Christian Fiction
Aug 15, 2010As summer winds down, Christian fiction publishers seek to continue the success they enjoyed with their summer blockbusters & The start of the fall publishing season will not disappoint fans of the genre. Whether they are interested in love in the Old West or intrigue in Russia, readers are sure to find something here to whet their appetites & Look for major titles coming out from Thomas Nelson this season. [For summer and fall titles from Abingdon Press, AMG, Baker Publishing Group, and WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, check out LJ's Christian Fiction Book Buzz June 21 webcast, now archived at http://bit.ly/d4Ms3J; registrants will receive a confirmation email with a link to view the archive.—Ed.]
Coffey, Billy. Snow Day. FaithWords: Hachette. Oct. 2010. c.208p. ISBN 978-0-446-56826-5. $18.99. CF
Coffey's debut novel introduces readers to the inhabitants of a small Virginia town during a snow day. Peter cares about God, his family, and his job, but news of cuts at his factory have him doubting not only himself but everything and everyone else. During the course of the day, he meets several townspeople and realizes that he is not the only one who is struggling. VERDICT This is a gentle read and a sure bet with its even pacing, descriptive language, and humor. Look for more by this talented author in the future.
Davis, Tom. Priceless: A Novel on the Edge of the World. David C. Cook. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-1-58919-103-7. pap. $14.99. CF
This second series entry (after Scared) finds photojournalist Stuart Daniels traveling to Russia on assignment. There, he gets involved with saving a young orphan who has been drawn into the underground sex trade. VERDICT While Davis's first book received mixed reviews, the author clearly took critics' advice to heart and presents a clear, well-written, and intriguing story that is sure to attract new readers. Like Scared, which deals with the AIDs crisis in Africa, this volume's dark theme and edgy depiction of brutality may limit its appeal to more adventurous CF readers.
Dekker, Ted. Immanuel's Veins. Thomas Nelson. Sept. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-59554-009-6. $25.99. CF
In 1772, Catherine the Great sends warrior Toma Nicolescu to Moldavia to protect the Cantemir family. During the course of his assignment, he grows fond of their daughter Lucine. Then Vlad van Valerik appears with the intent of courting Lucine. Toma senses something is wrong with this new suitor. Are his own feelings for Lucine getting in the way, or does this stranger pose a serious threat? VERDICT Best-selling suspense author Dekker has written a page-turning spiritual thriller populated with intriguing characters. Fans of CF suspense and fantasy should eat this one up, but historical fiction fans will also enjoy the Saint Thomas of Russia story line.
Hart, Beth Webb. Love, Charleston. Thomas Nelson. Aug. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-59554-201-4. pap. $14.99. CF
Anne Bruley has always thought of Saint Michael's Church in Charleston, SC, as a magical place. It was there in the bell tower several years ago that she received a message from God to "stay and wait." She is certain that the prophetic words reveal something about her undiscovered true love. Her sister and cousin are not so sure. Then, St. Michael's gets a new pastor. Roy Summerall is a widower and is thrilled to be called to serve this new congregation. VERDICT This tender love story from the author of the Christy Award–nominated Grace at Low Tide is sure to please fans of Christian romance.
Kingsbury, Karen. Take Four. Zondervan. (Above the Line). 2010. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-310-26627-3. pap. $14.99. CF
Concluding Kingsbury's series featuring former missionaries–turned–film producers Chase Ryan and Keith Ellison (Take Three), this entry finds Chase returning to his hometown, while Keith hooks up with filmmaker Dayne Matthews. The two are ready to celebrate their success after signing one of Hollywood's top stars for their next project when their leading man is involved in a public scandal. Suddenly it is up to Keith and Dayne to save their own reputations and that of their star. VERDICT Kingsbury has been dubbed the "Queen of CF" by Time magazine for good reason. Her emotionally charged novels often contain a strong romantic component and feature Christians at odds with their everyday world. This title is no exception. Recommend this one to readers who enjoy well-drawn characters and contemporary settings.
Lawhead, Stephen R. The Skin Map. Thomas Nelson. (Bright Empires, Bk. 1). Aug. 2010. c.448p. ISBN 978-1-59554-804-7. $24.99. CF
Ley lines, alternate worlds, and a map made from skin populate this new Christian fantasy series by the prolific Lawhead ("King Raven Trilogy"). Kit Livingston's life has been uneventful—until his great-grandfather appears to him in an alley and tells him a wondrous story about Britain's legendary ley lines. These lines are real roadways to alternate worlds and times. One traveler who explored more than any other tattooed an intricate map on his own skin so he would not get lost in the cosmos. The man and the map have long since vanished, and now the epic race is on to find the map and the secrets it may reveal. VERDICT Once again, Lawhead has penned an epic tale, putting a new spin on an old legend. Full of rich imagery, this page-turner will appeal to fans of suspense and fantasy, although some readers may be dissuaded by its length.
Lough, Loree. Beautiful Bandit. Whitaker House. (Lone Star Legends, Bk. 1). 2010. c.240p. ISBN 978-1-60374-225-2. pap. $6.99. CF
After witnessing a bank robbery in San Antonio that left three men dead, rancher Joshua Neville comes across a lost and confused young woman on the trail. He agrees to help Dinah get to Mexico, but before long she breaks her ankle and can no longer travel. Josh takes her to his ranch, where he begins to fall in love with her as she heals. The only problem is that he thinks he recognizes her as the leader of the bank heist. Can he believe the truth about Dinah? Will he fight for her? VERDICT Lough (Tales of the Heart; Prevailing Love) is a prolific author with many fans. The clean, crisp writing and slowly unfolding love story here will appeal to readers of Western romances and fans of Lori Wick.
