Christian fiction – Christianbook.com Blog https://blog.christianbook.com Thu, 16 Dec 2021 13:08:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8 New Fall Christian Fiction 2020 https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/10/08/new-fall-christian-fiction-2020/ Thu, 08 Oct 2020 23:51:28 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3656 What could be better on a cool, fall day than cozying up with a blanket, a mug of something warm and a really good read? There’s absolutely nothing we love more! But, with so many new releases out there, it […]

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Fall Christian Fiction 2020

What could be better on a cool, fall day than cozying up with a blanket, a mug of something warm and a really good read? There’s absolutely nothing we love more!

But, with so many new releases out there, it can be hard to figure out what to read next. Here at Christianbook, lots of new books hit our desks every week, so we wanted to round up some of our top picks in new fall fiction. Whether you love a suspense, a romance, or a historical novel, you’re sure to find something to read on this list…

Don’t forget that mug of hot chocolate!

The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

Fall Christian Fiction 2020What would fall be without another brilliant Amish fiction release from Beverly Lewis?! Featuring love and loss, new starts and heartbreaks, The Stone Wall will not disappoint long-time fans or Amish-fiction lovers. It will certainly touch those of you who have experienced a loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s.  In The Stone Wall, readers are introduced to Anna, a women who is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Eager to see Anna settle in, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite takes her under his wing. As she finds her feet, Anna is moved to volunteer at a retreat for children with special needs where she strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the Amish widower who manages it. Anna begins to grow close to the two men and ultimately finds herself faced with a difficult choice. Will Anna find true love? Will she find out about her grandmother’s past in Lancaster County? You’ll have to pick up The Stone Wall to find out!

 

Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Is a gripping, suspenseful read more your style? Love turning the pages on an adrenaline pumping read into the early hours of the morning? Colleen Coble’s Two Reasons to Run is the perfect book for you this fall! In this second book of The Pelican Harbor Series, we once again follow Police Chief Jane Hardy who is still reeling from the scandal that rocker her small town after she took over from her retired father. She is finally reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old-son and his father, Reid Bechtol… but the drama isn’t over just yet.

A murder on board an oil platform exposes and environmental terrorist’s plot to flood the bay with crude oil, forcing Jane and Reid to put their feelings for each other aside and work together. When the life of Jane’s son, Will is put on the line, their working together becomes all the more important. Can they overcome the ghosts of their past to save the bay… and their son? Phew! Reader, this book has it all – lots of suspense, drama and of course some romance. We think you’ll have this book read in record time!

 

Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Oh, we do love a good read that spans the decades! Jaime Jo Wright, the author of bestselling book The House on Foster Hill, returns with her new page-turning read, Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. Partly set in 1928 and partly set in the present day, this book will keep you guessing right until the very end as you’re transported to a small town with a dark history. Readers will meet Pippa Ripley, a woman trying to search for her roots at the Bonaventure Circus in the roaring twenties. Along the way she uncovers a serial killer is afoot on the circus train and finds herself directly in his path.

Back in contemporary times, we meet Chandler Faulk, a real estate project manager who is tasked with deciding whether the old circus train depot should be torn down or preserved for historical purposes. However, Chandler gets much more than she bargains for when she uncovers the abandoned train depots dark past!

 

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Set during the Great Depression, Under the Tulip Tree is the perfect fall read for any of you out there who love a good historical read. Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland has always dreamed of living her life as a writer – but when the stock market crashed in 1929, her dreams feel so far away. Her father at his lowest turns to the bottle, her sister is married to a gambler, and Lorena is an unemployed newspaper reporter.

Eager to be working, Lorena accepts a position interviewing former slaves. It’s on this job her life is changed by hearing the story of Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old women whose honest yet tragic past captivates Lorena. She is shocked by all the woman has endured in her lifetime – especially since her own ancestors owned slaves. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation no woman sees coming? Under the Tulip Tree will have you feeling all the emotions and will certainly stay with you for long after you’ve turned that last page.

 

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

Fall Christian Fiction 2020We’re really feeling our historical fiction reads this fall! Adding to our list of reads that will transport you to another era is A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White. In this book, we meet Zivon Marin, a man who was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world and forced him to flee to England. Here, his world collides with Lily Blackwell, a woman who sees the world best through the lens of a camera. A friendship blooms that soon takes over their hearts… but both have secrets they are unwilling to share. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams – it becomes a matter of ending the war. There’s suspense, intrigue and romance – the perfect combination for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

 

Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Here’s another book for you Amish fiction lovers out there! Words from the Heart is the third book in the Amish Letters series by bestselling Kathleen Fuller. Ivy Yoder knows it’s time to let go of the idea she will one day marry John King – she hasn’t heard from him in over a year. Left feeling humiliated as one of the oldest single women in her Amish community, Ivy finds a welcome distraction when Cevilla asks her to help clean out an attic.

Cevilla also requests her nephew, Noah, to help clean out the attic. As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a stack of letters written during the Korean War. They find themselves swept up in the story of two young people falling in love – will they find love themselves amongst the letters in the attic? This book is a true love story that will have you rooting for Ivy and Noah!

 

Nine by Rachelle Dekker

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Mystery, a dark history and cross-country chases… sound like something you would enjoy reading? Well, you’re in luck with the new release from Rachelle Dekker, Nine. In this book, we meet Zoe Johnson, a woman who has spent most of her life avoiding drawing attention to herself. When a bedraggled teenager with no memory enters the diner where Zoe works, her whole life will be turned upside down. The girl can only remember one thing – she must reach a women in Corpus Christi, Texas – a place hundreds of miles away from they are. Add to that government agents who are hot on their heels trying to catch up with Zoe and the teenager before they reach their destination.

The action in this book is non-stop from start to finish and will have you asking yourself – are we who the world says we are? Or can we change our story and be something more?

 

Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin

Fall Christian Fiction 2020Last, but certainly not least on our must-read fiction list is Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin. Readers will be introduced the the charming mother of ten and widow of seven years, Mary Katherine. A women who is always a bundle of energy, Mary is always willing to step up and lend a hand in her Amish community.

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one night, Mary Katherine realizes he needs more than just a sandwich… he needs a job. Lucky she knows just the person to help – Ezekiel, a local restaurant owner. Working together to care for the stranger, Mary Katherine finds herself drawn to Ezekiel – but the pain of loss in the past is all too real. Can two people in the autumns of their lives put the past behind them and find a future together?

 

Looking for more great reads? Click here to check out all new fiction releases!

