Christian Fiction Reviews, September 15, 2011
Sep 15, 2011The leaves are turning, children are back in school, and CF publishers are pulling out the stops with several new series debuts by popular authors. Ted Dekker partners with Tosca Lee to launch their thrilling “Book of Mortals” trilogy with Forbidden. Shelley Gray takes us to the Wild West in A Texan’s Promise, the first in her “Heart of a Hero” series, and Kathi Macias’s “Freedom” series begins with Deliver Me from Evil, a gritty tale of a young woman sold into sexual slavery. Linda Byler adds a twist to the ever-popular Amish subgenre in a new series set in Montana (Wild Horses).
Christmas will be here before you know it, and several CF houses are preparing for the holiday season with heartwarming tales. Zondervan is pushing Amy Clipston’s novella Naomi’s Gift, while Crossway is promoting a little gem, Larry Woiwode’s The Invention of Lefse.
Blackstock, Terri. Shadow in Serenity. Zondervan. Sept. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780310332312. pap. $14.99. CF
There’s a shadow in Serenity, TX, and his name is Logan Brisco. Having grown up in a traveling circus, Carny Sullivan had her fill of scam artists. The last thing she wants is to see someone con the people she has come to love. Logan has promised the town a portion of the proceeds of an amusement park he wants to build, but Carny thinks there’s something behind his dazzling smile. Is she right, or can Logan prove that he is sincere? VERDICT Christy Award winner Blackstock is known for her Christian romantic suspense stories, with over six million books sold worldwide. That alone should demand purchase, but the crisp prose and multidimensional characters will be a hit with readers wanting a fast-paced story.
Boykin, William G. & Tom Morrisey. Kiloton Threat. B&H. Sept. 2011. c.302p. ISBN 9780805449549. pap. $15.99. CF
This sequel to Danger Close once again finds special forces officer Blake Kershaw traveling incognito as he goes to Iran to help a high-ranking official in the country’s nuclear arms program who, with his newfound Christian faith, wants to defect to the United States. The Iranians do everything in their power to stop them, while Blake’s personal relationships suffer because of his involvement in the operation. VERDICT This fast-paced, ripped-from-the-headlines sequel by a founding member of the elite special operations unit Delta Force is packed with danger at every turn. It is sure to appeal to fans of Don Brown, Joel C. Rosenberg, and other authors of faith-based thrillers. Although it has a fundamentalist slant, the novel is suspenseful enough for readers who enjoy Eric Van Lustbader’s spy thrillers.
Bunn, Davis. Book of Dreams. Howard: S. & S. Oct. 2011. c.256p. ISBN 9781416556701. pap. $14.99. CF
Dr. Elena Burroughs, a psychiatrist and author of an acclaimed book about the interpretation of dreams, agrees to help Sandra, who has been suffering from vivid nightmares. Her work with Sandra leads Elena to an ancient manuscript that unleashes her psychic gift. Through a series of insights, she deduces that Sandra and her family are in grave danger. VERDICT Bunn (Lion of Babylon), a three-time Christy Award winner, has written a suspenseful thriller with well-drawn characters and a touch of the paranormal. In addition to Bunn’s many fans, this quick read is a good choice for those who like Terri Blackstock.
Byler, Linda. Wild Horses. Good Bks. (Sadie’s Montana, Bk. 1). Oct. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781561487363. pap. $13.99. CF
When Sadie Miller’s Amish family moves from Ohio to Montana, she must leave behind her favorite horse and deal with the illness of a family member. She takes a job at a ranch and meets a mysterious, handsome stranger. As a writer who is Amish, Byler draws on her personal experience to present an authentic portrait of life in the sect. VERDICT This gentle romance by the author of the “Lizzie Searches for Love” series will please CF readers who can’t get enough fiction about the Plain People. Fans of Byler’s previous novels are sure to relish it, as will those who read Cindy Woodsmall and Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Carlson, Melody. Here’s to Friends. David C. Cook. (Four Lindas, Bk. 4). Sept. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781434764911. pap. $14.99. CF
Sharing the same middle name, the four Lindas have been friends since first grade. Now they are all back in Clifton, OR, but life isn’t smooth sailing. Caroline is remodeling her home, Abby is having problems in her marriage and at work, Marley’s art is suffering, and Janine’s daughter has just shown up at her door with issues of her own. Together, these middle-aged women find that friendship can get them through anything. VERDICT Carson’s heartwarming final entry in the well-loved character-driven series (after All for One) should appeal to fans of Linda Evans Shepherd.
