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Please keep in mind that although I write for the Inspirational market I read a WIDE variety of books. Mostly fiction. I think it’s important as an author to know what’s currently on the market…in the CBA and the ABA. If a book contains strong elements I will try to make note of that so you can decide whether you want to read it, or not. Check back often to read my latest picks…past and present. Wishing you good books…and time to read them! Enjoy, Roxy All the Way Home by David Giffels I love true-life adventure tales. . .even the kind that to most people might not seem much like an adventure. If you've ever had the notion to buy a fixer-upper home and re-do it, "All the Way Home" will either whet-your-whistle and make you want to dig in, or utterly-and-completely take away the desire to do-it-yourself. When author, David Giffels, and his wife find out they are expecting their second child, they realize the days in their small, first home are numbered. David takes on the ultimate challenge when he finds a 1920's mansion that has seen better days. . .much better days. In fact, he finds out later, the house has been officially condemmed. But that doesn't stop him. Read along from the comfort of your easy-chair, as David shares the joys, triumphs, laughs, and sometimes tears, along the way to making a house a home. What a great read! The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring I fell in love with the characters in this book, including twenty-something Freeda Malone (who has a 'mouth' on her like a grizzled sailor--don't say I didn't warn you~!). The year is 1961 when Freeda breezes into small-town Wisconsin with her nine-year-old sister, Winnalee. Freeda sets local tongue's wagging with her in-your-face attitude and unorthodox style. Across-the-street neighbor, nine-year-old 'Button' Peters, is fascinated with the carefree ways of her new friend, much to the chagrin of her keep-to-yourself mother. Improbable friendships bring about amazing changes in one all-too-short summer. This was one of those books I didn't want to see end. But end, it did. . .an ending I'm savoring. . .and pondering. *Remember, this book has lots of 'language.' Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd Every-now-and-then a writer will offer to do a book-exchange with me. They will send me one of their titles, if I will send them one of mine. I have discovered some wonderful stories this way. The latest good-read to arrive on my doorstep is a novel as "delicious" as it is delightful. Lexi Stuart needs a job, a place to live, and a boyfriend. . .the sooner, the better. She has a love of all-things-French, including the bakery where she lands a job and just possibly, the Frenchman who runs it. But, life isn't quite that simple, is it? You'll find all sorts of fun twists in this novel. . .as well as some to-die-for recipes! It's a yummy-read all the way through! Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker Chloe Adams is NOT a risk-taker (just like me). She's perfectly content to sit at home with a good book (another similarity to guess-who?), so when her book group decides to put into action some of the adventures they read about in their monthly book club selections, Chloe is more than skeptical. . .she's afraid. (Funny, I can imagine feeling the same way.) But, after being jilted by her fiancé, Chloe is willing to take a chance on adventure. . .even if she is uncomfortable. The thing I liked best about this light-hearted book is the friendship between the book club members, a group of women of all different ages and personalities, and the brave way they stepped out of their comfort-zones to embrace life! Just possibly I could take a lesson from this fun (and wise) story. Complete Idiot's Guide Writing Christian Fiction by Ron Benrey If you (or someone you know) has ever had the notion of writing a novel (Christian or otherwise). . Wow! Have I got a book for you. My writer-friend, Ron Benrey, has written a complete guide to help you on your journey. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction has it ALL. From an over-view of the publishing industry to how to turn an idea into a bonafide (compelling) story. He details the "work" and discipline it takes to write a novel and then tells the reader how to go about getting published. . .and just about anything else you can think of having to do with writing and marketing a novel. If you've EVER thought of writing. . .my advice is: READ THIS BOOK! Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell It's unusual for me to read two writing-craft books in-a-row. Not that I can't use the help. . .the fact is they usually over-whelm me. Making me too-aware of what I don't know about writing, and cause me to question whether I have-what-it-takes to write at all. Not so with my writer/friend, Jim Bell's, excellent technique book. If you what to know how to structure a novel, and learn how to do it in an entertaining and a 'Hey! I-think-I-might-be-able-to-do-this' way, pick up a copy of this book. Hurry! You've got a book to read. . .and then write! The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Every now-and-then I come across a book that can only be described as "different." And, Oh-So-Good! If I tell you that this book is about a young man who dreams of becoming a race car driver, his wife who falls ill, his young daughter, and his dog, Enzo (who narrates the story), it might not sound all that thrilling. But, believe me when I say, in its own, quiet way, "The Art of Racing the Rain," is wonderful. . .and so much more. In spite of a smattering of 'language' and a dogs-eye-view of theology, I found myself enchanted and wiping away tears. I hope you enjoy this little gem as much as I did! The Soloist by Steve Lopez What happens when you cross a music virtuoso who was trained at Julliard (and is now a middle-aged, schizophrenic, homeless man) with a reporter for the LA Times looking for material for his weekly column? What happens is a great story! This true story is at times frustrating as the inadequacies of the mental health system come to light (and the inability of a person struggling with a mental illness to accept help are revealed), as well as inspiring as an unlikely friendship develops. Read this book and be amazed at the kindness of a stranger in the face of need. . .and brilliance. Water Cooler Diaries by Joni B. Cole and B. K. Rakhra This book was a gift in more ways than one. A bookstore owner gave it to me as thanks for doing a book-signing in her store. Little did I know the true stories inside would captivate me so much. On March 27, 2007 women across the country were asked to keep a diary of their day and share it with others. Have you every wondered what it would be like to be a celebrity chef? How about a doll sculptor? Or an etiquette columnist? What about a race car driver? Or a Snake Babe? (You have to read the book to find out what that is~!) Or even a bookstore owner in Minot, North Dakota? Yes, the person who gave me the gift is also one of the entries in this fascinating, eye-opening book. Read it and live vicariously. Have fun!! Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen If you remember what it was like to be a kid in the ‘50’s I can almost guarantee you will LOVE this book! Remember Toni home perms? Catching fireflies in jars? And playing ‘Red Light/Green Light’ until dark? Ten year old, Sally O’Malley, is living, playing and imagining through a summer that will change her life. Two young girls in her small town have been murdered and she fears she is next. Her dad has died, her mother is in the hospital and everything in her life seems to be falling apart, which is why Sally feels the need to protect her younger (and very precocious) sister, Troo. There are secrets to be kept. . .and told. But who to tell and when to tell them? This is a wonderful story that will bring back as many memories as it creates. **A very small smattering of ‘language.’ Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos My favorite stories are about friendship, so I can’t help but tell you that I loved, “Belong to Me,” by Marisa de los Santos. Cornelia Brown is a city-gal through-and-through, but when the desire to have a baby strikes she is surprised to find herself longing to live in the suburbs. But, she finds herself unprepared for the social politics of suburban life. An unlikely friendship is her life-line until. . .well, I can’t tell you much more or that would be giving away some delightful surprises. I’ll let you discover the multilayered relationships in this oh-so-good novel. **A small amount of ‘language.’ Leaving November by Deborah Raney I can't think of a better way to enjoy a snow-surrounded lake cabin and a roaring fire than to curl up with a book by one of my all-time favorite author's (and my friend), Deborah Raney. Her latest release, "Leaving November," is filled with all the things that make for a great story. There's a woman with a shattered dream. A man with a secret he'd just as soon no one know. She's opened a coffee shop, and he an art gallery, right across the street from each other in this small Kansas town. But is the distance still too great for two people who are seeking to find a new way to live. . .and love? This is the kind of book you just want to keep reading and reading. . .long after the last, delicious, page is turned. I loved it! Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner Here's another book by one of my favorite author/friend's, Susan Meissner. Daisy's dream wedding has been cancelled and she's left with a wedding dress she won't be wearing anytime soon. Opening a second-hand wedding dress shop seems like a good idea, even if she finds she can't quite bear to part with her un-worn dress. Into each dress Daisy sews a small, blue, satin heart that's been blessed by Father Laurent. . .a symbol of blessing for each bride and groom. A blessing Daisy was hoping for her own wedding. Letting go of an old love is hard, staying open to the possibility of new love (when you've been hurt so bad) is harder. This is the kind of book where you turn the final page and you just want to hug it to your chest because it's so real. . .and so good. The Secret Between Us by Babara Delinsky Sixteen-year old, Grace Monroe, has her driver's permit and her mother, Deborah, lets Grace drive them home from a party on a rainy night. With visibility next-to-none in the storm, Grace doesn't see a runner along the side of the road until it's too late. When the police arrive to investigate the accident they don't ask who was driving, they just assume it was Deborah. . .and so begins this page-turning-story. . .of not-quite-the-truth and the aftermath it takes in all their lives. Be prepared to lose some sleep as you read this book about a mother and a daughter and the ties that bind them. . .or tear them apart. Every Good and Perfect Gift by Sharon Souza Gabby and DeeDee have been best friends since sixth grade. They've lived out their life dreams together. . .marriage, careers, and boundless friendship. . .until now. DeeDee changes the equation by announcing she wants to have a baby. Two years of fertility treatments leave DeeDee emotionally exhausted and Gabby at a loss for how to help her friend. To tell you any more of the story would be taking away your chance to discover the wonderful twists-and-turns inside this novel. Just know that "Every Good and Perfect Gift" is about friendship. Pure-and-not-always-so-simple...but oh, so worth it! Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark How long has it been since you've read a good-old Gothic mystery? I used to love them as a young reader, but it seems like they just don't "make" them anymore. . .until now. My writer/friend, Mindy Starns Clark, has switched gears a bit and written a Gothic mystery, "Whispers of the Bayou," filled with all the elements of intrigue that make a great mystery. An old mansion. A Southern setting in the Bayou. A Cajun secret. Just the right amount of looming danger. And a cast of characters so real you'll feel you know them. And that's not all. The best elements of this mystery are the completely-believeable twists and turns of the plot. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Mindy went and surprised me again. . .and again. . .and yet again. Mindy has written a number of intriguing mysteries, but this one (in my opinion) is the BEST, yet!! Pick up a copy and find out why. Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill It has been so long since I’ve been swept away by a novel, I almost forgot how ‘delicious’ that feeling is. At age eleven, Aminata Diallo, is ripped from her African village and sold to slave traders heading for The Colonies. The only things that help her survive are the two skills she’s learned from her mother: speaking two African dialects and ‘catching’ babies. This book has it all. . .gritty adventure, heart-rending drama, the politics of slavery, and the power of the human spirit. All I can say is, “Read this book!” Born Standing Up by Steve Martin If you were around in the late sixties and seventies you know who Steve Martin is. The “wild-and-craaaaazy” guy on Saturday Night Live, and the star of numerous movies. His humor ranges from silly to smart. . .and everywhere in-between. What you might not know is the long (and interesting) climb he had to get to the top of the stand-up comedian ladder. As I read this memoir I could “hear” Steve’s voice as he intertwined his growing-up years with his fascination for comedy. I loved discovering the behind-the-scenes life of a long-time favorite funny guy. *Some ‘language.’ Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon Father Tim has been summoned back to his boyhood hometown, a place he hasn’t visited in ages, by a cryptic and mysterious note: Come home. He bravely decides to take up the challenge and along the way discovers new friends, and old. . .and secrets about his past that have been long buried. If you loved the “Mitford” series, you will love this new ‘Father Tim’ book from author, Jan Karon. Within This Circle by Deborah Raney Having coped with issues from past relationships, John and Julia Brighton have earned the right to be together. Their kids are grown and gone and this should be the “golden” time of their lives. . .until John’s daughter, Jana, abandons her husband and their toddler daughter, leaving her family to pick up the pieces. The impact on everyone, including Jana, will have you turning pages long into the night to see what happens. I was thoroughly engrossed in this touching story. I think you will be, too. No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay If you love a good thriller, have I got a book for you! Fourteen year old, Cynthia Bigge, wakes up the morning after a huge fight with her parents, only to find her mother, father, and brother are gone...for good. But, where did they go? Are they missing? Dead? Even the police have no clues. (And that's just the prologue.) Fast-forward twenty five years, the anniversary of the disappearance looms, and a reality TV show wants to do a story. Cynthia welcomes the attention to this cold case, her husband isn't quite so sure this is a good idea. When seeming-clues begin to show up, Cynthia is sure her family is alive. . .or is she imagining it all? Don't start this novel late at night, I'll guarantee you won't get much sleep until you turn the final page. **Just so you know. . .this novel contains lots of 'language.' Riding With the Queen by Jennie Shortridge Kicked out of the band because of her drinking, Tallie Beck is a washed-up, wanna-be rock star, with no choice but to head home. If you can call living with her sometimes-mentally-ill mother “home.” Forced into the only job she can find, performing in a piano sing-along bar, Tallie dreams of getting a big break. . .and she drinks. . .too much. Everyone around her seems to be spiraling downward and Tallie wonders if she’s the one who carries chaos along with her. . .or is there another way to live? “Riding With the Queen” is a real, and sometimes gritty, story. It’s also a reeeeeaaallllyyy good read! A Crooked Path by Annette Smith I've been waiting and waiting to tell you about this new book by Annette Smith. I was fortunate to get an Advanced Reading Copy and have been wanting to share it with you forever. It's in bookstores now. Hurry and get it! Manny Ortega, a Mexican immigrant, is not someone you'd expect to find as the hero of a story. He's poor. He's been abandoned by his father. He's in the country illegally. And he'll do just about anything to help out his family below the border. Owen Green is a bigoted, wealthy farmer, who needs help on the ranch, and Manny is desperate enough to take the job. If the work is to get done, both of these men are going to have to put aside their pride and prejudices. What follows is a story of. . .well, that would be telling. Trust me, "A Crooked Path" is not what you expect. . .it's much more. False Witness by Randy Singer Wow! If you like action, turn-the-page, stay-up-late kind of reading, pick up a copy of legal thriller, “False Witness,” by Randy Singer. Take a husband-and-wife bounty hunter team, throw in the Chinese mob, and a professor with a math formula that could change the world. Add in three young law students who are eager to try out their skills and you’ll have a book that will keep you riveted. Don’t blame me if you lose some sleep~! This is a great read! Jacob’s List by Stephanie Grace Whitson Jacob Nolan is the kind of guy every parent wishes for, so what’s a couple to do when that son dies? Especially a couple whose marriage is already unraveling? Before Jake died he’d been working on a documentary film with his best friend, living out (and filming) his “list of things to do before I settle down.” Did his dream die with him. . .or is there a way to use Jacob’s list after all? This is a “keep-the-tissues-handy” kind of novel. It’s heart-breakingly wonderful The Legend of the Firefish by George Bryan Polivka Ahoy, Matey!! You’ll never guess where I’ve been the past few days. . .on a Pirate ship!! (Well, in my imagination, anyway.) I can already hear you thinking. . .Oh, no! Is this a “pirate book” she’s recommending? The answer is, “Yes! And it’s FABULOUS!!” If you enjoy high seas adventure, if you like unlikely hero’s, and brave heroine’s. . .you will LOVE this book. Packer Throme is determined to bring his small fishing village prosperity by hunting down the elusive (and profitable) legendary ‘firefish.’ He stows away on a sea-bound ship and the adventure begins. Take my word for it. . .this is a quest you don’t want to miss. And the best news is. . .“The Legend of the Firefish” is the first book in a trilogy. You’ll have to excuse me. . .I have a ship to board and a trip (of the imagination) to take. Won’t you join me?? Before Another Dies by Alton Gansky Alton Gansky is new-to-me author. If you need a thriller to keep you turning pages, “Before Another Dies” is just the ticket. Mayor Maddie Glenn is running for Congress, but her campaign will get derailed if a serial killer loose in her community isn’t caught. Things really heat up when it seems Maddie may become another victim. You might want to read this book in the daylight, with someone strong close by. ; ) Enjoy. When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall If you enjoy Amish stories, you’ll want to get in on the start of a new series. . .