Category Archives: Featured Reads

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2018

Merry (slightly belated) Christmas to my blogging friends! :)

I’ve already discussed some of my favorite reads from 2017, so today I’m following the Top Ten Tuesday topic and taking a look ahead to the books coming in early 2018 that I’m most looking forward to.

Under a Cloudless Sky by Chris Fabry
Standalone Novel
General Fiction from Tyndale House
Releasing January 2018

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz
Standalone Novel
Historical Fiction from Revell
Releasing January 2018

Until We Find Home by Cathy Gohlke
Standalone Novel
Historical Fiction from Tyndale House
Releasing January 2018

Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren
Montana Rescue, Book 4
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Audio from Recorded Books
Releasing January 2018 (Audio in August)

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
Supper Club, Book 1
Contemporary Christian Fiction from Tyndale House
Audio from Oasis Audio
Releasing February 2018

The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Audio from Recorded Books
Releasing February 2018

If I Live by Terri Blackstock
If I Run, Book 3
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Zondervan
Audio from Brilliance Audio
Releasing March 2018

No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert
Standalone Novel
Contemporary Christian Fiction from WaterBrook
Releasing April 2018

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
Standalone Novel
General Fiction from Thomas Nelson
Audio from Brilliance Audio
Releasing May 2018

No Less Days by Amanda G Stevens
Standalone Novel
Speculative Fiction from Shiloh Run Press
Releasing May 2018

So those are ten of the books I can’t wait to read in the coming year. I’d love to hear which books appear on your most anticipated list here in the comments. Or, to see what books other bloggers are looking forward to reading, check out this week’s Top Ten Tuesday posts over at the Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Tuesday: My Favorite Christian Fiction of 2017

top_ten_tuesday

There have been so many amazing books this year, it’s been hard to keep up. In fact, I’m a bit later than I meant to be in posting this, because I wanted to squeeze in just one or two more books before making a final decision on my favorites for the year. Despite the delay, here is my Top Ten Tuesday post, with books listed in alphabetical order by author. I think my librarian roots must be showing….

Anyway, to see what other bloggers consider the best reads of 2017, check out the links over at the Broke and the Bookish blog. But before you go, I’d love to hear about your favorite books this year. Please consider sharing in the comments.

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
Biblical Fiction from Tyndale House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

If I’m Found by Terri Blackstock
Contemporary Suspense from Zondervan
If I Run, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin
Historical Fiction from Bethany House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert
Contemporary Romance from Tyndale House
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Moving Target by Lynette Eason
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Revell
Elite Guardians, Book 3
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason
Contemporary Romantic Suspense from Revell
Elite Guardians, Book 4
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner
Historical Fiction from Kregel Publications
Pearl Spence, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Life After by Katie Ganshert
Contemporary Fiction from WaterBrook Multnomah
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Rescue Me by Susan May Warren
Contemporary Romance from Revell
Montana Rescue, Book 2
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall
Contemporary Amish Fiction
The Amish of Summer Grove, Book 3
Quick Links: My Review | Goodreads | Author’s Site

Christmas 2017’s Must Reads

With Thanksgiving over, it seems Christmas will be right around the corner. I’ve already taken family photos and ordered Christmas cards, and actually accomplished a fair amount of Christmas shopping. Yay! So, with some of my to-do list knocked out, my thoughts are turning to the stories I want to read this Christmas season. There are five Christmas themed new releases I’m excited about so far.

    

The Beloved Christmas Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

One Enchanted Noel by Melissa Tagg

Twelve Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep

Which Christmas titles are you most looking forward to this holiday season?

A Dozen New Christian Fiction Audiobooks, Coming This Fall 2017

I’m always on the lookout for a good audiobook to pass the time on my commute to and from work. I’ve tracked down a dozen new releases, coming this fall that sound like they could be just what I’m looking for.