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2020 Summer Christian Fiction https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/07/21/2020-summer-christian-fiction/ Tue, 21 Jul 2020 22:38:48 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3605 What could be better than picking up a new fiction book on a hot summer day?! We love nothing more than finding a cool, shady spot, filling a glass full of iced tea and just escaping into another time or […]

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2020 Summer Christian Fiction

What could be better than picking up a new fiction book on a hot summer day?! We love nothing more than finding a cool, shady spot, filling a glass full of iced tea and just escaping into another time or place with our favorite Christian authors!

If you find yourself looking for a new book to read this summer – you’re in luck! We’ve had so many new books arrive here at Christianbook, and we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you.

In this list, you’ll find books from beloved Christian authors such as Karen Kingsbury, Lauraine Snelling, Tracie Peterson and more.  Whether you are looking for a suspense, a romance, or historical novel, you’ll surely find your next great read here!

Someone Like You

by Karen Kinsgbury

Someone Like You - Karen KingsburyOne frozen embryo. Two families with life-long secrets. And a guy who never planned to fall in love again. Karen Kingsbury returns to her beloved Baxter Family series with new release Someone Like You.

Maddie Baxter West’s life is turned upside down when she finds out she was adopted as an embryo. Confronted by a total stranger about this truth and subsequently told she has a sister she never knew about, Maddie is left feeling betrayed. Dawson Gage (the aforementioned stranger) comes into Maddie’s life after the only girl her ever loved – London Quinn – is killed. London’s mother reveals to Dawson that she may have a sister, telling him of the frozen embryo they donated years before. When Dawson and Maddie’s world’s collide, sparks fly. She moves to Portland, where the Quinn’s live, and is given a glimpse into the life she may have had. But will she find her way back?

Even if you are not familiar with the Baxter Family, we’re sure you’ll still enjoy this book. If you love it, there are 29 other books in the Baxter Family series you can get reading once you’re done with this… that’s got to be a book lovers dream!

5-Star Customer Review:

I always say each book I read by Karen Kingsbury is her best, but they just keep getting better.

So many emotions in this book make for incredible reading. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Now I can’t wait to see what the next installment will bring.

Feelings of betrayal, death, grief, a social issue you don’t give much thought to, until you actually know someone who has participated in in vitro fertilization/frozen embryos, forgiveness and finding one’s self are huge topics in this book, which I highly recommend. – sgreene01, July 2020

 

Dead Silence

by Robin Caroll

Dead Silence - Robin CarollAlways on the lookout for the next great read that will have you on the edge of your seat? Robin Caroll’s latest release is the book for you!

Dead Silence introduces readers to court sign-language interpreter, Elise. As a widow with a young deaf son, lip reading is second nature to Elise… so when she sees someone on the phone threaten a senator’s life she is shocked. But things get even more personal when it turns out that senator is also her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what to do, she receives information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. When she later finds out her mother-in-law has been shot and killed Elise is floored. If Elise comes forward with the information she has about the killer, will she put herself and her child in the assassin’s crosshairs?

This fast-paced novel is full of plot twists and turns that will have you eagerly turning the pages. There’s tragedy, mystery, grief, fear… phew! This book has it all. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride when you crack the spine on this book!

5-Star Customer Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book. I love mysteries and this was a good one. The characters came to life and made you care for them and what they were going through. I thought I knew what was going to happen next but the author was not so predictable and that made the book even better. I would definitely recommend this book and any others written by Robin Caroll. – rhondaryser, June 2020

 

An Appalachian Summer

by Ann H. Gabhart

An Appalachian Summer - Ann H. GabartFancy being whisked off to the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains this summer? Well, even if you can’t be there physically, Ann H. Gabhart has you covered in the literary sense with her latest release!

An Appalachian Summer whisks us off to the late-1920s, just after the market crash sent the country’s economy into the downward spiral that led to the Great Depression. Our protagonist, Piper Danson, is wary of flaunting her family’s wealth while so many suffer – even though her family insist on hosting her debut party. Deep down, Piper wants a meaningful life. Which is why she jumps at the chance to volunteer with the Frontier Nursing Service when the opportunity arises. Her volunteer position whisks her away to the Appalachian Mountains where she falls in love with more than just the scenery.

If romance and adventure are your kind of genres, you’re certainly going to enjoy this book. Gabhart expertly weaves a beautiful story of a woman yearning for love, but caught between two worlds. Full of rich detail of vivid surroundings, readers can’t help but be pulled into this story.

5-Star Customer Review:

Yet another wonderful story from Ann Gabhart! In this book, she takes us back to Hyden with the Frontier Nursing Service. This time we meet a debutant fresh from her coming-out ball who winds up mucking stalls in the Appalachian Mountains while running from the man she doesn’t want to marry. It’s a fun cast of characters who will tug at your heart – and surprise you! – throughout the story. I’m a long-time Ann Gabhart fan and this one certainly doesn’t disappoint. – Pegg Thomas, July 2020

 

A Blessing to Cherish

by Lauraine Snelling

A Blessing to Cherish - Lauraine SnellingHistorical fiction lovers, rejoice! We have picked another great historical read to transport you back in time.

A Blessing to Cherish introduces readers to widow, Ingeborg Bjorklund – a woman who, after going through years of hardship, has reached a place of contentment. She is blessed with a wonderful son (also widowed), two grandchildren, and the entire Blessing, North Dakota community she is proud to call her friends. However, there is one friendship in her life that seems to be changing. This change will force her to decide if her settled, predictable life is worth more to her than a future she hardly dares to imagine.

Author Lauraine Snelling is well-known for crafting wonderfully rich storylines, and this book does not disappoint! A Blessing to Cherish is full of wonderful romance and characters you’ll surely fall in love with – it’s a not-to-be-missed read.

 

The Summer House

by Lauren K. Denton

The Summer House - Lauren K. DentonNow back to the modern era with a contemporary read from bestselling author, Lauren K. Denton! The Summer House is a delightful gem of a book that weaves the authors Southern charm around a women’s journey to find herself.

When Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find a goodbye note and divorce papers from her husband, her world is shook. As a newcomer to the town, Lily is in need of a job to sustain her – which is when she sees an advertisement for a hair stylist position in the Safe Harbor retirement community. The owner of the retirement community, Rose Carrigan, is a woman who is used to keeping people at arm’s length. But when Lily shows up looking for a job, she begins to warm to her. An unlikely friendship between the two women forms as Lily’s salon becomes the place for colorful residents to share gossip and stories.

Might there even be a new relationship on the horizon for Lily with Rose’s nephew? We urge you to pick up this book and find out more as your drawn into the wonderful community of Safe Harbor and its residents!

