Book Recommendations for March/April 2017

Book Recommendations: March/April 2017

by Iola Goulton

The best books I read and reviewed in March and April 2017. Definitely recommended!

The Memory of You by Catherine West

Catherine West is known for her thought-provoking women’s fiction. The Memory of You is certainly thought-provoking, but it had a lot more of a romance thread than I’d expected. Hey, that’s a good thing!

Click here to read my review, and click here to find out more about Catherine West.

A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti

I’m not usually a fan of the unlikable “hero”, but Joseph grew on me … once he grew a brain. It’s amazing how fast otherwise intelligent me can jump to wrong conclusions. Cynthia Ruchti is to be congratulated for a compelling novel examining love and hope.

Click here to read my review, and click here to find out more about Cynthia Ruchti.

If I’m Found by Terri Blackstock

This thriller is the sequel to If I Run, and the novels should definitely be read in order. Each story is complete in itself, but there is an overarching plot across the series.

But if you’re one of those people who can’t stand the wait for the next novel, you might want to put off reading this until the next in the series is published.

Click here to read my review, and click here to find out more about Terri Blackstock.

Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick

This is an older book, but new to me (and the first time I’ve read anything by Candee Fick as well. It’s Christian New Adult, set in a college football environment, and I loved the way the author wove faith and football together. She also avoided stupid or vapid characters—something that seems all too common in other books I’ve read in this genre.

Click here to read my review, and click here to find out more about Candee Fick.

What Christian fiction have you read recently that you recommend?

Bookish Question: Is it me, or is it the book?

Bookish Question #6 | Is it me or is it … the book?

by Iola Goulton

There are days I go online and find everyone (i.e. two reviewers I follow on Instagram) is raving about a novel, and I don’t know what they see in it. It’s meh. Whatever. Take it or leave it. Preferably leave it.

I wanted to like it.

The cover was perfect, the description enticing, the hero swoonworthy (of course that’s a word. And if it isn’t, why not?), and the heroine the perfect mix of sassy and vulnerable.

Can you relate?

Do you ever pick up a book expecting to love it, because a particular reviewer loved it and you have similar tastes … yet you find you can’t get into it? That it simply doesn’t grab you the way you’d been hoping?

Yes? No?

I’m not going to embarrass you, me, or the author/s in question by asking which books gave you that meh feeling.

No. I want to get a little deeper. Why do you think we feel this way? Is there something wrong with the book? Are all the raving reviewers hiding something? Or … is it me, us? Is it my fault I’m not getting it?

So here’s my Bookish Question for this week. Is it me? Or is it the book?

New Releases in Christian Fiction for May 2017

by Iola Goulton

New Releases in Christian Fiction for May 2017!

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Amish Brides by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard — Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring–fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings among these three new stories. (Contemporary Romance from Kensington Publishers)


Sprouts of Love by Valerie Comer — An overzealous community garden manager delivers more than the food bank manager can handle. Can love sprout amid the tsunami of vegetables? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Summer Dreams by Delia Latham — God’s love…reflected in the waters of the Pacific, and in the eyes of a young couple who walk its moonstone shores. (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])


Right Where We Belong by Deborah Raney, Melissa Tagg, Courtney Walsh — Three sweet stories of small-town romance by three tried-and-true authors. Whether in a quaint home bakery in Langhorne, Missouri, a cozy boho coffee shop in Maple Valley, Iowa, or a charming lakeside cottage in Sweethaven, Michigan, love grows best in small towns just like this! (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Spring of Weddings by Toni Shiloh and Melissa Wardwell — Two Spring wedding novellas, “A Proxy Wedding,” and “Hope Beyond Savannah.” (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

 


True to You by Becky Wade — Former Navy SEAL John Lawson hires genealogist Nora Bradford to help him to uncover the identity of his birth mother. As they work side-by-side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. (Contemporary Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

(I’ve read this, and it’s great!)

Cozy Mystery:

What the Bishop Saw by Vannetta Chapman — A fire blazes out of control in the San Luis Valley of Colorado, leaving an elderly, Amish bachelor dead. Bishop Henry Lapp rushes to the scene, and he learns the fire was no accident. When the police point the finger at a suspect Henry knows is innocent, the bishop must decide whether or not to use his mysterious, God-given gift—one he’s tried desperately to ignore all these years—to try and set the record straight. (Contemporary Romance from Harvest House Publishers)

General Contemporary:
A Season to Dance by Patricia Beal — The heart wrenching love story of a small town professional ballerina who dreams of dancing at the Met in New York, of the two men who love her and of the forbidden kiss that changed everything. (General Contemporary from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas)

(I’m looking forward to A Season to Dance)

Looking Glass Lies by Varina Denman — A poignant and relatable novel, Looking Glass Lies captures the war women wage against themselves, and the struggle to see beauty reflected in a mirror not distorted by society’s unrelenting expectations. (General Contemporary from Waterfall Press)

(My review of Looking Glass Lies posts today at Iola’s Christian Reads.)