September Releases

Justice Buried by Patricia Bradley
Read by Joell Jacob
Memphis Cold Case, Book 2
Romantic Suspense from Tantor Media
Also available in print from Revell

Crisis Shot by Janice Cantore
Read by Alice Anne English
The Line of Duty, Book 1
Suspense from Blackstone Audio
Also available in print from Tyndale House

With You Always by Jody Hedlund
Read by Susan Hanfield
Orphan Train, Book 1
Historical Romance from Tantor Media
Also available in print from Bethany House

Rule of Law by Randy Singer
Read by Carol Mercer-Meyers
Suspense from Blackstone Audio
Also available in print from Tyndale House

Hometown Girl by Courntey Walsh
Read by Teri Clark Linden
Contemporary Romance from Brilliance Audio
Also available in print from Waterfall Press

November Releases

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden
Read by Morgan Hallett
An Empire State Novel, Book 1
Historical Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Bethany House

Perennials by Julie Cantrell
Read by Brittany Pressley
General Fiction from Blackstone Audio
Also available in print from Thomas Nelson

Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter
Read by Julie Lyles Carr
Blue Ridge Romance, Book 1
Contemporary Romance from Brilliance Audio
Also available in print from Thomas Nelson

In This Moment by Karen Kingsbury
Narrator to be announced
The Baxter Family, Book 2
Contemporary Romance from Simon & Schuster Audio
Also available in print from Howard Books

The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay
Read by Emily Sutton-Smith
Contemporary Romance from Brilliance Audio
Also available in print from Thomas Nelson

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren
Read by Cynthia Farrell
Montana Rescue, Book 3
Romantic Suspense from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Revell

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer
Read by Stephanie Cozart
Ladies of Harper’s Station, Book 2
Historical Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Bethany House


So, which titles look good to you?

Christian Fiction Audiobooks, New for Summer 2017

I love Christian fiction! But you knew that, right?

And I love audiobooks. Big surprise? 😉

So with “June is Audiobook Month” rapidly coming to a close, I want to take a moment to feature some of the fabulous new Christian fiction audiobooks scheduled to release this summer. Without further ado, here are the twelve titles I’m most excited about listening to, chosen from among dozens of upcoming new titles.

June Releases

High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin
Read by Renee Ertl
Historical Romance from Oasis Audio
Also available in print from Bethany House

God Bless the Broken Road by Jennifer Dornbrush
Read by Lauren Ezzo
A novelization of the upcoming movie by the same name
Also available in print from Howard Books

Love Story by Karen Kingsbury
Read by January LaVoy and Kirby Heyborne
The Baxter Family, Book 1
Romance from Simon and Schuster Audio
Also available in print from Howard Books

July Releases

The Writing Desk by Rachel Hauck
Read by Windy Lanzl
Romance from Brilliance Audio
Also available in print from Zondervan

Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh
Read by Matilda Novak
Romance from Blackstone Audio
Also available in print from Tyndale House

August Releases

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
Read by Rendah Heywood
Biblical Fiction / Historical Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Tyndale House

Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason
Read by Rachel Dulude
Elite Guardians, Book 4
Romantic Suspense from Tantor Media
Also available in print from Revell

Sandpiper Cove by Irene Hannon
Read by Therese Plummer
Hope Harbor, Book 3
Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Revell

Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson
Read by Johanna Parker
Evie Blackwell Cold Case, Book 2
Suspense / Thriller from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Bethany House

True to You by Becky Wade
Read by Stephanie Cozart
Bradford Sisters Romance, Book 1
Contemporary Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Bethany House

Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren
Read by Cynthia Farrell
Montana Rescue, Book 1
Contemporary Romance from Recorded Books
Also available in print from Revell

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall
Read by Stina Nielsen
Amish of Summer Grove, Book 3
Amish Fiction from Recorded Books
Also available in print from WaterBrook


So those are my top picks for summer listening. Which books and audiobooks are you most looking forward to?

Three for the Books: Featured Reads in Christian Fiction, May 2017

Three for the Books, May 2017

The monthly “Three for the Books” post is where I feature new (Hot Off the Presses), best selling (Topping the Charts), and award winning (Cream of the Crop) Christian fiction books. I select one title to feature in each category and provide links to where you can browse additional newly released, best selling, and award winning titles. For my featured reads, I’m also including links to some fabulous reviews by fellow bloggers, so you can check out what others are saying. Have you read any of these featured titles? Any others you’d like to give a shout-out? Comments are always welcome!

Hot Off the Presses

True to You by Becky Wade is kicking off a new contemporary romance series this month. It’s available in print and electronic editions from Bethany House and in audio edition from Recorded Books.