5-Star Customer Review:

Delightful story surrounding the lives of Lily and Rose generations apart but united by the life experiences and the drive to make something good out of it. The camaraderie between them was amazing and beautiful. First of Lauren Denton I am reading. Beautiful story and even amazing setting. – Ebos Aifuobhokhan, July 2020

 

The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

The Way of Love - Tracie PetersonLet’s step back in time again! This time with a read from renowned author of books such as Refining Fire and Under the Midnight Sun, Tracie Peterson.

The Way of Love is the second book in the author’s Willamette Brides series and introduces us to Faith Kenner – a woman pursuing her dream to become a doctor. Her dream is to use her gift to help those in need – most especially the native populations forced onto reservations and neglected. When she meets Andrew Gratton – a handsome riverboat captain whose wounds she tends to –  a friendship grows between them. But Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more. So, she attempts to bury her feelings as best she can.

All the while, Faith finds herself caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As she and Andrew fight for the rights of others against Oregon’s racist laws, their love for each other grows. Will Faith’s secret continue to stand in the way of their love? Well, there’s only one way to find out! This is a book that just does not disappoint – we think it’s the perfect blend of history and romance.

5-Star Customer Review:

The theme of respecting God’s sovereignty, and maintaining one’s faith, while in the direst of circumstances is well developed in this story. There were many times when Faith, who was particularly well named, must live by faith and not by sight, when there is actually no hope to be found. While all fans of historical fiction will enjoy The Way of Love, it will speak to the hearts of those who are desperate for this type of faith. – Pegg Thomas, July 2020

 

What Momma Left Behind

by Cindy K. Sproles

What Momma Left Behind - Cindy K. SprolesDid you think we were done with the Appalachian Mountains? Not yet, dear reader! Cindy K. Sproles’ latest release takes us back to this wonderful part of North America – but this time, back in the 1800s.

What Momma Left Behind is a novel all about sacrifice, heartache, and bravery. The community of Sourwood, Tennessee, has been ravaged by death and disease, leaving many children orphaned. When Worie Dressar’s mother dies suddenly, Worie finds herself inundated with orphaned children who keep showing up at her door. Barely surviving herself, Worie must figure out how her mother was caring for these children. Of no help to Worie are her good-for-nothing brothers who only add to her woes. Fighting to save her home, and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care, Worie will learn the power of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Through Cindy’s words and storytelling, you’ll find yourself immersed in this poverty-stricken community in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a truly delightful read – Worie is such a powerful and lively character, it’s hard not to be drawn into her story!

5-Star Customer Review:

I loved everything about this book! It starts off with tragedy and with traditional mountain life style, she doesn’t even have time to grieve. She gives of her self and cares for those around her. She surpasses her family background and gives her brothers chance after chance to get it right. I finished this book in a couple of days. There were so many twists and turns in the story line, that it was hard to put down. – Ains007, June 2020

 

The Heart of a Hero

by Susan May Warren

The Heart of a Hero - Susan May WarrenLove a little action in your fiction books? Susan May Warren is the author for you! The second book in the Global Search and Rescue Series has just released – and boy, is it good!

The Heart of a Hero goes deeper into the life of Jake Silver – one of the characters from the first book in this series. Jake is a man who is battling traumatizing memories that resulted from his career as a former sniper and Navy SEAL. As part of the Jones, Inc. rescue, Jake is able to utilize his skills to rescue and save the lost and injured. There’s one particular rescue he can’t quite get out of his mind – the rescue of pediatric heart surgeon, Dr Aria Sinclair. Aria herself, finds Jake exciting and handsome – but he’s also dangerous – and she refuses to take the risk of loving again. When a deadly hurricane threatens to put Aria in the path of danger once again, Jake can’t help but jump on a plane to rescue her. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

The characters in this book are so wonderfully written – they each face emotional and spiritual issues that must be overcome so that they can move forward. You can’t help but fall in love with them both! We are pretty certain you’ll be left eagerly awaiting the release of the next novel in this series once you’re done with this book!

5-Star Customer Review:

I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, sat on the edge of my seat and I loved this book! The characters are fantastic and the story sucks you in and takes you on a roller coaster ride. I loved the way faith and romance were gently woven into this super suspenseful story. Ten stars! – Katie Poole, June 2020

 

Acceptable Risk

by Lynette Eason

Acceptable Risk - Lynette EasonA hostage situation. A risky rescue. Family tragedy. Just a little romance. The latest release from Lynette Eason has it all!

In Acceptable Risk, military journalist Sarah Denning agrees to teach at a school in the Middle East. When the school is attacked, she is taken hostage. Her father,  a high-ranking military general,  plans a risky rescue mission with the help of former Army Ranger Gavin Black. But, even once the mission is successfully complete, Sarah’s life doesn’t quite get back to normal.

As soon as she returns, she is discharged from the Army as a result of a false psychiatric evaluation. She is determined to return to the Army, but her plans are delayed when she learns of her brother’s suicide. Unable to believe that he would do such a thing, Sarah enlists Gavin’s help to discover the truth. But what she uncovers may be the biggest story of Sarah’s career—if she can survive long enough to write it.

This one is a real nail-biting read – we’re certain you’ll be turning the pages on this book long into the night!

5-Star Customer Review:

Eason is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every book I’ve ever read by her. This one was no different. The characters are flawed but relatable. There’s a mystery to solve; some twists and turns along the way; and a ton of action, danger, and suspense. – Reenie, July 2020

 

The Harbinger II: The Return

by Jonathan Cahn

The Harbinger II - Jonathan CahnAre the unprecedented crises of our times, the signs and warnings of coming judgment?  Does an ancient mystery hold the secret to the events of our times, and the future of America and the world?  Is this mystery even behind the shakings that have now overtaken the world and America? How much time do we have left?

These are the questions Jonathan Cahn aims to explore in his latest release, The Harbinger II: The Return. This sequel to the bestselling book The Harbinger is being hailed as “a prophetic masterpiece” even more powerful and stunning than the first book!

The Harbinger II will open up the mysteries of the Gate, the Watchmen, the Mystery Ship, the Word in the Ruins, the Book of Days, the Image, the Judgment Tree, the Children of the Ruins, the Convergence, the Handwriting on the Wall, and much more.  It will ultimately reveal the mystery of what is yet to come, including the Shakings, the Plague, the Western Terrace, the Island, the Day of the Watchman, and more.

After reading The Harbinger II, you will never see the world the same way again!

 

To discover more great Christian fiction, click here!

