You'll find your answers in WHEN THE SOUL MENDS, but if
you skim over the pages looking for the answers to your biggest questions, you'll miss something deeper. You'll miss the journey
to discovering what true love is. You'll miss the yearning for forgiveness and the struggle to forgive. You'll miss the author's
insight into the meaning of forgiveness.
WHEN THE HEART CRIES and WHEN THE MORNING COMES saw Hannah, an Amish
teen in love with a Plain Mennonite, raped by an Englisher and betrayed by the people she loved. She left her Amish community
to make her way in the world, and made a strong life for herself. WHEN THE SOUL MENDS finds Hannah returning to her community
to find her family in a time of crisis.
If you haven't read the first two books, you can still enjoy WHEN THE
SOUL MENDS, but the complex relationships are best enjoyed as part of the series, and the richness of the story of forgiveness
rings truest when the memory of the pain is still strong.
Woodsmall crafts deep and complex stories about a people we often consider
having a simple way of life. She makes it clear that the absence of modern conveniences in no way protects families from the
turmoil of the heart.
The faith element is strong with its realistic portrayal of the struggle
of forgiveness and the need for restoration in our relationships with others, patterning our relationship with Christ.
THE BELL MESSENGER By Robert Cornuke with Alton Gansky ISBN
978-1-4165-4981-9 Howard Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Elijah Bell, fourteen years old and carrying God’s word on a Confederate
battlefield. Jeremiah Tate, the Yankee who kills him. Gary Brandon, a college graduate in 1980 who receives a Bible as a graduation
gift. Yuen, a young Chinese worker. Mary Connor, a woman with a missionary heart. Ruth Stiles, the girl Tate saves. RC Cooper,
a man set on finding the treasures of Moses. And a Bible that ties them all together. A Bible that carries with it dry rain,
or the rain that gives life.
THE BELL MESSENGER is more than a historical novel. The reader is taken
through generations of people who possess God’s word. Some who pass on the knowledge, other’s who hold on and
never share. Through these pages, we are carried on a journey with Gary Brandon as he searches for the rightful owner of this
wondrous book. His search reveals more than he ever expected, giving the life promised within it’s pages.
THE BELL MESSENGER is a novel of God’s grace, man’s determination
and greed, and fulfillment of prophecy. A wonderful read.
Review #2 THE BELL MESSENGER Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
The Bible plays the starring role in THE BELL MESSENGER—and not
just any Bible, but a Bible that has been passed down to many different individuals since the time of the Civil War. Each
recipient of the Bible is called uniquely as a messenger, and each must choose whether or not to heed the call.
When the Bible falls into the hand of Gary Brandon, he is determined
to find the actual owner, and embarks on a journey that reveals to him not only who the real owner is, but also who the owners
of the Bible have been throughout the years. Along the way, he finds more than he anticipates as he recognizes that God has
a call on his life as well.
THE BELL MESSENGER emphasizes the importance of living life by the Word
of God, and demonstrates throughout the story what happens in the lives of those who choose to follow God’s ways and
those who do not. Readers who enjoy fiction that spans generations will find this an interesting read.
Faith element: Medium
A MILE IN MY FLIP-FLOPS By Melody Carlson ISBN-13: 978-1-4000-7314-6 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Gretchen Hanover is searching for something that will give her a sense
of purpose and accomplishment in life. Since her fiancé abandoned her just weeks before their wedding, she’s been hibernating
in her house, giving the minimum of effort to her job, and nurturing a broken heart. When she sees a reality TV show about
house flipping, she thinks that she might have found her new destiny and plunges right in, heedless of the potential pitfalls.
Though the process is far more challenging than she expects, it energizes
her and opens up the possibility of new hope and new love. Along the way, she finds God has much more for her than she ever
imagined, and in the restoration process, she herself begins to be healed.
A light-hearted novel about life and relationships that provides an enjoyable
read.
Faith element: Low
ISOLATION By Travis Thrasher ISBN 978-0-446-50554-3 Faith Words Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
Demons. A missionary’s floundering faith. His wife’s nightmares,
based on reality. A young boy’s unwavering faith. A mountain lodge.
James Miller sees the unspeakable while living life as a missionary with
his family in Dambi, New Guinea. When the opportunity to live in a 40,000 square foot lodge on top of a mountain in North
Carolina presents itself, it seems like a dream come true. Until the family finds themselves snowed in and realize they are
not alone in the house. Fear becomes their ever-present companion, making them doubt what their eyes see. Their faith wavers
beneath a suffocating cloud of despair.
In true Stephen King fashion, Travis Thrasher has written a thriller
that will keep you turning the pages and sleeping with the light on. ISOLATION is the Amityville Horror of Christian Fiction.
Life-like characters facing the unthinkable. This book rates a ten on suspense, thriller, and faith.
WOUNDED By Claudia Mair Burney ISBN 978-1-4347-9938-8 David
Cook Publishers Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
The greatest love story ever told is that between God and man. The second
is between a man and a woman. In WOUNDED, Claudia Mair Burney delivers both in a tale as beautiful and tragic as Christ’s
crucifixion.
Can Christ inflict stigmata on an African-American single mother, Regina?
Can he heal a man so deeply into drug abuse that it threatens to claim everything Priest holds dear? WOUNDED is a story of
Easter, of love, of death, of miracles, and of a deep relationship with our Savior.
Bleeding from all five stigmata points, Gina only desires her soul’s
love almost to the exclusion of all else. Although newly refinding his faith, Priest desires something much more human. Can
the two hope for a life together when circumstances seem more than they can endure. Can two “blind” people find
each other?
Mere words do not do justice to the story of these people. When I finished
the book, all I could say was “Wow.” Claudia Mair Burney has written a love story so powerful, it will stay with
the reader long after the last page has been turned. A ten on the faith scale.
LET THEM EAT FRUITCAKE By Melody Carlson ISBN 978-1-5891-9106-8 David
C Cook Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
It's almost Christmas at 86 Bloomberg Place, and these four house-mates
couldn't be any less in the holiday spirit.
1) Homeowner Kendall has money troubles her tenants aren't solving,
and then she meets a movie star who just might be her knight to the rescue;
2) Lelani is tricked by Kendall into
attending a "wrap" party with her instead of going out with Anna's brother;
3) Anna's old boyfriend is back in
town, ruining her chance with a really nice guy at work--the owner's grandson; and
4) Megan's having trouble
with her boss, and a little old lady. More than one, actually.
When Megan suggests planning a Christmas party
to cheer each other up, everything that could go wrong goes wrong. I was surprised to find I really enjoyed this book. The
faith element is there, but not obvious. I'm anxious to read the next installment.
UNBRIDLED DREAMS By Stephanie Grace Whitson ISBN 978-0-7642-0327-5 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
A mother. A daughter. A continuous battle of wills. Irma Friedrich has
dreamed of stunt riding in Wild Bill Cody’s Wild West show for as long as she can remember. She’s spent her summers
perfecting her act. Her mother, Willa Friedrich dreams of her daughter being a lady and wants Irma to attend a finishing school,
the last thing her daughter wants. When spoiled Irma’s father practically buys her an audition with family friend, Wild
Bill, Irma’s dream is closer to becoming a reality. When life sets in, awarding her a job harder than anything she’d
done before, Irma must prove herself to the other performers before ever stepping onto the ring.
Shep Sterling, the King of the Cowboys, complicates matters even more
when Irma’s heart begins to turn from trick riding, to promises of love. But he won’t act on their love until
he gains the approval of Irma’s mother. Something Irma believes to be impossible. And to top things off, Irma hears
of forgiveness during a church service. How can she forgive the things her high-handed mother has done?
UNBRIDLED DREAMS is not one love story, but two. It is a tale of forgiveness
and judgment. Of proving yourself to your peers and how God’s plan intertwines with dreams. Stephanie Grace Whitson
had written a story full of historical detail, adventure, determination, and love. Faith is interwoven brilliantly in this
novel, not being preachy, but rather, enhancing the story.
SUSPICIOUS MINDS Sequel to HAZARDOUS DUTY By Christy Barritt ISBN
978-0-8254-2540-0 Kregel Publications Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
As a crime scene clean up operation, Gabby's business is slow enough
that she has to take on other clean up jobs. But mold under an old house with snakes...and a very dead Elvis?
So begins a new adventure with Gabby and her quirky set of friends who
constantly pull her from danger when she goes on the hunt for a killer. But will their efforts prove in vain when the
killer is willing to add her to the growing body count?
Gabby is a well drawn, fun, character on a journey of life and faith.
The mystery is well plotted with the story and characters drawing in the reader and holding attention until the satisfying
conclusion.
Now that Gabby has firmly ensconced herself with this second book, I
hope she makes another appearance soon.
Faith element: low, subtle
THE ROOK Bower Files #2 By Steven James ISBN 978-0-8007-3269-1 Revell
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Special Agent Patrick Bowers was in San Diego for one case, but runs
smack into another. Are they actually one case that deals with a new super-secret government project? And what does the kidnapping
and slow murder of a female researcher have to do with anything? As Bowers and fellow agent Lien Hua race to save a life,
they discover horrifying truths about the project, those working on it, and those who know way too much about their own dark
fears....
Written with depth (something possible with this almost 600 page book),
James weaves a tangled story that tantalizes readers, drawing them into a world of intrigue, suspense and unspeakable terror.
In this second book of the series, Bowers and his step-daughter take tentative steps toward each other and toward faith.
The main story is wrapped up, but threads will take the story into the
next book. Nevertheless, once you start THE ROOK, hang on, you'll find it difficult to get off this ride until the end.
Faith element: low
A LADY OF SECRET DEVOTION By Tracie Peterson ISBN 978-0-7642-0147-9 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Cassandra Stover lives with her widowed mother and younger sister. After
her father’s violent death beneath the hooves of a horse, the Stovers support themselves by doing other people’s
laundry. When Cassie stumbles upon an older, wealthy woman from church who clearly needs a helping hand, Cassie accepts a
job as the woman’s companion and enters a world of luxury she could only dream about.
Then, the handsome Mark Langford approaches with a daring proposal to
catch a crook and a killer. Stakes escalate as Cassie looses her heart and finds herself, and her employer, in physical danger.
A LADY OF SECRET DEVOTION is a delightful historical with just enough
detail to be believable, and enough suspense to keep the reader turning the pages. Fans of Trace Peterson shouldn’t
miss this story of love between a man and a woman, God and his children, and the tough love of a mother with an incorrigible
son. A seven on the faith scale. Enough to see God’s mercy, but not preachy.
CALICO CANYON Lassoed in Texas By Mary Connealy ISBN 978-1-59789-938-3 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
School teacher, Grace can't control the rowdy Reeves boys which leads
directly to their expulsion from school and her being fired. What could be worse than being alone with no job on the frontier
and on the run from an abusive adoptive father? When the “worse” happens, Grace finds herself having to depend
on Daniel, the very man she'd come to despise for not controlling his boys.
Even worse, his rescue turns into a forced wedding neither want and being
snowed in all winter with Daniel and five boys who don't want anything to do with her. Can God bring healing and hope—even
love—out of the desperate situation?
The first book in the series I thought would make a better movie than
book—though it was a good read. It was made to be a movie. This sequel has all the positives of the first with romance,
faith, laugh out loud humor and a solid story to boot. This one not only makes a terrific read, it also should be a movie.
This author shows promise of only getting better at crafting her fun, faith-filled, entertaining novels.
Faith element: High. A winner.
FUDGE-LACED FELONIES By Cynthia Hickey ISBN 978-1-60260-181-9 Heartsong
Presents Mysteries Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
I loved the title of this book and looked forward to reading it, because
I liked the title and because I like mysteries. Heroine Summer is a feisty, a-bit-spoiled, quirky young woman ready for romance.
But the object of her affection, Ethan, a friend since forever, doesn't seem to want to move beyond that designation. Until
they find diamonds under her roses and a mystery unfolds with danger, and death and too many suspects.
Ethan vainly tries to stop Summer from pursuing the culprit or culprits,
because it continues to put her in deadly danger. The local law enforcement, her cousin Joe, doesn't have much more influence.
But when not only Summer, but those she loves are targeted, she realizes she must take the matter to the Lord—listening
instead to charging ahead without thought to the consequences. But does her new resolve come too late?
A chick-lit flavor, upbeat, fun story with a nice blend of romance, mystery
and faith.
THE FALCON AND THE SPARROW
By M.L. Tyndall
ISBN 978-1-60260-012-6
Barbour Publishing
Reviewer Melanie Jones
In Dominique Dawson, M.L. Tyndall creates a perfect reluctant spy — and a perfectly unassuming servant of God.
Set in 19th Century England, with the threat of Napolean looming large, THE FALCON AND THE SPARROW puts Dominique in a ship
of conflict from the very beginning. With her younger brother's life threatened, she must pose as a governess to steal documents
from widowed Admiral Chase Randal.
Adding to her troubles, it appears Dominique is the only person in the household who clings to God, whom Chase blames
for his wife's early death. The admiral runs in rowdy circles, exposing Dominique to catty women and lecherous men.
It takes guidance from John Newton, the former slave ship master who later wrote AMAZING GRACE to convince Dominique that
God has a purpose for her life, even when she can't see it.
Faith Element: THE FALCON AND THE SPARROW is primarily an historical romance, complete with swordplay and descriptions
of period costume, but it would be impossible to read and ignore the role God plays in Dominique's story.
PAINTED DRESSES By Patricia Hickman ISBN 978-1-4000-7199-9 Waterbrook
Press Reviewer Betty Anne Bantz
Gaylen's daddy is dying. Her sister Delia, younger by one year, calls
her home to Boiling Waters, North Carolina. We know, right from the start, all is not well in the Syler clan. What we don't
know is the depth of each layer hidden beneath the boiling waters.