Featured Review: Rachel at the Smiling Book Reviews blog says, “This is a light-hearted, funny, but also deeply emotional story with some swoony romance and a twist that made me gasp!  You’ll want to read this book!” Check out her full review of True to You here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More New Releases

Topping the Charts

A Trail of Crumbs by Susie Finkbeiner appears on the CBA Historical Fiction Bestsellers list for May. This sequel to A Cup of Dust is available from Kregel Publications in print and electronic formats.

Featured Review: Jamie at Books and Beverages reviewed this novel, saying, “I enjoyed her debut, but this one had me even more fully engaged. With an authentic child’s point of view (y’all she had me cracking up sometimes!), Finkbeiner brought to light important issues through her young voice.” Click to read more of this review of A Trail of Crumbs here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Best Sellers

Cream of the Crop

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks won the INSPY Award in the Mystery / Thriller category for 2016. This book follows A Cry From the Dust in the Gwen Marcey series, and is available from Thomas Nelson in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: Beckie at By the Book wrote of this book’s heroine, “In Gwen, Parks has created the ideal character — smart, gutsy, flawed and vulnerable. This one merits a highly recommended read from me.”  You can find her full review of The Bones Will Speak here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Award Winners

Featured Reads: Three for the Books, April 2017

Three for the Books, April 2017

The monthly “Three for the Books” post is where I feature new (Hot Off the Presses), best selling (Topping the Charts), and award winning (Cream of the Crop) Christian fiction books. I select one title to feature in each category and provide links to where you can browse additional newly released, best selling, and award winning titles. For my featured reads, I’m also including links to some fabulous reviews by fellow bloggers, so you can check out what others are saying. Have you read any of these featured titles? Any others you’d like to give a shout-out? Comments are always welcome!

Hot Off the Presses

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti is a new contemporary release this month from Abingdon Press. It’s available in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: Jen at the Mother of Three blog says, “Ruchti doesn’t shy away from tackling the hard stuff of life and never fails to weave gospel grace into her stories.” Check out her full review of A Fragile Hope here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More New Releases

Topping the Charts

If I’m Found by Terri Blackstock appears on the ECPA bestsellers list for April. This suspense novel is second in a series that’s told in the first person (following If I Run), and is available from Zondervan in print, electronic, and audio formats.

Featured Review: The blogger at Fiction Aficionado reviewed this novel, saying, “Really and truly, if you love suspense, this series should be on your ‘must read’ list. I’ll be counting down the months, weeks, and days until the final book releases!” Click to read more of this review of If I’m Found here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Best Sellers

Cream of the Crop

Dauntless by Dina L Sleiman won the Carol Award in the YA category for 2016. This reimagining of the Robin Hood legend is available from Bethany House in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: Over at the Straight Off the Page blog, Marisa wrote, “Sleiman created a world of both magic and reality within the confines of medieval England that brings readers into the hearts of teenagers and the world of adults. With a gripping tangle of faith, friendships, romance, and survival, Dauntless should be on everyone’s to-be-read list regardless of the reader’s age.”  You can find her full review of Dauntless here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Award Winners

Featured Reads: Three for the Books, March 2017

Three for the Books,March 2017

The monthly “Three for the Books” post is where I feature new (Hot Off the Presses), best selling (Topping the Charts), and award winning (Cream of the Crop) Christian fiction books. I select one title to feature in each category and provide links to where you can browse additional newly released, best selling, and award winning titles. For my featured reads, I’m also including links to some fabulous reviews by fellow bloggers, so you can check out what others are saying. Have you read any of these featured titles? Any others you’d like to give a shout-out? Comments are always welcome!

Hot Off the Presses

Doctor’s Dilemma by Richard L Mabry  is a new medical suspense novella that released this month from Amazon. It’s available in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: Carrie of the Reading Is My Superpower blog says, “Doctor’s Dilemma by Dr. Richard Mabry is the perfect choice for an evening in or a weekend read. High tension and riveting suspense reel you in, and the intrigue surrounding the medical group keeps you guessing.” Check out her full review of Doctor’s Dilemma here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More New Releases

Topping the Charts

A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander appears on the ECPA bestsellers list for March. This historical romance concludes the author’s Belmont Mansion series and is available from Bethany House in print and electronic formats, or from Recorded Books in audio.