“When the Heart Cries” by Cindy Woodsmall. Seventeen-year-old, Hannah Lapp, is in love with a young man who lives outside her Amish community. Even though she knows this relationship will destroy her father, she is determined to pursue her heart. . .until tragedy changes everything. You might think you know how this story ends. . .but you don’t. (And that’s all I’m saying.) Promise Me Always by Christine Lynxwiler I love discovering new authors! “Promise Me Always” is the first book I’ve read by Christine Lynxwiler, but it won’t be the last. Allie Richards is a single mom without a job. . .but holding onto a dream. She wants to start her own landscaping business. But with no startup money, or money to pay for help, she’s stuck. Until her small town of Shady Grove holds a Centennial Landscaping contest. With the help of her (unpaid) friends, Allie is determined to show the “big guys” in town, that she has what it takes to win the contest. . .a new pickup, cash, and a landscaping contract with the city. ‘Promise Me Always’ is a smart, funny, and fun read! Ever After by Karen Kingsbury Author, Karen Kingsbury, is consistently at the top of the bestseller lists. She writes so fast I can’t keep up, but I did get my hands on a copy of “Ever After,” and devoured it. This is a story of marriage, love of country, and the conflicts opposing-views about the war can bring to a relationship and a family. If you know anyone with a loved one in the military you will want to read this touching book. Here’s a warning. . .keep the tissues close by. Return to Me by Robin Lee Hatcher I can always count on Robin Lee Hatcher for a good read and her latest novel “Return to Me” is another winner. Roxy Burke had her hopes pinned on becoming a Nashville singing sensation. . .instead she’s turned into a washed-out-wanna-be. The only option left is to swallow her pride and return home. But things at home aren’t quite the way they were when she left, her sister is engaged to Roxy’s old boyfriend. Can a prodigal really return home? Or has Roxy burned all her bridges back to what used-to-be? The House That Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark I don’t read a lot of non-fiction (being a fiction writer will do that to a person), but every now-and-then I’m compelled to pick up a title that intrigues, and I’m even more motivated when the author is a writing-friend, like Mindy. I’ve loved her fiction titles and her foray into non-fiction is superb. If you’ve ever struggled with housework, with trying to sort and organize the never-ending stream of “stuff” that accumulates in the course of daily life. . .this is the book for you. It’s so very readable, and even MORE important, Mindy’s advice is so very do-able. Enjoy the book. . .and your clean house! The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford This book has gotten a lot of ‘buzz’. . .so I picked it up almost expecting the story to not live up to the hype. (You know how that so often happens.) Young teen, Jenny Blake, lives with an abusive dad and a meek mom (along with her older, teen-aged sister). There seems to be no way out of her ill-fated life until Jenny bends down to pick up a penny, meets Miss Shaw, and sets in motion a series of events that God uses to change and shape her life. . .and others. Turns out the buzz was right. . .“The Penny” is a wonderful story! The Elevator by Angela Hunt Three women. One elevator. A hurricane bearing down on Tampa, Florida. Each of these women are heading to the same high-rise floor for a similar purpose. . .only they don’t know it. Yet. But when the storm hits and the elevator lurches to a stop (between floors) the women are forced into an intimacy they didn’t quite expect. Believe me, you won’t ride in an elevator anytime soon and not think about “The Elevator.”A great, suspense-filled, read! The Restorer by Sharon Hinck Every now-and-then I get a wild notion to read something "very different" from my usual book-diet of "women's fiction." Sharon Hinck's new book: "The Restorer" filled that need...and how! When Susan Mitchell, housewife-and-mom, becomes overwhelmed with "life," her husband decides to create a retreat for her in their unused attic. Who would guess that very attic is the portal into a whole, new world, filled with intrigue and danger? Who would guess Susan has it in her to take up a sword (that started out 'toy' and 'plastic') and wield it alongside the Guardian's of Braidewood? Take my word for it. . .this novel will take you on an adventurous trip that is out-of-this-world. . .but will have you thinking about our world in a whole, new way! Me, Myself, & Bob by Phil Vischer Have you ever had a BIG idea and then done something about it? That's what Phil Vischer did when he came up with the idea for VeggieTales. . .the super-popular, animated vegetables who teach moral lessons in the midst of silliness. Phil took his idea and (with a LOT of hard work) turned it into a multi-million dollar company. And then he lost it all. "Me, Myself, & Bob" is the story of what happens when a great idea starts running away with everything you'd hoped-and-planned for. It's also about the valuable lessons learned and how God can take a failure and turn it into something good and new. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See Sometimes I want a book to take me to another place and different time. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See did just that. Set in China in the 1800's, when the binding of young girls' feet was done in the hopes of lifting their status in society, this story is a quiet-unfolding (much like the fan in the title of the story) of the lives of two young women as they learn about life. . .and love. 'Life' happens, but can it be survived? Lies are uncovered, but can they be forgiven? If you want a story that will help you experience another culture entirely, this is the book for you. Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate What happens when a young women is forced to give up her dream? Julia Costell had her heart set on being a professional ballerina, until an eating disorder forced her to stop dancing and find another career as a counselor in an academy for talented and gifted students. . .the same school where she started out as a teen with big dreams. Dell, a thirteen-year-old music prodigy, has a wonderful future if only she can let go of her past. Serious problems among the school staff only compound personal difficulties. This novel will have you back in school, reliving those days of high angst and higher hopes. And teachers who are willing to do what it takes to make a difference. Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter When I discover a new author I often want to devour everything they've written. . .and many times, after LOVING one book, I find myself disappointed with the next one I pick up. Not in this case!! I read Karen's "second book" first, discovering her as an author with "Autumn Blue." I immediately went to Amazon and ordered "Where Mercy Flows" hoping for a mini-reading-miracle and I got it. Samantha Dodd is a women without options, so she packs up her five-year-old son and returns to the home (and family) she left at age seventeen. The Judge (her dad) seems just as tough as the day he kicked her out. . .or did he? This is a novel about a father and a daughter. . .and a grandson. About forging new bonds and breaking old ones. Ultimately, it's about love. . .but not in the way you expect. I cried. You might, too. Sticks and Stones by Susan Meissner If you read the debut novel of this mystery series (Widows and Orphans), you'll want to read the second installment in Rachael Flynn's story. (Which just happens to take place in Minneapolis, MN. . .a favorite town of mine!) A body is discovered at the construction site of a new condo complex. A body that just happens to be a teenager's, a boy who had, supposedly, run away from home years ago. Then again, this boy was the school bully and, just maybe, something more sinister happened way back then. Lawyer, Rachael Flynn, is on the case, along with her interesting husband, baby, and artistic friends. If it was murder. . .could it possibly have been committed by the very young people he tormented? Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing by David Morrell This is a writers book. If you like learning about the craft of putting words on paper, they don't get much better than this. I was privileged to hear David Morrell's seminar in person when I taught at a writer's conference last fall. He's got some fascinating anecdotes about his career, as well as some solid advice for writers. . .both newbie's and those of us who've been crafting (or trying to) for ages. If you like reading about writing, this book is for you! Autumn Blue by Karen Harter Ty Walker is a Teenager. . .with a capitol “T” for trouble. His single-mom, Sidney, is doing her best to deal with Ty’s antics. . .but when police show up at her door, there’s no denying her son is swimming in seriously deep water. Filled with thought-provoking scenes and characters who seem like people you know, this novel will have you smiling at the same time you’re wiping away tears. There’s romance and redemption. Oh, goodness, is this a good book! Diva NashVegas by Rachel Hauck This book snuck up on me. I picked it up expecting “chic lit.” Smart. Single. Sassy. I got all that. . .and more. Singer, Aubrey James is at the top of the country music billboard charts. Her life should be perfect, but it’s not. At all. When her fiancé pops-the-question on stage at one of her biggest concerts, Aubrey’s problems only get worse. If you want a peek behind the scenes of the country music industry and a heart-warming story about the importance of family. . .and love. . .this is the book for you! The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz When the family business is "Private Detective," isn't it only natural that Mom and Dad might do surveillance on the kids? That the kids might spy on each other. . .or Mom and Dad? And what happens when a gal just wants a little privacy? Wants a boyfriend (after she does a complete background check on him first, of course) without interference from the sleuths in the family? In "The Spellman Files" author, Lisa Lutz, peppers this fast-paced story with cutting-edge humor and a constantly-changing turn of events. If you like a laugh, along with a mystery, this is your kind of book! **There is some "language". . .you know the kind I mean. On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck Every now