Welcome to the November 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month. I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s November selection is Sophia’s Tune by Cindy Thomson. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For November, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing It Happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist AND The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Amish Fiction Goodreads group discusses one Amish fiction title and one Christian fiction title per month. The selections for November are The Forgiven by Marta Perry AND The Widow of Larkspur Inn by Lawana Blackwell. To join in, visit the group’s online discussion board.

Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of November is Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Discussion is scheduled to begin on November 18, 2015.

The Cherished Book Club, the Christian Fiction Book Club, and the Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group are taking breaks from discussion for the time being.

Recent Christian Fiction Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

The Tears of Dark Water by Corban Addison (October 2015, Thomas Nelson, Thriller)

Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry S. Eicher (October 2015, Harvest House, Amish Romance)

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund (October 2015, WaterBrook Multnomah, Historical fiction)

The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick (September 2015, Revell, Historical fiction)

Deadlock by DiAnn Mills (September 2015, Tyndale House, Romantic Suspense)

Let’s Chat!

In my monthly Book Club Connection blog posts, I like to include a question aimed at book group participants. Something to prompt discussion and sharing of ideas amongst book clubs, whether the topic deals with selecting titles, leading discussions, or some other relevant issue. This month, I’m opening the floor to ideas for future discussion prompts. What book club related topics would you like to talk about? This is your opportunity to raise some questions of your own that could be used as discussion starters here in future months.

Welcome to the October 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month. I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s October selection is Spy of Richmond by Jocelyn Green. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For October, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing After a Fashion by Jen Turano AND The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. October is the last month for this challenge, so if you’ve been wanting to participate, now’s the time! This month, participants will be discussing Luther and Katharina at Jamie’s blog beginning October 27th (discussion details here and here).

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of October is Bedeviled: Lewis, Tolkien and the Shadow of Evil by Colin Duriez. Discussion is scheduled to begin on October 21st.

The Cherished Book Club, the Christian Fiction Book Club, and the Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group are taking breaks from discussion for the time being.

Recent Christian Fiction Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

Last Chance Hero by Cathleen Armstrong (September 2015, Revell, Contemporary Romance)

A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller (September 2015, Thomas Nelson, Amish Romance)

Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty by Angela Hunt (September 2015, Bethany House, Biblical Fiction)

Let’s Chat!

October has been dubbed National Reading Group Month! So for those who are already members of book discussion groups … if you could offer one bit of advice to someone thinking about starting a brand new group, what would it be?

Welcome to the September 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month. I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s September selection is Gone Without a Trace by Patricia Bradley. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For September, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Gods and Kings (Chronicles of the Kings #1) by Lynn Austin AND The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For September, participants will be discussing A Noble Groom at Cassie’s blog beginning September 22 (discussion details here and here).

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of September is Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. Discussion is scheduled to begin on September 16th.

The Cherished Book Club, the Christian Fiction Book Club, and the  Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group are taking breaks from discussion for the time being.

Recent Christian Fiction Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

Counting on a Cowboy by Debra Clopton (August 2015, Thomas Nelson, Western Romance)

Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke (August 2015, Tyndale House, Historical Fiction)

When Love Returns by Kim Vogel Sawyer (September 2015, WaterBrook Press, Amish Romance)

Let’s Chat!

Recently, some of the online Christian fiction discussion groups I follow have been taking breaks from discussion. Perhaps for busy schedules? One group cited lack of participation. Does your group (online or off) like to do anything differently during busy seasons of the year like summertime and the Christmas season? Or do you keep the same schedule throughout the year?

Welcome to the August 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month. I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s August selection is A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley, with discussion scheduled for August 24-29, 2015. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

The Cherished Book Club hosts discussion on their Facebook group, with weekly questions about a monthly Christian fiction or non-fiction read. This group is on break for the month of August.

For August, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer AND Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer for its August discussion.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For August, participants will be discussing The Preacher’s Bride at Jamie’s blog beginning August 25th (discussion details here and here).

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of August is The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis. Discussion is scheduled to begin on August 19th.

Recent Christian Fiction Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

Midnight on the Mississippi by Mary Ellis (August, Harvest House, Mystery)

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin (August, Bethany House, Historical Romance)

Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin (August, Revell, Historical Romantic Suspense)

Let’s Chat!

What have you been reading lately? Any particular favorites that you’d recommend? Any that you’re really looking forward to reading this summer or fall? Please share!

