Amber Kingston had no intention of attending her school reunion until she got a Facebook message from Ramona Freeman, one of her best friends at high school. Mona begged her to go, so she did. Only it’s announced at the reunion that Mona is dead. And four others from her class got the same Facebook message and came to the reunion … and now one of them is dead.
It doesn’t take long to realise a serial killer is on the loose, out to kill the six friends for their part in the death of another of their schoolmates. It’s part I Know What You Did Last Summer, part Ten Little Indians, but with a Christian influence.
Amber was a bad girl at school, but everything changed that night when Landon died.
Now she’s a local cop, serving on the local police force with her protective older brother. They investigate the case with the help of Caleb Lyons, another member of her high school graduating class, now a detective.
As Amber and Caleb try to stay one step ahead of the murderer, there is also a mutual attraction between them. But Amber feels she isn’t good enough for Caleb. And Caleb refuses to marry a cop, which means their internal emotional and spiritual journey is as good as the external plot.
Reunited by Danger is a fast-paced suspense novel. It’s Love Inspired Suspense, which means it isn’t long—which is good, because it’s almost impossible to put down once you start (I read it in an evening and finished right on bedtime … perfect).
Recommended for romantic suspense fans.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
About Carol J Post
From medical secretary to court reporter to property manager to owner of a special events decorating company, Carol’s resume reads like someone who doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. But her one constant has always been her love for writing. She lives in Central Florida with her husband and enjoys sailing, hiking and camping. Her daughters and grandson live too far away for her liking, so she pours all that nurturing into caring for three fat cats and one spoiled dog.
As I said last week, I’m not a big fan of tear-jerker novels (and it seemed about half of you agreed with me, and the other half love them!)
I like happy endings … and novels that make me cry don’t always have happy endings. Some tear-jerkers do manage to have happy endings. More have emotionally satisfying endings—endings that feel right as a reader, even if the characters don’t get to live happily ever after.
Others have frustrating endings.
These might be the reason I avoid tear-jerkers—I’m afraid of the frustrating ending e.g. Me Before You by JoJo Moyes (which I haven’t read, but I know the ending because my daughter read it and got very cross and shouty when she finished it).
But the reviews of some novels are so good that I’m prepared to overcome my natural reluctance and give them a go. I have a few of these on my to-read pile, waiting for me to be in the right frame of mind to read them (whatever that is).
Two Christian novels come to mind as real tear-jerkers in a good way.
This first is Carry Me Home by Dorothy Adamek. I’ve had the privilege of staying with Dotti in her beautiful Melbourne home, and she shared with me her story of how she got into writing fiction. I knew I’d have to fight off the tears in reading Carry Me Home, and I mostly succeeded. But I don’t want to say more, because … spoilers. Click here to read my review of Carry Me Home.
The other book that comes to mind is a young adult novel, This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof. It’s probably more a novella than a full-length novel, but it manages to pack a lot of punch in that small package. I can’t remember who recommended it to me (Dorothy Adamek, perhaps?), but whoever it was didn’t warn me I’d need tissues. But I did. You have been warned. This is not the novel to download as an audiobook to listen to during your morning commute.
What about you? What’s your favourite Christian tear-jerker novel?
For those of you who do like tear-jerker novels, here are some of the suggestions from the ladies in Avid Readers:
It’s Friday, which means it’s time to open the book nearest you and share the first line. Today I’m sharing from Jewel of the Stars: Earth’s Remnant by Adam David Collings:
Yes, it’s sci fi. I admit it: I love sci fi. I don’t read a lot, because there isn’t a lot of Christian sci fi out there. But I’ve watched a lot of sci fi on television over the years: Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Terminator, Heroes … yes, I’m a fan.
Jewel of the Stars isn’t heavy on the Christian element, but the author is a Christian and it’s clearly written from a Christian world view (with the possible exception of the invading aliens. The Bible doesn’t have invading aliens, but they are pretty much compulsory in a good sci fi story).
About the Book
The Cruise is Over
Haylee was more confident designing starships than raising an autistic child. Now she just wants a relaxing holiday with her family. But when Earth falls to an alien armada, she knows life will never be the same again.
Les was just a cruise ship captain. Now, he must rise up and become something greater, if he is to keep his crew and passengers alive.
Braxton never wanted to leave the space navy, but now, taking a cruise is the only way to feel the stars around him. This crisis may be his ticket to regaining the life he thought was gone forever.
Can they overcome their differences and save everyone on the ship?