Historical:


Blind Ambition by Carol Ashby — What began as a bored man’s decision to try a different road turns into an emotional and spiritual quest that changes the direction of his entire life. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette — A broken and bitter Canaanite woman dresses as a man to fight against the invading Hebrews, never expecting that she would live to be captured and married to one of her enemies, and certainly not to find love and healing among the very people who killed her family. (Biblical/Historical from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

 

Historical Romance:
The Secret Admirer Romance Collection by Amanda Barratt, Lorraine Beatty, Molly Noble Bull, Anita Mae Draper, CJ Dunham, Jennifer Uhlarik, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Penny Zeller — Shy expressions of love lead to nine historical romances. Declaring one’s love can be hard–even risky–especially when faced with some of life’s greatest challenges. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Noble Servant by Melanie Dickerson — She lost everything to an evil conspiracy . . . but that loss may just give her all she ever wanted. (Historical Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)


My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight by Susanne Dietze — It’s a mail-order disorder when newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names. An annulment seems in order–and fast. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca Rice wonders if Tad Fordham wasn’t the right husband for her all along. . . . (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

A Love So True by Melissa Jagears — They begin with the best of intentions, but soon the complications pile up and Evelyn and David’s dreams look more unattainable every day. When the revelation of a long-held secret creates a seemingly insurmountable rift between them, can they trust God still has a good plan for them despite all that is stacked against them? (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)

(On my to-read-and-review list – I loved the first book in the series)


Road to Harmony by Sherry Kyle — When Jonas returns to Harmony, Elena’s heart is torn between her secret love, and the storeowner her parents hope she marries. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

Hills of Nevermore by Janalyn Voigt — Can a young widow hide her secret shame from the Irish preacher bent on helping her survive? (Historical Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Romantic Suspense:

Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman — Each day could be her last…but not if he can help it. An FBI agent must protect the woman who can identify a terrorist bomber in bestselling author Susan Sleeman’s riveting romantic suspense novel. (Romantic Suspense from Faith Words [Hachette])

(I started reading this last night. Big mistake. I did not sleep well. Must finish it tonight …)

How Often do you read?

Bookish Question #5 | How Often do you Read?

by Iola Goulton

I read every day!

But I don’t necessarily read fiction every day. What about you – how often do you read?

I try to read my Bible every day—I use A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Year by Diane Stortz as my guide. I like this plan because it alternates those hard-to-get-through Old Testament books with the New Testament or Psalms. Over the last three years I’ve read the New International Version, the New King James Version, and the Holman Standard Christian Bible. This year I’m back on the NIV.

I read blog posts every week day. I follow over 100 blogs through Feedly, and read maybe 10-20 posts a day, and share the ones I like most on Twitter and Facebook.

And I read fiction in the evening, especially if there’s nothing on television (that covers most evenings). I also try and read in the weekends—the promise of a good book gives me an incentive to get through those household chores faster! I can easily read two books in a weekend in the winter, when it’s cold and wet, and there’s no reason to go outside. Summer … not so much.

Yes, I pretty much read all the time 🙂

How often to you read?

Book Recommendations January/February 2017

by Iola Goulton

Christian Fiction January February 2017

I’m still playing catch-up on my book recommendations. Today I’m covering the best books I read in January and February of 2017, and I’ll be back in two weeks with my top picks for March and April.

What’s unusual about my list this is that the books are four different genres, but none of them are my usual favourite—contemporary romance.

An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

An Uncommon Courtship is the fourth book in Kristi Ann Hunter’s award-winning Regency romance series. It focuses on the forced marriage of Lord Trent and Lady Abigail, and their ability to try and turn an awkward situation into a real marriage. I especially enjoyed the fact they were both strong Christians, which gives the plot added depth. Click here to read my review.

Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert

Maybe It’s You is the third in her Crisis Hope medical drama series, and it’s a strong finish. It’s not a light drama—Sloane has a damaged past, and she’s learning to trust God for her future. I thought this was a real strength of the novel. The romance and suspense didn’t hurt! Click here to read my review.

As an unrelated aside, I got to meet Candace Calvert last month! She and her husband took a cruise around New Zealand and docked in my home town. If you’re ever lucky enough to be cruising around New Zealand, let me know when you’re in Tauranga or Mt Maunganui so I can take you for coffee!