and then I like to pick up a book that’s written for young readers. “On the Wings of Heroes” by Richard Peck is a nostalgic and funny story about growing up during World War II. Davy Bowman’s beloved big brother is off to war, leaving Davy at home to help fight the war by buying War Bond Stamps and recycling rubber and metal and paper and. . .whatever it takes to help get Bill home. In the meantime he runs up against class bullies, a scary old man, and an even scarier substitute teacher. This story will have you smiling and wiping away tears as you wait with Davy to see who wins this war of life, love, and family. No Legal Grounds by James Scott Bell If you like nail-biting suspense and a story that just might keep you up at night, pick up a copy of “No Legal Grounds” by James Scott Bell. In this legal-thriller-and-then-some, lawyer, Sam Trask, gets an innocent-sounding e-mail from a college friend he can barely remember. He brushes off the blast-from-the-past but old Nicky just won’t let go. Hang on…because this is where it gets interesting. What happens when what’s legal and right doesn’t matter to someone? When they are told to “get out” and “leave” and they won’t? Sam needs more than the law for this one. Don’t say I didn’t warn you~! In High Places by Tom Morrisey One of the things I love about reading is discovering a book that will take me places, and allow me to experience things I never would in my placid, everyday life. While reading “In High Places” by Tom Morrisey I was hanging from crevices in rocks, trying to find hand holds and miniscule toe grips as I climbed rocks with his characters. Patrick Nolan is sixteen and his mother has just died. His father, a noted rock-climbing expert, pulls up stakes on both of them as they open a climbing shop and try to find something that will hold them through this tragedy. This coming-of-age story will have you holding your breath, breathing a sigh of sweet-relief, and blinking back tears as they search for sure-footing on the rocks they love. . .and in life. Scoop by Rene Gutteridge Fun! Fun! Fun! That’s what I have to say about “Scoop” by Rene Gutteridge. News Channel 7 is falling apart. . .behind the lens of the camera and on air. Yikes! The news team may have found the key to a city-wide scandal, but can they unearth the truth before their rival station scoops them? Not if things keep going as they are. If you like a lot of FUN with a little bit of mystery, “Scoop” is the book for you! A Bigger Life by Annette Smith Divorced dad, Joel Carpenter, has messed up his marriage, but he’s determined not to muddle-up the relationship he has with his three year old son, Colton. Shared custody with his ex-wife, Kari, isn’t always easy, but Joel has his clients at work, and his circle of single-dad friends to go-to when he needs some help. But when life throws a curve-ball Joel couldn’t see coming will he step up to the plate. . .or swing and miss, big time? Don’t delay, get your hands on a copy of this fabulous book. This is my newest favorite! Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson What happens when you have everything-money-can-buy and you still feel miserable? That is the question author, Lisa Samson, tackles in her latest (convicting) novel, “Quaker Summer.” Anyone who has ever over-spent at the mall will identify with Heather Curridge, the lead character in this book, as she begins to question all the “stuff” in her life. What makes life “worth” living? This book will make you think (hard) about the answer to that question. It’s been weeks since I read this book and I can’t quit thinking about it. . .and how it applies to my life! When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin A medical doctor whose spirit has been broken by tragedy. A little girl who desperately needs the exact skills he possesses. This is a story of love and healing...on many levels. You'll love it. The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson If you enjoy coming-of-age novels that slowly, deliciously, unfold, you will appreciate this story. Going back and forth between the past and the distant-present we get to know Arthur, a farmer, a man of little words, who appears very simple on the surface. What-you-see-is-what-you-get. But there’s more to him than meets the eye. And Ian, a young city-guy, who goes to work for Arthur as he tries to decide what his future holds. It’s a story of past wounds and discovering love. . .in its many, varied, forms. This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella I’ve been trying to think of a way to describe this book, and the only word I can come up with is “different.” But good. In a unique way. It’s about a woman. A woman who is a farmer. She lives alone, works hard, and has wrapped herself so tightly in past hurts that she’s made certain she will never be hurt again. And then her old high school friend leaves her custody of a seven-year old daughter. If you think you know how this book ends. . .believe me, you don’t. The writing is sparse, yet wonderful. The heroine is largely unlikable. I’m not quite sure what it is about this book, but I can’t quit thinking about it. Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen If you’ve haven’t discovered Anna Quindlen’s fiction, you're in for a treat. Some of her earlier books remain some of my favorites, and her newest novel, “Rise and Shine,” was a great read, as well. Meghan Fitzmaurice is morning television’s “darling,” until one bad day she makes a terrible on-air mistake. Her younger sister tries to pick up the pieces while dealing with her own troubles as the manager of a women’s shelter. If you love well-written women’s fiction this is a book you’ll want to read soon. **some language Rescued by John Bevere with Mark Allen Olsen Wow! This is one powerful book. If you like staying up late and turning pages, devouring a story like melting ice cream on a hot day, “Rescued” is the book for you. There is a tourist group boarding a submarine for an afternoon of sight-seeing, which turns into the ride of their lives. . .and then some. They are underwater for a horrifying time, but don’t hold your breath; the outcome of this story is something you’ve never imagined. Promise! Reconstructing Natalie by Laura Jensen Walker I don’t think I’ve ever had a reason to use the word “cancer” in the same sentence with the word “funny”. . .until now. Laura Jensen Walker’s novel, “Reconstructing Natalie,” is chick-lit at its finest. Smart and sassy with lots of heart. Natalie is a young single woman, facing a diagnosis of breast cancer. Will this erase any chance she has of falling love? Will her friends stick by her, or freeze her out? After all, who wants anything to do with breast cancer? As a reader, you do. This book will make you smile, make you think, and maybe, just maybe, learn something about a friend going through a rough time. All The Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen “All The Numbers” by Judy Merrill Larsen is a hard book to read. Oh, it’s not the writing. . .the writing is wonderful. But the subject matter, the death of a young boy (which you know about from page one), and the effect on his mother and brother is heartrending. In spite of the difficulty of the subject, the topic is handled so realistically (and tenderly) that by the end of the book I simply wanted to embrace them all. Instead, I cried. . .sad tears and happy tears. . .for even within the sorrow there was joy. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig I’ve long been a fan of Ivan Doig and his newest book, “The Whistling Season,” will keep him at the TOP of my “favorite-author” list. His are the kind of stories where not all-that-much “happens,” but the writing is SO stellar you just want the book to go on-and-on. A widowed farmer (with three sons) answers an advertisement for a woman looking to move to Montana and do housework. . .but she DOESN’T cook! There is a rural school that needs a teacher. And a town bully who needs to be put in his place. Don’t think you “know” what happens. . .this wonderful book holds all sorts of interesting surprises. This was my favorite book of the summer!! The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin “The Summer Guest” takes you to the shores of a small fishing camp, on the edge of a lake, in the forests of Maine. The story slowly unfolds as you live with the people who run the camp (and one of the guest’s). One man has come there to spend his last days. The others are worried about the economics of keeping a struggling business alive in changing times. They revisit the past and face the future and you get an inside view of their varied-intertwined-fascinating stories. I loved this book!! **A caution: the story contains some “language.” Mom might “tsk-tsk” a bit. Presumed Guilty by James Scott Bell Frankly, I think John Grisham better start looking over his shoulder. My author-friend, Jim Bell writes legal thrillers that will give Grisham a run for his money. Jim’s latest, “Presumed Guilty,” is a page-turner from page one. Pastor Ron Hamilton is a rising-star in his church and community, until he is linked to the murder of young woman with seedy ties to the porn industry. Ron’s wife faces the challenge of her life. Is her husband guilty? And, if he is. . .and it certainly seems he might be. . .should she stay married to him? You won’t put this book down until you turn the last, great page! Chateau of Echoes by Siri Mitchell Do you need a weekend in France but don’t have the money or the time off from work? I’ve got a solution. . .if you’d love to spend some time in an old chateau, if you’d like to “taste” some great French cooking, if you’d like a touch of mystery along with a little romance and history, pick up a copy of Siri Mitchell’s Christy-nominated book, “Chateau of Echoes.” I spent a delightful, rainy weekend curled up with Siri’s excellent book. Prendre plaisir à. Enjoy!! Gossamer by Lois Lowrey Sometimes short-and-sweet is just the ticket. Which is why, every-now-and-then I like