 

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Q&A with Lisa Harris Author of The Traitor’s Pawn https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/05/15/qa-lisa-harris-author-traitors-pawn/ Fri, 15 May 2020 20:33:31 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3513 Who else is a huge fan of suspenseful fiction? Well, it honestly doesn’t get more gripping than Lisa Harris‘ latest release The Traitor’s Pawn. There’s the trading of government secrets, kidnapping and of course, a little bit of romance! Author […]

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Lisa Harris Author The Traitor's Pawn

Who else is a huge fan of suspenseful fiction? Well, it honestly doesn’t get more gripping than Lisa Harris‘ latest release The Traitor’s Pawn. There’s the trading of government secrets, kidnapping and of course, a little bit of romance!

Author Lisa Harris sat down to answer a few questions about the inspiration behind The Traitor’s Pawn as well as what she is working on next. Read on for more!

Want to order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn? Click here! 

Q: What inspired the idea for your new book, The Traitor’s Pawn?

A: It actually started with a simply hunting scene gone very wrong that I couldn’t get out of my mind, where a woman survives and is a witness of an assassination of a senator. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to make the story more personal to the heroine, so things quickly evolved from there to a story where she is the one in the crosshairs and is being used as a pawn in a much bigger game.

Q: Two of the main characters in The Traitor’s Pawn, Jack and Aubrey, have history together. Without giving away spoilers, can you tell us a little more about their relationship?

A: Because my books usually take place over a very short time span, I love it when my hero and heroine have a complicated history. Something that kept them apart in the past but then, in the end, brings them together. Jack and Aubrey do have a long history, and this unexpected encounter between the two of them in the beginning of the story ends up reminding them both that the feelings they once had toward each other never completely went away.

Q: Did anything surprise you as you were writing the novel?

A: One of the fun things about writing is when I’m headed a certain direction and then a twist in my “author plan” takes me off guard. I always have an end goal for my stories, but there are definitely times where getting there surprises me. In this story, I was surprised when a couple of the good guys turned out to be not so innocent.

Q: Did you face any challenges in creating this story? What was the hardest scene to write?

A: Action scenes are always a challenge for me. For example, in the beginning of the story when Bree is trying to escape her kidnapper, I had to write a fight scene between two experienced fighters, I typically watch YouTube videos for ideas, then I will always block out the scene before writing it down.

Q: Do you see parts of yourself in any of your characters?

A: While I never plan to put any of myself into my characters, I know that I write from who I am. Because of this, the way I look at life, as well as my experiences, does have an impact on my characters. On the other hand, most of my characters – like Jack and Aubrey – who are in law enforcement, are very different from me. They run on adrenaline and don’t hesitate to risk their lives for justice. I would simply run the other way. One of the reasons I write stories like this is because I admire those who daily put their lives on the line to protect our country, and I’m grateful to them.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from Traitor’s Pawn?

A: Besides a page-turning story that keeps them up all night (sorry!), I hope it reminds them that God redeems even the worst of situations. And that while he knows that life is often filled with injustice and suffering, God is about the long game. He’s more interested in who you become, even if the actual process is difficult. Not that God doesn’t care about the little things, but he’s more interested in our persevering and reaching the finish line.

Q: What new projects are you working on?

A: I’m currently working on a brand new series about a pair of US Marshals that will come out in the fall of 2020, and I am super excited about!

Order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn by Lisa Harris by clicking here! 

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Q&A with Irene Hannon, Author of ‘Point of Danger’ https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/04/23/qa-irene-hannon-point-of-danger/ Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:49:30 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3487 If you are a fan of a suspenseful read with a touch of romance, then we’re sure you must already be an Irene Hannon fan! But, if you have somehow missed Hannon’s incredible reads so far, then you are in […]

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Irene Hannon Point of Danger

If you are a fan of a suspenseful read with a touch of romance, then we’re sure you must already be an Irene Hannon fan! But, if you have somehow missed Hannon’s incredible reads so far, then you are in for a real treat. One, you have quite a number of reads to already jump straight into! But two, she’ll be releasing a new book, the first in a new series, this October. This gives you plenty of times to get through Hannon’s back catalog!

Point of Danger is the first book in the Triple Threat series and is guaranteed to be a real page-turner that will have you guessing right until the end. Irene Hannon kindly answered some questions about her latest release as well as what is coming next. Read on for a little insight!

Click here to preorder Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

Q: Can you provide a brief description of Point of Danger?

A: My newest novel features a strong-willed heroine who’s determined to stand up for her principles no matter the danger, and a police detective who has to find her unknown foe fast – or lose the woman who’s stealing his heart. In true Hitchcock style, the tension intensifies throughout the book, leading to an explosive conclusion.

Q: Point of Danger is the first book in your new Triple Threat series. What ties the three books in your series together?

A: The series features three sisters involved in the truth-seeking professions who are plunged into dicey situations that lead to danger – and romance.

Q: The main protagonist, Eve Reilly, is a controversial talk show host. What type of research was required to accurately portray her role?

A: Online research primarily… plus my own experience in listening to talk radio – and being a guest on a number of programs!

Q: You have stated that you prefer to focus on psychological suspense and character development in your books – a style that resonates more with Alfred Hitchcock rather than a James Bond style of narrative. What led to this preference in your writing style?

A: My undergraduate degree is in psychology, so I’ve always been fascinated with the workings of the human mind. That’s why, in all my suspense books, I take readers into the villain’s head. The whole cat-and-mouse game they plan intrigues me. Knowing what the villain is planning, and watching that unfold in spider-spinning-a-web fashion is far more enthralling, suspenseful, and mentally engaging to me than constant car chases, shootings, explosions, etc. The human mind is much scarier than an action sequence!

Q: What do you hope readers can take away from your book?

A: Admiration for the heroine, who’s willing to stand up for what she believes in no matter the cost – and encouragement to do the same; a better appreciation for the tremendous power of love to transform lives; and a healthy dose of hope. I want readers to close the book believing that no matter how bad things get, there’s always the possibility of a happy ending.

Q: When is the next book in your Triple Threat series scheduled to release?

A: Book 2 will release in October 2021 and features Cate, the oldest sister, whose job as a police detective takes her on a dangerous undercover assignment.

Q: Library Journal has referred to you as the “queen of inspirational romantic suspense.” However, you are also known for your contemporary romance books, which is where your writing originated. Can you please provide a brief glimpse into your writing history?

A: As you noted, my first published books were contemporary romances. However… my first attempt at fiction was romantic suspense. And it was really, really bad! Why? Because there was no internet (yes, it was the dark ages!), so research was difficult to do. I also didn’t have any contacts in law enforcement of the military, and to write credible suspense you have to have access to data and experts. Most books in this genre require quite a bit of technical knowledge. So, I put romantic suspense aside for many years. By the time I began writing fiction full time, the internet was around and I had a contact in law enforcement. So, I decided to give romantic suspense another go. It was successful beyond my wildest dreams. Now I alternate between the two genres.