Welcome to the July 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month (including a club I only recently discovered). I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s July selection is Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth Vogt, with discussion scheduled for July 27-August 1, 2015. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

The Cherished Book Club hosts discussion on their Facebook group, with weekly questions about a monthly Christian fiction or non-fiction read. Their selection for July is Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson (details here).

For July, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Dangerous Passage (Southern Crimes #1) by Lisa Harris AND Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading Flora’s Wish (The Secret Lives of Will Tucker #1) by Kathleen Y’Barbo for its July discussion.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For July, participants will be discussing The Doctor’s Lady at Cassie’s blog beginning July 28, 2015 (discussion details here and here).

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of July is The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien. Discussion is scheduled to begin on July 15.

Recent Christian Fiction Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

Love’s Rescue by Christine Johnson (June 2015, Revell, Historical Romance)

Love Arrives in Pieces by Betsy St. Amant (June 2015, Zondervan, Contemporary Romance)

The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren (July 2015, Thomas Nelson, Contemporary Romance)

Let’s Chat!

I recently stumbled across an online Christian book discussion group that I was previously unfamiliar with (and you’ll see the Facebook-based Cherished Book Club listed among the others above for the first time this month). I’ve also been exploring a new-to-me resource site of interest to Christian book clubs called The Book Club Network.

I’m sure there are other online clubs and resources out there that I haven’t discovered yet. Do you happen to know of any other online clubs I should be including in my monthly discussion listings here? Or of any Web sites or books that are particularly helpful for book discussion groups? I’d love to hear about them!

Welcome to the June 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by! Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place. Please consider subscribing to my blog so you won’t miss future posts.

Today I’m providing information on Christian fiction discussions scheduled to take place around the web this month. I’m also featuring a handful of recently released Christian fiction titles for which a discussion guide is available, either included in the book itself or on the author’s or publisher’s web site. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like you to chime in on.

*Since June is Audiobook Month, watch for asterisks throughout this post to see which of the titles mentioned are also available in audiobook format.

Online Discussions Coming Up This Month

The ACFW Book Club‘s June selection is The Whistle Walk by Stephenia McGee, with discussion scheduled for June 22-27. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For June, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall AND When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading The Amish Nanny by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould for its June discussion.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of June is The Horse and His Boy*. Discussion is scheduled to begin on June 17th.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For June, participants will be discussing Hearts Made Whole at Jamie’s blog beginning June 23rd (discussion details here and here).

Recent Releases Featuring Discussion Guides

The Choosing* by Rachelle Dekker (May 2015, Tyndale House, YA Dystopian)

Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot (April 2015, Tyndale House, Historical Fiction)

Whenever You Come Around* by Robin Lee Hatcher (May 2015, Thomas Nelson, Contemporary Romance)

Let’s Chat!

Since June is Audiobook Month (yes, I’m getting as much mileage out of this as I can), let’s talk audiobooks and book groups. What do you think? For discussion purposes, is listening to a book the same as reading it? Can you think of any benefits or drawbacks? I hope you’ll share your thoughts. Meanwhile, happy reading and/or listening! (And please check back for more audio themed posts this month.)

Welcome to the May 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by. Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place!

This month’s post includes a featured book that I think is well suited to discussion, as well as links to upcoming online discussions. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like YOU to chime in on.

Featured Read

Title: Born of Persuasion
Author: Jessica Dotta
Publisher: Tyndale House
Publication Date: August 2013
Genre(s): Historical, Inspirational
Series: Price of Privilege, Book 1

This is the first in a series I just finished reading (actually listening to in audio format). With its complicated characters and surprising plot twists, it’s the kind of book that when you finish reading, you want to talk about it. That and read the rest of the series, which tells the rest of Julia’s tale. If your book group enjoys discussing historical fiction, this series could be just the thing.

Quick Links: About the Book | My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Web Site

Online Discussions

The ACFW Book Club‘s May selection is Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay, with discussion scheduled for May 25-30. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For May, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Deceived by Irene Hannon AND Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading The Cowboy Takes a Wife by Davalynn Spencer for its May discussion.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of May is If I Had Lunch with C.S. Lewis by Alister McGrath. Discussion is scheduled to begin on May 20.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For May, participants will be discussing Out of the Storm and Love Unexpected at Cassie’s blog beginning May 26 (discussion details here and here). I reviewed both these titles recently over at the Edgy Inspirational Romance blog. Looking forward to discussing them!