Gaylen, dubbed "the good sister" by their
deceased mother, is the executor of Daddy's will and inherits her sister's affairs, with Delia attached to them. And the first
thing Delia does is shoot her boyfriend's wife--the sister of a drug dealer. Not waiting to see how badly the woman is hurt,
Gaylen whisks Delia away, only to find they are being pursued by someone not very nice. And the police.
The exciting
chase unites the sisters in a way they never thought possible. And secrets are unearthed that eventually free them to be who
God intended. Poignant, pleasant reading that will bring a smile to your face.
Faith element: Low
THE BLACK CLOISTER By Melanie Dobson ISBN: 978-0-8254-2443-4 Kregel
Publications Reviewed by Melanie Jones
News reports of the past few months have many Christians wondering how
people can get caught up in cults. Some are disgusted that women would stay when they and their children are so mistreated.
How do their worlds get so twisted? What happens when they try to break free?
Those are just a few questions Melanie Dobson explores in THE BLACK CLOISTER.
Her cult is not on a retreat in Texas, however. It's a global network with the book's action set in three German cities.
On the surface, THE BLACK CLOISTER is the story of Elise Friedman, a
young woman seeking to uncover the secrets surrounding her mother's life and death. Elise was only 8 when her mother died,
and while she loves the man who raised her as his daughter, she wants to know more about her mother's life in Germany. She
wants to know who her father is, even though she doesn't even have a name.
But the book goes deeper. Dobson paints a picture of a toxic church and
its narcissistic leader. The reader can see how he twists scripture to keep people — especially women — under
his control. And while the church members sense something is wrong, that there should be something more to life and love,
their understanding of God's love, and how to share it, comes only from one man. His mantra: Unto the pure all things are
pure. On its own, that can cover a variety of sins.
There is no separating the story from its faith factor. Yes, there is
adventure and romance, but the focus is on discovering what it really means to love God and sacrificial love.
THE EDGE OF RECALL By Kristen Heitzmann ISBN 978-0-7642-2831-5 Bethany
House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Tessa Young hides a secret so horrifying she’s blocked it from
her mind. Something associated with her obsession with labyrinths and her father’s disappearance. When she is called
by Smith Chandler, the man who broke her heart, to restore a historical labyrinth, she can’t resist the chance to put
her monsters to rest. She has no idea how close to a real monster she’ll come. A monster that ambushes Tessa and Smith
sending Tessa on a nightmare ride to discover the truth of what is locked inside her head. Who can she trust? With her earthly
father gone, can she believe in a loving heavenly Father?
THE EDGE OF RECALL is a page-turning romantic suspense. Kristen Heitzmann
has crafted a story so full of twists and turns that just when the reader feels they’ve figured things out, the story
spins along another path. Chock full of suspense, mystery, romance, compassion and danger, THE EDGE OF RECALL will keep the
reader up at night with their own dreams of monsters. An eight on the faith scale. A ten on great reading.
WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? By Gordon MacDonald ISBN-978-0-7852-2601-7 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Kay Tira
“All I know is that someone stole my church and I’d like
to get it back.”
Author Gordon MacDonald captures a nation-wide, if not global, sense
of loss based on one woman’s comment, and addresses the worship wars and generational perspectives of change within
the church.
WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? is a delightful walk through one pastor’s
discovery as he and his church board members agree to meet together weekly to dialogue about the controversial and emotional
decisions related to church names, music styles, prayer, and even the response to broken friendships. What begins as somewhat
of a gripe-session turns into a remarkable discovery group in which individuals break down barriers and preconceived notions,
and build relationships and understanding.
Though fiction, MacDonald’s book rings true in both the conflict
and the resolution. Discussion questions and “points to ponder” for each chapter are included in the back of the
book, making WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? a valuable study guide. Whether read in one sitting, or spread throughout weeks or months
of discussion, MacDonald’s book is a winner. An emotional journey, WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? is thought-provoking, encouraging,
and a highly recommended read for pastors and parishioners alike.
FAKING GRACE By Tamara Leigh ISBN 978-1-59052-929-4 Multnomah Reviewer
Melanie Jones
FAKING GRACE may have a laugh a page, but it also poses some serious
questions about faith, many of which may step on the toes of some folks who frequent Christian bookstores.
Maizy Grace Stewart found God at a Christian summer camp as a teen, but
quickly abandoned Him as she got caught up in an everyday life surrounded by nonbelievers. That one-time decision has always
been enough for her, until she decides to apply for a job with a Christian company.
To work her way in, she buys a bunch of "Jesus junk"—the book's
term, not mine—such as bumper stickers and a crown-of-thorns car air freshener, peppers her speech with Christian lingo
and tries to modify her dress and appearance to suit what she believes a Christian should look like.
A transformation of the heart is the last thing she's looking for, but
it may be exactly what she needs as she moves from "The Dumb Blonde's Guide to Christianity" to the real thing.
Faith element is strong as Maizy encounters Christians facing the same
struggles as everyone else, but with dealing with them in a different way.
THE FORBIDDEN By Beverly Lewis ISBN 978-0-7642-0311-4 Bethany
House Reviewer Melanie Jones
Beverly Lewis manages a handy trick in THE FORBIDDEN: at times, we can
forget the characters are Amish simply because many of their challenges could occur anywhere, to anyone. Stories of forbidden
love date back long before Romeo met Juliet, yet here Lewis keeps the topic fresh, with a man from an Old Order Amish family
forbidden to pursue a woman whose family has embraced the ideas of grace and salvation in the New Order walk of faith.
And that woman, Nellie Mae, is torn between them both. The thought of
grace, of assured salvation, is so tempting, but goes against the rules-based way of life of the Amish. So Nellie Mae is confused
to see her family turning to a faith that goes against everything she was raised to believe is true. And as she clings to
the old ways, she clings to the idea that Caleb Yoder will find a way to make his father accept her.
But Caleb poses another problem for Nellie Mae. Loving her means risking
his inheritance, so he keeps their romance a secret. Does the land mean more to him than his love for Nellie? Why should she
be the only one to go against her family?
As usual, Lewis has written a story rich with subplots and secondary
characters who bring the Amish ways to life. Setting the story at a time of division between the Old and New Orders provides
ample opportunities for conflict.
The division also lays the foundation for much of the story's faith elements
as Nellie Mae struggles with the concept of blessed assurance against the back drop of a cherished but faulty faith.
DRAGONLIGHT DragonKeeper Chronicles By Donita K Paul ISBN 978-1-4000-7378-8 WaterBrook
Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
The land is finally at peace and DragonKeeper Kale and her husband Sir
Bardon enjoy their time together. But even peace comes at a price as the Followers, who claim to follow Wulder, instead subtly
begin leading people away. With the unrest comes disturbing attacks on Kale that lead Kale and Bardon on a quest for the truth.
But will they be able to discover the truth of an ancient legend and if true, will they and their friends be able to destroy
the evil before it consumes everything good—including their lives?
In this last of the series, I felt right at home in the world Donita
has created with such depth and wonder. The story was told with heart and with layers that bring a reader back again. The
story also brought together the characters that have given life to this intriguing and imaginative story, nicely tying up
loose ends.
Often, by the time I've gotten to the last book of a series, I'm ready
for the story to be finished. This book was as fresh as the first and yet I felt like I was among old friends. I am looking
forward to Donita's newest series, that sounds like a spin off of this one.
Will a reader not familiar with the series be able to pick up this one
and enjoy it? Yes, I think so. Donita's style takes us right into the heart of both story and characters, giving the reader
a stake in the outcome.
The faith message is clear, drawing us from the fantasy world to a God
who has a plan and purpose for our lives if we follow him. Another winner from Donita.
COURTING DISASTER By Andrea Boeshaar ISBN 978-1-60260-032-4 Heartsong
Presents Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Cadi and her Disaster Buster team is concentrating on saving lives during
a disaster. Officer Frank Parker has seen his share of rip offs and thinks Cadi and company need watching. Only he doesn't
figure on her openness or his response to her—not to mention the response of his two kids. But is Cadi really as she
seems? Parker must discover the truth about Cadi and his own heart before everyone gets hurt...again.
A sweet romance so characteristic of Heartsong Presents, told with Boeshaar's
usual smooth, compelling style. An entertaining read about forgiveness, trust and letting go.
WITH ENDLESS SIGHT Crossroads of Grace #3 By Allison Pittman ISBN
978-1-60142-012-1 Multnomah Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Belinda is young, pretty, and full of spirit, spending her spare time
in childish games. When her father proposes a plan to head west, she is his only ally. Despite her mother’s protests
at leaiving behind a luxurious life, they head west in style. Traveling by steamboat and carriage. As they head down the trail,
they hear of the rich family heading to the west coast. Their family. Then tragedy strikes and Belinda is left to survive
a life of terror and hardship.
WITH
ENDLESS SIGHT is not only a historical story so rich in detail that the reader feels they journey with young Belinda, but
is a story of grace and triumph when all seems lost.
Allison Pittman has crafted more than a mere historical. She has written
a story that has you turning pages almost faster than the eye can keep up. When Belinda overcomes one trial, just when you
feel all is well, another grips her in it’s horrifying grip. And through it all, we feel God’s love for a slip
of girl who doesn’t lose her faith when life goes as wrong as it could get.
WITH ENDLESS SIGHT is a historical, a romance, a coming of age story
filled with God’s love and grace. A story of forgiveness.
WINTER HAVEN By Athol Dickson ISBN 978-0-7642-0164-6 Bethany
House Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
For thirteen long years, the memory of her brother’s disappearance
has haunted Vera Gamble, so when his body is found on Winter Haven, an island off the coast of Maine, she is determined to
identify the body and retrieve it for burial herself. However, finding her brother’s body fails to provide the resolution
she craves because he still appears exactly as he did when he disappeared as a teenager.
The air of dark mystery over the island only increases after that. Vera
discovers a cove constantly shrouded in mist, hears legends of a lost pilgrim colony, and finds herself in a forest where
no one dares to live. Though terrified by her surreal experiences, and doubting her own sanity, Vera refuses to leave until
truth is revealed and the authorities will release the body of her brother into her custody.
Vera’s stay in Winter Haven tests her, plunging her deep into her
fears and the painful memories of her past, and causing her to explore the meaning of true faith. At the core, this tale is
one of a woman learning that true faith is not the absence of doubt, but the willingness to walk through questions and uncertainties
into the place of trust.
In addition to the spiritual themes, multi-faceted characters, intriguing
mystery, and vivid setting make this an excellent read.
Faith element: Medium-high
CONVERSATIONS WITH ASENATH By Sisi Theo ISBN 978-1-60266-902-4 Xulon
Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Joesph's wife Asenath leads the characters in the fictionalized account
of Joseph's story. In this narrative, Asenath develops a friendship with Joseph's younger brother Benjamin, and together they
share different aspects of the story in more a narrative rather than a story format.
Theo certainly offers a different take on the Biblical account, and while
God figures in the story, human action takes center stage. Using many sources along with the Bible (the author did her research),
Theo gives a much more sinister twist to Joseph's faith and motives. It is seeing his actions through a perspective
of a culture far removed from the one he found himself in.
Warning: The graphic and vicious account of animal maiming by two of
Joseph's brothers toward the beginning of the book, puts these men into the category of not just unthinking, but evil. It
is also a misunderstanding of what “hamstringing” an animal meant. This action has been used down through the
ages, even on the American frontier, especially during war actions. It does not destroy an animal, but does keep an animal
from speed, which is why it was used on horses.
This telling of the story serves as a counterpoint to the Biblical view
of which nothing bad is attributed to Joseph and he is seen as a Christ-like representative. Not for those already well versed
in Scripture, but would prove enlightening for those studying Joseph and his decisions.
SKID By Rene Gutteridge ISBN 978-1-4000-7159-3 Water Brook Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
Hank Hazard accepts a job reporting on the flight attendants of a particular
airline. Being a happy-go-lucky in-love-with-God kind of guy, he enters into the role of difficult passenger with a smile
and a calming influence. And to make the flight across the Atlantic even more interesting, he discovers he shares the plane
with a diamond theft, and FBI agent, a pilot who landed in the Bermuda Triangle and lived to tell the tale, a lovely woman
who wants him to pose as her boyfriend, a dead woman who refuses to stay dead, a pig, and a blimp pilot. Hank may never drive
anywhere again. Not if flying is this much fun. And to top things off, he gets to play hero.
Renee Gutteridge has written a delightfully funny story with enough quirky
characters to fill three books. God’s presence is subtlety woven throughout the pages of SKID so the reader doesn’t
know how much they’ve read about God until the end. Hank’s quiet strength and underlying faith is endearing. The
characters will stay with the reader long after the book is closed.
SKID is a must read for anyone desiring a heavy dose of humor with their
suspense. I’m a Renee Gutteridge fan.
A SISTER'S HOPE Sisters of Holmes County By Wanda E Brunstetter ISBN
978-1-59789-273-5 Barbour Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Why would someone target Martha’s family for their increasingly
dangerous pranks? All Martha Hunstettler wants is to raise her dogs and have her father like Luke, the man she loves. When
the attacks against them increase, some being life-threatening, Martha’s father actually suspects Luke. Martha and Luke
set out to secretly find the person responsible.
Set with the peace loving Amish people as its background, A SISTER’S
HOPE, is a delightful romantic mystery. Martha and her family must rely on God while it seems that not only is the English
world against them, but possibly someone closer.
Wanda E. Brunstetter has crafted another great Amish romance with elements
of mystery and intrigue which sets this story apart from the rest of Amish fiction. The faith element is high, the romance
sweet, and the suspense will keep you turning the pages.