Dekker, Ted & Tosca Lee. Forbidden. Center Street: Hachette. (Book of Mortals, Bk. 1). Sept. 2011. c.384p. ISBN 9781599953540. $24.99. CF
In the near future, Rom Elias lives in a dystopian society where all human emotions except fear have been genetically removed from citizens (save members of The Order). When Rom receives a vial of blood and a cryptic message from a stranger, he drinks the blood and is restored to his full humanity. Now, to save humankind, he must decode the message and convince his family and friends to drink from the vial. VERDICT Two of CF’s edgiest authors collaborate for the first time in this big release from Center Street. With great plot twists, compelling writing, and unanswered questions, this is a must-read for Dekker (“Circle Trilogy”; Thr3e) fans and readers who enjoyed Lee’s controversial Demon. [100,000-copy first printing; five-city tour.]
Eakes, Laurie Alice. A Necessary Deception. Revell. (Daughters of Bainbridge House, Bk. 1). Oct. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780800734664. pap. $14.99. CF
Lady Lydia Gale, widowed during the Napoleonic Wars, should be able to rely on her parents for help, but instead she is forced to take charge of her younger sisters. Following a strange twist of events, Lydia is blackmailed into helping a mysterious French prisoner obtain release. As the London social season begins, Christien de Meuse returns, and Lydia finds herself drawn to him. Can she trust him when he says he wants to expose an English traitor, or is he the spy? VERDICT Masquerades, English manners, romance, and intrigue abound in this historical series debut by the author of “The Midwives” series (Lady in the Mist). Regency romance aficionados and fans of Nicole Jordan will adore this.
Eicher, Jerry S. Ella Finds Love Again. Harvest House. (Little Valley, Bk. 3). Sept. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780736928069. pap. $11.99. CF
Ella Yoder (Ella’s Wish), struggling to rebuild her life after her fiancé’s death, cares for the widower Ivan Stutzman’s children as if they were her own. Aware of Ivan’s feelings for her, Ella is unsure of her own. Her confusion is multiplied by the arrival of a stranger interested in converting to the Amish faith. Ella is drawn to the handsome Englisha, but she is also torn by her commitment to the Stutzmans and to her community. VERDICT Series fans will be moved by Ella’s inner turmoil as she grapples with difficult choices. This will also appeal to readers of Marta Perry and Suzanne Woods Fisher.
Gray, Shelley. A Texan’s Promise. Abingdon. (Heart of a Hero, Bk. 1). Oct. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9781426714597. pap. $14.99. CF
Texas ranch foreman Clayton Proffitt made a promise to Vanessa Grant’s father that he would always watch over her. When he learns that her stepfather has been making unwanted advances toward her, he packs up Vanessa and heads West. Vanessa has always loved Clayton, and his feelings for her turn romantic as they journey to escape her tormentor. VERDICT Suspense and a plethora of well-drawn secondary characters make Gray’s (Hidden; The Survivor) series debut much more than your average Western romance. With strong character development and a brisk pace, this is a good choice for readers of Henry McLaughlin.
Hannon, Irene. Deadly Pursuit. Revell. (Guardians of Justice, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.352p. ISBN 9780800734572. pap. $14.99. CF
Social worker Alison Taylor is used to dealing with violent people, but she is unprepared for a stalker and turns to her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, Mitch Morgan, for help. Mitch, a former Navy Seal, takes a personal interest in Allison’s case, and Alison feels a similar attraction to him. VERDICT Hannon is a popular, RITA Award–winning author of inspirational romantic suspense; her series debut, Fatal Judgment, was a best seller on both the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) lists. The strong character development and suspenseful story line here will win over readers of Lynette Eason, Dee Henderson, and Terri Blackstock.
Herman, Kathy. Dangerous Mercy. David C. Cook. (Secrets of Roux River Bayou, Bk. 2). Oct. 2011. c.336p. ISBN 9780781403412. pap. $14.99. CF
After 85-year-old Adele Woodmore moves to Les Barbres, LA, to be near her friends the Broussards, she hires two handymen from a nearby halfway house to do odd jobs for her. When three prominent men are drowned, locals urge Adele to stop working with the handymen, who are suspected in the killings. Unconvinced of their guilt and believing in the power of forgiveness, she hires a private investigator who uncovers the tragedies that have befallen the men. VERDICT This compelling sequel to False Pretenses brings back beloved characters and abounds with suspense. A good pick for fans of Marilyn Brown Oden.