Q: What are you working on next?

A: My next novel will be Book 7 in my Hope Harbor series. It’s called Blackberry Beach and will be out April 2021. I’m so gratified that readers have embraced my little Oregon seaside town and keep asking for more stories!

Click here to preorder Point of Danger by Irene Hannon

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New Winter Fiction Releases https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/02/27/new-winter-fiction-releases/ Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:05:17 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3357 As the cold winter days drag on, there is nothing that brings us more comfort than cozying up in our favorite reading chair with a warm blanket and a good read! Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or […]

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As the cold winter days drag on, there is nothing that brings us more comfort than cozying up in our favorite reading chair with a warm blanket and a good read! Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or contemporary fiction, suspense or romance – there are so many incredible new releases from which to choose your next read.

Here at Christianbook, with so many incredible books hitting our desks on a daily basis, we often find it hard to choose which book to dive into next. So, we thought we’d round up our favorites to help make your next decision a little easier!

We’d love to know what you are reading right now – share with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter by tagging @christianbook and using the hashtag #everythingchristian 

The Land Beneath Us

by Sarah Sundin

The Land Beneath Us by Sarah SundinLover of historical fiction? Well, this The Land Beneath Us is one book you won’t want to miss! Readers will be introduced to Leah Jones, a woman who grew up in an orphanage and longs to rise above her lonely past and find a place to belong. While working as a librarian at Camp Forrest, Tennessee she meets Private Clay Paxton – a man who saves her life and her virtue by offering a marriage of convenience. Can their new relationship withstand the trails of grudges, foreboding dreams, and D-day? Sarah Sundin artfully blends emotionally rich romance and historical accuracy, with heart-pounding battle scenes for a seriously page-turning read!

Two Weeks

by Karen Kinsgbury

Cole Blake is months away from finishing college and kickstarting his dream career in medicine. But as he starts his final year, he meets Elise, a mysterious new girl who captures his attention and heart from the very beginning. Elise wants to mend her wild ways and become the good girl she used to be. But soon after, Elise finds out she is pregnant. Eighteen and alone, she shares her secret with Cole who is determined to support her. When Elise decides to give the baby up for adoption, she is matched with a couple who have spent seven painful years trying to start a family. But as her due date draws near, Elise becomes more and more torn. Two Weeks is such a heart-wrenching read – and certainly one that you’ll want to keep the tissue box handy for.

 

The Tea Chest

by Heidi Chiavaroli

In The Tea Chest we meet two women, separated by centuries, who must both find the strength to fight for love and freedom. Hayley Ashworth’s goal is to join the Navy SEALs, but first, she must return to Boston to confront memories of her childhood. When an unexpected encounter with the man she once loved leads to the discovery of a tea chest and the document hidden within. A document about the remarkable Emma Malcolm, a 1773 Patriot sympathizer who must do what it takes to protect those she loves. Even if it means giving up the life she desires. Back in the present, this document causes Hayley to wonder if perhaps true strength and freedom are buried deeper than she first realized.

 

Veiled in Smoke

by Jocelyn Green

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their veteran father, Stephen. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than their store. The sisters become separated from their father during the fire as they make their escape from the family with the help of local reporter Nate Pierce. When the smoke settles they learn a family friend was murdered the night of the fire. Even more shocking, their father is charged with the crime and committed to the asylum. Though homeless and suddenly unemployed, Meg finds herself having to gather the pieces of her shattered life and prove her father’s innocence. Believe us when we say, you’ll want to add Veiled in Smoke title to your bookshelf!

 

A Long Time Comin’

by Robin W. Pearson

Beatrice Agnew finds out she’s dying, and intends on keeping her family secrets to herself. She is of the firm belief that if any of her children have questions about their father and the choices she made after he abandoned them, they’d best take it up with Jesus. She has no room for regrets. But when her granddaughter, Evelyn Lester shows up and uncovers a box of old letters, the two women are forced to wrestle with their past and present pain as they confront the truth. A truth Beatrice has worked a lifetime to hide from her family. This is one of those reads that will resonate with so many people. A Long Time Comin’ is one of those books that will stay with you a long time after you put it down – you’re sure to want to share it with all your nearest and dearest!

 

Daughter of Rome

by Tessa Afshar

When the daughter of a Roman General meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they are banished from their home by an emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. We highly recommend you add Daughter of Rome to your must-read list!

 

One Little Lie 

by Colleen Coble

After escaping from a cult fifteen years ago, Jane has searched relentlessly for her mother who refused to leave. Jane has been appointed interim sheriff in Pelican Harbor after her father retires, there’s no time for an adjustment period. When her father is arrested for theft and then implicated in a recent murder, Jane realizes someone from their horrible past has found them. To help clear her father’s name, she teams up with Reid Bechtol, the well-known journalist whose latest project is filming a documentary on her life. But Reid has his own secrets from the past, and the gulf between them may be impossible to cross – especially when her father’s lie catches up with him. All we can say is, fans of Colleen Coble will not be disappointed with One Little Lie. 

 

Looking for some more great Christian fiction reads? Click here!

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Q&A with James R. Hannibal Author of ‘Chasing the White Lion’ https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/02/16/qa-james-r-hannibal-author-chasing-the-white-lion/ Sun, 16 Feb 2020 15:35:03 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3343 Here at Christian book, spring time is one of our favorite times of year. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming… and a whole host of new fiction releases hit our desks! Among those new titles will be this thrilling […]

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Chasing the White Lion

Here at Christian book, spring time is one of our favorite times of year. The birds are singing, flowers are blooming… and a whole host of new fiction releases hit our desks!

Among those new titles will be this thrilling new read from James R. Hannibal – the author of last year’s bestselling title, The Gryphon Heist. In the new book, Chasing the White Lion, readers are reunited with CIA officer, Talia Inger. In this book we see Talia receive her plum assignment – Russia! But it doesn’t come without a hitch… she must work with the man who assassinated her father. Together they must infiltrate the first-ever internet crime syndicate, capture its boss, and rescue a group of kidnapped refugees. Phew!

If you love a suspenseful read that will have you feverishly turning the pages from start to finish, then Chasing the White Lion is for you! Want to know a little more about the inspiration behind the book? Read on for a Q&A with author James R. Hannibal.

To preorder your copy of Chasing the White Lion, click here. 

Q: As a former tactical deception officer offer and stealth pilot, you have experienced your share of danger and intrigue. How does your past experience affect your books?