Let’s Chat!

This is only marginally book related, but…. With springtime here, I’ve been spending a lot of time out in the garden lately, weeding, planting, etc., and thought it might be fun to talk about our hobbies other than reading. So… Have any of your favorite hobbies been featured in books that you’ve enjoyed reading?

Some of my favorite hobbies besides reading and writing include gardening and photography. For gardening, the book that comes to mind was one of my favorites as a young girl – Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. Photography brings to mind a book I’ve read more recently – A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert.

What about you? Hobbies? Books featuring hobbies? Please feel free to share, even if you can’t think of a book to go with your favorite hobby. Who knows. Maybe someone else will think of one you’ll want to read! I know I’d love to hear if anyone knows of any other good books featuring my favorite hobbies. 

Welcome to the April 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by. Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place!

This month’s post includes a featured book that I think is well suited to discussion, as well as links to upcoming online discussions. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like YOU to chime in on.

Featured Read

Title: Cloak of the Light
Author: Chuck Black
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah
Publication Date: March 2014
Genre: Young Adult Speculative Fiction
Series: Wars of the Realm #1

The publisher’s description asks, “What if…there was a world beyond our vision, a world just fingertips beyond our reach? What if…our world wasn’t beyond their influence?” I reviewed this book over at the Edgy Inspirational Romance blog a while ago, and just finished reading book 2 in the series (Rise of the Fallen) this past week (review coming soon). For today, I just wanted to mention this series for the book groups because I think it raises some interesting questions about spiritual warfare that could make for an interesting discussion. There’s also a Reader’s Guide that addresses issues raised in the book from a Biblical viewpoint. While I haven’t found discussion questions specifically tailored for this book, I do think there’s plenty to talk about.

Quick Links: About the Book | My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Web Site

Online Discussions

The ACFW Book Club‘s April selection is Hawk (Quiet Professionals #2) by Ronie Kendig, with discussion scheduled to begin April 25th. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For April, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing With Every Letter (Wings of the Nightingale #1) by Sarah Sundin AND With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron for its April discussion.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of April is The Two Towers (Lord of the Rings #2) by J.R.R. Tolkien. Discussion is scheduled to begin on April 15.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month. The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. For April, participants will be discussing Captured by Love (Michigan Brides #3) at Jamie’s blog beginning April 28th (discussion details here and here).

Let’s Chat!

One of my favorite aspects of participating in a book group is the incentive to try out a book I might never have read otherwise. It’s particularly nice when that book turns out to be a gem, and maybe introduces me to a new favorite author. But the beauty of trying new authors/genres/titles with a group is that even if I don’t care for the book, there’s still the discussion to look forward to and the opportunity to see what others saw in it!

Is there a book or an author you first read through participation in a book group that became a new favorite? Or expanded your reading horizons, perhaps by introducing you to a new genre or style of writing? Or maybe one that you didn’t like so well, but still enjoyed the discussion? Please tell us about it! 

Welcome to the March 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Thanks for stopping by. Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place!

This month’s post includes a featured book that I think is well suited to discussion, as well as links to upcoming online discussions. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like YOU to chime in on.

Featured Read

Title: Lip Reading
Author: Harry Kraus
Publisher: David C Cook
Publication Date: March 2014

This medical suspense takes a look at the world of pharmaceutical research. It’s also a page-turning inspirational read that raises some interesting questions, of the kind that I think could make for a good discussion. Check out my review, as well as the author‘s and publisher‘s Web sites to learn more about the book, and decide if it’s one your book group might enjoy.

Online Discussions

The ACFW Book Club‘s March selection is The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky. You can subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, by following the instructions on their Web site, to be sure not to miss any announcements or discussion questions.

For February, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing Danger in the Shadows (O’Malley #0.5) by Dee Henderson AND Love’s Reckoning (Ballantyne Legacy #1) by Laura Frantz. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading Beyond the Waves (Pacific Shores #1) by Lynnette Bonner for its March discussion.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of March is The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. Discussion is scheduled to begin on March 18th.

The #HedlundChallenge2015 features discussion of one of author Jody Hedlund’s historical fiction novels each month.  The discussion is hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows.  For March, participants will be discussing An Uncertain Choice, as well as its prequel novella, The Vow at Cassie’s blog beginning March 24th (discussion details here and here).