If they reach unexplored space, they might yet survive, but an unstoppable enemy stands in their way…
Earth’s Remnant is the thrilling pilot to an episodic space opera, Jewel of The Stars, by Adam David Collings. Join the crew as they fight for survival against the wondrous backdrop of the unknown. What else will they find hiding among the stars?
Freedom’s Ring is a dual-timeline romance set in Boston. The modern story follows Anaya, a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing, which left her afraid to run and suffering guilt over her niece’s injuries. The historical story follows Liberty, a single woman alone in 1770’s Boston, left to raise her son after being raped.
Both women have their traumas to overcome.
Anaya responds by withdrawing—from her family, and from running. Liberty also runs away, but that’s understandable in a time when society had definite opinions about unwed mothers, no matter the circumstances.
What connects the two women is a ring, which Liberty stole from her employer, and which Anaya is given by the stranger who rescues her after the bombing The present story shows Anaya and Brad meeting and seeking to find the story behind the ring—Liberty’s story.
It’s an engaging and intriguing timeslip story.
Freedom’s Ring the difficult task of making each timeline as compelling as the other. Recommended for fans of dual timeline novels, especially those with a patriotic American feel.
Thanks to Tyndale House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Heidi Chiavaroli
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail. She writes Women’s Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.
Today I’d like to welcome author Janet Ferguson, to share about her new release, Magnolia Storms.
Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems.
Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
Welcome, Janet!
Hi! I’m super-excited to be your guest!
We’ll start off with some quick questions so we get to know you a little better. I highlighted questions you could leave out if you want to make it shorter.
What is your favourite fruit?
So hard, because I love food! I’m going with watermelon, especially the ones grown in Smith County, Mississippi.
Which is your favourite season?
I’m a summer girl! I like warm weather.
I agree! Snow is pretty to look at, but too cold for my taste.
Where is your favourite place?
The warm weather above goes with my favourite place—the beach! Most any beach with the summer sun will do! I often go to Fort Morgan, Alabama, and read my favourite novels on the shore.
Then you’ll love New Zealand. We have miles of beaches.
What is your favourite Bible verse?
Not sure how to pick just one, but I focused on Isaiah 61 in my first series. Each book took a part from the chapter as a theme.
Book 4: They shall be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord.
What a great idea!
I love the thought of how God heals our broken, messed up places. That’s the focus of my writing. Mostly because my own life has been pretty broken and messy at times, and I needed to grasp hold of His promises.
It’s a reminder we all need to hear sometimes.
What’s something funny or quirky that not many people know about you?
Now, I have a lot here I could add, but I’ll go with being deaf in one ear. I’m constantly circling people to get them on “my good ear,” so I can hear them.
Now, let’s talk about your book, Magnolia Storms. Here’s the description off the back cover:
Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.
The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town.
Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?
Your tagline is Faith. Humor. Romance. Southern Style. What does “Southern Style” mean when it comes to fiction?
The Deep South in the U.S. is known to speak more slowly, do life a bit more slowly…in a bit more relaxed way. We use the word y’all and have quirky phrases, and we’ve fried most any food you can think of. The South is famous for friendliness and hospitality, like we’re all one big family.
We wave at people in the neighbourhood and around town, when driving, whether you know them or not. We’ve often been trained in particular manners, like saying yes ma’am and no sir to anyone possibly older than us. It’s just a certain flavour that permeates the area where I live.
I had heard you were famous for your fried food. It sounds great to me … waistline? What waistline?
How does this relate to Magnolia Storms? I see plenty of room for faith and romance in that book description, but humour? (Humor?) How does that fit in?
In my real life, I often joke during hard times, or find humour in the midst of despair at some small thing. Maybe some silly thing happens during a crisis, like my cat chasing its tail, which breaks up the moment. I believe laughter helps get us through in dark situations, so I plug in a bit of comedic relief for my characters and my readers—a little romantic comedy amidst deep issues.
What inspired the plot of Magnolia Storms?
Researching the port of Mobile, Alabama, for my book Blown Together, I emailed a college friend who is a ship pilot. When he answered my questions, he also included of videos ship pilots transferring from their pilot boat to larger vessels to guide them into the mouth of the Mississippi River. It was fascinating and beautiful and exciting. I knew right away, I had my next hero!
Here’s a video (You might want to turn off the sound of the heavy metal music):
That brings Josh’s work in Magnolia Storms to life.