MY HEART REMEMBERS By Kim Vogel Sawyer ISBN-13: 978-0-7642-0262-9 Bethany
House Publishers Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
As Irish immigrants in late 19th century New York, Maelle’s family
does not have much—but they have strong ties to each other. When a fire breaks out in their tenement, Maelle and her
two siblings find themselves orphaned and alone in the world. Despite Maelle’s efforts to fulfill the promise she made
to her father to keep the family together, authorities separate them and send Maelle, Mattie, and Mollie to different homes—and
vastly different lives. But Maelle never forgets her brother and sister, and the thought of finding them drives the
decisions she makes as a child and as an adult. As the years tick by with no success, her hope begins to dwindle.
Meanwhile, Mattie also wants nothing more than to be united once more
with his sisters, while Mollie, who was a baby at the time they were all separated, is oblivious to the fact that she has
two siblings that are determined to reunite with each other and with her. Each one must find strength in the Lord to overcome
the past and look to a new future, and each, in his or her own way, aches for family. Will they ever be reunited?
A compelling and enjoyable tale of hope, with rich characters and sweet
journeys of faith.
Faith element: Medium
GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT A Story of Adventure Among The Students of
China By Audrey Hebbert ISBN 978-0-9765222-3-2 Trestle Press Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Erika Slade, sixteen-years-old and newly converted to Christianity, accompanies
her elderly friend Monica Moore to China on the pretense of teaching English to Chinese students of all ages. Monica has other
ideas, teaching the love of Jesus along with English words. All Erika can see is the absence of modern conveniences.
Based on the true works of volunteer English teacher, Monica Moore, GREEN
LIGHT RED LIGHT takes us into the persecutions of Chinese Christians as seen through the eyes of a teenager with plenty of
lip gloss in her denim pockets. As Monica teaches of Christ’s love, Erika learns more than she bargained for.
In GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT, Audrey Hebbert teaches us of sacrifice, redemption,
and unconditional love. Hebbert brings China to life; its people, its customs, its beauty. Through the eyes of a teenager,
we see the wonderful side of another’s culture, while glorying in its uniqueness. While possibly geared toward the young
adult ages, GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT is a book for all ages.
Although the sentence structure lacks some in the skill of writing, it
does little to detract from this powerful story of a young girl’s adjustment to an unfamiliar life as she learns of
God’s love. In my opinion, the book reads more like a diary, than a novel. The faith element is high.
DARING CHLOE By Laura Jensen Walker ISBN 978-0-310-27696-8 Zondervan Reviewer
Melanie Jones
Chloe Adams wasn't jilted at the altar. Nope, her husband-to-be text
messaged her before she had to wake up and face the wedding day disaster. Finding support among her book-club friends, former
scaredy-cat Chloe decides to take on fun new challenges — starting with a husbandless honeymoon.
DARING CHLOE is the perfect read for book lovers. Chloe and friends take
the plunge into adventure, choosing outings tied to their favorite books. As Chloe's gal pals transform from Paperback Girls
to Getaway Girls, they share some of their favorite reads, providing new titles for the book list and inspiration to revisit
some old favorites.
All good chick lit features at least one confidant, but DARING CHLOE
comes with a whole slew of them. Aunt Tess plays the primary role, but irresponsible — and irrepressible — roommate
Becca plays her part, as do the other Paperback/Getaway girls: Southern mom Annette, her girly-girl daughter Kailyn, foodie
and movie-buff Paige and athletic vegetarian Jenna.
DARING CHLOE is labeled a "Getaway Girls Novel." Whether future titles
feature Chloe or one of her cohorts, I look forward to the next book.
Faith element is not the emphasis, though Chloe grows by learning to
trust in God.
A MATTER OF WIFE & DEATH Secrets from Lulu’s Café By
Ginger Kolbaba & Christy Scannell ISBN 978-1-4165-4388-6 Howard Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Mimi, Lisa, Jennifer, and Felicia meet regularly at Lulu’s
Café to lean on each other, dream with each other, and pray for each other. All wives of pastors, they feel they should put
up a front with their congregation, despite the issues they deal with at home. Together, they can be themselves, with no fear
of condemnation.
They organize a retreat for pastor’s wives, inviting others from
surrounding cities. When one of the guests winds up dead and foul play is suspected, one of the four friends ends up accused
while the others question the solidity of their friendship.
In A MATTER OF WIFE AND DEATH, (Secrets from Lulu’s Café Series),
Kolbaba & Scannell craft a story of these sisters in Christ of Red River.
As we read of their struggles, we realize how normal these women are
who are often placed on pedestals. We laugh with them, cry with them, and pray with them. We rejoice as they triumph, and
groan when they fall.
I rate the faith scale a medium and the story high. Not only is A MATTER
OF WIFE AND DEATH a mystery, it is a story of friendship, love, and where a woman fits into today’s world of ministry.
BLACK SEA AFFAIR By Don Brown ISBN 978-0-310-27214-4 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Plutonium has been stolen from the Russians, but they don't know what
American intelligence knows—the possible direction and location. Diplomacy won't work in this situation and an American
sub is sent to the Black Seas to dispatch the vessel carrying the plutonium. Like most carefully crafted plans, they go awry.
When war between America and Russia and their allies becomes a real possibility, America must find the plutonium and protect
the men who tried to do their job. The stakes are high, can even hot-shot litigator Zach Brewer find a way out?
An adventure that takes the reader on a wild ride of politics, espionage,
loyalty and faith. A good read.
The key: doing what is right, no matter what.
Faith element: medium
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE By Deeanne Gist ISBN 978-0-7642-0226-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Melanie Jones
Set in the heart of oil country in 1898, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE
conveys the spirit up the time and region with descriptions of the oil fields rivaling the details of every dress —
or bicycling costume, as the case may be.
At 34, the independent-minded Essie Spreckelmeyer has accepted that she
will never marry. Her life is full with running her own cycling club, as well as managing her father's oil business. So she
worries when she catches the eye of newcomer Tony Morgan. What if she accepts his interest and gives her heart, only
to end up back on the path to spinsterhood?
Handsome and younger, Tony is more interested in advancing his career
than his social life — or at least that's what he tells himself at first.
Both want more, but they want to keep their secrets, too, and love and
secrecy can't thrive in the same heart. Though filled with laughter, DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE also delves into serious
topics and struggles that are just as timely today as they were in 1898.
Faith elements shine through in the story, but Gist doesn't stop the
plot for a sermon. Her characters deal frankly with desires, fears and failures.
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE By Deeanne Gist ISBN 978-0-7642-0226-1 Bethany
House Reviewer Elisabeth H. Bantz www.bantzbooks.com
Essie Spreckelmeyer, the winner of the 1898 New York Herald's
contest for Best Bicycle Costume that caused a riot in Central Park, must live down the notoriety once she returns to Texas.
But she doesn't let it interfere with running her Corsicana Velocipede Club or the Spreckelmeyer Oil Company.
Tony
Bryant Morgan drops his last name when his father's will leaves Morgan Oil to his half brother, and him with nothing. Determined
to save face, he travels to Corsica to apply for an entry-level job at Spreckelmeyer Oil, and must convince the owner to give
a novice a chance.
Not the typical romance by a long shot. In fact, these two have nothing going for them whatsoever
except a common faith in God. Sort of. The obstacles they encounter would be a test to anyone's faith. An exceptional story,
I'd recommend it to anyone.
HIDDEN Sisters of the Heart #1 By Shelley Shepard Gray ISBN
978-0-06-147445-3 Avon Inspire Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz www.bantzbooks.com
Anna has not made the wisest choices since dropping out of
college, but dating Rob, the darling of the young political candidates, has put her in grave danger. Running for her life,
she takes refuge with a lifetime Amish friend, and is welcomed by everyone except the girl's rude brother. No one could predict
the unusual turn of events.
An unexpected and refreshing story that makes one take stock of his or her own relationship
with God--and with each other. I'm looking forward to the next Sisters of the Heart story.
NOW AND ALWAYS By Lori Copeland ISBN 978-0-310-26351-7 Zondervan Reviewed
by Elisabeth H. Bantz www.bantzbooks.com
Katie Addison is a mixture of height and beauty, trust and doubt,
confusion and sheer determination. About 6 feet tall, she towers over most men, and has given her heart to none. Katie somehow
trusts everyone except would-be suitors. Instead she expends all her energy helping the battered women in her shelter and
tending the bruised animals she has rescued.
The confusion enters by way of a childhood indiscretion. And a boy---now
a man---she can't seem to forgive. Enter, another childhood friend, plus a ranch-full of misfits, and the plot thickens.
This
mixture makes for an interesting story, with memorable characters, one I'd recommend to anyone. Faith element, low-medium.
LEAVING NOVEMBER By Deborah Raney ISBN 978-1-4165-5829-3 Howard Reviewer
Melanie Jones
The hurts from our pasts often shape our fears of the present, and that
truth has never been more evident to Vienne Kenney in LEAVING NOVEMBER.
Vienne moved away from Clayburn, Kansas, to become a woman of which she
could be proud and to put away the pain of growing up in a gossipy small town. But when her mother, the only parent she could
ever count on, suffers a debilitating stroke, Vienne returns to Clayburn and stays in order to renovate and run her mother's
business.
Working across the street from an old high school crush, Vienne renews
her acquaintance with Jackson Linder, as he, too, moves back to town. Will her teenage puppy love mature into the real thing?
Will the town's gossip mill allow it?
Especially when that gossip mill reveals Jackson's seeming flaw, one
Vienne's past makes it hard to overlook. Can she see past the gossip and through her pain to discover the man Jackson is today?
LEAVING NOVEMBER provides excellent lessons in the need for grace, the
dangers of gossip and the desire for courage, all without jolting the reader out of a beautiful love story.
WASHINGTON'S LADY By Nancy Moser ISBN 978-0-7642-0500-2 Bethany
House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
She was quite a lady. Moser tells her story in a way that brings history
and Martha Washington to life. No longer is she simply a shadowy figure who stood behind her man, but an active participant
in history and in helping Washington achieve the heights he did to win a war and found a nation.
The story also put in context much of the research I'd done for my book
THREADS OF TIME that included in the collection of biographies, one of George Washington. My research led me to value Martha,
but Moser's book puts flesh and blood on the historical record.
The writing was smooth and compelling and the book hard to put down.
A winner for those who love history and who love a good romance.
THE ALMOST TRUE STORY OF RYAN FISHER By Rob Stennett ISBN 978-0-310-27706-4 Zondervan Reviewed
by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Like the picture on the cover (A man with a TV for a head), Ryan Fisher has lofty thoughts
of grandeur. Unhappy with his bottom-of-the-rung status as a real estate salesman, he gets an idea from a TV show, and targets
Christians by advertising in their business directory, and suddenly he’s top salesman.
Uncomfortable by
their pointed questions about his faith, he takes his wife to church, and finds himself pleasantly surprised. He actually
enjoys being with Christians, especially the pastor. His wife even joins a women’s Bible study.
His visions of grandeur mushroom until he pictures himself as a pastor
by putting to use all his business, advertising, and sales techniques to plant a mega-church. Surprisingly, his wife goes
along with his scheme.
Almost plausibly (that’s the scary part), yet entertaining in a
quirky way, with an a-a-a-w ending. Faith element low.
BELLA A novelization of the People's Choice Award screen play Lisa
Sampson ISBN: 978-1-59554-608-1 Thomas Nelson, Publisher Reviewed by Elisabeth H Bantz
Nina is a dancer convinced she can make it big in the Big Apple. But
New York talent scouts disagree. Four years later, all she has to show for herself is a garish waitress outfit she wears at
the upscale Mexican restaurant, and an unexpected and unwanted child in her womb. And now she was late for work, again. She
gets fired, or course, but that firing sets off a course of events that changes her life. Even turns it into a blessing .
. . after a fashion.
José functions as the head chef at his brother's restaurant, but he lives trapped in a time
warp he can't escape. No one but family knows the terrible tragedy that put him there, and they haven't been able to help
him escape. But Nina's firing suddenly thrusts him outside as nothing has since he was released from prison. It is the beginning
of a healing . . . for both him and for Nina.
Although BELLA has little spiritual content, it is a well-written
and memorable story with a happy ending.
A pro-life story.
CONTROLLING INTEREST By Elizabeth White ISBN 978-0-310-27305-9 Zondervan Reviewer
Melanie Jones
Elizabeth White's Southern roots are showing in CONTROLLING INTEREST,
all to the reader's benefit.
We first met Matt Hogan as the misguided private investigator in OFF
THE RECORD. Now a reformed Matt is the featured player in a search for a runaway bride as he's saddled with an unwanted sidekick,
Natalie Tubberville.
The search for Yasmine, a Pakistani bride-to-be fleeing an arranged marriage,
is intriguing, but nothing beats the verbal sparring between Matt and Natalie. At times, you're not sure whether to root for
them to fall in love or adopt each other as brother and sister.
White sets the tone perfectly, capturing the funny phrases found only
south of the Mason-Dixon line, and her descriptions of the scenery along the way places the reader firmly in the land of kudzu
and Spanish moss.
The faith factor is light, but definitely present as Matt and Natalie,
both new to their walks with Christ, struggle to put old habits and desires behind them and strive to follow God's will.
IN THE SHADOW OF LIONS By Ginger Garrett ISBN 978-0-7814-4887-1 David
C. Cook Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
As an angelic scribe dictates a story to a ruthless, dying editor,
history unfolds. At first the past and the present jump back and forth jarringly, but soon the real story takes center stage,
the story of two women in the 1500s.
One is a street walker despairing of life after her illegitimate son---the
offspring of a priest---dies. Rose is rescued by Sir Thomas More who takes her into his home to be a nanny for his children.
The other is Anne Boleyn, taken from France to the English court where she endures the unwanted yet tempting attentions of
King Henry. And although these women do not meet until the very end, the men in their lives are very much acquainted.
