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Christian Fiction
January 2014
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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
~ John 1:1
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New and Recently Released!
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| Return to Me by Lynn AustinBiblical Fiction. Based on the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, Return to Me describes the period when King Cyrus allows God's Chosen People to leave Babylon and return to their homeland after 70 years away. Though some don't want to leave, Iddo and his grandson Zechariah go to Jerusalem, where they struggle to rebuild their lives and God's temple. This is the 1st book in a new series by bestselling author Lynn Austin, who's also written the Chronicles of the Kings. For even more books that focus on men of the Bible, try Francine Rivers' Sons of Encouragement series (begin with The Priest, which novelizes the life of Moses' brother Aaron) or Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins' Jesus Chronicles (John's Story is 1st). |
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| Gunpowder Tea by Margaret BrownleyWestern Romance. In 1890s Arizona Territory, two undercover detectives fall for each other while trying to learn the identity of "The Phantom," a notorious train robber rumored to be at the Last Chance Ranch. While Pinkerton operative Miranda Hunt calls herself Annie Beckman and applies for the role of heiress to the ranch's no-nonsense female owner, Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert takes the name David Branch and the job of ranch hand. While the two investigate (and find each other suspicious!), they are also drawn to each other. Readers who'd enjoy a fun, lighthearted love story combined with well-plotted mystery will appreciate Gunpowder Tea, which can be easily read on its own though it's the 3rd in the delightful Last Chance Brides series. |
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| Outlaw by Ted DekkerSuspense. Raised by a well-to-do British mother and Southern father in Atlanta, Georgia, Julian Carter is used to servants and gentility. After being widowed, she leaves her life of comfort and heeds a recurring dream, taking her two-year-old son to a remote island off the coast of Australia in 1963. While on a pleasure cruise there, their sailboat capsizes; Julian is saved by unfriendly natives but there is no sign of her young son. She mourns him and struggles to survive as a captive in the jungle in this unusual, thought-provoking book that deals with questions of identity and sacrifice. Outlaw, which Library Journal calls "excellent," is popular author Ted Dekker's most personal book to date (he was raised by missionaries in Indonesia where headhunting cannibals lived). For more vividly described, intriguing Christian fiction, try Tosca Lee's novels. |
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| The Governess of Highland Hall: A Novel by Carrie TuranskyHistorical Romance. Spirited Julia Foster has just returned to Edwardian England with her missionary parents after 12 years away. Having worked with young girls in India and needing money to help her sick physician father, she takes a job as governess at Highland Hall. There, she catches the eye of widower Sir William Ramsey, the father of two small children who has recently inherited the lovely property (along with the responsibility for two teenage cousins). Though he is intrigued by Julia, high taxes mean that Sir William should be searching for a wealthy bride or he may lose the family estate forever. What will he do? If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, this faith-filled look at upstairs-downstairs relationships in the early part of the 20th century must be on your to-read list. |
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| Rekindled by Tamera AlexanderHistorical Romance. Though they love one another, Kathryn and Larson Jenning's childless marriage isn't a happy one, partially due to his intense jealousy. After Larson disappears in an 1867 snowstorm, Kathryn believes he is dead and struggles to keep their Colorado Territory ranch going. When an injured Larson returns five months later, he finds things have changed dramatically...and that the gulf between him and his beloved is wider than it's ever been. Both undergo spiritual transformations as they find their way back to each other. A touching, moving story about love, forgiveness, and acceptance, this first novel by popular author Tamera Alexander will appeal to anyone who likes western and second-chance romances. |
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| Crossing Oceans by Gina HolmesGeneral Fiction. Jenny Lucas swore she'd only return to her North Carolina home town when pigs fly. But for the sake of her darling five-year-old daughter, Isabella, she eats her words. Jenny, who's dying, needs to reconnect and find someone to take care of Bella after she's gone. Attempting to mend relations with two possible custodians -- her ex-boyfriend, who is newly married and doesn't even know he has a child, and her own cold-hearted father, who was never the same after Jenny's mother died -- Jenny struggles to get things in order before it is too late for them all. This well-written, poignant book won the 2011 Carol Award for debut novels. |
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| The Shunning by Beverly LewisAmish Fiction. When Katie Lapp, a 22-year-old Amish woman from Hickory Hollow, Pennsylvania who's due to marry in a few weeks, stumbles across a satin infant gown in her parents' attic, it leads to a devastating confession from her parents that completely changes her life. Though Beverly Lewis had written several books for children, The Shunning was her first book for grown-ups; originally published in 1997, it has sold over one million copies. If you're interested in seeing what else happens to Katie, pick up the next two books in the Heritage of Lancaster County trilogy, The Confession and The Reckoning. |
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| This Present Darkness by Frank E. PerettiSupernatural Thriller. When an evil force begins taking over their small college town, journalist Marshall Hogan and pastor Hank Busche deal with false accusations against them as they search for a way to save not only their community but the entire human race. Thank heavens they are being helped by angelic warriors who are also fiercely battling the contingent of powerful demons. Originally published in 1986, This Present Darkness is bestselling author Frank E. Peretti's first novel for adults and a classic, riveting tale of spiritual warfare. And, if you like this book and want more battles of good versus evil, make note of the sequel, Piercing the Darkness. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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