Jenkins, Jerry B. The Betrayal. Tyndale House. (Precinct 11, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.400p. ISBN 9781414309088. $24.99. CF
In this sequel to The Brotherhood, Chicago police detective Boone Drake is still reeling from the loss of his wife and child. Having just brought down the city’s most vicious gang leader, he now concentrates on keeping the key witness safe. When Drake tries to transfer the witness, an assassination attempt is made. It’s clear that there is a leak in the police department. As he digs deeper, signs point to someone he loves. VERDICT Crisp writing, quick pacing. and surprising plot twists make this an enjoyable read. Expect fans of Jenkins (coauthor, “Left Behind” series) to clamor for it. Readers of John Sandford and Tess Gerritsen might try it, too.
Macias, Kathi. Deliver Me From Evil. New Hope. (Freedom, Bk. 1). Sept. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9781596693067. pap. $14.99. CF
Sold by her father into sexual slavery at age eight, Mara, now 18, is forced to teach other young girls the rules of the game. When she meets Jonathan, an 18-year-old pizza delivery boy, her life changes. Bound for Bible college, Jonathan and his sister Leah decide to rescue Mara, and their story becomes intertwined with that of another young woman, enslaved in Thailand. VERDICT Macias (“Extreme Devotion” series) has taken a chance writing such a gritty novel for the CF market. Still, readers who can get past the subject matter will be rewarded with a compelling story, brisk pacing, and the requisite need of the well-drawn characters to rely on their faith to overcome great obstacles.
Rosenberg, Joel C. The Tehran Initiative. Tyndale House. Oct. 2011. c.480p. ISBN 9781414319353. $26.99. CF
In this follow-up to The Twelfth Imam, CIA operative David Shirazi continues to work undercover to glean information about Iran’s plan to eradicate Israel and the United States through a nuclear attack. In Tehran, the Twelfth Imam has emerged, attracting those Muslims who believe him to be the messiah and call for the destruction of those who would oppose them. VERDICT With a likable hero, this high-octane thriller revolves around a timely topic. The author commendably avoids painting all Muslims as enemies. A good pick for Ted Dekker and Oliver North fans.
Rue, Nancy. Unexpected Dismounts. David C. Cook. (Reluctant Prophet, Bk. 2). Oct. 2011. c.464p. ISBN 9781434764928. pap. $14.99. CF
Harley-riding Allison Chamberlain has her hands full trying to adopt an orphaned teenager while also helping prostitutes and drug addicts. Threats begin to mount as a relative tries to block the adoption, a friend is injured, and a woman is raped. VERDICT This sequel to The Reluctant Prophet is sure to please readers who have waited to learn more about Allison and her ministry. Its mix of tenderness and humor should appeal to fans of Neta Jackson and Robin Jones Gunn.
Senft, Adina. The Wounded Heart: An Amish Quilt Novel. FaithWords. Sept. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780892968541. pap. $12.99. CF
Widow Amelia Beiler, struggling to make ends meet for the sake of her two small children, is relieved when Eli Fischer offers to buy her late husband’s business. But then she’s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amelia wants to get treatment so that she can have a future with Eli. Doing so, however, will get her shunned from the only community she has ever known. VERDICT With this quaint, gentle read, Senft’s promising series is off to a good start and will make a nice alternative for Jerry S. Eicher readers who want to try a new author. (Includes instructions for making a block quilt.)
Thompson, Janice. Hello, Hollywood! Revell. (Backstage Pass, Bk. 2). Sept. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780800733469. pap. $14.99. CF
As head writer of a popular TV sitcom, Athena Pappas has enjoyed the fame that comes along with the job. But when the ratings start to fall, the bigwigs bring in comedian Stephen Cosse. Suddenly, Athena is worried about her job. Competition and hilarity ensue as Athena and Stephen butt heads and then hearts. VERDICT This fun entry in Thompson’s comic Hollywood series (after Stars Collide) features humor, romance, and breezy dialog. Those who enjoy Rene Gutteridge’s “Occupational Hazards” novels for their quirky humor and characters will appreciate this new series.
Vigui é , Debbie. Kiss of Night. FaithWords. Oct. 2011. c.304p. ISBN 9780446570862. pap. $14.99. CF
As a knight during the Crusades, Raphael was vicious, bloodthirsty, and blasphemous. Condemned for his sins, he now wanders the earth as a vampire. When a rival steals an ancient and powerful relic from him, Raphael follows the vampire to Prague for a final confrontation. To defeat his enemy, he enlists the aid of humans David and Susan. VERDICT FaithWords jumps on the vampire bandwagon with this inspirational paranormal romance. Despite the clichéd writing, the budding attraction between Raphael and Susan will appeal to CF readers who enjoy supernatural elements in their romances, while Raphael’s struggle to reclaim his soul will attract those who want more faith in their fiction.