Pivotal to the story is the Bible, and along with it the man who translates
it into the common language (although he never makes an appearance). The story is as much about him and the effect God’s
Word had on its readers as it is about the women, Rose and Anne.
Back then, the Bible was being withheld from the common man, and men,
women and children clamored to read it, even though it meant a possible painful death. Today, the average household hosts
many Bibles, and few if any choose to read it. Both extremes are equally fatal.
Two things I learned from this book: 1) God's Word is powerful, and 2)
unless we read it, its power (for us) stops.
THE SHACK By William P. Young ISBN 978-0964729230 Windblown
Media Reviewer Kay Tira
Edgy, fresh, and thought-provoking, William P. Young’s THE SHACK
is likely to be recommended by friend to friend – quite possibly with an excitement but hesitancy.
With an as-told-to approach, Young captures the experience of Mackenzie
(Mack), whose childhood wounds from an alcoholic father, and then tragic abduction and murder of his daughter, Missy, drive
Mack to a distorted perspective on life.
In the midst of his anger and grief, Mack discovers a note in his mailbox,
inviting him to “meet me at the shack,” and signed by “Papa” – the endearing term Mack’s
wife uses in reference to God.
Mack secretly accepts the offer, hoping for a confrontation with the
killer, or at least for some answers. The tale that ensues will likely challenge the reader’s perception of God, religion,
relationships, and life itself.
Anticipate some skepticism, dodge a couple of expletives, but enjoy THE
SHACK. I found it worth the read, and it brought me to my knees.
DELICACY Sensations Series By C L Kelly ISBN 978-0-310-27309-7 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Nick and Cassie Dixon have risen from the ashes of their involvement
in the perfume industry to work with TASTE OF SUCCESS, a training program for those who need a hand up, teaching them culinary
skills. Only someone doesn't want the program to succeed. So begins a bizarre series of disasters that just might close down
the program, unless the Dixons can find some powerful help and unless the police find not only who's out to close down the
program but also who's out to stop the Dixons—permanently.
Interesting cast of characters, the best of which should have his own
series—Father B. While the endless culinary details drag down the plot, unless food and its preparation is your thing,
much of this can be skimmed for the otherwise heartwarming story of family and faith with a touch of danger.
Faith element: low
FROM A DISTANCE By Tamera Alexander ISBN 978-0-7642-0389-3 Bethany
House Reviewed by Elisabeth H. Bantz
Elizabeth Westbrook is doing what no woman in 1875 has dared. She is
competing with men for the coveted position of staff photographer and journalist at the Washington Daily Chronicle by sending
her editor exciting stories and breathtaking photos of the Colorado Rockies and wildlife. And on the side, she's mailing photos
of hot springs sites to resort developers in New York.
Daniel Ranslett has more than one reason to live like
a recluse, and he refuses Elizabeth's request to guide her to the Ute's cliff dwellings until a murder, an attack on her assistant,
and vandalism to her room make it clear he must help her escape the danger. But the sparks that fly between them may be even
more dangerous.
Beautiful word pictures, not only of the scenery, but the heart of God. I recommend this book.
And this author.
THE GRAND SCHEME By Kathy Herman ISBN 978-1-59052-923-2 Multnomah Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
Finally married, Rue and Ivy feel that life couldn’t be better—they
are united as a family, they have jobs they enjoy, and they have overcome their addictions with God’s help. In short,
they are moving forward with life. Until suddenly they come under attack. Not everyone thinks they should be able to enjoy
life. The attacks start out small, with the destruction of Rue’s truck, but quickly escalate to arson and worse.
They find out, in a very personal way, that envy and selfish ambition
truly lead to all sorts of evil. When those responsible for the attacks are finally discovered, Rue and Ivy struggle to forgive
as they have been forgiven. They must learn to release their bitterness or it will destroy them.
THE GRAND SCHEME, book three of the Phantom Hollow series, reveals the
devastating effects of jealousy and revenge, and the importance of forgiveness. A suspenseful tale that doesn’t neglect
the deeper, most important things.
Faith element: High
WAGERED HEART By Robin Lee Hatcher ISBN 978-0-310-25926-8 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Bethany hadn't wanted to leave her home in the East for frontier Montana,
whatever God called her pastor father to do. But once she arrived, once she got a sense of the scenery and open sky, once
she met the enigmatic cowboy rancher Hawk, Bethany began to feel the stirrings of...love?
But Hawk is anything but an easy catch and more than one resident of
Sweetwater warns her away, especially the wealthy rancher Vince Richards. But does Richards have ulterior motives besides
the hand of the delectable Bethany?
A story told through the eyes of characters struggling with life and
faith and with enough plot to keep the reader hooked. Hatcher's writing is a joy to read not only because it is polished,
but also because she allows the story to unfold naturally, never depending on contrived conflicts. A delightful, engaging
historical romance.
Faith Element: medium to high
DECEPTION By Randy Alcorn ISBN 978-1-60142-099-2 Multnomah Reviewer
Sarah Sawyer
Detective Ollie Chandler is no stranger to pain and suffering. He has
lost everyone he loves most and makes a living investigating murders. Now his life consists of his job and trying to drown
his sorrows by heavy drinking when he’s off duty.
When a college professor is murdered, Ollie finds himself in the midst
of an investigation clouded by deception and contradictory evidence. From the muddle of clues, one fact appears to emerge—the
murderer is someone from the homicide detective division. But is even that as it seems?
As Ollie fights to solve the case and discover the truth no matter the
cost, Ollie’s friends Jake and Clarence, encourage him to give no less determination to seeking out truth in spiritual
matters. The contrast between truth and deception weaves its way through Ollie’s journey, and what he learns, both pertaining
to God and the case, will lead him to a surprising destination.
A compelling read, riddled with twists and full of suspense. Recommended
for mature readers.
Faith level: Medium-high.
A STEAL OF A DEAL The Shop-Til-U-Drop Collection By Ginny Aiken
ISBN 978-0-8007-3228-8 Revell Reviewer Melanie Jones
Andie Adams has a knack for gems — and trouble.
In A STEAL OF A DEAL, the second installment in Ginny Aiken's "Shop-Til-U-Drop"
collection, the shopping channel host travels to the Kashmir region of India on a mission trip. But with visions of sapphires
in her employer's eyes, the journey becomes, in part, a working vacation. Cue the handsome co-host and let the adventures
begin.
The trouble starts with a dead servant on a luxurious houseboat, continues
with a dead guide at the end of a long mule trip and wraps up with more violence back home in Kentucky. Through it all, Andie
exchanges barbs with her co-host, examines her heart and prays for help in her times of trouble — and for control of
her smart mouth.
Mystery trumps the faith element for the most part, but God's not in
hiding, and there's a clear message that Christians are accountable for their words.
AN UNCERTAIN DREAM Postcards from Pullman #3 By Judith Miller ISBN
978-0-7642-0278-0 Bethany House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Olivia finds herself in a less than enviable position. She continues
her job as assistant chef at the Pullman hotel and has an income, while others have little because of the strike against a
company that keeps rents high and wages low. The man of her heart, Fred, is a leader in the strike movement for better working
conditions.
Fred won't move forward in their relationship until his future is more
clear, even as he fears for Olivia's happiness without her job.
Add in Charlotte's return to America, complicated relationships, a strike
that entangles government troops and you have a layered story that draws in the reader.
The conclusion, though tying up several threads, ends with a whimper
not a bang, leaving the reader hungering for the next book in the series and full satisfaction.
Faith element: medium
KILL ME IF YOU CAN A Patricia Amble Mystery By Nicole Young ISBN
978-0-8007-3158-8 Revell Reviewer Melanie Jones
Nicole Young's KILL ME IF YOU CAN finds Tish Amble running away from
the life and love she established in KISS ME IF YOU MUST in order to solve the mysteries of her past. After all, she determines,
it's difficult to build a future when your heritage is a bit blurry. But Tish finds herself embroiled in more than one mystery.
Not only does it look like her mother's death may not have been a suicide after all, but the drug trade that lead to her mother's
death and father's abandonment still flourishes.
Tish's need to do the right thing places her squarely in the path of
danger when she provides refuge for an abused woman and her children, as well as her might-be beau's sister, whose abusive
ex has just been released from prison.
Piling mystery upon mystery, Young manages a layered story that keeps
readers guessing while establishing the foundation for Tish's conflicted feelings about entering into a serious relationship,
despite the love in her heart. Though the book makes frequent mention of events from KISS ME IF YOU MUST, it isn't necessary
to read the books in order to follow the plot. Look out for a killer ending.
Faith element is low to medium, showing up primarily in prayer and church
attendance, but the story does teach a lesson in surrendering control of our lives to Christ. The book's title gives fair
warning to the violence in the book.
SISTER'S CHOICE Patchwork Circle By Judith Pella ISBN 978-0-7642-01234-9 Bethany
House Publishers Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Maggie Newcomb seemed to always want what she couldn’t have. Or
what belonged to someone else. She sets her sights on the handsome Colby Stoddard who seems to have eyes only for newcomer
Tamara. Maggie sets aside her overalls and dons a dress, concocting a daring scheme to win Colby while her friend, Evan, vies
for the beautiful Tamara’s hand. Things seem to be working for Maggie, especially when Colby pays her attention. So,
why isn’t she happy? Then, her best childhood friend is accused of murder and things are shaken up again in Maggie’s
world opening her eyes to what’s always been right in front of her.
SISTER’S CHOICE is a wonderful historical about life in a small
farming town of Oregon. Judith Pella has crafted a delightful story about waiting for God’s will and hearing His voice.
Maggie learns that God’s plan is much better than any devious plan she could cook up on her own.
A MILE IN MY FLIP-FLOPS By Melody Carlson WaterBrook Press ISBN
13-978-1-4000-7314-6 Reviewer Melanie Jones
Melody Carlson offers proof that Chick Lit isn't dead.
A MILE IN MY FLIP-FLOPS features Gretchen Hanover, a single 32 year old
suffering apartment dwellers' syndrome. So the HGTV addict chooses to do something about her small space. With the help of
her also-single father, Gretchen buys a dump she can't afford with a plan to house flip — fix it up and sell it fast
— then use the profit to make a down payment on a home of her own.
But life doesn't go according to plan. First, the house turns out to
need more help than she thought. Second, her dad wants to bring in a good-looking, divorced carpenter to lend a hand, which
Gretchen refuses. But that choice is taken out of her hands when her dad is sidelined and she can't handle the project alone.
Gretchen's objections to bringing single-dad Noah Campbell into the project
have nothing to do with his skill and everything to do with her once-jilted heart. She says she doesn't want to love a divorced
man. She says she doesn't want an instant family. But Noah obviously wants her.
The road to romance — and financial solvency — is a bumpy
one. Carlson serves up plenty of laughs while at the same time exploring issues like workaholism, overspending and Christian
attitudes about divorce.
It's refreshing to read a book from the perspective of a never-been-married
woman in her 30s instead of the straight-out-of-college twenthsomethings worrying they'll never find love. Gretchen is a real,
grown-up woman with plenty of flaws learning to put God first. As an added bonus, readers get a glimpse of retirement-age
love with a romance between Gretchen's father and a wealthy, retired real estate agent.
Faith factor is fairly light, but integral to the story.
THE WARRIORS Mark Andrew Olsen ISBN 978-0-7642-0274-2 BethanyHouse Reviewer
Melanie Jones
THE WARRIORS is not for those easily frightened — and probably
not for pacifists — but it is a great book for everyone who enjoys well-written, visual stories of suspense and action.
Like a dire prediction of future headlines, Mark Andrew Olsen paints
a picture of the evil behind the terrorists, the invisible force that feeds them and prompts them, compelling them to destroy.
The opening chapters take off in a keep-the-lights-on frenzy as Dylan Hatfield finds what lies within the cave complex that
once housed Osama bin Laden. Seeing the location from the eyes of a Watcher, someone who can glimpse demons and angels, provides
fodder for nightmares.
While Dylan is on his top-secret mission, his fellow Watcher and would-be
girlfriend Abby Sherman sees flashes of his experiences as she is called to her mentor's deathbed, where she receives a mission
that could save the lives of millions.
When events draw Dylan and Abby back together, the story really begins
to race — a race against time, a race against the Enemy.
The faith element soars, with characters learning to literally walk by
faith, but the brief descriptions of horrific violence may be off-putting for some.
SISTERCHICKS GO BRIT By Robin Jones Gunn ISBN 978-1-59052-755-9 Multnomah
Books Reviewer Michelle Levigne
If you can’t afford to hop over to England any time soon, following
Liz and Kellie’s adventures is the next best thing. As a certified Lewis-phile, I would love a tour of Oxford, and “riding
along” with the two SISTERCHICKS of this book made me feel as if I were taking the Peeping Jon tour with them.
The delicious thing about Robin’s SISTERCHICKS books is that you
can easily imagine yourself in the main characters’ places, bopping around the globe with your best friend, having misadventures
and fun, and learning something about yourself at the same time. From the quirky way Liz and Kellie meet Opal, their “fairy
godmother” who gifts them with their trip to England, through embarrassingly torn jeans and high tea, to a trip through
Oxford and shopping at Harrod’s, this book is a delight.
In anyone else’s hands, this could have turned into another thinly
disguised travelogue. Fortunately, Robin Jones Gunn doesn’t know how to write a bad book. I have all the other SISTERCHICKS
books, waiting to be read, and this latest installment has whet my appetite to dive in once again and enjoy. Brew up a cup
of Earl Gray, make yourself a batch of scones, and settle down for a lot of fun.
Faith element: Medium level. Liz, the POV character, does have some small
spiritual epiphany moments. They feel very natural. There is some learning and fun in the book, nothing preachy. Two women
learning to find a new purpose, a second wind, in their lives.
