Favorite Christian Books

Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category

I’m looking so forward to reading Jennifer’s story. The O’Malley Series was my first introduction to Dee Henderson and I loved these stories. The concept behind the series was great to start with, a group of kids thrown together in a group home. They make the decision to become the family that none of them had. Jennifer is the youngest and her life makes a huge impact on each of her brothers and sisters.

I think the thing that I enjoyed about the series is how each character portrays people around us. Their hangups about God and how His love can penetrate those hangouts and more.

It was also extremely exciting to catch up with some of the O’Malley’s in Dee Henderson’s recent book, Full Disclosure.

This has been a good month of reading some new books, new authors and some “old” favorites.

I started the month with Leann Harris’ book Fresh Start Ranch. This third book featuring characters from her “Ranch” series. I love how she weaves the characters from the other stories into each story, without losing those readers who haven’t read the other books. Because of the genre some things are predictable, but the author does throw some surprises in there that make for a wonderful story.

In The Last Bequest I met a new author, Lisa J. Lickel. This was a fun mystery with a protagonist I really enjoyed. Judy was quirky in the way she could read people. It is a mystery where you get to solve it along side the characters. There is also so very funny moments that made me laugh out loud. This is book one of a series where book two is currently available at Amazon for $2.99. (I just bought a copy!!)

The second book in Lis Wiehl The East Salem Trilogy, Darkness Rising. I really enjoyed book on until the ending where the authors took a turn to the supernatural aspect. Although, not an absolute necessity, this is a book two that will make more sense if you read book one. The author does give enough back story to book one that the reader would not be completely lost. This book book me longer to read than I wanted to. I struggled early on in the story, but soon it hit high gear and I enjoyed it.   

The most recent book I finished was The Rook by Steven James. The first book in the series, The Pawn,  I was able to download for free from Amazon. Both of these stories are incredibly gripping and intense. If you like suspense that is very descriptive this is a great series. The author does a great job of describing the scenes that you feel like you’re there. The Rook didn’t have as many graphic scenes as The Pawn. This weekend www.christianbook.com is selling the full Patrick Bowers set for $36.99.

I’m reading two books right now. One is a non-fiction  book, Real Church in a Social Network World, by Leonard Sweet. I’m still early in the book, but I’m already developing an opinion. The first couple of chapters remind us of what God has done for us and what He expects of us. There have been a couple of statements that I don’t agree with and wonder if the author was saying them to get the reader thinking. We’ll see.

An older book I’m reading is Hazardous Duty by Christy Barritt. It’s book one in her Squeaky Clean Mysteries. I read book two for a reading group. It makes me crazy to not read a series in order. So when Amazon offered this book for free not too long ago, I grabbed it. I’m still very early in the book. But my guess is it will be enjoyable.

Later this week I hope to post what books I’m looking forward to reading in the month of November. Some good stuff coming out!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks, but I’ve been reading some really good books. A couple of which come out the beginning of September.

It’s great to have a new Dee Henderson book and so far I’m loving it! I love the characters she’s brought to this book. Even thought I was a little dense in figuring it out.

Virginia Smith and Lori Copeland have come up with another winner in the Amish of Apple Grove Series, featuring the younger Switzer daughter, Rachel. This is a fun story that gives a glimpse into the lives of both the Amish and the Englisch of the day.

Katie Ganshert’s book, Wildflowers from Winter is the ACFW book for August and I’m trying to get it finished before we start the discussion. It should be a wonderful discussion time with this book.

Finally, from David C. Cook publishers I just finished A Heartbeat Away by Harry Kraus. Harry Kraus and Katie Ganshert our both new authors to me and ones I look forward to reading more about. A Heartbeat Away is an interesting book that quickly drew me in.

I’ll be doing full reviews of A Plain and Simple Heart and A Heartbeat Away in the next week or so. Either just before or just as these wonderful books are released.

Happy Reading!