A: In thriller writing, a classified past is both a blessing and a curse. I’ve had amazing experiences I’m never allowed to speak of in public, and those hidden experiences meant my first three novels had to pass through multiple program security offices because publishers could ever see them. However, even though I can’t talk about my real experiences, I can draw from them as I write, giving me an edge. Research is a little easier too. Any writer can find the information I put into my stories, but it will be a difficult hunt. I have the unfair advantage of knowing which rocks to overturn.

Q: Can you provide a brief description of your new book, Chasing the White Lion?

A: CIA rookie Talia Inger returns to infiltrate the world’s first crowdsourced crime syndicate, known as the Jungle. But venturing into the Jungle with Tyler and Talia’s grifter friend Valkyrie means venturing into a past she’s been trying to avoid. The truth about her father may reveal enemies close to home. Also, the deeper she goes into the Jungle’s darkness, the more the line between right and wrong blur. Talia must learn to trust God and her team, and she must help Valkyrie see that even in the darkest shadows, no one is beyond the saving love of Christ.

Q: In Chasing the white Lion, you take readers deep undercover into the criminal underworld where the main heroine, Talia, hopes to rescue kidnapped refugee children from a human trafficking network. How did you come up with the plot for your book?

A: Compassion International’s mission of empowering impoverished children inspires me. Compassion gives children hope, dignity, and identity. These are in short supply in border refugee camps where neither nation wants to recognize a child’s existence. That lack of identity makes these children prime targets for criminal enterprises. I wanted to bring this to light and bring to light the power of Compassion’s work. By extension, every sponsor is as much a hero as Talia. In essence, the crime syndicate in my story will learn that they messed with the wrong kids.

Q: Talia is not only a CIA officer, but she is also in charge of an elite team of thieves. What type of research was required to accurately portray her role?

A: Thieves and magic go hand in hand. I am bound by a nondisclosure, but I can say that my research on this story led me to an opportunity for remote study with a pair of the most famous magicians in the world. What I learned about deception and misdirection became key pieces of the adventure.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from reading Chasing the White Lion?

A: My ultimate hope is that readers will see the power of child sponsorship and choose to become heroes themselves through Compassion International or some other child sponsorship program. Beyond this, I hope that Talia and Valkyrie will help readers see that we can trust in God for all things – anytime, anywhere – and that no one is beyond the saving love of Christ. He is reaching out. Simply take his hand.

Q: Who is the target audience for your book?

A: The target audience for this story is adult thriller-lovers, leaning toward new adult. The story focuses primarily on characters in the millennial age range, and I hope their battles, frustrations, and triumphs will connect with millennial readers.

Q: What are you working on next?

A: The story I’m working on now is a spy-left-out-in-the-cold story loosely related to the biblical story of Job. I am incredibly excited about this story and the message it holds.

To preorder your copy of Chasing the White Lion, click here. 

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Q&A with Susan May Warren, Author of The Way of the Brave https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/01/28/qa-susan-may-warren-author-way-brave/ Tue, 28 Jan 2020 15:32:50 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3319 Fiction lovers rejoice! The bestselling author of series such as Montana Marshalls and Montana Rescue returns! Susan May Warren‘s latest book has just returned with The Way of the Brave, the first book in her new series, Global Search and Rescue. […]

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Susan May Warren Author of The Way of the Brave

Fiction lovers rejoice! The bestselling author of series such as Montana Marshalls and Montana Rescue returns! Susan May Warren‘s latest book has just returned with The Way of the Brave, the first book in her new series, Global Search and Rescue.

Set on the high slopes of Denali, The Way of the Brave is a high-octane read that will have you hooked right from the start. Once you’re finished, we’re sure you’ll be hitting ‘Pre-Order’ on the next book in the series The Heart of a Hero!

Order your copy of The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren by clicking here!

Q: The Way of the Brave is the first book in your Global Search and Rescue series. Can you please provide a brief description of your new book?

A: The Way of the Brave is an epic adventure on the high slopes of Denali. When a trio of female climbers gets blown off the peak of the highest mountain in North America, a group of nearby climbers volunteer to rescue them. But finding them and bringing them all home safe will take the courage and skill of all the climbers – both men and women. But what will courage cost them? It’s also a story of second chances, survival, and the true source of bravery.

Q: How is your new series different from the Montana Rescue series?

A: Higher stakes, global settings, and a group of ex-military heroes who put their lives on the line, regardless of the cost. These stories are faster paced, with more dire situations, and a global threat threaded through the trilogy.

Q: The setting for your book is Denali National Park in Alaska. Why did you choose this location?

A: I’ve always been fascinated with mountain climbing and the courage it takes to tackle the cold, the heights, and the brutal weather. I’ve read many books on Everest, K2, and Denali and asked… what if you were in an accident, and survived… how would you rescue yourself and the others who depended on you? I wanted to put the story in the backyard of most of my readers, also, so they could imagine themselves tackling such an epic feat.

Q: One of the main characters in your book struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Why did you decide to write about this topic?

A: I struggled with PTSD after our home invasion in Russia, and so I do know, in a very small way, the feels of panic, frustration, and helplessness. I wanted to tackle those very real feelings that linger long after the event or life situation that caused the PTSD, and explore just one of the ways God helped me, personally, to deal with it. Everyone is different, but I loved the journey that Orion and Jenny trek, emotionally, as they grapple with their regrets and fears and hold on to courage.

Q: In your new series, your characters are comprised of ex-military, former SEALs, and Pararescue jumpers who are bonded together in an effort to save and rescue the lost. What type of research was required to accurately portray your characters’ former careers?

A: LOTS! And I’m still researching. My husband served in the army, and my son is in the navy, so they’ve been great sources of information, as well as a plethora of books, memoirs, first accounts, and friends who have served. I’m so very grateful for the heroes and heroines who give their lives to protect our country.

Q: What do you hope readers gain from reading your new series?

A: Edifying entertainment that offers hope, encouragement, and time well spent. I am keenly aware of the entertainment choices out there, and my goal is to write stories that readers are glad they read, that give them truth and enrich their lives, even if only to let them fall in love with characters who inspire them.

Q: What is the title for your second book in this series and when will it release?

A: The Heart of a Hero! It hits the shelves in June!

Order your copy of The Way of the Brave by Susan May Warren by clicking here!