to pick up a book meant for younger readers. (Somewhere around the late grade school, junior high age range.) When my daughters were young it was a good way for me to stay in touch with what they were reading. These days, well. . .it’s still a good way to stay in touch with what “kids” are reading. Which is what prompted me to open the book, “Gossamer,” by Newberry Award-winning author, Lois Lowry. If you’ve ever wondered why it is we dream what we do. . .the meaning and possibilities of the fragments of memories in our dreams. . .the forces of “good” and “evil” that influence our minds as we sleep, you (or your favorite young reader) will have a flight of fancy (and wonderment) when you read this sweet, heart-tugging, and heart-warming story. The Secret Life of Becky Miller by Sharon Hinck If you’ve ever been a “mother,” you know the feeling of being knee-deep in “kids” and fantasizing about being anywhere but where you are. Such is “The Secret Life of Becky Miller,” a debut novel by Sharon Hinck. This is an absolutely delightful story about motherhood, friends, marriage, and faith. Oh! And I can’t forget. . .kids! In the middle of daily life, Becky Miller, can take-off on a flight-of-fancy that somehow always leads her back to right where she is. . .which, in the end, is exactly where she wants to be. . .but it’s the “getting-there” that is half-the-fun. The other “half” is what Becky (and maybe you) learns along the way. A perfect weekend read! A Vow to Cherish by Deborah Raney It’s not often that a book sticks-with-me for ten years. . .but Deborah Raney’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” is one of those books. I didn’t know Deb ten years ago. I only knew this was one great writer and one great story. (Which went on to be made into a TV moive.) Since then, I’m proud-as-punch to call Deb my ‘friend.’ And so thrilled to share the news that she’s “updated” the story and it is being re-released as I type. This is an emotional story of love, Alzheimer’s, and the hard question: is it always possible to stay in a relationship until “death do us part?” This is a great read. Have your tissues handy! Uncharted by Angela Hunt “Uncharted” by Angela Hunt is another book that has stuck-with-me for months now. I had the privilege of being at a writer’s seminar with Angie when she was working on this book. . .and, believe me, you’ve never read anything like this! I don’t want to give anything away, because half the “fun” of this book is finding yourself in a place you’ve never been before. Just trust me on this one. . .after reading ‘Uncharted’ you may never look at life in quite the same way again. This is a powerful book! Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard I was a big fan of Jacquelyn Mitchard’s first few books (‘Deep End of the Ocean’ being my favorite.) Then. . .her next several books didn’t ‘grab’ me and I began to wonder if I could keep her on my must-read list of authors. Well, I’m happy to report her newest novel, “Cage of Stars,” has zoomed her back on my list. The story is told from the point of view of a young Mormon girl. . .a unique vantage point to watch the story unfold. Ronnie is the only witness to the murder of her two younger sisters and we are privy to the emotions this whole family goes through as they try to deal with the aftermath of watching the killer set free. This is a “quiet” story, with a twanging-line of tension at its core. . .and it is so, so good! In All Deep Places by Susan Meissner Susan Meissner has done it again. . .written another book that now rests at the “top” of my list of favorites! “In All Deep Places,” is a marvelous read. It’s a story about Luke, a best-selling author trying to deal with his writer’s block by revisiting the hidden memories of his growing-up years. As Luke sifts through his past, you will find yourself steeped in a story of sorrow, compassion, and ultimately. . .hope. This is one great book. Blind Dates Can Be Murder by Mindy Starns Clark If you've already read my earlier Mindy Starns Clark recommendation, “The Trouble With Tulip,” you’re going to want to pick up the sequel, “Blind Dates Can Be Murder.” Once again, Jo Tulip uses her skill as a Household Tips columnist to dish up the solution to a good, clean (pun intended), and clever murder mystery. Marley & Me by John Grogan This book was a bit of a departure for me. I don’t read a lot of non-fiction. Or “animal” books. But, I’d heard a lot of “buzz” about Marley & Me and since I’m a dog-lover I thought I’d take a chance. Here’s a warning: If you’ve ever loved a dog (any dog. . .even a stuffed one) you will be charmed by this book. It’s sort of a coming-of-age story about a dog, a man, and a marriage. I laughed out loud (not something I often do by myself) and dabbed at my eyes. When I closed the book all I wanted to do was pet my dog. . .for a long time. And that’s a good thing. . .just like this book! The Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle Have you ever felt that mysterious “tingle” when you open a book and read the first few pages and you just know you’re in for a great read? That’s how I felt when I started reading, “The Kindness of Strangers,” by Katrina Kittle. The only trouble was, as I got further into the book, I realized the subject matter of the book was something that makes even hardened-criminals squirm. (No, I can’t tell you. . .I want you to discover that as the plot unfolds.) I debated through the whole book, wondering if this was a book I dared recommend on this list. But, in the end, I decided the story was too important not to share. What happens when the perfect family next door. . .isn’t? That’s all I can tell you. . .other than the fact this book is haunting and important. And surprisingly wonderful considering the subject matter. *Please know there is some “language” and well-handled sexual description. A Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity by Kathleen Gilles Seidel If you happen to be parenting a junior-high girl. . .have I got a book for you. Come to think of it, if you happen to know a junior high girl, or if you’ve ever been one yourself. . .”A Most Uncommon Degree of Popularity” a novel by Kathleen Gilles Seidel, will remind you all-over-again what those turbulent years can be like. It’s all about being popular. . .or (gasp!) not. You will nod your head in recognition. You will smile (a lot). You’ll realize that that those wonderful-awful years are all about growing and maturing. . .as much for the parents as for the kids. This book is a quick (and great) read! A Vase of Mistaken Identity by Cathy Elliot If you like some smiles as a side-dish to a cozy mystery, this first-novel by my friend, Cathy Elliot, will satisfy your sweet tooth. When antique-dealer, Thea James, finds a list of names in an antique vase, she doesn’t think much of it. Until she realizes the first name on the list of old friends may have been murdered, and the last name on the list is. . .hers! Thea is a delight as she turns into a reluctant sleuth in an effort to solve “A Vase of Mistaken Identity.” This book is too-cute. . .and good! Kill Me by Stephen White If you like sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, along with staying-up-too-late, the new thriller, Kill Me, by Stephen White is just the ticket. From the start you learn that, because of health complications, the risk-taking main character has hired someone to kill him and, for the sake of his family, make it look like an accident. It’s a given that something will happen to make him change his mind and want to live. . .and that’s when the suspense kicks into high gear. Be forewarned, this is not a CBA novel. There is a smattering of “language” (you know the kind I mean) to contend with. But, if you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking, fast-paced read, this is a book that will fill the bill. My Life as a Doormat by Rene Gutteridge Cute! Cute! Cute! That's what I have to say about Rene Gutteridge's newest novel, "My Life as a Doormat." All up-and-coming playwright, Leah, wants is to please the people around her. Her boyfriend is comfortably predictable. Her sister has tamed her prodigal ways. Even Leah’s agent is pleased with the new play she’s writing. But, if Leah is so good at making everyone else happy, why is she so miserable? Don't let my one-word description fool you...there are some powerful lessons in this delightful book! The Novelist by Angela Hunt Famous author and writing instructor, Jordan Casey, is challenged by one of her students to write something outside the range of her usual pot-boiler-thrillers. Outside of the classroom her troubled son is sapping any reserve of emotion she has left. Jordan decides to rise to the challenge and somehow write a story that will possibly save her son. I don’t understand how Angie did it. . .but she did. In “The Novelist,” my writer-friend, Angela Hunt, has written a book-within-a-book and the two, side-by-side stories flow together seamlessly. An amazing feat of writing and story-telling! Savannah from Savannah by Denise Hildreth If you’re a chick-lit fan, this book is for you. Single Savannah is smart and savvy and determined to become more than her beauty-queen mother has planned for her. A job at the local newspaper sends Savannah about town, uncovering a secret from the past and learning much about herself (and her mother) in the process. Plus, she may have just possibly, surprisingly, discovered romance. This was a delightful read. Sins of the Fathers by James Scott Bell If you’re a Grisham fan, be prepared. . .James Scott Bell gives John Grisham a run for his money in this legal-thriller. A playground shooting leaves a town in shock. A career-climbing DA sees this case as his stepping stone to higher office. But defense attorney, Lindy Field, knows there’s more to this case than her young client is telling, but digging out the secrets may reveal more than she wants to know. I loved this book! Over the Waters by Deborah Raney One of the authors consistently at the top of my list of favorites is Deborah Raney. (And she held this distinction even before she became my friend and I started calling her “Deb!”) Her latest book, “Over the Waters,” continues her winning streak. Plastic surgeon, Max Jordan, is shaken when informed that his young-doctor-son, who has forsaken “the-good-life” to become a medical missionary in Haiti, is murdered. Trying to make sense of his son’s short life, Max travels to Haiti to try and find answers. What he finds is so much more than he ever expected. I read this book months ago, before it was released, and the story still sticks with me. The mark of a great author…and a great read! Dead of Night by Brandilyn Collins Prepare to be “creeped-out!” “Dead of Night” is the third book in a series, but you do NOT have to read the others to dive into this thriller. Forensic artist, Annie Kingston, has stumbled on a body almost in her backyard. Is the serial killer, who has been preying on her small town, sending Annie a message? The whole town is praying the killer is found before the next victim, and Annie is using every talent at her disposal to make certain the killing stops. Will she be in time? Or is she next? If you like hair standing on the back of your neck, goosebumps, and staying up late to find out “who-dunnit,” this is your book! Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card I like to read an eclectic assortment of books, even dipping into science-fiction every-now-and-then. This “classic” in the category was a fascinating read…combining a futuristic world, a possibly-fatal invasion by outside forces, political intrigue, and a children-in-training army who is the only hope of victory. If you like your imagination to take-flight, pick up this book…”Ender’s Game” is a great, unexpected story! Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer It’s not often I read a book and think, “I wish I’d written that.” But I did when I read W. Dale Cramer’s newest novel, “Levi’s Will.” A head-strong teenager has run away from his Amish community to make his own way in the world. The book spans the course of Will’s life as he tries to come to terms with being shunned by his family and to make peace with his father, who is as stubborn as he is. It’s a story of broken bonds, strong wills, and, ultimately, love. I loved this book! Last Light by Terri Blackstock I can’t remember the last time I turned pages quite this fast in a book. I had to find out who-dunnit, and what happened. In “Last Light,” author, Terri Blackstock has crafted a story that could have been ripped from the headlines. There has been a power blackout. Cars don’t run. Planes won’t fly. Technology, as we know it, has failed. Now, there has been a murder in the neighborhood and the police are nowhere to be found. What will people do when left to their own devices? Be prepared to do nothing-but-read until you reach the end of this all-too-real book! The Celebrity by Robert Elmer I can't remember the last time I've read a book as delightful as "The Celebrity" by Robert Elmer! If you liked the "Mitford" books, you will LOVE this book about pop-singing sensation, Jamie D. Lane, who just needs to get-away from it all. . .just for a little while. He slips (incognito-style) into small-town life and makes some surprising discoveries about a dog, a group of monks, a woman, and himself. Take my word for it, this book will make you laugh, maybe tear-up just a bit, and smile. . .a LOT! The Trouble with Tulip by Mindy Starns Clark If you like a good mystery, wrapped with a fun twist, author Mindy Starns Clark, has written the first book in a new series called: “The Trouble with Tulip.” Jo Tulip has inherited the Household Tips advice column her Grandmother used to write. When Jo discovers a dead body just down the street, she can hardly help but use her extensive (and VERY interesting) cleaning tips to come up with “who-dunnit.” There’s a little bit of romance mixed in with a lot of good “clean” (pun intended) writing. “The Trouble with Tulip” will have you examining your cleaning products in a whole new way. . .when you aren’t busy reading, that is! Kissing Adrien by Siri L. Mitchell If you’ve always wanted to live in Paris, but never had the chance. . . If you’ve ever been to Paris and would LOVE to return. . . You can save some time and a lot of money on airline tickets, instead pick up a copy of the chick-lit novel by new author, Siri L. Mitchell, called “Kissing Adrien” and pretend you are there. I had the pleasure of meeting Siri this summer and she knows what she writes. She’s lived in Paris. . .and a whole lot of other interesting places! “Kissing Adrien” is a delightful romance, a perfect way to while away a summer afternoon in your own backyard. . .while your imagination takes you far away. Enjoy! Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult I've debated a bit before adding this selection to my recommended-reading list. Let me start by telling you "Vanishing Acts" by Jodi Picoult is NOT a CBA (Inspirational) book. It is very "gritty" in places. . .so be fore-warned. That said, the story is a fascinating, multi-layered account of the relationship between a grown daughter and her father. A deception has rocked their relationship to it's core. Can they ever hope to get back the love and trust they once had?? It's been weeks since I've read this book and I'm still thinking about the characters and their what-would-I-do situation. What would you do? How To Help a Grieving Friend by Stephanie Grace Whitson If you’ve ever lost someone close to you. . .you know how it feels. So does Stephanie Grace Whitson. In her small-but-powerful book: “How To Help a Grieving Friend,” she shares her diary (and her heart) as she tells how she coped after the death of her young husband. At times her grief is raw. . .you’ll feel it along with her. But as she heals. . .you will, too. You will also learn how best to help someone dealing with that kind of pain. I was privileged to read the book before it went to press and here’s what I had to say about it: Stephanie has bared her heart and, in doing so, has touched mine. Everyone, and I mean everyone, should read this honest, helpful, and heartfelt book. That means you. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols I read a lot, so sometimes I’m surprised at how few-and-far-between the really good books are. But, finally, I’ve found one to start the New Year! There are many authors. . .and as many unique voices. As much as I might like a novel, rarely is it SO good that I close the book and sigh, “I wish I’d written this book.” But, with this story I did. . .do. . .I mean, I wish I could write like that. See. . .even now, words fail me. In this wonderful novel you will meet two people so real you’ll think you know them. You’ll find a troubled marriage, and read to find out if there is such a thing as a heartbreak too deep to overcome. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols tugs at your heart with every turn of the page. I hope you savor this story as much as I did. Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems I just checked Amazon to make sure this book was still in print. It is! In my well-worn copy the copyright reads "1980." It may be over tweinty years old, but it's my absolute-favorite book to re-read most every Christmas. "Kneeling in Bethlehem" by Ann Weems is a book of poetry. Pure poetry. Word pictures that shed a new light on Christmas. Let me give you a taste from a poem titled, "This Year": "I wonder if God comes to the edge of heaven each Advent and flings the Star into the December sky, laughing with joy as it lights the darkenss of the earth; and the angels, hearing the laughter of God, begin to congragate in some celestial chamber to practice their alleluias..." Oh, doesn't that word-picture just give you goosebumps?? It does to me. Read this book. Give it as a gift. Or two. Celebrate Advent. . .with all your heart. Into the Nevernight by Anne De Graf Some books are dessert. "Into the Nevernight" by Anne De Graf is meat and potatoes. If you want a story that fills you up, this is it! It's about an impossible situation that, in this day-and-age of kidnapping and terrorism, seems all too real. The characters are you-and-me and feel all too familiar. There is a sub-plot involving the "Lost Boys" of the Sudan that will break your heart. This was another one of those books that sat on my to-read pile for much too long. I am SO glad I finally got to it. Please, don't wait as long as I did to discover this WONDERFUL book! Why the Sky is Blue by Susan Meissner Some months ago, my editor at Harvest House, told me they'd signed a new fiction author from Minnesota that he was sure I would love. Since I have a soft-spot in my heart for (and a LOT of relatives in) Minnesota, I was already inclined to want to read this new author when her book was released. I was privledged to be sent the galleys of the book before it was released and asked to read it for a possible endorsement. Now, I was nervous. . .what if I didn't like it?? Then what? Well, not to fear, author Susan Meissner did a heart-filling job of weaving together the words of her first book, Why the Sky is Blue. It's a book about an impossible choice. Whether a married couple should keep a child conceived by rape, or give it up for adoption? What if they don't agree? What if no matter what they decide it won't make things right? What if, years later, they have another impossible choice to make? What then? I hope you read this book and LOVE it as much as I did! Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin I don't know why I keep telling myself I don't like historical fiction. Inevitably, when I read it, I end up liking. . .make that LOVING it. . .and I usually learn something, to boot. As was the case with Christy-winner, Lynn Austin's, Civil war novel titled: Candle in the Darkness. It's a fabulous story set in the South, told from the point-of-view of the daughter of a slave owner. A young woman who loves, as if they were family, the slaves who have helped raised her. Her father, on the other hand, views them as "property." The War sets in motion a conflict not only between the States, but also within a family. There will be two more books in this series, each set in the same time period, but from a different perspective. Book Two, Fire by Night, is told from a Northern viewpoint, and is also very good. And, if I remember my CBA conversation with Lynn correctly, book three will be told from the point of view of a slave. If you want to slip into a completely different time period. . .and learn something, too, you'll be thrilled with this excellent series. A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney I've recommended Deb Raney's books before and her latest book, "A Nest of Sparrows," is one of her best, yet. It's about a man who is engaged to a woman who has three young children. The father of these kids has not been in-the-picture for a long time. The woman dies (this isn't giving anything away--I'd never do that!), and her fiance', who already loves these kids as if they were his own, agrees to raise them. Until "the dad" suddenly shows up. "A Nest of Sparrows" is about love and "family" and heart-ties that are sometimes stronger than blood. I was on an airplane as I finished the book, with no tissues at hand. I sniffled my way through the heart-tugging ending. Consider this fair-warning! Read it and weep. . .and LOVE every minute of it! The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg Is there an author you love? Where the “story” doesn’t matter nearly as much as the way the words are stitched together? That’s how I feel about Elizabeth Berg. I think I’ve read just about everything she’s written. . .and I continue to marvel at the deft way she can sew together words and phrases in spare ways that never-fail to evoke deep feelings and emotions. Her latest book, “The Art of Mending,” is told by the sister of a “difficult child.” They are now adults and their memories of growing up are not the same. What is truth? What isn’t? The ending of the story was a bit “abrupt” for my tastes. . .but still, I love the writing and the way she tells a story. . .sewing together scraps of stories until they make a whole, somewhat crazy, but lovely quilt. Mending Places by Denise Hunter Ever feel like you need a little romance? A little suspense? I mean "in a BOOK!" If so, pick up a copy of "Mending Places" by Denise Hunter. I spent a delightful, rainy day at the lake, reading this well-written book. It takes place in a mountain lodge...a lodge that is failing. It's being run by a determined young woman with hurts in her past. Of course there is a newly-hired, attractive hiking guide...but just when I was certain I had the plot figured out...the author would surprise me and take a different (surprising) direction. If you want a little romance, a little suspense and a wonderful story of forgiveness, curl up on a couch (don't wait for rain) and read "Mending Places." Beyond the Shadows by Robin Lee Hatcher It seems as if most every family has had a brush, somewhere along the family tree, with alcoholism. In "Beyond the Shadows" Robin Lee Hatcher deals with a sensitive subject in a heart-felt and realistic way. We are drawn into the lives of Deborah and her husband, and walk with them through the events and emotions alcoholism can bring to a relationship. There are no hand-patting, easy-answers...but there is hope. Good Grief by Lolly Winston I have had a run of GOOD books lately. (I just love it when that happens!) The latest wonderful read is, "Good Grief," by Lolly Winston. It is a poignant and funny book about a young widow's (age 36) first year after her husband died. Somehow Ms. Winston took what could be a morbid subject and had me smiling and laughing...all the while I was empathizing with the main character, Sophie Stanton, and the unlikely people who help her heal. It isn't often I read a book that has me wondering what the characters are doing days after I turn the last page...I'm still thinking about the folks in "Good Grief." I wish them well. (There is some "language" and delicate sexual situations.) The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes I get a lot of letters (and phone calls) and people who approach me after speaking engagements and book signings saying, "I'd like to write someday." I used to say that, too. A lot. When I started contemplating the idea of actually writing a BOOK, I quickly realized there was more to it than simply putting words on paper. There was also a HUGE obstacle to overcome. F-E-A-R. What if after all that dreaming I had nothing to say? What if I couldn't write a book, after all? I wish I'd had "The Courage to Write," by Ralph Keyes back then. The subtitle of the book: "How Writers Transcend Fear" was exactly what I needed. How comforting to know that almost ALL writers are afraid. It's okay to be afraid. The point is...write anyway. Read it...then write! My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult I promised to tell you when I found a book that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough...that happened this weekend with "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Piccoult. Ms. Piccoult has long been one of my favorite authors of provocative womens fiction. In my opinion, she doesn't have near the "press" she should have. Maybe it's because she writes about often controversial topics...as in this latest book. "My Sister's Keeper" is about medical rights...doesn't sound riveting, right? Wrong. Jodi Piccoult grabs you by the throat from the first page and makes you care about all the characters in this spellbinding book. Right away you learn that Kate was diagnosed with leukemia when she was a toddler, her sister, Anna, was conceived with the idea of having a genetic-donor handy for Kate's many medical needs. Kate needs a kidney and Anna (now thirteen) doesn't want to give it. Who has the right to decide? Anna? Her parents? This book was difficult to read at times, the day-in-and-day-out of a serious medical condition and the choices facing this family are heart-breaking. It contains a bit of "language" and some brief sexual scenes. But this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. If you enjoy this book...be sure and check out her previous books, as well. Jodi Piccoult makes her readers think about difficult situations in new ways. I love it when an author does that!! Breach of Promise by James Scott Bell I was going to be spending nine hours on an airplane. I put out a call on a writers loop asking for suggestions for some good women's fiction novels to help pass the time. James Scott Bell, a writer-friend, responded, "Can men write women's fiction?" He then offered to send me a copy of his latest novel, Breach of Promise. Truthfully, I was skeptical. A man, writing women's fiction? Did I really want to be held captive on a long plane ride with a book I might not like? I took along two other books as back-up. Just to hedge my bets, I started the first chapter of "Breach of Promise" the night before I left. If it didn't capture my attention, I'd leave it behind. I couldn't WAIT for the plane to take off. Those hours in the air passed SO fast. The book, which touches on the Hollywood movie scene and deals with a young dad's connection to his daughter is GOOD! And the thing that made it extra-intriguing was that it was women's fiction written from a man's point of view. If you need a good book to take with you on vacation...don't look any further. If you're not taking a vacation, let this book transport you! Thanks, Jim! The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier You know how you have to be in a certain mood to read certain books? "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier has been out for a while now. I'd read countless reviews of the book, but none of them spurred me to actually pick it up and read it. It seemed...oh, I don't know, just not what I was in the mood for. Until a few weeks ago. I was at a book signing (at a small book store, in a small town). The first hour of the signing, before noon, was well, let's say, "slow." It's hard to sit alone at a table and pray-up people to come to a signing when there is no one on Main Street. It's also hard to look interested...or interesting...sitting all by your self. So, I picked a book off a shelf near my elbow and started reading. It was good. I read some more. Pretty soon, I was wondering what these "other people" were doing interrupting my reading time, asking me to sign copies of my books??!! The nerve! I left the book store that day after having a very busy second-hour of signing...with a book I'd purchased tucked under my arm. The book is a rather quiet story, filled with vivid descriptions of colors and smells. It's about history, and what might have happened to create a world-famous painting. By the time I was done reading it I was wishing I had a paint brush in one hand. A canvas near me. And a palette of paints in my other hand. I wanted to create...something. I couldn't ask more of a book than that. What a Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck You know how some books are "meat and potatoes" and others are more like "dessert?" What a Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck is a delicious dessert. It's "chick lit." For those of you not familiar with this new genre, it's "literature" for "chicks." Generally geared to a youngle, single crowd (or those who like to remember those days), "What a Girl Wants" is light, sassy and lot's of FUN...with an affirming message, to boot. Read and enjoy...sometimes dessert is the best part of the meal! Growing Up on the Edge of the World by Phil Callaway Remember Tom Sawyer? The young boy with a BIG imagination and lots of adventures? Meet Terry Anderson, twelve-year old narrator of "Growing Up on the Edge of the World." He's a young man with an observant eye, a unique way of looking at the world and a BIG problem. This book is wise, funny, and VERY good! I loved it! Halos by Kristen Heitzmann If you're looking for a book with engaging characters, a little romance, and a dash of suspense..."Halos" by Kristen Heitzmann will be just the ticket! It starts out rather simply, a young woman trying to make a new start in life ends up in a town that seems just the place to start over. When her car is stolen (practically on the first page...I'd never give anything "important" away!), she has no choice but to stay put. But, someone doesn't want her in town and will do anything to see she doesn't stay. Maybe she shouldn't stick around...but then what would happen to all the new friends she's made? I think you'll enjoy this quick read! The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler Have you ever had a book grow on you? As I began reading "The Amateur Marriage" by Anne Tyler, I wasn't completely captivated; I simply kept reading because it was my Book Group reading selection for this month. But, as I read, I discovered the two main characters in the book were filled with quirks and foibles...much like the partners in any marriage. I found myself viewing the ups and downs, the odd little habits in my own marriage, in a much gentler way. There are some who may not like this book; it doesn't wrap everything up in a neat little package at the end...and yet, I was left with a poignancy for love and its many facets that I can't quite shake. Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson My second favorite read during my break was, "Women's Intuition," by Lisa Samson. It's a story of renewal. The stories of four women and how their lives are woven together. The ways their relationships are frayed...and fixed. Lisa writes in a distinctive and "fun" voice. If you're looking for something a little different, you won't be disappointed by this book. The Debt by Angela Hunt I always have a book, or two, that I'm currently reading...and a stack of books to-be-read. Whenever I take a break from writing my FAVORITE thing is to "pig-out" on reading. And that's just what I did this past two weeks. I think I read five or six books. The bad news is...most of them weren't worth sharing. The good news is...two of them were! Angela Hunt has written a powerful book in "The Debt." It's a fictional story about where the church and our ministry really takes place...in the pews...or on the streets? If you want your faith-walk to be challenged and have a good read...read this book! Winterdance by Gary Paulsen I love true-adventure novels. Maybe it's because in real-life I am a big chicken!! I am never going to sail across the ocean, solo...but I love reading about those who do. I also will never run the Iditarod with a pack of dogs in Alaska, but I felt a bit as if I did when I read this book: Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod by Gary Paulsen. Paulsen is a Minnesota native and easily conveys the cold and brutality of training for this VERY long race. He also shares what it takes to develop a pack of well-trained dogs...it 'ain't' easy! And the stiff compeition each competitor faces, not only with the weather, but also with other's in the race and the driver's own mind. If you love reading a book filled with inside knowledge and adventure...read this book! I read it years ago and it is still one of my all-time favorites! Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker A vivacious woman gave me this book as a 'thank you' for speaking to the women of her church. (Thank you, Carol!) She raved about it so much that I went home and put it at the very TOP of my to-read pile. And there it stayed, for almost a year. I tucked it in my suitcase on many a trip, fully intending to start it just as soon as I finished whatever other book I'd brought along. I've read many books this past year, always knowing "Winter Wheat" was still waiting. Finally...I read it! And Carol was right. It's a wonderful, old-fashioned novel. It was written in the 1940's, at the start of WWII. A time when young people left home, fell in love, had dreams shattered and dreams come true. And while they did that, they found out what was really important in life. It really isn't so much different than life right now. I hope you have a chance to put a copy of this thoughtful book at the TOP of your to-read pile. But, don't leave it there...read it! Soon. Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney I 'discovered' Deborah Raney when her first novel ("A Vow to Cherish") was released maybe ten years ago. It's a wonderful book about the effect Alzheimer's disease has on a marriage. (And was also turned into a movie!) Over the years I've read just about everything she's written, never dreaming I would ever meet her...much less call her a friend! (God is amazing!) One of her more recent titles that I love is: "Beneath a Southern Sky." It is the story of young, married missionaries who are caught in an uprising in the village where they work. The husband is taken away and believed dead. His grieving widow returns to the United States with their baby daughter and proceedes to make a new life. A life that includes marriage to a good friend of her husband. Years later, the husband returns, expecting to pick up life where it had left off. Only the life he knew no longer exists. The emotional struggle of all the characters is so real. The dilemma they face almost unspeakable...and yet in Deborah's masterful way she writes a story that will stay with you for a long time after the last page is turned. There is a sequel to "Beneath a Southern Sky" titled, "After the Rains." Be sure and read that book, too! The Good News from North Haven by Michael Lindvall I read this book ages ago and I still smile every time I think about it. It's a series of short stories told by the fictional pastor of a small church in Minnesota and his loving, sometimes exasperating, congregation. Some of the stories are laugh-out-loud funny, others will have you searching for a tissue. All of them will warm your heart. I've given several copies of this book as gifts. If you like stories that make you think about the deeper meaning of life without even realizing it...read "The Good News from North Haven." You'll be glad you did! A Travel Guide To Heaven by Anthony DeStefano If you've ever thought that, just maybe, Heaven might get a little boring...you know, sitting around on white clouds and playing harps all day. Read "A Travel Guide To Heaven" and have your idea of Heaven turned inside out! According to the author, backed up by Scripture, Heaven is going to be colorful, action-packed and FUN!! I do wish the author had included the Biblical references within the text of the book. Instead he includes extensive "Scripture Notes" at the end. And, while he admits to using his imagination to fill in some of the blanks, he manages to make a reader down-right excited about what we have to look forward to. I hope to see YOU there! Prairie Nocturne by Ivan Doig As a rule I find myself telling people, "I don't read historical fiction." And, yet, I find myself reading a fair amount of it...and loving it! If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Ivan Doig, you are in for a treat. He is an author who sets his historical novels in the mountains and plains of Montana. I advise you to start with his novel, "Dancing at the Rascal Fair." In this book Doig introduces a settlement of Scottish immigrants who move to Montana to raise sheep. They raise a lot more than that...families, communities, broken relationships, love and more. There are several books in this series. Anyone of them stand alone as a story, but they are interconnected in ways observant readers will enjoy discovering. "Prairie Nocturne" is the recent addition to the series. Doig has a way of stringing together familiar words in a way that is completely unique. I find myself stopping in the middle of a paragraph just to roll phrases around in my mind. If you love a story that quietly unfolds as characters wind their way into your heart, Doig will not disappoint. Magnificent Prayer by Nick Harrison If you are looking for an excellent devotional for yourself for the new year, or a great gift for a friend, I highly recommend this devotional book on prayer. It was compiled and written by my fabulous editor, Nick Harrison. But even if he weren't my editor I'd still be recommending this book. Each day's reading starts with a Bible verse, followed by a short paragraph by a respected theologian. Nick then offers a commentary on how to apply what you've read to your own prayer life. A short quote on prayer closes each offering. If you want to grow your prayer life, dedicate a few minutes a day this coming year to read this book. You won't be sorry...and neither will the people you pray for. I've gone through many devotionals and this is my favorite! Safely Home by Randy Alcorn If you want a fiction book that will challenge your comfortable, American-Christian way of thinking, read this book. The topic, the persecuted church in China, doesn't sound like a page-turner, but believe me, Randy Alcorn makes it into one. After reading this book, you won't sit in a pew on Sunday without thinking of the persecution people in other countries have gone through to worship our same God. An excellent, eye-opening book! Highly recommended. Soul Moon Soup by Lindsay Lee Johnson This might seem like an unlikely "first" selection for my recommendations. It's actually a book aimed at Junior-high aged readers. The narrator is a young girl, whose mother is very poor at parenting. As the story progresses we learn some of the reasons for the family dysfunction. More importantly, we are given insight into how a young woman can grow in spite of neglect. The format of the book is unusual and the writing is pure poetry. I've recommended it to several Junior-high English teachers for use in the classroom. It would make an excellent discussion book for any age. *some mature themes are dealt with in the book. Enjoy! |
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