THE SWEETGUM KNIT LIT SOCIETY By Beth Pattillo ISBN 978-1-4000-7394-8 WaterBrool
Press Reviewer Betty Bantz
Librarian Eugenie would soon be forced to retire from the Sweetgum Tennessee
Public Library. When she catches a surly teen defacing a knitting magazine, she makes 13-year-old Hannah work off the replacement
cost by doing library chores, and joining the Knit-Lit group that meets at the church
The knitting-reading club
is a most unlikely bunch of women, mismatched and of various ages, each with her own set of intertwined problems. And we soon
begin to care about them, rooting for the new minister who's sweet on Eugenie, and the rescue of Hannah from her dangerous
environment. In the end, each woman in some way helps the other, and receives it in return.
Although I wasn't
sure about meeting The Society, each character was introduced slowly until I got to know them and could empathize with them.
I'd read more from this author.
Faith element: Medium
SUMMER OF JOY By Ann H Gabhart ISBN 13: 978-0-8007-3170-0 Revell Reviewer
Michelle Levigne
Travel to Hollyhill, a little town in Kentucky in 1964, where echoes
of segregation and “The Draft” trouble the relatively happy inhabitants. David Brooke has a lot on his plate,
being the pastor of a small church, plus the editor of the town’s paper, plus taking care of a full household. His wife
left him years ago, taking their oldest daughter, who returned pregnant and unmarried in a previous book. Between his church’s
radical decision to let a Black family attend, and the birth of his bi-racial grandson, people aren’t buying his newspaper
and David is having money problems.
Does he dare ask Leigh Jacobson to marry him and share all those problems?
This book is a delight, with its quirky characters and age-old problems
of humanity. The town is still recovering from a disaster that struck them in a previous book, and the echoes of tragedy still
affect people’s decisions. Secrets are revealed, families reunited, and a talented young writer struggles under the
tyranny of an elitist English teacher who punishes her for his own failures.
Through all this, love endures and triumphs and the quiet, strong faith
of the main characters carries them through testing and troubles. There is laughter and tears and pain in this story, and
God is there, answering their prayers – though sometimes not quite in the way any of them imagine.
MY NAME IS RUSSELL FINK By Michael Snyder ISBN 978-0-310-27727-9 Zondervan
Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
What do you do when you have a dysfunctional family, a former fiancée
who won’t accept a broken engagement, and a job you dislike? If you are Russell Fink, you consult your clairvoyant Bassett
hound for advice. (However, it is demonstrated through the book that the dog really has no ability to do this and Russell
comes to this realization as well.) When Sonny the hound turns up dead, Russell embarks on a mission to find his murderer.
Along the way, Russell must work through his guilt over the death of
his sister, his fear of cancer, and his own indecisiveness about life. Russell discovers that God is big enough to handle
all of his issues, which sends him on a whole new journey
MY NAME IS RUSSELL FINK is a quirky character driven tale, abounding
in humorous oddities and rich relational dynamics.
Warning note: For more mature audiences. Russell feeds the
dog alcohol for results. He and family exhibit quite a bit of dysfunction.
Faith level: Medium.
PECULIAR TREASURES Katie Weldon Series By Robin Gunn ISBN
978-0-310-27656-2 Zondervan Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Katie Weldon, red-haired and impetuous, maid-of-honor at her best friend’s
wedding, wants to change lanes with her “almost” boyfriend, Rick. They’re stuck in the slow lane of their
relationship. All she wants is a kiss. A kiss of commitment. To be loved. To have the life she’s always dreamed of.
What Katie doesn’t realize as she makes rash choices in her life, is that what she wants isn’t always what God
wants. Patience has been left out of Katie’s personality. Will Katie discover true treasure? Has her flip-flopping decisions
destroyed her chance at love? Can she mend a relationship torn apart by sharp words and misunderstanding?
PECULIAR TREASURES is a story about choices, waiting, selflessness, and
forgiveness. When Katie realizes why her life is going the way it is, her eyes are opened, as well as the eyes of the reader.
Robin Jones Gunn has written an adorable book about unforgettable characters with a deep message of God’s desire in
a woman’s life.
RUBY
AMONG US By Tina Ann Forkner ISBN 13: 978-1-4000-7358-0 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Michelle Levigne
The mistakes and choices of our parents travel down through the generations
to affect us, even when we are unaware of them. Lucy finds this out as she gathers the courage to finally ask the questions
about her mother that have been waiting years for answers.
Traumatized by the death of her mother when she was very young, and blaming
herself, Lucy has very few memories of her mother, Ruby. Raised by her grandmother, Kitty, she is somewhat of a recluse, surrounded
by her music and art. A graduate student at nineteen, she makes two friends in the university who encourage her to ask questions,
to finally break through the walls of silence and shame and pain that Kitty built around herself, around Ruby, and around
Lucy. These two friends demonstrate God’s love, making Lucy hungry for the faith that Kitty lost and that Ruby clung
to before her death.
In this quiet, introspective book, about great love that is damaged and
yet endures through the generations, Lucy learns that sometimes the most painful questions are the ones that need the most
to be asked.
Faith element: Light
ALONG CAME A COWBOY By Christine Lynxwiler ISBN 978-1-59789-896-6 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Dr. Rachel Donovan had returned to her home town and become a beloved
citizen. But when childhood friend Jack Westwood also returns, Rachel fears he might two and two together and come up with
a past she didn't want dug up. Add to that being thrown together on the centennial celebration, the unexpected arrival of
her niece who'd run away from home and had every intention of discovering her birth mother and you have a story ripe with
emotional pitfalls and choices. Will Rachel be willing to visit her past in order to move into a future filled with love and
hope...and forgiveness.
This is one of those books that held my interest enough that I'd forget
to watch the time as I scrambled to read, “Just one more chapter.” A story of faith and forgiveness in which choice
makes all the difference.
BLOOD BROTHERS By Rick Acker ISBN 978-0-82542-007-8 Kregel Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Gunnar & Karl have built a pharmaceutical company together. But the
discovery of an enhancement drug has driven them apart. When Gunnar enlists the aid of lawyer Ben Corbin, Ben has no idea
just what lengths unscrupulous individuals will go to in order to protect their secrets or that one of these secrets may have
to do with the drug itself. Will Ben be able to unravel the truth before he loses what is most dear--his family?
Richly drawn characters and an intricate plot line capture the reader
in this legal suspense novel of greed, treachery and redemption. A nice sequel to DEAD MAN'S RULE.
Faith element: Medium, well integrated
A LADY OF HIDDEN INTENT By Tracie Peterson ISBN-10: 0764201468 ISBN-13:
978-0-7642-0146-2 Bethany House Publishers Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
When Catherine Newbury’s father was falsely accused of slave trading
and imprisoned, she was forced to flee England. Once in American, she starts a new life for herself as a seamstress. Her skills
make her a coveted designer in 19th century Philadelphia and soon she becomes well known, even beyond the city, by her new
name Catherine Shay. But she is consumed by the past, the secrets she holds, and her determination to see her father freed.
When Carter Danby, a man she had met in her previous life, comes to the
seamstress shop, she fears that he will endanger the secrets she has tried so hard to conceal, and prevent her from succeeding
in her mission to free her father. Despite their mutual attraction, she strives to avoid him. However, she has underestimated
his determination. Will they overcome the past and find hope for a future together?
Romance readers will enjoy this sweet tale of dreams, determination,
and love found.
GUNFIGHT AT GRACE GULCH Heartsong Presents Mysteries By Darlene
Franklin ISBN 978-1-59789-677-1 Heartsong Presents Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Grace Gulch is a small town that holds onto its history—a history
of uneasy peace between the Graces and the Gaynors who founded the town during the Oklahoma land run. But when the enactment
of a gun fight between the two original founders turns deadly, and, when an old friend and her sibling falls under suspicion,
Cici Wilde, who runs an historical garment shop, means to discover the truth. Will her determination uncover the truth, unravel
her heart or destroy those she loves and the town forever?
A fun, fast-paced mystery with characters that captured my heart. I'd
love to revisit Grace Gulch with its eccentric mix of characters, especially if that included another mystery. A winner from
Franklin.
Faith element: medium
A MENDING AT THE EDGE
Change & Cherish Historical Series By Jane Kirkpatrick ISBN-10:
1-57856-979-6 ISBN-13: 978-1-57856-979-3 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Emma Wagner Giesy has had more than her share of troubles. Her first
husband and the love of her life died. Her second husband abused her and her children. Although they are separated,
the threat of his return looms over her. Part of a group that traveled to Oregon in the 1850’s to establish a communal
Christian colony, she lives in a town ruled over by Keil, a man who values submission in a woman, and thinks he knows what
is best for her life.
As her hardships continue, she wonders if the frayed edges of her life
can ever be mended and made into something beautiful. Despite the struggles of her everyday life, Emma dreams of doing something
big and significant. As Emma grows, she begins finding the meaning God brings even to the mundane things of life.
A MENDING AT THE EDGE explores the very real struggles of an ordinary
woman and shows that it is possible to find joy in the midst of hardship, meaning in the midst of the seemingly dull and insignificant
tasks of everyday life, and hope in the midst of suffering.
Faith level: Medium-high
A BRIDE SO FAIR By Carol Cox ISBN 978-1-59789-492-0 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
When on impulse Emily Ralston protects an innocent child, she has no
idea her actions will tie in with murder or set her in the sights of one of Chicago’s largest crime lords. But when
new friend (and possibly more), Stephen Bridger, a Columbian guard in charge of protecting the multitudes attending the Chicago
World Fair, tries to help Emily, he finds himself in as much in danger as Emily. Will they be able to unravel the mystery
in time to save their lives?
Through the hustle and bustle and excitement of late 1800’s Chicago’s
World Fair, the reader is drawn into time and place as Cox weaves a tender love story of page-turning suspense.
I read this book in two days. Not only does Carol Cox spellbind the reader
with a love-story, she intersperses God’s love and grace within the pages, making for a delightful read. I’m a
fan!
DAWN'S LIGHT Restoration Novel #4 By Terri Blackstock ISBN
978-0-310-25770-7 Zondervan Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
The power has been out for over a year. The pulses have stopped and reconstruction
begun. But when banks open and cautiously dole out money, those desperate for money take desperate chances. But when the youngest
Branning, 13-year-old Beth, witnesses a murder and is too threatened to reveal what she knows, when Dani's old flame returns
as part of the reconstruction fully intending to win her heart all over again, everything changes. Will returning to
normal bring celebration or heartache such as the family has never before imagined? Will their faith survive the final blow
to their family?
Well plotted suspense with deepening characterizations that draws the
willing reader into the lives of the Branning family as they ask, “Where is God in the darkness?” Hang on and
keep tissues handy for this one.
Faith element: High
BEYOND THE NIGHT
By Marlo Schalesky ISBN 978-1-6014-2016-1 Multnomah Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Paul and his beloved wife Maddie found themselves driving in a torrential
storm. Almost to their destination, they crash. We next find Maddie in the hospitals hooked up to machines, not expected to
live. But Paul isn't about to let her go.
So begins a story that alternates in time from those days when Paul and
Maddie were friends and beginning to be more when darkness entered their world and changed everything. Will that darkness
again steal their future and hope?
Fear and faith is the battleground for this story which compels the reader
with sensitively and realistically drawn characters and a story that continues to surprise even to the very end.
Faith element is high and well integrated.
FOSSIL HUNTER
By John B Olson ISBN 978-1-4143-2195-0 Tyndale Reviewer Carolyn
R Scheidies
She's a paleontologist and a Christian and she's been fired. But when
her University wants her back for check out a rare find in Iraq she goes, even under the gag order restrictions. What she
doesn't figure on is the intrigue that awaits, the danger or the double cross...and is fellow scientist Nick her collaborator
or her enemy?
Indiana Jones has nothing on Katie James. FOSSIL HUNTER is a faced-paced
adventure action from the first page to the last with a tad bit of romance thrown in for good measure. Katie is a Christian
who knows what she believes, but finds being both a Christian and a scientist a struggle in a circle where the boundaries
have already been drawn and anything outside those boundaries is dismissed regardless of facts or proof.
FOSSIL HUNTER explores the balance between the Christian creationist
and the scientist with engaging characters and action-packed plot. Katie's character, like Jones, is a bit overblown. Still
this is a fun, suspenseful read. Will there be a sequel? Hope so. Better yet, a movie.
Faith: Low to medium, well integrated
Warning: Not exactly young earth creationist.
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL By Laura Hayden ISBN 978-1-4143-1939-1
Tyndale House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Emily, born and bred to politics, is making a bid for the White House.
Kate, her best friend, strategist and conscience, believes in Emily. But when Kate has reason to doubt, will she find her
faith sufficient in the cut-throat world of politics?
This story is down and dirty politics, even while showing that God is
at work even here. The entangled plot is compelling, the characters well drawn and the combination makes the reader a willing
member of the entourage. Great read for a run to the White House year.
Faith Element: Low to medium, but well integrated
I HEART BLOMBERG
86 Bloomberg Place Series By Melody Carlson ISBN 13: 978-1-5891-9104-4 David
C. Cook Reviewer Michelle Levigne
Four single girls trying to make their own place in the world. One dilapidated
house with a lot of promise. Megan, Lelani, Anna and Kendall, all from different cultures, different parts of society, with
different dreams and fears and problems.
The first book in this chick-lit series introduces us to the four roommates
and gets them moved into 86 Bloomberg Place – and over the first of what prove to be some major, sometimes funny, sometimes
heart-aching hurdles. Megan is the only practicing Christian in the group, but she’s already starting to have some effect
on her roommates. Kendall, their shopaholic landlord, has some princess issues, but she’s starting to get the idea that
she needs to grow up. Anna and Lelani have family issues and a need to prove they can make it on their own. Somewhat.