Wisler, Alice J. A Wedding Invitation. Bethany. Oct. 2011. c.320p. ISBN 9780764207334. pap. $14.99. CF
Samantha Bravencourt has just returned home to Virginia after teaching English at a refugee camp in the Philippines. When she travels to North Carolina to attend the wedding of an old college friend, Samantha runs into an old flame, Carson, who broke her heart. She also meets a young refugee, Lien, who asks for Samantha and Carson’s help in locating her mother. The search reveals long-buried secrets that cause Samantha to examine her own past so she can move forward. VERDICT Romance and drama meet in this latest by Wisler (Hatteras Girl), who does a wonderful job conveying Southern charm. Readers who enjoy the works of Susan May Warren and Tamara Leigh will also appreciate this.
HOLIDAY CF
Clipston, Amy. Naomi’s Gift: An Amish Christmas Story. Zondervan. Sept. 2011. c.192p. ISBN 9780310327356. $14.99. CF
Ever since she practically threw herself at two young bachelors in her Amish community of Bird-in-Hand, PA, 24-year-old Naomi King has sworn off getting married. When a sad young girl shows up at her mother’s quilting booth, Naomi aches to help her, even more so when the girl’s widowed father appears with that same sad look. Caleb has returned home for the first time in many years and finds himself attracted to the young woman his daughter finds so appealing. But is Naomi willing to try love again? VERDICT This novella is full of warmth and love, just what you want at Christmastime. Fans of Clipston’s “Kauffman Amish Bakery” series will enjoy getting reacquainted with favorite characters. Fans of Beverly Lewis and Wanda E. Brunstetter will also find this title delightful.
Macias, Kathi. A Christmas Journey Home: Miracle in the Manger. New Hope. 2011. c.240p. ISBN 9781596693289. pap. $12.99. CF
When pregnant Isabella Alcantara loses her parents and siblings to gang violence, her concerned grandfather offers to help her and her husband, Francisco, cross the Arizona-Mexico border. On the journey, Francisco is killed, leaving Isabella alone and afraid. On the other side of the border, Miriam Nelson still reels with anger after the murder of her husband, a border patrol agent, by drug smugglers. Both women question God and their faith until they meet in a barn on Christmas night. VERDICT The story is a bit too sappy and predictable for this reviewer, but the topic is timely, and it may attract readers who enjoy the inspirational Christmas stories of Richard Paul Evans.
Magnin, Joyce. Blame It on the Mistletoe. Abingdon. (Bright’s Pond, Bk. 4). Oct. 2011. c.368p. ISBN 9781426711626. pap. $14.99. CF
Welcome back to Bright’s Pond, where the Greenbrier Nursing Home residents are acting a might bit sprier lately, riding bikes and climbing trees. The folks in town aren’t exactly happy about this development. What is causing this change in behavior? Is it Paradise Trailer Park’s newest resident, Leon Fontaine? After all, he keeps collecting water from the park’s fountain and then disappearing. Is it possible he’s found the Fountain of Youth? Police Chief Mildred Blessing investigates, while Griselda Sparrow and her gang deal with the holiday craziness at Greenbrier. VERDICT Magnin’s fourth upbeat and humorous novel (after Griselda Takes Flight) will be gobbled up by series fans, but it should also be recommended to readers of J. Lynne Hinton’s “Hope Springs” series.
Woiwode, Larry. The Invention of Lefse: A Christmas Story. Crossway: Good News. Sept. 2011. c.64p. ISBN 9781433527364. $12.99. CF
Lefse is a traditional, Norwegian flatbread made out of potato, milk, and flour and cooked on a griddle. Here, Woiwode tells the story of its invention, as seen through the eyes of young Mette Iversdatter. On Christmas Eve in 12th-century Norway, Mette and her family travel to her grandparents’ farm. Her father is unable to shoot a deer on the journey, and the family arrives empty-handed. Family members pull together their meager resources to create a feast, and a new tradition is born. VERDICT Beautifully written, this lovely little gem is bound to become a new Christmas reading tradition for families. Recommend it to parents who love Tomie dePaola’s The Legend of the Poinsettia or Michael J. Rosen’s Elijah’s Angel.
Correction
The LJ 8/11 review of Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky’s The Scroll incorrectly describes the protagonists as searching for the Copper Scroll. Instead, the archaeological dig focuses on the 64 sacred treasures of the Second Temple, the location of which the Copper Scroll purports to describe.
| Author Information |
| Nanci Milone Hill (nhill@mvlc.org) is the Director of the Boxford Town Library in Boxford, 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 |