Murder on the Moor by Julianna Deering

Murder on the Moor is the fifth in the Drew Fathering series, and I think it’s the best yet. The whole series is a must-read for fans of historical mystery novels from authors like Agatha Christie. Murder on the Moor sees Drew and Madeline visiting Yorkshire to investigate the murder of the local vicar. Excellent. Click here to read my review.

Long Way Gone by Charles Martin

Long Way Gone is a modern retelling of the story of the Prodigal Son, set against the backdrop of the Nashville music industry, and in high-country Colorado. Everything about it was outstanding, from the opening line to the end. You can read my review at Australasian Christian Writers, and you can find the book on Amazon.
Long Way Gone by Charles Martin

What are the best books you’ve read so far this year?

What's your favourite fiction series?

Bookish Question #4 | What’s Your Favourite Series?

by Iola Goulton

What’s your favourite fiction series, and what makes it so special?

I have two possible answers to this question. Or maybe three favourite series. Yes, definitely three. All Christian fiction, which shouldn’t come as any surprise.

 

The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers

I loved Hadassah, I loved Marcus, and I loved the way her quiet witness had such an impact on him. An Echo in the Darkness remains one of my favourite Christian novels.

 

The Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke

I loved Clarke and Marty and the way two strangers came together and form a strong, godly family. I loved the way Clarke introduced Marty to God. And I loved the way the series covered generations, and didn’t shy away from the trials of life.

 

The O’Malley series by Dee Henderson

These were the first Christian romantic suspense novels I read, and I loved the mix of faith, romance and suspense. I especially liked the relationship between the seven O’Malley “siblings”, and the way each of them had a different journey to  Christ. I also read and loved the two prequels—Danger in the Shadows, and Jennifer.

 

What’s your favourite fiction series, and what make it so special?

My Top 10 Christian Novels of 2016

by Iola Goulton

I’ve missed a few of my monthly book recommendation posts, so I’m going to catch up over the next few weeks. This week I’m covering the top 10 Christian novels I read last year, in a post originally published at Australasian Christian Writers in December 2016.

How many of my Top 10 Christian novels have you read? What did you think?

Every year I write a post of the top ten novels I read, and every year I struggle. How to condense a year of reading into just ten books? In 2016, I decided the only way I could do it was to stick to novels published in 2016—cutting non-fiction and novellas.

So here are my Top Ten Christian Novels published in 2016 (in alphabetical order. It was enough trouble to narrow them down to ten without having to rank them!):

Since You’ve Been Gone by Christa Allan

Since You’ve Been Gone starts with a twist on a cliché: a groom who doesn’t show up to the wedding, and a bride-to-be who is left to work out why. The obvious is soon discovered (he’s dead in a car wreck), but that doesn’t answer the important questions … Click here to read my review.

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

An excellent dual timeline story from Lynn Austin, showing the difficulties faced by early American settlers, and their determination to succeed. And their faith. Click here to read my review.

The Cautious Maiden by Dawn Crandall

This is the fourth novel in The Everstone Chronicles, and it’s as good as the rest. Don’t worry—you don’t have to read them all. But you’ll want to. Excellent historical romantic suspense. Click here to read my review.

Quote from Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Intermission by Serena Chase

Intermission isn’t Serena Chase’s first novel, but it’s the first one I’ve read—an excellent Young Adult novel with some valuable lessons about God and obedience. Click here to read my review.

Can’t Help Falling by Kara Isaac

Kiwi author Kara Isaac has actually released two books this year: Close to You, and Can’t Help Falling. While I’ve read and enjoyed both, Can’t Help Falling is definitely my favourite. Click here to read my review.

A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

A Heart Most Certain looks like a typical romance novel set in the American West in the late 1900’s—a sweet romance between two almost-perfect characters. Bland, predictable. But it’s anything but, and that’s what makes it so good. Click here to read my review.

No One’s Bride by Nerys Leigh

I love a good mail order bride story, and this one was excellent. Even better, it’s the start of a series and I’m already holding the date to review book two. Click here to read my review.

The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo

Everyone has been telling me I need to read Amy Matayo’s work. I finally did, and everyone was right. She’s brilliant—real characters with real strengths and failings. I’ll certainly be reading more. Click here to read my review.

The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L Rubart

No, I didn’t include this simply to include a token male author (although I do read a lot more female authors than male). James L Rubart is an excellent writer of almost-speculative fiction. I say ‘almost’ because we serve a God of miracles, so who is to say these things couldn’t happen? Click here to read my review.

On the Edge by Theresa L Santy

On the Edge won the FaithWriters 2013 Page Turner Contest … and it certainly was a page turner. I’ll be watching for more from this debut author. Click here to read my review.