The other part of the story is Hurricane Katrina. Once the levees broke in New Orleans, many people missed the fact that the storm obliterated whole towns and communities on our coastline and wreaked havoc over three hours inland. For Mississippians, time is often divided Before Katrina or After Katrina. There are still vacant lots on our coast after over a decade due to the storm surge that was up to thirty feet high in places.
Magnolia Storms is asking one of the big faith questions—where is God when bad things happen? How was that to write, and to answer?
Writing it was hard but cathartic. Prayer and God’s answers are things I’ve struggled with as my mother died from Alzheimer’s, my son went through multiple joint issues and surgeries, and other trying storms in life. I believe that if I am wrestling with my faith and understanding, at times, then perhaps others are, as well, and God helps me work through these hard issues by processing them with my characters.
Is there a particular theme or message in Magnolia Storms?
Yes! The words from Isaiah 43, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” My heroine has an elderly aunt who is funny and provides wisdom throughout the novel. She offers this advice:
“Your faith can’t keep tossing and turning with the wind.” Aunt Ruth rubbed up and down Maggie’s shoulder. “Sooner or later, you must decide, ‘Though He slay me, still I will trust Him.’ Know that He is with you when you pass through the rough waters of life.”
Magnolia certainly has to pass through the waters. So does Josh. It’s a great message.
Magnolia Storms looks like it’s the first book in a new series. Is this the case? What can you tell us about the future books in the series?
It is a new series. I think each book will be only loosely tied by the fact that they are all set at coastal locations…I think.
The next one I’m working on deals with drug addiction, and it is set in St. Simmons, Georgia. The title will be The Art of Rivers. Addiction is such a tragic issue that touches most families these days.
How is Magnolia Storms different from your previous series? Will the same readers enjoy it?
All my books have grappled with difficult issues, but perhaps, Magnolia Storms has a tad less humour than the previous novels. The heroine is tougher and more stubborn than some of my past heroines. I like her, though. She is someone who is dependable and will get the job done or die trying.
What do you find is the easiest part of the writing and publishing process? What’s the hardest?
I love coming up with the idea for a story and creating! I hate editing and proofreading!!
What impact does your faith have on your writing?
Each time, I work through a sort of element of faith, so I’m studying, listening for messages from the Lord, and grappling to understand that piece of the puzzle. I think it helps me grow in faith.
Deadly Proof is the first book I’ve read by Rachel Dylan, and I’m already looking forward to the sequel (this is the first of the Atlanta Justice series, which means there will definitely be a sequel). I love legal thrillers, and this was no exception. She’s an experience litigator herself, and that knowledge and authenticity definitely came through in Deadly Proof.
Kate Sullivan is one of many attorneys working on a class action lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, who are accused of producing a migraine drug that causes brain tumours. She suspects something is afoot when a scared MPC employee contacts her, telling her the case is bigger and she has to dig deeper. She hires private investigator Landon James to investigate, and he soon finds things which make him suspicious.
The case is complicated by the number of firms involved … and by the fact the lead counsel for Mason Pharmaceuticals is Ethan Black, Kate’s longterm friend. Kate is appointed to lead the case, including the assessing of thousands of pages of evidence. It soon becomes apparent that the case isn’t going to progress smoothly … especially when “accidents” start happening.
Deadly Proof is a fast-paced legal thriller that ticks all the boxes—great characters, solid plot, great suspense, plenty of legal wrangling, and even a bit of romance … Recommended for fans of legal thrillers from authors like John Grisham and Cara Putman.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
About Rachel Dylan
Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband.
Today’s question comes from a recent question on the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group. A reader was asking for recommendations for a “three-tissue tear-jerker”. There were over 100 comments on the post. Most were recommending books—some I’ve read, some I haven’t, and some that are on my to-read or to review pile.
But one commenter said she doesn’t read tear-jerker novels.
I can relate! I’m not a fan, in that while I sometimes read tear-jerker novelss, I don’t go deliberately out of my way to find them.
I think one of the reasons I tend to steer away from tear-jerker novels is because I like happy endings … and tear-jerker novels don’t always have happy endings. They’re often emotional and even emotionally satisfying, but happy? Not always.
When I do read a tear-jerker novel, it’s often because I’ve been taken by surprise.
It might be that I offered to review the book without realising it was going to be a tearjerker. For example, I’ve agreed to review Hold the Light by April McGovern … which one Avid Reader recommended as a three-tissue tearjerker. (I guess now I’m prepared.)
