| River to Redemption by Ann H. GabhartWhat happens: In 1833 Springfield, Kentucky, a cholera epidemic rages, leaving seven-year-old Adria an orphan. She's rescued by Louis, an enslaved Christian, who, instead of fleeing town like his owner and others, faithfully helps the sick and buries the dead. Twelve years later, when Louis is for sale, Adria, now an abolitionist, works for his freedom.
Did you know? This richly detailed, poignant novel is partially based on historical events and people, including real-life slave and hero Louis Sansbury. |
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| What Blooms from Dust by James MarkertWhat happens: During the 1930s Dust Bowl, "Coin-Flip Killer" Jeremiah Goodbye escapes death and prison after a devastating tornado damages the penitentiary while he's in the electric chair. Heading home to Nowhere, Oklahoma (where he plans to exact revenge on his twin brother), he meets an odd young boy and the two find Nowhere in need of help.
For fans of: author Billy Coffey, whose atmospheric novels also beautifully incorporate elements of magical realism. |
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A Most Noble Heir
by Susan Anne Mason
What it's about: When stable hand Nolan Price learns that he is really the heir of the Earl of Stainsby, his new life and rise in station jeopardizes his hopes for a life with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham.
Who It's for: readers who enjoy Victorian romances by Laura Frantz and Jocelyn Green.
Reviewers say: "An immersive narrative and sympathetic characters are highlights of this heartwarming novel...." (Library Journal).
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| Where Hope Begins by Catherine WestStarring: shocked 40-year-old empty nester Savannah Barrington, whose husband of two decades has just left her for another woman.
What happens: Retreating to her parents' lake house in the Berkshires, Savannah finds hope and healing in the form of her neighbors: a wise elderly woman and a handsome man and his little girl. Then Savannah's husband asks to reconcile, and she must decide where her future lies.
Who it's for: readers who appreciate moving, leisurely paced stories with themes of loss, hopelessness and hope, and recovery. |
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The 49th Mystic
by Ted Dekker
What it's about: Blind, 16-year-old Rachelle Matthews and her father live in isolated, off-the-grid Eden, Utah. Rachelle has long had nightmares about a "Shadow Man," but now her sleeping world becomes real, and she learns she's the 49th mystic who must save both places.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Beyond the Circle duology, which is set in the same world as the award-winning author's The Circle series.
Try this next: For more thrilling speculative fiction, try books by Rachelle Dekker (Ted Dekker's daughter) or Tosca Lee's Progeny series.
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Focus on: Speculative Fiction
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| The Progeny: A Novel by Tosca LeeStarring: Audra Ellison, who awakens to find her memory wiped -- and it's all part of a 400-year-old war between the charismatic descendants of the serial killer “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory (of whom Audra is one) and a secret society dedicated to killing them.
For fans of: Those who like Ted Dekker may appreciate this suspenseful fantasy.
Series alert: This 1st in the Descendants of the House of Bathory duology is followed by Firstborn. |
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| Dragonspell by Donita K. PaulIn a world where...there are seven high races, an evil wizard, dragons, ogres, and the beautiful city of Vendala, Kale, a 14-year-old slave girl from a small village, finds herself on a quest for a stolen dragon egg.
Who it's for: Like C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia books, this allegorical fantasy adventure novel, the 1st in a series, is good for all ages and makes a great family read-aloud. |
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| Illusion: A Novel by Frank PerettiWhat happens: Dane's wife and magic partner of 40 years, Mandy, has just died in an accident...and she's also just awoken as her 19-year-old self, only in 2010 instead of 1970. Dane and Mandy (now known as Eloise) meet -- but with strange forces at work, both may be in danger.
Who it's for: fans of suspenseful, lengthy books (it's around 500 pages!).
Read this next: James Rubart's The Five Times I Met Myself, which also has time travel elements. |
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| Talon of God by Wesley Snipes and Ray NormanWhat it's about: Talon Hunter, a Bible-quoting holy warrior, must convince atheist Chicago doctor Lauryn Jefferson to help stop a powerful demon and his minions from establishing a hell on earth.
Author buzz: Yes, one of the authors is talented actor Wesley Snipes, star of the Blade film series, who makes his fiction debut here.
Want a taste? "He stabbed his sword in the floor in front of him and fell to his knees dragging her down as well. 'If you want something, you have to ask. Pray, and you shall receive.'" |
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