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Christian Fiction January 2018 "Safe isn't always best, Mary," she called out--vague enough not to raise listening ears, pointed enough to hit its mark. I shot back. "But safe doesn't get her heart ripped out twice in one day." ~from Katherine Reay's The Austen Escape
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What it's about: Living in rural Georgia in 1941, sixteen-year-old Alice-Ann has her heart set on her brother’s friend Mack; despite their five-year age gap, Alice-Ann knows she can make Mack see her for the woman she’ll become. But when they receive news of the attack on Pearl Harbor and Mack decides to enlist, Alice-Ann realizes she must declare her love before he leaves. Though promising to write, Mack leaves without confirmation that her love is returned. But Alice-Ann is determined to wear the wedding dress her maiden aunt never had a chance to wear―having lost her fiancé in the Great War. As their correspondence continues over the next three years, Mack and Alice-Ann are drawn closer together. But then Mack’s letters cease altogether, leaving Alice-Ann to fear history repeating itself. Dreading the war will leave her with a beautiful dress and no happily ever after, Alice-Ann fills her days with work and caring for her best friend’s war-torn brother, Carlton. As time passes and their friendship develops into something more, Alice-Ann wonders if she’ll ever be prepared to say good-bye to her one true love and embrace the future God has in store with a newfound love. Or will a sudden call from overseas change everything?
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A Simple Wish by Charlotte HubbardWhat it's about: A talented rug maker, Loretta Riehl falls in love with handsome craftsman Drew Detweiler, her brother-in-law’s twin, but her happiness is short-lived due to her stern father until Drew discovers a painful truth about her family that sheds new light on the past and opens up new possibilities for them all. Original.
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The Engagement Plot
by Krista Phillips
Starring: "Holy Hanna," a Christian teacher from rural Minnesota who appeared on the reality dating show The Price of Love (think The Bachelor), and William Preston, the handsome Nashville CEO who chose Hanna from among a group of alluring contestants...and then broke her heart.
Why you might like it: Though Hanna and Will are truly in love, plenty of obstacles (deceit, business pressures for Will, and lots of media attention) stand in their way in this fresh, funny novel. Thankfully, they can always turn to God for guidance.
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| Death at Thorburn Hall by Julianna DeeringWhat it's about: Drew Farthering, an English gentleman, and his American wife, Madeline, are in Scotland for the 1935 British Open when their host, Lord Rainsby, asks for help uncovering possible embezzling. When Rainsby dies in a suspicious accident, Drew and Madeline suspect murder.
Series alert: This is the 6th book in the lighthearted Dew Farthering mystery series (though newcomers can start here).
For fans of: British country house mysteries. |
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What it's about: "The Only Thing Sweet About Jellybean Is His Name Jellybean the terrier is about to unleash some serious mayhem on the unsuspecting town of Albatross. There's no quiet on the set when over-the-hill screen star Lawrence Tucker brings his naughty terrier, Jellybean, on location to the beachside town of Albatross, California. When Jellybean develops a rapport with Tucker's violin tutor, the painfully shy, socially awkward Misty Agnelli, her arm is twisted into minding the obnoxious animal. Trailing Jellybean leads Misty into the candy store of Bill Woodson, a handsome chocolatier with a painful secret and a three-year-old niece to raise. Misty must deal with the unstable Tucker, a temperamental Jellybean, her budding feelings for the mysterious Bill, and the high-pressure atmosphere on the set. Though she wants nothing more than to flee, how can she tell her Grandma, Lawrence Tucker's biggest fan, that she abandoned the star and his dog? It's actors, animals, and antics galore when Jellybean gives his own heartwarming performance.
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Out of the Ashes by Tracie Peterson What it's about: After the death of their father, Collette and Jean-Michel Langelier are no longer tied to post-war France. While his sister dreams of adventure, Jean-Michel is hoping to finally escape reminders of the horrors he faced in the war. When Jean-Michel receives an unexpected invitation for them to visit Alaska and the Curry Hotel, it seems an opportunity for a change he needs. Katherine Demarchis is a young widow who does not grieve the dangerous husband she was forced to marry. Now she just wants to retreat to a quiet life, content to be alone. First, though, she's agreed to accompany her grandmother on a final trip, but never expects to see a man from her past. Katherine and Jean-Michel once shared a deep love that was torn apart by forces beyond their control. Reunited now, have the years changed them too deeply to rediscover what they had? And when Jean-Michel's nightmares return with terrifying consequences, will faith be enough to heal what's been broken for so long? Series alert: Book two in the Heart of Alaska series. In the Shadow of Denali was published in January 2017.