Sometimes I wanted to slap the characters, other times I wanted to growl
advice on handling the ‘bears’ in their lives. I laughed and grinned and even cheered in a few places. And wished
I had Megan to help me decorate! These are real girls with real flaws and hopes and some shining characteristics that –
if they don’t strangle each other – will add up to more enjoyable reads in the future.
Faith Element: Low (Show by example)
RETURN TO BARAGULA Australian Story By Mary 'Hawkins ISBN 978-0-980-45231-0 Ark
House Press
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Emily made a one-night mistake that caused ripples in the lives of so
many people, including her own. Those ripples have now brought her face to face with her past in the person of Matthew, the
town's respected physician.
When Emily returns to tend her aunt, she has no idea of what she faces,
the faith she must reassess and a past that has consequences for the present. Most of all she has no idea of the danger that
might destroy all she's gained. Will Emily find healing and hope or will the past, her hard heart and a menacing shadow destroy
it all?
A story of healing and consequences, not just for the one involved, but
for so many others drawn in because of one decision, one night that defined the future. The characters have depth and a realism
that connects with the reader in a story of sexual choices too many live out today. It also addresses the side avoided by
most Christian publishers/authors, that even sex outside of marriage can “feel” wonderful at the moment and how
that aspect can warp perceptions and well as the need to seek forgiveness.
A story of forgiveness, second chances and a hope that only Christ can
provide. Can't wait to read the sequel.
TRUFFLES BY THE SEA By Julie Carboni ISBN 978-0-7642-0427-2 Bethany
House Reviewer Gloria Geiselman
Julie Carobini continues with her series of friends who live by the beach
in sunny California. This story is about Gaby, the never been married florist who is fast approaching her middle 30's.
It begins with a major life change for her when her florist shop has been robbed by a past employee and her apartment building
is destroyed by fire. Gaby has to start all over with her shop and find a new place to live while restling with the
financial difficulties and a law suit.
She has had the misfortune of often dating "Mr Wrong" in the past and
wants to start with a new motto as well, "be guilable no more". Her friends have been a big support system for her in the
past but they are all having struggles of their own now and she doesn't want to add to them.
This is still a light hearted read even if it doesn't sound like it at
first. Gaby has some pretty funny things happen to her and she discovers that God has been with her through it all. She needed
to stand on her own feet and find out who she really is. In the process, she comes to understand her mother more and finds
a man who can truly understand and care for her. Of course she has needed a few extra rich truffles to console her during
these struggles as all the friends in Julie's books seem to need chocolate of some sort.
Although it was a nice read, I have to admit I was a little anxious for
the plot to move along a little faster than it did. It would have made a more inspirational read for me if she could have
seen God's hand in more places instead of at the conclusion. But who knows, maybe none of us sees God in the every day like
we should unless we are brought to our lowest point. I believe this sums up the message in this book for me at least.
HEALING PROMISES By Amy Wallace ISBN 978-1-60142-010-7 Multnomah Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Clint was a tough FBI agent hot on the trail of a child serial killer.
He didn't have time for down time, he certainly didn't have time for the diagnoses CANCER that sends ripples of fear through
his family and his FBI buddies. He certainly hates that he cannot hide any of it from his wife, a cancer doctor, who knows
all-too-well his odds. Even in his weakness, can Clint find answers to help track down the killer? Can weakness strengthen
rather than tear apart the bond Clint and Sara have spent years forging? Is faith enough to hold them up and together?
In the path forged by Dee Henderson, HEALING PROMISES melds a page-turning
mystery with action and plot with solidly drawn characters that impact the story at every turn. Though Wallace's book tends
to be a bit more character-driven than Henderson's books, it is a good meld of character and plot that kept me intrigued and
reading until the satisfying conclusion.
A story of faith and love and hope in the midst of unimaginable tragedy.
FOR PETE'S SAKE Piper Cove Chronicles #2 By Linda Windsor Avon
Inspire Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Cinderella she isn’t! Ellen Brittingham wears jeans, a braid, digs
in the dirt, and rides a Harley. She’s anything but feminine. On her way home one day, she spots an orange Camaro and
falls in love. With the car, not the handsome man behind the wheel.
Before she knows it, Ellen is drawn into life with Adrian Sinclair and
his autistic son, Peter, and Ellen’s mother wastes no time in playing matchmaker between her daughter and the engaged,
Adrian. How far will Ellen go to rescue a child no one can reach?
Linda Windsor has crafted a beautiful story of reluctant love, suspense,
intrigue and danger, while showing us the joyful and turbulent moods of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome. FOR PETE’S
SAKE shows us how opposites do attract and just how strong God’s plan can actually be for a reluctant Cinderella.
TALK OF THE TOWN
By Lisa Wingate
ISBN 13: 978-0-7642-0490-6
Bethany House Publishers
Reviewer Michelle Levigne
Who hasn’t heard
about “American Idol”? Who hasn’t perked up their ears, even unwillingly, at the latest news about the competitors?
This book isn’t about an American Idol finalist. (Gotcha!) This is about one woman on the other side of the camera.
Mandalay Florentino is associate producer on the reality show American Megastar. She has the worst boss in the world (who
loves to fire people and destroy careers – for breakfast), and now she has the worst assignment in the world: go in
secret to a tiny town in the back woods of Texas and prepare – in secret – for the sweet young Gospel singing
native to come home and announce she is a finalist.
The problem with small
towns is that everybody knows everybody else’s business, even if they have to make it up! Mandalay hasn’t even
stepped out of the helicopter she borrowed to scope out the territory, before the town of Daily,
Texas, knows Amber Anderson is coming home. Mandalay
is terrified for her job, for her career, for her upcoming marriage, of the reputed ghost in the old hotel, and especially
of the Elvis-infested room she gets to sleep in. But there’s help on the other side of the connecting door in the shape
of Carter, a cowboy who has some secrets of his own. He’s facing the illness of his brother, rearranging and re-evaluating
his life, and offers some sage advice to Mandalay that helps bring her to an emotional
and spiritual wake-up call.
Mandalay,
Imagene, Donetta and Carter save the day for Amber, but who is going to save the day for Mandalay
when her engagement and her career are endangered? Read the book. You’ll be glad you did. And don’t bother watching
“American Idol” – this is better.
SINCERELY, MAYLA
By Virginia Smith
ISBN-10: 0825436923
ISBN-13: 978-0-8254-3692-5
Kregel Publications
Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Mayla’s got trouble.
She loses her job. The man she cares about says he only sees her as a friend. A good friend blames her for ruining his life.
Oh, and she rescues an abandoned rabbit and brings it home to the dismay of her roommate who hates pets.
To escape the chaos,
she settles on a nice vacation to Florida to visit her grandmother. But her
troubles only follow, and she learns what it means to entrust problems into the hands of God and trust that He will tend to
the outcome. Relinquishing control is difficult, but as Mayla finds, the results are well worth the struggle.
Endearing characters
and hilarious situations make Mayla’s story an entertaining read. Funny, heartwarming, and delightful.
Faith level: Medium
SEASONS OF LOVE
By Elizabeth Goddard
ISBN 978-1-59789-699-7
Heartsong Presents
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Riley gave up everything
to move back east to help her grandfather keep the family cranberry farm. She didn't figure on becoming the guardian of her
nephew or having to deal with her brother's former partner of their computer business. Most of all, she didn't realize she
may hold the key to the mystery that surrounds her brother's death. Can Riley and Zane move past their differences to solve
the mystery of burglary, faith...and love?
Goddard delivers the Heartsong Presents signature of a sweet, solid story of faith and
love.
FOREVERMORE
By Cathy Marie Hake
ISBN 13: 978-0-7642-0318-3
Bethany House
Reviewer Michelle Levigne
Hope Ladley is just like
the dandelion pictured on the cover of her story, blowing freely in the wind, going where God sends her. With her mule, her
little cart, and not much else in the world, Hope has an optimism and faith that would make her almost too good to be true.
She made me think of Mary Poppins, always performing miracles, but barefoot, deeply countrified, and constantly spouting Malapropisms.
Her down-to-earth way of speaking, and her tendency to mangle common sayings and mis-hear Bible verses make her very real
and charmingly frustrating to the people around her. The funny thing is, as several people learn, the twisted version of the
quotes and wise sayings make a whole lot more sense than the originals.
Hope sees clearly and
acts decisively, and doesn’t bother explaining herself to the people around her – she expects them to see and
use the same common sense that runs her life. When she drives up to the Stauffer farm, just before harvest in 1891, Hope can
see these people need her, just by the weeds growing in the garden, the weary, frightened, pregnant woman who comes hesitantly
to the door, and the reserved, wounded look in the eyes of Jakob Stauffer.
The wounded family who
need Hope so desperately and learn to love her could be a modern family, because pain and loss are no respecters of time or
place – and God’s love and grace and provision, as Hope and the Stauffers learn, knows no boundaries. This is
a thoroughly charming story, and I was delighted to have a 4-hour plane ride that allowed me to read it cover-to-cover, because
I wouldn’t have wanted to put it down at any point in the story.
ADAM By Ted Dekker ISBN 978-1-8499-1891-9 Thomas
Nelson Reviewer Michelle Levigne
As stated by one of the minor characters in the book, what is truly frightening
about this story is that we, as Christians, know the evil faced by the main character, Daniel, is real. Demons are real.
Who is the real Adam in this hunt for a serial killer known as Eve?
You don’t find out until near the end, when it could possibly be
the end for Daniel. The action is framed by a pseudo serialized report in a magazine, tracing the development of the killer,
creating sympathy for the supposed villain of this piece – with the result of making the reader wonder who the real
victims are.
Don’t expect car chases and flying bullets in this tense story
of the hunt for a killer before he takes his next victim. This is a true psychological – and spiritual – thriller
that out-X-Files the X-Files. This story of murder and spiritual sickness deals with the ultimate truth that is ‘out
there,’ and inside the human soul, as well.
THE VOICE By Bill Myers ISBN 978-0-446-69799-6 FaithWords Reviewer
Cynthia Hickey
Man has professed to hear the Word of God in many ways. Like a whisper,
like a roaring wind. But has man really heard God’s voice?
Charlie Madison, guilt-ridden and hating anything government, is suddenly
saddled with a thirteen-year-old niece he’s never met. One who claims her parents were kidnapped because they created
a program that allowed man to hear God’s voice.
The Jews want the program, the American government wants the program,
and it’s in the hands of a deaf teenager to keep it from their reach. Lisa Harmon, FBI, is in charge of keeping
Charlie Madison under surveillance.
Charlie’s sister and her husband are kidnapped. With his niece
in tow, Charlie spans the globe to rescue them and keep his niece alive. What he didn’t expect was how the journey would
change him, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
None of them are sure what to expect, what to hear, except the girl who
can’t hear with her ears. Bill Myers has crafted a cunning, suspenseful novel that will have readers turning the pages.
All the way to the final page. The final gunshot. The final surprise. A roller-coaster ride of a novel.
THE VOICE is about worship, obedience, and love. God’s love for
mankind, no matter his race or his beliefs.
AMBER MORN Kanner Lake Series #4 By Brandilyn Collins ISBN
978-0-310-27641-8 Zondervan Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Kanner Lake has gotten quite well known because of the “Scenes
and Beans” blog out of Java Joint, the local hang out. What those gathered to celebrate a contract signing don't expect
is that the father and brothers of convicted felon TJ follow the blog and have every intention of using Java Joint, the blog
and those gathered as hostages to free TJ. If he really is innocent as his family claims, why are they so willing to kill
just to get heard?
In this fourth book in the series, we know the characters, have seen
them grow and have seen how faith plays a part in whatever happens. Now, just when things are wrapping up, lives are on track,
couples are getting together, another disaster strikes that will reveal what the residents of Kanner Lake made of. Will Police
Chief Vince Edwards be able to put together a plan to get everyone out alive...or is it already too late?
AMBER MORN hooks us from page one and draws us into the lives of the
characters and the plot as it twists and turns toward an ending that surprises and satisfies. While it does help to have gotten
to know the characters through the other books in the series, it isn't critical to enjoying AMBER MORN. The best of the series.
Good job, as usual, Brandilyn.
A DAUGHTER'S INHERITANCE The Broadmoor Legacy Book On By Judith
Miller & Tracie Peterson ISBN 978-0-7642-0364-0 Bethany House Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Fanny Broadmoor, rich, orphaned, and raised by loving grandparents, knows
what she wants out of life. And it isn’t an arranged marriage. What she wants is the boat keeper, Michael Atwell. When
her grandparents die, she is left in the care of her Uncle Jonas. Furious that she was left one-third of the substantial Broadmoor
inheritance, Jonas sets himself on a quest to relieve Fanny of the burden of her money.
He agrees to a plan Fanny and Michael make that sends Michael to the
gold fields of the Yukon to make his own fortune. Then he can return to claim Fanny as his bride. Uncle Jonas parades one
fop of a man after another before Fanny, urging her to claim one as a husband. Fanny’s independence irks the man as
he concocts one evil scheme after another. When Fanny is led to believe that everything she holds dear is not hers for the
taking, life gets turned upside down.
Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller have written an engaging historical
account of high society and the determination of true love. A DAUGHTER’S INHERITANCE, although not rift with a message
of preaching, shows the reader God’s love in subtle ways. An enjoyable story.
WHEN ZEFFIE GOT A CLUE A Cozy Mystery By Peggy Darty ISBN
978-1-4000-7333-7 Waterbrook Press Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Christy, who runs an antique shop with her Aunt Bobbie, can't turn away
the young girl with the old jewelry box to sell. Zeffie needs to the money, she says, to help buy medicine for her grandmother.