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Q&A with Laura Frantz, Author of ‘An Uncommon Woman’ https://blog.christianbook.com/2020/01/17/qa-laura-frantz-author-uncommon-woman/ Fri, 17 Jan 2020 17:48:53 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3300 Are you a fan of historical fiction? Well, we have your next page-turning read! Bestselling author Laura Frantz is back with a new release, An Uncommon Woman. The book takes us back to the eighteenth-century, where we meet our protagonist, […]

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An Uncommon Woman Laura Frantz

Are you a fan of historical fiction? Well, we have your next page-turning read! Bestselling author Laura Frantz is back with a new release, An Uncommon Woman. The book takes us back to the eighteenth-century, where we meet our protagonist, Tessa Swam. Born and bred on the frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. When Tessa is taken captive, her hope lies in a commander charged with keeping peace with local tribes.

It’s a romance story full of action that will have you gripped from the very start. To learn more about her latest book, Laura Frantz answered a few questions about the inspiration and research behind An Uncommon Woman

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

Q: Tell us what sparked the idea for your new book, An Uncommon Woman

A: I’ve long been fascinated by Indian captivity narratives and thought it would be interesting to create characters who have been shaped by that life-altering circumstances.

Q: This book is written after the French and Indian War. How did you become interested in this time period? 

A: This time period is a roiling one, rife with conflict and larger-than-life figures who built America. So much of our founding history has been lost or is unknown, yet it contains such amazing material for novels today.

Q: What type of research was required for writing your book? 

A: I read as many Indian captivity stories as I could, both fiction and nonfiction. I delved into the historical records for Jemima Boone, Mary Draper Ingles, and others who survived such events and even thrived in very hostile, heartbreaking situations.

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

Q: One of the main characters, Clay Tygart, was raised by Lenape Indians. Can you tells us a little about his backstory? 

A: Clay is a conundrum of a frontiersman, born to Pennsylvania Quakers (Friends), captured and raised by Lenape/Delaware Indians, then redeemed and returned to white society. He is at war within himself, taking command of a fort named in his honor as a hero of the French and Indian War, yet desiring peace at all costs on a very embittered, embattled frontier.

Q: What do you hope readers can learn from An Uncommon Woman

A: The dedication page of his novel contains words from the ancient hymn Be Thou My Vision. My hope is that no matter what life hands us, we as believers can stand firm and say:

Heart of my own heart, what’er befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Q: What do you love most about writing historical fiction?

A: Preserving history is such a privilege and pleasure. Breathing life into actual events and people through fiction in a day when we’ve lost touch with our roots keeps me researching and writing.

Q: What new projects are you working on?

A: I leap back a century to 1634 with this next novel, set in James Towne, Virginia. And I thought the eighteenth century was conflicted!

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

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Christian Beach Reads for Summer 2019 https://blog.christianbook.com/2019/07/10/christian-beach-reads-summer-2019/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:14:38 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3160 Who else loves picking up a new book (or two, or three!) during the summer months? It’s one of our favorite ways to pass those long summer days! Now, we like to mix things up a bit – sometimes we […]

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Who else loves picking up a new book (or two, or three!) during the summer months? It’s one of our favorite ways to pass those long summer days! Now, we like to mix things up a bit – sometimes we read Christian fiction, other times we read Christian Living.

But whatever we are reading, we like to make sure it’s going to be something that grabs us from start to finish. That’s why we thought we’d round up some of our favorite new releases we think you should give a go this season.

So ,sit back in that comfy chair – or roll out a picnic blanket – and turn the cover on one of these books!

Christian Fiction

Summer By The Tides

by Denise Hunter

Christian Summer ReadsThe latest release from Denise Hunter is one that will really tug at your heartstrings. Following a painful betrayal, Maddy Monroe’s love life is a wreck, and her restaurant career is in shambles. When her grandmother goes missing, she and her estranged sisters converge at the family beach house in North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma at the place where their family broke about is a struggle. In the midst of the storm, sparks fly between Maddy and Gram’s maddening neighbor, Connor Murphy. As family tensions rise and Connor causes tumult in Maddy’s heart, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they’ve become… Before the bitterness of the past destroys their hope for a future.

The Printed Letter Bookshop

by Katherine Reay

Christian Summer ReadsOnce you open this book, you’ll likely not put it down until it is done! In The Printed Letter Bookshop, readers are introduced to Madeline Cullen. Madeline’s happiest childhood memories are of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly 20 years later, family troubles and bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasure aunt. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She allows herself to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop.

No Ocean Too Wide

by Carrie Turansky

Christian Beach ReadsHere’s a read that will have you hooked from the very first page! No Ocean Too Wide is a compelling read that will also provide readers a history lesson about British Home Children. Laura McAlister, a young lady’s maid, learns her three siblings have been taken from their mother and emigrated to Canada without her mother’s knowledge. Laura determines to search for them and reunite the family. But lack of funds and resistance from authorities push her to use a false name and take a position with a child emigration society to gain passage to Canada. Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young lawyer, is suprised to see his mother’s former lady’s maid on board a ship escorting a group of child immigrants. Laura eventually convinces Andrew to help her search for her siblings. Along the way, romantic feelings grow between the unlikely couple, and though they have different backgrounds, they share a growing faith and desire to seek justice.

Christian Living

Don’t Give Up

by Kyle Idleman

Christian Beach ReadsThe parent with the wayward child. The couple whose marriage is in jeopardy. The man who is out of work. The woman stuck in crushing debt. Do you ever feel like sometimes in life, the giants just seem to big? Ever feel like you want to throw in the towel, preserve yourself, and hide? This is the inspiring book for you. Our lives are minefields of challenges that take their toll on our courage, our conviction, and even our faith. In Don’t Give Up, Idleman explores these seasons of life where we feel as if we are hanging by a thread. Through relatable stories and Biblical encouragement, he encourages us to cast our concerns on God, trust in his love and timing, pray for patience, and seek out support in the family of God.

The Essential Diet

by Eric Zielinski DC and Sabrina Ann Zielinski

Christian Beach ReadsAre you interested in learning more about to how to harness essential oils for your health? We recommend trying The Essential Oils Diet. This book features a sensible, evidence-based, two-phase program – first, the 30-day essential fast track. This helps you banish the excess pounds quickly. Then comes the second phase, the essential lifestyle, a gentle, practical maintenance program you can follow for life. The Essential Oils Diet also features easy recipes, meal plans, and strategies to keep you on track. You’ll learn how bioactive plant compounds found in essential oils and foods like almonds and avocados, can aid in weight loss and trigger the body’s natural immune defenses.

 

Reforesting Faith

by Matthew Sleeth

Christian Beach ReadsIn this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, readers will discover how the hidden language of trees are essential to every Christian’s understanding of God. Author Matthew Sleeth explains why the Bible mentions trees more than any other creation except humanity. He navigates the Bible’s trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. This is a rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God – and our neighbors – by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world. Your walk through the woods will never be the same again!

 

For more Summer Reads, click here!