Although my choices are a mix of contemporary and historical, American authors and authors from England and New Zealand, they all have one thing in common. No, they’re not all romance novels (although yes, most are).

No, the one thing they all have in common is flawed characters doing their best to become better people.

Just like we all do in real life.

What's your favourite genre?

Bookish Question #3 | What’s Your Favourite Genre?

by Iola Goulton

What’s your favourite genre?

When I read non-fiction, it’s either a Christian inspirational title, or something to do with writing, editing, publishing or marketing—and a lot of that reading is blog posts rather than books.

When I read fiction, it’s Christian fiction. My favourite genre is romance. Contemporary romance, historical romance, and especially romantic suspense. But I also enjoy women’s fiction and some young adult and new adult authors. I even like science fiction. Basically, anything with strong, intelligent female characters. I don’t do stupid.

My favourite authors? That’s a different question! (But if you really want to know, click here to sign up for my newsletter and I’ll send you a list of my favourites.)

So what’s your favourite genre?

Book Review: Catch of a Lifetime by Candee Fick

by Iola Goulton

I’ve watched a lot of American football* on TV. I’ve read The Blind Side and seen the movie. I watched and enjoyed Friday Night Lights. I’ve even attended one college game (in Hawaii), and a couple of pro games for my ‘local’ pro team (the San Francisco 49ers).

But I was lost for the first couple of chapters of Catch of a Lifetime. I’m not sure whether this was an intentional decision to throw the reader in the deep end (in the same was as Cassie was), or whether it was just me.

*I lived in London for ten years, where ‘football’ was a game played with a round ball, aka soccer. I’m from New Zealand, where we have rugby football and rugby league. None of the players wear helmets, and their protective gear consists of a mouthguard and duck tape around their ears. And what US referees penalise as unnecessary roughness, we call a fair tackle.  

Whatever.

If you start reading this and find the first couple of chapters difficult, don’t let that put you off. The story definitely grabbed my attention in Chapter Three, and never let up until the last page. And this from someone who would rather read than watch football. (Yes, the college game I attended was fun, but my personal highlight was seeing the marching band).

Onto the story …

Cassie has come to Colorado to get her Master’s degree. She has a part-time job with the college football team as a physical therapist, helping players recover from injury. She also works as an academic advisor, helping ensure the players get the necessary academic grades to keep playing.

I know this wasn’t the point of the novel, but I learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in a college football team.

The biggest eye-opener was the amount of money that must go into football programmes. Pro sports didn’t really exist when I was at university, and we certainly didn’t worship the top players the way some of the characters in Catch of a Lifetime appeared to be worshipped.

But college football was just the backdrop for an excellent romance novel with themes of forgiveness and not judging others.

Cassie isn’t happy about being assigned to the football programme. We soon find out why, but I’m not going to spoil it for you. It doesn’t help that the first players and coaches she meets seem to reinforce all the negative stereotypes she believes about student athletes.

Reed is the assistant coach she runs into the most often, because his players seem to have the most injuries and academic issues. There is an immediate attraction, but also the potential issue of a student dating a member of staff. Reed was a great hero—a kind and caring Christian who looked out for the players on his team as he coached them in football, and tried to mentor them in life.

Catch of a Lifetime has plenty of action, both on and off the field.

I thought the way this was blended with Cassie’s spiritual journey was excellent. She’s clearly a Christian, but not to the point of it being preachy. Instead, she and Reed face the struggles common to many dating Christians, and they do it with class.

Overall, I enjoyed Catch of a Lifetime a lot more than I expected based on the first two chapters. I’ll certainly watch out for more novels from Candee Fick. And maybe even some more football novels.

Recommended for readers looking for a Christian New Adult novel with intelligence, action, and romance.

Thanks to the publisher and Reading Deals for providing a free ebook for review. Find out more about Candee Fick at her website, and read the introduction to Catch of a Lifetime below:

Where is your favourite place to read?

Bookish Question #2 | Where is your favourite place to read?

by Iola Goulton

Where is your favourite place to read?

My favourite place to read is any place where no one is talking to me. It’s like an evil spell: I pick up a book or my Kindle, and someone (like a family member) starts talking to me. They’re usually talking about something I either know nothing about (sports), or something I don’t want to know anything about (politics).

If it’s a fine summer’s day, I enjoy reading outside in the sun—either in my back garden, or at the beach. I think it’s the combination of nature and words which makes this relaxing. Sometimes the cat will join me, but not for long—she’s black, and gets too hot.

My favourite place to read in the evening or in winter is in my chair in the lounge. I can see the TV, but it’s to the side which makes it easy to ignore if my husband is watching something I’m not interested in. And it’s right beside the fire, which makes for cozy winter evenings.

So what’s your favourite place to read? Share in the comments!