Featured Review: Beth reviewed this novel at Faithfully Bookish, saying, “Music lover or not, A Note Yet Unsung will capture your heart, reader friends because the story is about much more than the wonderful music! Reconstruction Era Nashville, as well as the struggles and triumphs of her residents, is brought to life once again by talented storyteller and bonafide southern belle, Tamera Alexander.” Click to read more of this review of A Note Yet Unsung.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Best Sellers

Cream of the Crop

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt won both a Christy and a Carol Award in 2016. This contemporary romance novel is available from publisher Howard Books in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: Over at the By the Book blog, Beckie wrote, “If you are looking for a feel good romance with some spiritual depth, then Crazy Little Thing Called Love is a perfect choice.”  You can find her full review here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Award Winners

Featured Reads: Three for the Books, February 2017

Three for the Books, February 2017

The monthly “Three for the Books” post is where I feature new (Hot Off the Presses), best selling (Topping the Charts), and award winning (Cream of the Crop) Christian fiction books. I select one title to feature in each category and provide links to where you can browse additional newly released, best selling, and award winning titles. For my featured reads, I’m also including links to some fabulous reviews by fellow bloggers, so you can check out what others are saying. Have you read any of these featured titles? Any others you’d like to give a shout-out? Comments are always welcome!

Hot Off the Presses

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert released this month from Tyndale House. It’s Book 3 in the Crisis Team medical drama series. Available in print and electronic editions. I loved Books 1 and 2 in this series, and can’t wait to read this one too.

Featured Review: Linda of Mocha with Linda says of Maybe It’s You, “Calvert once again demonstrates why she has been dubbed the author of Medical Hope Operas as she seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense, danger, romance, and faith.” Check out her full review of Maybe It’s You here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More New Releases

Topping the Charts

A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner appears on the February CBA bestsellers list in the historical fiction category. This “novel of the dust bowl” is available from Kregel Publications in print and electronic formats.

Featured Review: Beth reviewed this novel at Straight Off the Page, saying of the book’s young main character, “Pearl’s narration brings freshness and balance to the harsh setting better than I could have imagined. Her naivety and moments of deep insight and clarity blend together in such a skillful way.” Click to read more of this review of A Cup of Dust.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Best Sellers

Cream of the Crop

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer won the 2016 Carol Award for Historical Romance. This novel is available from publisher Bethany House in print and electronic editions, and from Recorded Books in audio formats.

Featured Review: Over at the Fiction411 blog, Amy writes, “Saddle up for another action-packed, swoon-worthy historical romance! Karen Witemeyer fans old and new will love this story of a bounty hunter with a heart of gold and a timid teacher with fierce protective instincts.”  You can find her full review of A Worthy Pursuit here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Award Winners

Three for the Books: Featured Reads in Christian Fiction, January 2017

Three for the Books, January 2017

The monthly “Three for the Books” post is where I feature new (Hot Off the Presses), best selling (Topping the Charts), and award winning (Cream of the Crop) Christian fiction books. I select one title to feature in each category, as well as providing links to where you can browse additional newly released, best selling, and award winning titles. This month for the first time, I’m also including links to some fabulous reviews by fellow bloggers, so you can check out what others are saying. Have you read any of these featured titles? Any others you’d like to give a shout-out? Comments are always welcome!

Hot Off the Presses

Still Life by Dani Pettrey releases this month from Bethany House Publishers. It’s Book 2 in the Chesapeake Valor suspense series. Available in print and electronic editions.

Featured Review: On the Madison’s Library blog, Madison writes, “I do love a good mystery and Still Life has so many wonderful twists, intriguing suspects, and really good, dark mystery.” Check out her full review of Still Life here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More New Releases

Topping the Charts

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green appears on the Christian Book Distributors’ weekly bestsellers list. This historical romance is available from Bethany House in print and electronic formats.

Featured Review: The Fiction Aficionado blog describes this book as “beautifully written, in such a way that the words themselves fade into the background and you become immersed in the details and emotion of the story.” Click to read more of this review of The Mark of the King.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Best Sellers

Cream of the Crop

The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck won the Christy Award for Contemporary Romance / Suspense in 2016. This first book in the Heart’s Bend series is available from publisher Zondervan in print, electronic, and audio editions.

Featured Review: Beckie at By The Book wrote, “Hauck is one of the best writers of contemporary romance around, but she really outdid herself with this novel. This book is definitely a must read!” You can find her full review of The Wedding Chapel here.

Quick Links: About the Book | Author’s Site | More Award Winners