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Q&A with Valerie Fraser Luesse, Author of ‘Almost Home’ https://blog.christianbook.com/2019/06/07/qa-valerie-fraser-luesse-almost-home/ Fri, 07 Jun 2019 10:15:26 +0000 https://blog.christianbook.com/?p=3124 Did you love Valerie Fraser Luesse’s debut novel, Missing Isaac? If so, you’re in for a real treat! The author has now returned with new book, Almost Home. The latest read is also set in the South, this time during […]

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Valerie Fraser Luesse - Almost Home

Did you love Valerie Fraser Luesse’s debut novel, Missing Isaac? If so, you’re in for a real treat! The author has now returned with new book, Almost Home. The latest read is also set in the South, this time during the start of World War II.

Readers will transported back in time and experience, through the character’s eyes, what life was like during that tumultuous period. It’s a book that will grip you from start to finish – you’ll surely be left wanting more from this incredibly talented author!

You can order your copy of Almost Home by clicking here!

Q: Your beautiful gift of storytelling was first introduced to readers in your debut novel, Missing Isaac. In Almost Home, you transport readers back to the South in a wonderful tale that is set during the start of World War II. Why did you select this time period?

A: I grew up hearing stories about the Great Depression and World War II because they deeply affected my family – as they affected all families back then. My mother had one brother who was training as a Navy pilot when the war ended and another who saw combat on Okinawa. When he came home, he used his Army pay to install indoor plumbing in his mother’s house, when I spent my childhood.

Both of my parents were children in the 1940s. I’ve heard my dad talk about scavenging for tinfoil because you could get into the movie theaters in Birmingham with a big ball of it, as theaters collected it for the military. I think the war years are fascinating because they were so elemental. There was too much at stake for people to get distracted by things that didn’t matter.

Q: The South was very integral to the war efforts. Can you explain what you have learned about this in your research?

A: Because land was cheap and plentiful here, and there was an eager workforce of people still struggling to pull themselves out of the Depression, the South made a perfect wartime factory for the military. There were shipyards on the coast and munitions plant that later became part of the paper mill where my dad worked in Childersburg, Alabama. With so many people moving to the South to work, there was no place for them to stay, so Southern families rented out rooms in their homes. I had great-aunts and great-uncles who took in boarders during the war. Alabama actually had POW camps housing German prisoners. From what I’ve read, America’s approach was to treat those captives well in the hopes that Germany would reciprocate. Some German POWs reportedly came back to visit Alabama after the war. It was an amazing time that brought together all sorts of people.

One of my Southern Living friends recommended Allen Cronenberg’s Forth to the Mighty Conflict: Alabama and World War II, which was very helpful. And I was completely mesmerized by a fellow Alabamian, the late Eugene B, Sledge, whose book With the Old Breed: At Pelileu and Okinawa should be required reading for anybody who thinks war is grand and glorious.

Q: With so many families moving to the South for jobs, this created a need for housing. In Almost Home, Dolly Chandler turns her own family home into a boardinghouse that attracts an interesting cast of characters. Can you touch upon some of the characters in Almost Home?

A: They’re a colorful bunch! Dolly and her husband, Si, have such a strong and loving relationship that their boarders initially have no idea what struggles and heartbreak they’ve weathered together. Jesse and Anna Williams are a young Illinois couple whose failing farm has driven them south. Jesse’s wounded pride has made him push away the person he loves most, his wife. Joe Dolphus is a sixty-something widower from Mississippi whose kindness and wry wit make him a favorite at Dolly’s. The Clanahans are an obnoxious couple from Reno – they’re trouble. Harry and Evelyn Hastings are out-of-work college professors from Chicago, who take to the South and the people of Dolly’s house.

And then there’s Reed Ingram, a young vet who grew up on the old loop with Dolly and Si and hopes that this place he loves will help heal his war wounds. Finally, Daisy Dupree is a young war widow who boards with Dolly’s neighbor. She is riddled with survivor’s guilt but finds absolution through her friendship with Anna and her relationship with Reed. There’s one more couple – Catherine, the minister’s daughter, and Andre, the river pirate – who were the first owners of Dolly’s house one hundred year’s ago. We meet them and unravel their secrets through journals that Anna and Daisy discover.

Q: Do you have a favorite character that you really resonated with?

A: Definitely Daisy. The book is dedicated to my late friend Melissa Caine. We became what I call sister-friends in college and remained close until she died of cancer when we were both thirty-two. I basically took everything I loved about Missey and poured it into Daisy. Other than her artistic talent, nothing in the book is based on my friend’s actual life because that would have been an invasion of her privacy and her family’s. But the qualities that make Daisy endearing are inspired by Missey, and the friendship between Anna and Daisy mirrors the relationship I enjoyed with my friend.

Q: Almost Home has an unexpected twist. What was the inspiration behind your creative plot?

A: A Grimm fairy tale I read in second grade! It was called The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and I’ve loved the idea of hidden spaces and secret passageways ever since.

Q: Almost Home celebrates sisterhood and women’s ability to connect and cheer each other on through both good and difficult times. Have you learned anything more about community and resilience as you wrote about women during this time period?

A: I think so many good things in life depend upon our willingness to be open – to new experiences, new relationships, new places… When we’re thrown into challenging circumstances and we can’t understand why, sometimes we just have to take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and see where God might be leading us. Also, we can’t let pride and fear get in the way of reaching out when we need help. Just admitting that we’re struggling is so hard sometimes, but nothing brings people closer together than helping each other the way the women of Dolly’s house rally together.

Q: What do you hope readers gain from reading Almost Home?

A: I’ve always loved that Dolly Parton line from Steel Magnolias: “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I’m with Dolly. I want readers to fall in love with these characters, to hurt for them, laugh with them, take them to heart. I want them to get so caught up in the story that they’ll forget the war’s over. And I want them to see that the hardest person to forgive is always yourself.

Q: What’s next on your writing to-do list?

A: A while ago I started a sequel to Missing Isaac. Have you ever hear the expression “coming up a cloud”? It means a storm is coming. Pete and Dovey will be heading down to the Gulf Coast for a second honeymoon and get caught up in Hurricane Camille, leaving their newlywed parents to search for them in a time and place with no GPS, cell phones, or internet. so, while Missing Isaac brought these couples together, the sequel will explore how they weather storms, literally and figuratively.

I would also like to write a prequel to Almost Home, focusing on the river pirate and his young bride and their life in the Florida Keys.

Then there’s the World War II story on the Outer Banks. And a story set in the Louisiana bayous…

The great thing about working for Southern Living is that the magazine has taken me to so many fascinating places. Now I get to take characters and readers there.

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