But when Christy takes a look at the box, she makes a discovery that opens an investigation into the unsolved murder of an
old friend. But someone doesn't want the investigation to continue and will kill to stop the progress. Will Christy be able
to protect those she loves from the killer? Will she be able to protect herself?
Each of the mysteries in this series stands alone, though threads tie
each to the others. I love cozies and this is no exception. The characters are quirky, fun, warm and real. The plot is based
as much on character interaction as much as on detection, and the writing style keeps the reader turning pages. I liked this
one even better than WHEN BOBBIE SANG THE BLUES.
ONLY UNI Sushi Series #2 By Camy Tang ISBN 978-0-310-27399-8 Zondervan Reviewer
Michelle Levigne
The Sakai cousins are back! Four Japanese-American cousins, the only
Christians in their sprawling family, struggle with dating and spiritual issues while resisting Grandma Sakai’s determination
to get them married, no matter how unsuitable (selfish, immature, psychotic) the prospective (rich, well-connected) groom.
This time it’s Trish’s turn to suffer and grow. Like many
people escaping an episode of backsliding in their spiritual lives, Trish takes it to an extreme: no looking at guys (no matter
how gorgeous) tops the list. Going cold turkey is not easy, especially when her ex-boyfriend keeps coming around, tempting
her, and the scientist sharing her office space at the lab is so gorgeous, so understanding, so supportive … and, surprise,
a Christian! And then there’s her new addiction to K-dramas …
Just like with Lex’s story, I laughed and cried and squirmed when
some areas of Trish’s struggle mirrored my own stupid – err – unwise choices. When she realizes that no
matter how much God loves and forgives her, she has to deal with the consequences of her actions, I couldn’t cheer through
the ache in my throat. Camy Tang does it again.
ONE HOLY NIGHT By J. M. Hochstetler ISBN 978-0-9797485-0-9 Sheaf
House http://www.jmhochstetler.com Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Julie is trying to keep things together. Her mother Maggie is struggling
with cancer. Her brother Mike is headed to Vietnam. Her father Frank is angry at Asians for the tortured death of his brother
in WWI and in being instrumental in Mike's leaving. He is angry at the possibility of losing his wife, something he cannot
even consider.
But when Mike's actions cause a rift in the family, will Frank come to
terms with God, his loss and his faith before he does something that destroys everything?
A story about hurt, peace and the forgiveness only God can provide. Have
the tissues ready for this one.
Faith element: high and well integrated.
MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE By Kip Gayden ISBN 978-1-59995-687-9 Center
Street Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Anna is the headstrong wife of a too busy doctor who feels life and passion
is passing her by. She longs for the romance she and her husband Walter once shared in the early days of their marriage, before
the children, before his practice took off and he became a leader of the community. Neither the social tasks nor Anna's involvement
with the fledgling Suffragette movement fulfilled the deepest longings of her heart.
But when Charlie Cobb invaded her world with soft words and understanding,
Anna's upbringing and status faded into her need. She sought someone who filled the void inside, what she found was heartache
and pain. Is there hope in the midst of the tragic situation?
Gayden takes a real case and fills in what the newspaper articles and
records left out. In doing so, he breathes life into an era long gone and characters that live within that milieu. The story
is riveting and the characters truly “live” within the world the author has re-created, a world where women couldn't
own property or sit on juries, where Suffragette's were booed more than cheered, even by their own gender, and where a woman's
future depended upon all the wrong people. Hard to put down.
Warning: There is a couple of scenes where the bedroom is not quite closed.
Faith element: N/A
THREADS OF SILK House of Silk #3 By Linda Lee Chaikin ISBN-10:
0-310-27310-2 ISBN-13: 978-0-310-27310-3 Zondervan Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
In 16th century France, powerful people and countries vie for control
of the throne. Religious tensions continue to escalate between Huguenots and Catholics, and the persecuted Huguenots are barely
hanging on. The forces that threaten to plunge France into civil war also threaten to consume Rachelle Macquinet and Fabien
de Vendome.
In this moment in history where so much hangs in the balance, newly married
Rachelle and Fabien seek to keep their marriage intact, live out their Huguenot faith, and escape to the safety of England.
But with such powerful forces like the Queen Mother of France and representatives of the throne of Spain opposing them, how
can they hope to successfully flee France together?
The intrigue of court, the wars of faith, the battle for the throne form
a compelling backdrop for Rachelle and Fabien’s struggles. Readers of historical fiction will enjoy the third installment
in the HOUSE OF SILK series.
Faith element: Medium
BLESSINGS Sommerfield Trilogy #3 By Kim Vogel Sawyer ISBN 978-1-59789-406-7 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Sometimes a person desires something so strongly they know it must come
from God. Even when everyone around them seems against the idea. Trina Muller has a dream. She wants to care for animals by
becoming a veterinarian. The only problem is--a college education is against the Old Order Mennonite fellowship. And time
is running out. The clinic where she works is being sold. More than anything, Trina wants to someday run the animal hospital
and serve a need in her community.
Trina can’t let go of her desire and begins to study behind her
parents’ back, even at the risk of losing the man she loves, Graham. When God speaks to Graham and things begin to go
along the path of fulfillment for the young couple, tragedy strikes, shaking the core of Trina’s foundation. Will she
have to choose between Graham and her life-long dream? Can she convince her family that she can gain a college education and
retain her values?
In Blessings, Kim Vogel Sawyer leads the reader on a journey of a young
couple’s self-discovery, fear of going against everything they believe in, and obeying God’s principles. Blessings
is a story full of God’s promises.
FIRST THE DEAD A “Bug Man” Novel By Tim Downs ISBN
978-1-59554-024-9 Thomas Nelson Publishers Reviewer Michelle Levigne
Shades of Gil Grissom from CSI, Nick Polchak has even fewer social skills
and even less regard for politics and orders. A forensic entomologist, Nick tells the history of the deceased through the
bugs that have made their homes in the bodies. And when the bugs tell Nick that the bodies he finds in the aftermath of Hurricane
Katrina weren’t killed by the storm, he starts investigating with a single-minded intensity that would make Grissom
beam with pride.
The only problem is, someone doesn’t want Nick to find out the
truth. And since they thought they could hide their murder spree among the carnage and destruction of Katrina, they aren’t
about to hesitate over doing whatever it takes to shut up Nick. And his friends.
This book is interesting just from the angle of the people who were there
immediately after Katrina passed. The glimpses of the chaos, suffering, and destruction that the people of New Orleans suffered
give a solid foundation to this story of people at their worst. There were times I cringed, wishing Nick wouldn’t be
so oblivious and stupid – but that inability to distance yourself from a character is a sign that the author did a good
job. Bugs push my ‘ick’ factor, but you might just tempt me to read the other books of Nick’s adventures.
STUCK IN THE MIDDLE By Virginia Smith ISBN 978-0-8007-3232-5 Revell
Reviewer Cassie Scheidies
Joan is a 25 year old who works in a clothing store and lives at home
with her mother and grandmother. Her older sister, Allie is starting a family and her younger sister, Tori is enjoying her
career. Joan has trouble understanding where she fits in with her family and her relationship with God but when a handsome
doctor moves in next door, Joan's life begins to drastically change.
This novel has everything that a person
would desire: romance, comedy, and spiritual growth. From the hilarious scene involving Tori and Joan competing for the doctor's
attention to the intrigue of seeing Joan embark on an exciting journey of faith, this is one story that will leave the reader
satisfied both mentally and spiritually.
AWAKEN MY HEART By DiAnn Mills ISBN 978-0-06-137601-6 Avon
Inspire Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Marianne's rancher father schemes to remove the mestizos from the fertile
land he wants at any cost. Marianne sympathizes with their plight, and often escapes her father's heavy hand by riding out
on the horse only she can control.
The rebel Armando is willing to do just about anything to protect his
people. But, he did not condone the kidnapping of his enemy's daughter. And, he certainly didn't expect to find Marianne's
presence, strength and peace challenging everything he stands for, his preconceived notions about his past or his faith. How
can any good come from a situation that seems disparate no matter what Armando decides?
A fun read with warm characters and a story that keeps the reader turning
pages until the very satisfying conclusion. Think Zorro and you'll have an idea of the setting. Nevertheless, this is a great
read even without those obvious ties.
Faith element: High
THE SOVEREIGN'S DAUGHTER The Future of Russian Nobility
Rests in the Hands of a Mennonite Merchant By Susan May Warren & Susan K Downs ISBN 978-1-59789-983-3 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Michelle Levigne
With this new angle on the Romanov mystery, the authors have spun a tale
of warmth, suffering, fear, faith and, ultimately, love.
Who hasn’t heard about the different people claiming to be survivors
of the slaughter of the Russian royal family? Usually, it’s Anastasia. This time, the oldest daughter, Olga, takes center
stage. Rather, within the pages of this story, she tries not to take center stage. Trading places with a look-alike servant,
Olga escapes the palace on her father’s orders, just before Lenin’s followers arrest the Romanovs and send them
into exile. She suffers and questions her faith, and wants nothing more than to be reunited with her family. Even if it costs
her life.
Anton’s Mennonite community lives on the edges of Russian society,
peaceful, refusing to take part in war. Having grown up feeling unwanted, even resented by his father, never able to make
him proud, Anton lives a life of quiet desperation. He wants nothing more than to find a girl who loves him and raise a happy,
loving family. A chance meeting with the Tsar on a snowy night ends with Anton being given responsibility to protect two palace
servants. His duty forces him to take risks and make sacrifices, but none are so great as the sacrifices he thinks he must
make when he learns the servant girl he has fallen in love with is the heir to the abandoned throne.
The authors’ biographies at the back of the book make me think
there are more books that follow this one. I hope so!
Soft on theological aspects, but heartwarming and quietly spiritual.
EMBRACE ME
By Lisa Samson
ISBN 978-1-5994-210-6
Thomas Nelson Publishers
Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Listening to "Embraceable You" in any and every rendition is what gets Valentine through life. Horribly scarred,
both inside and out, Valentine makes a living as the Lizard woman in a traveling sideshow attraction. Her best friend is "Cocoon
Woman." An endlessly optimistic woman born without arms or legs. A down-and-out pastor to the world's unloveable befriends
the women and Valentine begins to believe that maybe she is embraceable after all.
Lisa Samson has accomplished what every writer strives for. She has crafted a story so rich with characters and in emotion
that the reader will remember Valentine and her friends long after the last page is read. EMBRACE ME is a true story of God's
love for humankind and how our loving God looks at the heart--not the outer shell.
The story's end will leave the reader surprised and in awe of our worth in God's eyes. On a faith scale, this book rates
a ten. The story's meaning of faith, without the reader being preached to, will touch every reader's soul. Bravo, Lisa. Bravo!
LADY OF MILKWEED MANOR
By Julie Kassen
ISBN 978-0-7642-0479-1
Bethany House
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
She was the dutiful daughter of a harsh vicar. When a friend's comfort becomes assault, Charlotte finds herself out of
her home and in a dark hospital for those in her position--outcast. While she waits the birth of her child, she discovers
an old friend and a situation that tears her heart in two. Can a fallen gentlewoman ever find forgiveness and hope, ever have
a real future?
This Regency draws the reader into lives and situations many of us cannot even imagine in our comfortable world. While
the story is character driven it also offers some nice twists and an ending that pulls the threads together into a satisfying
conclusion.
Faith: medium
A PASSION MOST PURE
Daughters of Boston #1
By Julie Lessman
ISBN 978-0-8007-3211-0
Revell Publishing
Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Faith O'Connor, the apple of her father's eye, loved by her family, full of Irish fire, lurks in the shadows of her younger
sister's beauty. Since stricken with polio at a young age, and losing her twin sister, Faith has been in love with Collin
McGuire, a bad boy from the seedy side of town. But, Collin's eye is on Faith's sister and, as a result, a love-triangle ensues
that will travel from one side of the globe to the other. Enter the lives of these wonderful, but imperfect people, who strive
to discover what life has in store for them.
Faith's normally steadfast faith is tested to its utter limits as World War I looms and the unimaginable causes Faith
and her family to flee to Ireland. Collin's lack of faith causes a rift between himself and the woman he loves that is so
large he wonders whether it can ever be bridged.
In A PASSION MOST PURE, Julie Lessman gives insight into bitter sibling rivalry, and a love that overcomes insurmountable
odds. With passion and poetic writing, Julie carries the reader along Faith's journey of self-discovery, God's encompassing
love, and the desires of one head-strong Irish maiden's heart. Will Faith stand firm in her beliefs, even when it means she
may lose her heart's desire?
A PASSION MOST PURE rates high on the faith scale.
WYOMING BRIDES By Susan Page Davis ISBN 978-1-59789-986-4 Barbour
Publishing Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Amy's father asks Tom Barkley to see that she gets safely to Fort Laramie
as well as to send help, but no expects the danger they find along the trail. When Corporal Mike Brown is sent to escort a
wagon trail west, he has no intention of ever opening up his heart after the death of his wife, at least not until the feisty
Lydia crosses his path. Matt Barkley can't stop thinking about Rachel a white captive of the Indians soon to wed the Chief's
son. Is there anyway to rescue her without starting a war?
These three stories of action, faith and romance bring the frontier to
life and leaves the reader with a sigh of satisfaction.
Faith element: Medium
SYMPHONY OF SECRETS By Sharon Hinck ISBN 978-0-7642-0282-7 Bethany
House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Amy dropped out of Julliard when she got pregnant with Clara and has
struggled to give her daughter a secure home even while pursing her dream. She also has a tendency to see mysteries all around
her, which gets her in trouble now and again. But when Amy actually achieves her dream of playing for a Minneapolis Symphony,
she finds a very real mystery in the sabotage taking place that might bring down the organization and her dream.