Mills, DiAnn. Pursuit of Justice. Tyndale House. (Call of Duty, Bk. 3). Oct. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-4143-2052-6. pap. $12.99. CF
A series of murders in West Texas force Special Agent Bella Jordan into a race against time as she searches for the killer amid threats to her own life. Her two prime suspects are a man with ties to her past and another with a rap sheet, who swears he has turned his life around. When it becomes obvious the killer is someone who knows her, Bella has to wonder whom, if anyone, she can trust. VERDICT Series fans and readers who prefer their romantic suspense without lots of torrid sex will enjoy this third series entry (after Breach of Trust and Sworn To Protect).
Rivers, Francine. Her Daughter's Dream. Tyndale House. (Marta's Legacy). Sept. 2010. c.592p. ISBN 978-1-4143-3409-7. $24.99. CF
In Her Mother's Love, Rivers tells the story of Marta Schneider, a young woman who leaves her home in Switzerland to forge a new life in America. This sequel focuses on Marta's descendants. When Marta's daughter, Hilde, is quarantined with tuberculosis, Marta moves in to care for her granddaughter, Carolyn. The two form a special bond, even as tensions arise between Marta and Hilde. When a family tragedy threatens Carolyn's newfound freedom as a college student in San Francisco, she disappears for two years, returning home later with a daughter of her own, determined to help heal the deep hurt that has plagued her family for years. VERDICT Librarians new to the genre should become familiar with this popular and best-selling CF author. Her latest will appeal to those readers who like "clean" fiction with a romantic tone and well-developed characters, as well as those who enjoy family sagas.
Samson, Lisa. Resurrection in May. Thomas Nelson. Aug. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 978-1-59554-544-2. pap. $14.99. CF
When May Seymour graduates from college in 1993, a world of opportunities lies before her. She travels to Rwanda on a mission trip and chooses to stay with her village when the Rwandan genocide breaks out in 1994. The sole survivor, a shattered May returns home to live on the farm of elderly Claudius Borne, where she spends the next decade cloistered, never setting foot in the outside world. When she hears that an old college friend is on death row, she begins to communicate with him in letters. His faith helps May believe again and reach beyond the walls she has built around herself. VERDICT Christy Award winner Samson (Quaker Summer) has written a tragic story that ends in tenderness. Recommend this to readers who like stories of second chances.
Walsh, Sheila & Kathryn Cushman. Angel Song. Thomas Nelson. Aug. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-59554-685-2. pap. $14.99. CF
Annie Fletcher's return to Charleston, SC, is supposed to be a happy occasion—her sister Sarah is receiving her master's degree. But when Sarah is killed in a car accident, Annie is left not only with the heartache of losing the sister she loved but with the responsibility of fixing up the family home for sale. Carpenter and neighbor Ethan McKinney volunteers to help Annie get things ready. His dashing good looks and gentle kindness prove to be a soothing distraction for Annie. Then there is Keith. The 12-year-old son of another neighbor, Keith has Down syndrome—and claims to be able to see angels. VERDICT This is an essential purchase for all CF collections. Walsh has cohosted TV's 700 Club and is well known to evangelical Christians—particularly women, as a result of her speaking appearances at the annual Women of Faith conference. The writing here is even, the characters likable, and the story charming.
Watson, Jan. Still House Pond. Tyndale House. (Troublesome Creek, Bk. 5). Aug. 2010. c.400p. ISBN 978-1-4143-2386-2. pap. $12.99. CF
Watson 's fourth series installment (after Sweetwater Run) continues the story of Laura Grace " Copper" Brown, who's just returned home to Troublesome Creek, KY, with her husband, Dr. Simon Brown & Their oldest child, Lilly, watches her younger siblings, while her mother helps her father deliver babies. But Lilly is restless, so when her aunt Alice invites her to visit in Lexington, Lilly is chomping at the bit to go & Her parents reluctantly agree, but then word of a train crash reaches Troublesome Creek. VERDICT While more melodramatic than the previous titles, this latest entry has been eagerly awaited by readers who have enjoyed following Copper's story line & Watson won the Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest in 2004 for Troublesome Creek—the descriptive language and colorful characters that helped her earn it are still present here. Recommend this series to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters.
BRIEFLY NOTED
G'Orge-Walker, Pat. Don't Blame the Devil. Dafina: Kensington. Sept. 2010. 320p. ISBN 978-0-7582-3542-8. pap. $15. CF
The Essence best-selling author of Somewhat Saved and Somebody's Sinning in My Bed returns with a comic novel about mistakes and second chances. When her daughter-in-law dies suddenly, Delilah Dupree Jewel decides to reinsert herself in the lives of her estranged son, Jesse, and granddaughter, Tamara. At the same time, her old ex-convict flame pops up. He's now Deacon Pillar. VERDICT Fans of African American CF authors like Kimberla Lawson Roby and ReShonda Tate Billingsley will empathaize with Delilah's struggles to hold on to her faith as she seeks to reconnect with the family she had abandoned.
Strassel, John. Eternity Beckons. Outskirts. 2010. 504p. ISBN 978-1-4327-5589-8. pap. $21.95. CF
Since childhood, Franklin Edwards has known Jesus. His parents are Christian; his wife and children are also devout. But a tragic accident severely tests the Bible teacher's faith and sends him into a downward spiral of deep despair. VERDICT A first novel that will appeal to evangelical Christians and readers of R.C. Sproul; the author cites the theologian as an influence.
| Author Information |
| Nanci Milone Hill (nhill@mvlc.org) is the Head of Readers’ Services at the Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, MA. She has several years’ experience with collection development and readers’ advisory services. She started out in an elementary school library but has spent most of her career in public libraries |