Less often, I choose a tearjerker because someone—or many someones—have recommended the book for the great story or great writing. Great writing often hits at the emotions, and that often means tearjerkers. I suspect The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof will fall into this category (I’ve bought it … but I haven’t read it yet even though *everyone* tells me I must).
When I actually read a tearjerker I usually enjoy it—especially if it’s one of those books that’s been recommended to me because of the writing.
It’s hard to write strong emotion well.
Some authors fall back on the emotional equivalent of kicking a kitten to incite emotion. That incites emotion in me—frustration because the author is obviously trying to manipulate me.
I prefer my emotional manipulation to be more subtle, for the writing to draw me into the characters and the plot so deeply that I don’t realise when the tears start. That’s great writing. And that’s why these tearjerkers are often the novels that win awards.
It’s Friday, which means it’s time to open the book nearest you and share the first line. This one is timely, considering the recent devastation in Texas and the tempest due to hit Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.
Today I’m sharing from Magnolia Storms by Janet W Ferguson.
Fear and loss snaked around Magnolia Marovich’s heart like they always did when she studied the satellite images on the three computer screens in front of her. Not again. The waters should be calming down in November, not churning up like a monster.
I have no first-hand experience of this kind of weather—New Zealand is more likely to be hit by earthquakes. I’m looking forward to reading Magnolia Storms with equal parts dread and anticipation: anticipation for the fictional story, but dread and sorrow over the loss, suffering, and death caused by Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.
About the Book
Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.
The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town.
Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?
With over thirty inspirational short stories by ten authors, Let the Sea Roar explores how women cope with turning points in their lives.
The fictional stories trace women’s journeys through overwhelming challenges and difficulties as they find their way to comfort, direction, and an encounter with God.
These moving stories explore spiritual insights on universal themes such as grief, alcoholism, marriage breakup, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, poverty and homelessness.
The anthology portrays the human condition from a Christian world-view. Recommended for women of all ages and walks of life.
About the Author:
JEANETTE O’HAGAN first started spinning tales in the world of Nardva at the age of nine. She enjoys writing fiction, poetry, blogging and editing.
She is writing her Akrad’s Legacy Series—a Young Adult secondary world fantasy fiction with adventure, courtly intrigue and romantic elements. Her short stories and poems are published in a number of anthologies including Glimpses of Light, Another Time Another Place and Like a Girl. She has recently published her short novella, Heart of the Mountain and, in Mixed Blessings: Genrellly Speaking anthology, also a flash fiction ‘Space Junk’.Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and, more recently, a Master of Arts (writing). She is a member of several writers’ groups. She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends and pondering the meaning of life. Jeanette lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.
Griffith, Duke of Riverton, has decided it is time he completed his familial duty to marry and produce an heir. He has set his sights on Miss Frederica St Clare, who is perfect for him in every way. Except one: he discovers she has a previous love.
Can he compete with a dead man?
Worse, he finds himself attracted to Miss St Clare’s cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge. Miss Breckenridge is everything he doesn’t want in a wife—young, beautiful, a diamond of the first water. Or is she? As the Season progresses, he finds everything is not as it seems with the beautiful Miss Isabella and her uncle, the manipulative Lord Pontebrook.
I wasn’t entirely convinced by the setup.
It felt contrived and less than believable—as Isabella herself commented, it didn’t paint the ruling class in a good light. Also, a few Americanisms snuck into the narrative—campus, graduate, math, druggist. Most people wouldn’t notice them, but I’m not American, so I did. I also would have liked to have seen more of the faith aspect—Isabella and Griffith were both Christians, but that didn’t come out as much as it could have.
But I still enjoyed An Inconvenient Beauty.
The dresses were beautiful, the balls glamorous, the dialogue witty. There were no kisses (which I know will disappoint some readers and reviewers), but there was so much attraction this was barely noticeable. Yes, the writing is excellent.
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of the rising stars of Christian Regency fiction, although her take has more focus on the romance than authors like Julie Klassen, as well as more humour.
Recommended for fans of Christian Regency Romance authors such as Carolyn Miller, and historical fiction authors such as Jen Turano and Karen Witemeyer.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
The Cruise is Over
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail. She writes Women’s Fiction and won the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest in the historical category. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.
Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.
Griffith, Duke of Riverton, has decided it is time he completed his familial duty to marry and produce an heir. He has set his sights on Miss Frederica St Clare, who is perfect for him in every way. Except one: he discovers she has a previous love.