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| The Austen Escape by Katherine ReayWhat it's about: Engineer Mary Davies is worried about losing her job (despite reassurances from nice consultant Nathan) and doesn't want to travel to Bath, England with Isabel, her oldest (and most domineering) friend for an immersive Jane Austen experience. Mary goes anyway, and troubled Isabel starts to believe she's actually in Regency England! Mary needs all the help she can get, so she's happy and surprised when Nathan appears.
For fans of: Jane Austen, of course! As well as anyone who enjoys lyrical, character-driven novels. |
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| Out of the Ordinary by Jen TuranoFeaturing: Gertrude Cadwalader, the devoted paid companion to eccentric Mrs. Davenport, an elderly lady who has a penchant for taking jewelry and other trinkets that don't belong to her; and Harrison Sinclair, a shipping magnate who believes in Gertrude even after his mother catches her trying to return stolen items and thinks she's a thief.
Series alert: This is the 2nd in the Apart from the Crowd series, all of which feature quirky characters in Gilded Age New York and lots of humor; the 1st is Behind the Scenes, and the 3rd (out next July) is Caught by Surprise. |
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His Guilt by Shelley Shepard GrayWhat it's about: Returning to the Amish community that wrongly blamed him for an assault two years earlier, Mark protects the only woman who believed him, Neeta, who wonders at the identity of the real culprit in the wake of new attacks. By the award-winning author of Her Secret. Series alert: Book two in the Amish of Hart County series. Her Secret, published in March of 2017 is the other title in the series published so far.
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| The Seekers by Wanda E. BrunstetterFeaturing: Heidi Troyer, a married Amish woman with no children, starts teaching a cooking class in her home as a way to beat back boredom. Her first class includes an engaged woman whose betrothed won't set a date, an unwed expectant mother, a widowed mom of two young children, a Vietnam vet who parks his RV nearby, and an Amish widower who can't boil water.
Series alert: This is the opening book in a new series by veteran Amish fiction author Wanda Brunstetter. The 2nd in the series is The Blessing, and the 3rd, The Celebration, comes out in February. Love this idea? Check out the author's Amish Quilting Class books. |
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| The Wishing Season by Denise HunterFeaturing: PJ McKinley, an ambitious chef and the baby of her family, and Cole Evans, a one-time foster kid turned successful contractor.
What it's about: The owner of an Indiana mansion holds a contest to give away her elegant home to whoever has the best idea for its use. When PJ (who wants a fancy restaurant and B&B) and Cole (who wants a foster home) tie, they must share the house for a year to see who ultimately wins.
Series alert: This is the engaging 3rd novel in the four-book Chapel Springs Romance series. |
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| Come to the Table by Neta JacksonWhat it's about: Enthusiastic new Christian Kathryn Davies offers a homeless woman, Rochelle, and her young son a room in the Chicago apartment she shares with friends. But when Kat and Rochelle both have romantic feelings toward seminary student and roommate Nick, Kat questions her good deed. Passionate about healthful eating, Kat also hopes to start a food pantry at her church -- but not everyone likes her idea.
Is it for you? This sequel to Stand by Me will please fans of the author's Yada Yada Prayer Group books (who'll recognize a few characters) and those who enjoy urban settings and multicultural characters. |
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| Stones for Bread by Christa ParrishFeaturing: Liesl McNamara, who runs Wild Rise, a bakery and café in Vermont, and feels a link between her breadmaking and that of her mother's and grandmother's.
What it's about: bread and bread making (recipes included), families and secrets, mental illness, identity, love, forgiveness, TV cooking shows, faith, and scripture.
Who it's for: bakers and fans of subtle yet filling books. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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