Update:  I’ve got a last minute addition to the list this month.  Just found out that Susan May Warren is hosting a Book Club Chat for her latest book Always On My Mind.  For details and to sign up, check out the Facebook post or the Video Announcement.

Let’s Chat!

For this month’s discussion, I thought we might like to talk about discussion questions. For many books, you can find a discussion guide with suggested questions in the back of the book or on the publisher’s or author’s Web site. Those questions can be a great place to start, asking relevant questions about specific scenes and characters, and sometimes revealing hints as to what the author may have hoped readers would get from the book. But not every book has a discussion guide.

For those times when discussion questions haven’t been provided, what are your go to questions? Do you have any favorites that can be applied to a variety of books? Please share in the comments!

To help get the conversations started, I thought I’d share a link to a great list of generic questions for discussing Christian fiction I found over on the Reading Group Guides Web site (where they also provide title-specific discussion questions for a huge selection of books). Some of these questions look really good and worth checking out for discussion ideas.  I’d probably add a couple of additional questions to their list.

• Which were your favorite (or least favorite) characters and why?
• Were there any really quotable lines in this book you’d like to share?

Any other questions you’d like to add to the list?  Or any already on the list that you particularly like?  I’d love to hear from you!

Hard to believe February’s here already, but since it is, here’s the February 2015 edition of the Christian Fiction Book Club Connection. Whether you’re a pastor or ministry leader thinking of forming a book discussion group at your church, a current member of a book club, or simply a fan of Christian fiction hoping to connect with other readers, you’re in the right place!

This month’s post includes a featured book that I think is well suited to discussion, as well as links to upcoming online discussions. Then I’ll wrap up the post with a discussion question I’d like YOU to chime in on.

Featured Read

Title: A Broken Kind of Beautiful
Author: Katie Ganshert
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah
Published: April 2014

This sweet contemporary romance was among my favorite reads of 2014. I found it emotionally touching and thematically rich with an appealing literary quality to the text. I think it could make a great pick for book groups because it delves into discussible issues including body image, self-worth, redemption, forgiveness, and more. And the back of the book includes an 11 question readers guide to help get your group’s conversation going.

For the full story on what I loved about this book, here’s a link to my review. You can also learn more about the book over at the publisher’s Web site, or through the neat bonus features (inspiration, quotes, and more) over on the author’s Web page.

Online Discussions

Finalizing the ACFW Book Club‘s February and March selections remains in progress as I write this post.  A recent vote identified three books as top contenders for upcoming discussions: The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky, No One to Trust by Lynette Eason, and Hawk by Ronie Kendig.  Subscribe to the group’s e-mail list now, to be among the first to find out which books will be discussed when.  Update: It looks like No One to Trust will be the February selection, with discussion tentatively scheduled to begin February 26.  The other two titles are set to follow in March and April.

For February, the Christian Fiction Devourers group on Goodreads is discussing For Such a Time by Kate Breslin AND Dear Mr. Knightley (one of my favorites) by Katherine Reay. Grab your copies and head on over to the discussion forum to check in with others who are in the midst of reading these books.

The Fans of Christian Romance Goodreads group is reading Swept Away by Mary Connealy for its February discussion.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, Jamie of the Books and Beverages blog hosts a monthly Inklings discussion series. Sometimes fiction, sometimes non-fiction, the title for the month of February is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Hop on over there on February 18th for what’s sure to be a great discussion.  I’m currently in the midst of reading this one aloud to my son, a chapter a night at bedtime.  I remember I wasn’t much older than he is now the first time I read it, and he seems to be enjoying it a great deal. 

New for 2015, is the #HedlundChallenge2015 (details here and here), for which discussion on a pre-selected novel by Jody Hedlund will be hosted in alternating months by Jamie of Books and Beverages and Cassie of Bookshelves and Windows. The title selected for February is Rebellious Heart. Look for the discussion post on Jamie’s blog on February 24th.

Let’s Chat!

I’ve been thinking a lot about which books to recommend for book groups, and about what factors make one book very discussable and another less so.  I have a few of my own ideas on this front, but I want to know what you think.

If you’ve been in a book group for a while, have you noticed a certain type of book making for a particularly good discussion?  Or if you’re not in a book group, is there a certain type of book that makes you really want to talk about it with others?  Classics?  Literary qualities?  Issues or themes addressed?  Controversy?  Beloved or complex characters?  Thought-provoking?  Unexpected twists?  Some other type of book or factor about the book?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.  Examples too if any come to mind.