On top of that Clara is growing away from her and branching out in ways
Amy doesn't understand, especially when it comes to spiritual things. Can there really be a God who cares?
This character-driven is more a spiritual journey of awakening for Amy
than either a mystery or romance. Nevertheless, the element are nicely balanced and provide a good read. But this is only
the beginning of the journey. Is there a sequel in the works? Hope so.
Faith element: medium and well integrated.
ONE MORE SUNRISE By Michael Landon Jr. & Tracie Peterson ISBN
978-0-7642-0362-6 Bethany House Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Joe promised Meg a future, but when his dreams of becoming a flying ace
in WWII died, he died as well. At least inside. Though they continued their lives, Joe lost touch of who he was, what he was
created for, his family and his faith. But one day when his plane almost crashed, he made a promise to God. But can Joe change
enough and in time to keep Meg from giving up on their marriage, in time to save his son from heartache and his daughter from
losing the only home she's ever known?
Maybe Vanguard's promises of steady work and a steady paycheck is what
the little community needs to get back on its feet, even if the salesman is a man whose father was run out of town for stealing.
Then there is a very strange messenger from God.
The characters draw the reader into the 50's setting with a story that
is heartfelt with a theme of forgiveness and second chances. Tracie's touch is evident in the smooth read so typical of her
work, making this first book by Michael Landon, Jr. one to read. (I think it would make an even better movie.)
THE FISHERMAN'S TESTAMENT By César Vidal ISBN 978-0-310-28104-0 Zondervan
Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Back from campaigning in AD 62, Roman Soldier Vitalis is gratified when
Nero calls for his services regarding the sect of the Nazarenes. Vitalis must discover who they are and how dangerous they
might be to the empire. But when Petros tells his story to Nero with Vitalis at his side, the Roman soldier begins to find
the faith of the Christ followers not so strange as he thought. But how can he discover the truth when any softening on his
part could mean his own death?
THE FISHERMAN'S TESTAMENT is the story of Jesus told in a courtroom narrative
by Peter with depth and poignancy and truth. This is not your usual novel, but truth in an historical setting with fiction
characters that draw the story into a cohesive whole. No wonder this was an award winner.
AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS By Kathleen Morgan ISBN 978-0-8007-5816-5 Revell
Publishers Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Kathleen Morgan is the queen of Scottish Historical Fiction. In AS HIGH
AS THE HEAVENS, she introduces us to yet another wonderfully spirited heroine and hunky hero.
Heather Gordon is beautiful, feisty, and born to a prosperous clan leader.
In an effort to free Mary Queen of Scotland from prison, Heather agrees to a daring plan to train Highlander, Duncan Mackenzie.
Duncan is everything the men she’s known before isn’t. Proud, handsome, moral, and hardworking. The two enter
into a relationship as stormy as Scotland’s coast.
When Heather agrees to train Duncan to impersonate a royal in order to
gain admittance to the fortress where the queen is held, she has no idea of the tumultuous feelings that will rage through
her. Nor how a burden of guilt over a secret she holds will drive a wedge between her and Duncan. Duncan’s very faith
is tested as Heather spurns the God he loves.
As High as the Heavens is a riveting love story. One of Kathleen Morgans’
best! High on the faith scale.
A WALK WITH JANE AUSTEN: A JOURNEY INTO ADVENTURE, LOVE & FAITH By
Lori Smith ISBN-10: 1-4000-7370-7 ISBN-13: 978-1-4000-7370-2 WaterBrook Press Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
With her health failing and depression hovering over her, Lori Smith
decided she needed a change, and embarked upon an adventure traveling through England in Jane Austen’s footsteps. While
traveling, she learned of wrong perceptions of God lodged in her heart, encountered what she thought was true love, and discovered
the courage to become herself. But her growth did not stop with the trip, rather it continued when she arrived home and God
revealed to her that the most important thing in life is belonging to God.
The story of her journey is liberally sprinkled with references to Austen’s
characters, facts about Austen’s life, and descriptions of the places Austen lived or visited. All these serve to provide
a framework for Lori’s journey and will be a source of interest to Austen lovers.
An intimate, personal look into the life of an ordinary woman who
discovers the love of God for her and finds His grace manifesting in the midst of the most difficult circumstances of life.
Faith level: Medium
THE WHOLE TRUTH By James Scott Bell ISBN 978-0-310-26903-8 Zondervan Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Lawyer Steve Conroy is finally clean and more or less sober. He's lost
his job and his wife, but has his license to practice back. Who will hire a man still reeling from a life in chaos? Steve's
been trying to hold things together since he was five and felt the kidnapping and subsequent death of his beloved older brother
was his fault.
Suddenly he has the chance for some real money working for a “church”
and an ex-felon who has information that starts him on a dangerous journey of discovery. The problem is, will he survive with
either his ethics or his life?
A book that explores the seductive power of Christianity turned inside
out with a story that escalates the danger at every turn. James Scott Bell fans will love another book of suspense and mystery
from this capable, and best-selling, author.
VENDETTA Snow Canyon Ranch #2 By Roxanne Rustand ISBN 10: 0-373-44277-7 ISBN
13: 978-0-373-44277-5 Steeple Hill Reviewer Carolyn R Scheidies
Leigh McAllister returned to Wolf Creek, Wyoming to take over a vet practice.
Cole returned to discover the truth about his father's conviction for murder many years earlier and why Leigh lied on the
stand—or did she?
When trouble hounds Leigh and rumors swirl around both Cole and Leigh,
they must somehow work together to discover the truth, before more die.
A mystery romance the way it should be with a breath-taking setting,
well-drawn characters and a solid plot that draws the reader in as it draws Leigh and Cole together. This sequel to HARD EVIDENCE
is another winner for Rustand.
Faith: Medium. Well integrated.
SKIZZER By A J Keisling ISBN 978-0-8007-3140-3 Revell Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Claire knew just where to look for a clue to her sister Becca's disappearance,
in her sister's buried childhood box of precious things. Sure enough a cryptic note sends Claire on a desparate search to
find what happened to send Becca away from a home and husband she dearly loves.
A story of secrets, family secrets, that have destroyed and revelations
that can bring healing.
Characters are sympathetically drawn, the pace perfect for the story,
with a conclusion that brings a smile and a sigh of satisfaction.
Faith element: low to medium. Well, integrated
A FIRE WITHIN By Kathleen Morgan ISBN 10: 0-8007-5965-6 ISBN
13: 978-0-8007-5965-0 Revell Publishers Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Caitlin Campbell, rich and spoiled, loves her clan and family. She’s
spirited, beautiful, and determined to be in control of her own life. When handsome, stranger Darach MacNaghten enters her
life, she realizes how very little control she actually has.
Darach MacNaghten is not who he claims to be. Handsome, downtrodden,
and exiled, he is still determined to save his clan and his name. Taking matters into his own hand, he spirals things into
a feud between the Campbell clan and his own. His and Caitlin’s lives will never be the same. And Caitlin must choose
between the love of her heart, and her family.
When the two realize that God is the one in control, be it through life
or death, they struggle with releasing the reins. Kathleen Morgan has crafted a passionate love story in A FIRE WITHIN, taking
the reader deep into clan loyalties, God’s sovereignty, and the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
This story rates high on the faith scale and will appeal to romance lovers
everywhere.
WHAT LIES WITHIN
Family Honor #3
By Karen Ball ISBN: 978-2-59052-415-2 Multnomah
Reviewer Kay Tira
Opposition for an inner-city youth center project plagues a local church.
Not just any opposition – but seemingly relentless gang-related activity.
With multiple contractors failing at the task, Kyla Justice is called
in. Her reputation precedes her, but is the task too great? No time, no budget, and no support combine to make a bleak picture,
but Kyla is spurred on by the sense of God’s calling her to the task. The Blood Brotherhood - dark, oppressed and violent
- is no match for the power of God through His obedient warriors. Those warriors come in a variety of packages, among them
a childhood friend, an ex-marine, an elder, and a little sister.
Author Karen Ball skillfully draws principles from the Biblical book
of Nehemiah, applying them to a modern-day story of a female contractor in a gang-infested construction setting.
Strategy, romance, and military themes intertwine to keep the
reader’s attention.
Worth the read, WHAT LIES WITHIN is a story of perseverance, spiritual
challenge, and overcoming. Well done, Karen.
DESERT MEDICINE By Judy Alexander ISBN-10: 0825420083 ISBN-13:
978-0-8254-2008-5 Kregel Publications Reviewer Sarah Sawyer
Life is tough, and to survive you have to be tougher – right? Self-sufficient
single mom Laurelle has long been accustomed to being the sole supporter of her family, even before her husband decided to
cheat on her with another woman. She has survived every hardship tossed her way by pushing away the pain, putting on a strong
front, and burying herself in hard work.
She begins visiting Rhoda, a woman dying of cancer, to prove to herself
that she has it together enough to help someone in worse circumstances than herself. In the process, she ends up learning
from Rhoda, who has overcome her own heartbreaking past, that hope can be found in the midst of pain and that the strength
to continue is found in surrender to God.
Gritty and permeated with the realism of shattered lives, DESERT MEDICINE
provides a powerful reminder we can never be strong enough on our own, but that God will give the strength we need to walk
through the challenges and hardships of life.
Caution: Not recommended for young readers due to some non-explicit sex
scenes and mature content.
Faith content: Medium
HOME TO HART'S CROSSING By Robin Lee Hatcher ISBN 978-0-8007-3196-0 Revell
Reviewer Cassie Scheidies
HOME TO HART'S CROSSING by Robin Lee Hatcher is a wonderful collection
of four novella's that examine life, love, and restoration in a small town. The compelling thing about these stories is their
unpredictability. Normally, when reading a novella it is easy to know what the next novella is going to be about. However,
there is an element of surprise with these books that adds to the excitement for the reader.
From the first novella where we see a daughter's homecoming leading to
a lifelong love to the ending novella where we see the restoration of a marriage, this collection of stories gives the heart
joy and entertainment.
FALLEN By Matthew Raley ISBN 978-0-8254-3575-1 Kregel Publications Reviewer
Carolyn R Scheidies
Jim was all self-righteousness when he confronted his pastor about riding
with a woman, alone, in a car. But what evolved from the encounter left him reeling. As Jim begins to uncover the misdirection,
lies and rationalizations, he must search his own heart for the truth.
This book exposes temptation, rationalization and the results of a “squishy”
gospel that refuses to acknowledge what Jesus died for—the sin and fallenness of the human heart. It also exposes the
lengths we go to to conceal our motives, even from ourselves.
The story is driven by dialogue and message, not plot. Still, it exposed
topics the Christian world needs to hear and deal with.
Faith element: high
YOU HAD ME AT GOOD-BYE By Tracey Bateman ISBN 10: 0-446-69894- ISBN
13: 978-0-446-69894-8 FaithWords Reviewer Cynthia Hickey
Dancy Ames is bright, beautiful, addicted to caffeine, and striving to
move up the publishing ladder. But what’s a rich girl to do when a handsome editor gives her job to someone else and
she finds herself with nothing? Write a book, of course.
Dancy is determined to fulfill her life-long aspiration of becoming top
editor. But when Jack Quinn takes her out to dinner to inform her the job went to someone else, she feels betrayed (despite
the way her heart races when the man is around). Seems nothing goes the way she’d planned. Her parents, after a life
long on-again, off-again relationship, are now on, her brother is getting married, she meets a brother she never knew she
had, and loses her dream house.
Amongst the turmoil, she vows to finish the book she’d once started.
A book that, strangely enough, seems to mirror her own life. Must Dancy Ames lose everything she held dear, to find what is
most important--the true prize of God’s love?
Tracy Bateman has written a fun, quirky, quick read in YOU HAD ME AT
GOOD-BYE.
SPLITTING HARRIET By Tamara Leigh ISBN 13: 978-1-59052-928-7 Multnomah
Publishing Reviewer Michelle Levigne
PKs – Preacher’s Kids –have it hard.
They live in a fishbowl. The church demands that they live perfect Christian lives, yet it seems the entire church is just
waiting for them to mess up big-time. That pressure of “Do right – I knew you’d disappoint us” can
push a PK in the wrong direction.
Harriet describes herself as a ‘rebel in residence.’
She still wears tattoos from her rebellion, after the different factions of the church used her to hurt her father, the pastor.
Who wouldn’t rebel? Ever since she came home, she’s been living to make up for that. Or maybe not living at all.
When a church consultant is brought in to revitalize and reorganize First Grace, Harriet is alarmed. He reminds her of the
life she thought she had left behind – motorcycle, tattoos, and enjoying life just a little too much – and she
lives in fear of falling back into that life. She fears her life of service and walking the straight and narrow is nothing
but a façade. As Maddox wisely points out, Harriet doesn’t think anyone has forgiven her because she hasn’t forgiven
herself yet.
Structured like diary entries, at first this book will
remind you of Bridget Jones’s Diary, but let me assure you, this is no too-stupid-to-live heroine. Harriet learns and
grows, where Bridget did not. She knows, ultimately, Who to turn to when her life falls apart. She sacrifices her dreams to
protect others, when Bridget would have had a hissy fit over her plans shredding. When the man who has ignored her for three
years realizes Maddox is interested in her, she finds herself with two men pursuing her heart, Harriet figures out a lot sooner
than Bridget who her real hero is.
Read this book. Laugh and cry and see some of your own
problems in Harriet’s struggle. That fishbowl of a PK’s life can turn into a mirror where you see yourself.
FLAME FROM WITHIN By Shirley Kiger Connolly Vintage
Romance Publishing Reviewer Kay T
THREE TIMES BLESSED
DEADLY CHARM 
JULLIAN DARE
BELOVED COUNTERFEIT
JOURNEY TO THE WELL 
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