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Christian Fiction July 2020
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Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson What it's about: In 1879, reunited with childhood friend and lawyer Seth Carpenter, recently widowed Nancy Pritchard must search through the pieces of her loveless marriage for the truth behind her husband's death after his schemes come to light. But as they pursue answers, their feelings create complications, and dark secrets reveal themselves. Reviewers say: "Childhood friends reconnect during sad circumstances in the consuming launch of Peterson's Willamette Brides series . . . This is a beautiful story of redemption."-- Publishers Weekly
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The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton The setup: Two weeks ago, 28-year-old Lily Bishop and her well-to-do husband left Atlanta for Alabama's Gulf Coast and his new job. Now, he's left her.
What happens: Lily, who hasn't worked in the year she's been married, takes a hair stylist job in an active retirement community. There, she makes friends with Rose, the development's co-owner (who has isolated herself from the world), as well as Rose's nephew and other locals.
For fans of: Lisa Wingate; Rachel Hauck; Southern fiction with romantic elements; heartwarming stories about new beginnings. | | On a Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Woods Fisher What happens: Maddie starts a therapy office on small Three Sisters Island, Maine, where her family runs a rustic resort. But her dreams for a new life are tested by the arrival of her childhood nemesis, who's the island's new minister.
Series alert: This is the 2nd in the evocative Three Sisters Island trilogy; fans of these books might try Denise Hunter's novels, especially her Bluebell Inn series featuring siblings running a B&B.
Don't miss: updates on the goings-on of the other denizens of the island, including Maddie's sisters Cam (who keeps postponing her wedding) and Blaine (who wants to drop out of culinary school). | | Starfish Pier by Irene Hannon What it's about: New to Hope Harbor, Oregon, young teacher Holly Miller, who has spina bifida, meets Steven, a take-charge former Army Delta Force operator working as a charter boat captain, and he challenges both her perspectives and her heart.
Series alert: Deftly mixing romance, faith, and serious topics (like alcoholism and assisted suicide), this appealing 6th in the Hope Harbor series can be enjoyed by newcomers, though fans will be pleased to see familiar friends like town sage Charley Lopez. | | Of Literature and Lattes by Katherine Reay Starring: Alyssa Harrison, who's come home to Winsome, Illinois, after the Silicon Valley medical startup she worked for was shut down by the Feds; Jeremy Mitchell, who's moved to the charming small town in order to be near his daughter and open the coffee shop of his dreams.
What happens: Alyssa works on her estranged relationship with her mom, and Jeremy's shop struggles, leading him to turn to Alyssa for help.
Read it for: the charming small-town setting, and catching up with characters from The Printed Letter Bookshop. | |
Woman of Sunlight by Mary Connealy What it's about: In 1873, after they're forced off their land by a ruthless cattle baron, Mitch Warden follows his family to the mountain, but he doesn't expect to fall smitten with a woman dressed like Robin Hood. To reclaim his land, he must journey to the city-and when Ilsa insists on joining, they embark on an adventure they'll never forget. About the series: This is the second book in the Brides of Hope Mountain series after the debut title, Aiming for Love. Reviewers say: "Connealy infuses this story with faith, humor, and plenty of adventure. Readers who enjoy inspirational fiction with suspense and a western bent will find much to enjoy in this series."-- Booklist
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What it's about: San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez discovers that a tragic accident involving a school bus full of kids may not be what it seems. One of the children may still be alive, and if he is, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie. What happens: With time running out, Amara must convince others--and herself--that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy is alive. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home. A fresh voice in Christian suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.
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Selah by Lisa Tawn Bergren What it's about: When a Methodist preacher with a call to serve the slaves of Nevis settles at Selah's family plantation, their shared purpose brings them together--despite her guardians' concern over a romance that promises little security. As the Revolutionary War builds in the States and starvation looms, the future of the plantation and its people hangs in the balance. About the series: This is the third book in the Sugar Baron's Daughters series. To read the first two titles, check out Keturah and Verity.
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If You Like: Karen Kingsbury
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The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers Featuring: artist Roman Velasco (who secretly indulges in the street graffiti that gave him solace as a foster kid), and cash-strapped single mother Grace Moore (who had her own troubled childhood).
What happens: Grace becomes Roman's personal assistant, enabling her to support her infant son (and put distance between the baby and the family that almost adopted him). But she finds Roman's worldly ways as challenging as he finds her faith.
Why Karen Kingsbury fans might like it: the growth of the characters over the course of the story; the faith-filled plot. | | The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling What it's about: With his retirement only days away, university dean Ken and his wife Mona's plans for part-time work and travel are upended.
What happens: Their son, who serves in the Army's Special Forces, is being deployed in less than a week, and since his wife abandoned the family, he needs his parents to watch their two kids...for up to a year.
Why Karen Kingsbury fans might like it: the realistic, multi-generational characters; Mona's moving struggle with depression. | | The Memory of You by Catherine West Starring: Natalie, whose twin sister died in a car accident 13 years ago, leaving Natalie grief- and guilt-stricken.
What it's about: With her grandfather ill, Natalie's ordered by her overbearing father to head to the family's Sonoma winery and shut it down. Instead, she works to save the winery as she deals with the past and reconnects with the boy she once had a crush on.
Why Karen Kingsbury fans might like it: the family issues; the large part faith that plays in the character's lives. | | The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate What it is: an intricate story-within-a-story about Jen Gibbs, a New York book editor who finds a captivating unfinished manuscript about Sarra, a Melungeon girl in early-20th century Appalachia.
Author buzz: Lisa Wingate's acclaimed Before We Were Yours sold over two million copies. Her latest novel is The Book of Lost Friends.
Why Karen Kingsbury fans might like it: If they appreciate historical elements, this Christy Award-winning 2nd in the Carolina Heirlooms trilogy offers a moving story about sisters, family, and life changes. | |
Contact your librarian for more great books!
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