Well Crafted Faith Fiction
586617
This novel is a nice piece of clean faith fiction testifying of the worth of turning to and relying on God with no excessive preaching. Character development is decent; I liked these people and this community. The plot, while not overly layered or complex, was nevertheless not simple. An unexpected enemy makes for a unique double plot twist. I enjoyed this author's skill at her craft and look forward to reading more of her work.
4127746
The Witch of Endor is a compelling, thoughtful Christian novel about a woman who is trying to break a legacy of witchcraft in her family. Soon, it will be her turn and she struggles with a sense of duty to her dying grandmother and her growing wisdom in the Christian faith. And then, there is some cursed gold to deal with as well as accusations against her grandmother and a young man who may be convicted of a murder. There is international intrigue, too, which was unexpected, but fit the novel very well as the heroine, a visitor to Endor, Israel tries to make sense of her dying grandmother's world and stop evil from taking over her family. There is a lot to think about in this novel, from temptation, to trust, to making choices. A solid YA Christian novel that speaks to the side of goodness and light. I enjoyed it very much. Five stars!
4513130
I surprised myself by enjoying this excellently written novel.  I have only read fiction from the Christian or spiritual sub-genre on one or two occasions over the last 20 years as it's just something that I've never fancied.  However, I am on a quest to dip into other sub-genres now and then to widen my reading life.

So, hats off to Tamera Alexander for a well-crafted, thoughtful and entertaining first novel.  Set in post-civil war Colorado, it's the story of a marriage in a spiral of decline that is "rekindled" by personal and spiritual trial for both husband and wife.  It's the quality of the writing and the careful plotting that lift this book out of what could perhaps be a genre with limited appeal (certainly in the UK) and makes it wholly readable and entertaining.  The Christian message is interwoven with enough skill and with such a light hand that it colours and enhances rather than drives the story.

I think I will probably seek out the next novel in the series, "Revealed", because it picks up the story of two of the very well-drawn secondary characters in this story and I anticipate another entertaining read.
2648648
In his first novel, Taylor Marshall delivers!  The story takes place in the early time of the churchs history (3rd century) and follows the courage of professing ones Christian faith and the emptiness of the pagan religion of the time through their ritual human sacrifices.  Marshall does a good job at explaining the motive of the early Christian martyrs (faith and love of God) vs. the motive of the pagan human sacrifices (as a favor to god or out of fear to appease god).  Throughout the story, the reader gets a sense of ones journey through life and that often times, our journey is chosen for us and yet the central character of the story, Jurian, has a mission.  The adventure in this journey really keeps one glued to the story.  The story takes an interesting twist at the end which may lead to a sequel.  In all this it is a story told in a masterful way that provides a glimpse of what it could have been like in the days when the early Christian church was establishing itself among a pagan world.
4815745
"Keepers of the Covenant" is the second book in The Restoration Chronicles by Lynn Austen.  It is a well written piece of historical fiction.  The characters are imaginary save for  Ezra, Esther, the king of Babylon and several others.  Ms. Austen fleshes out the story of what was to happen to the Jewish people across the Babylonian world when Haman, the Agagite became obsessed with engineering the total demise of God's people.  God is never directly mentioned in the book of Esther but His work is very clear.  In this story we experience the terror and the hope of the God's people when they learn that they are to be annihilated.  I tried to put myself in their place and wondered if I would be able to  trust God with my life and the outcomes as those people were called to do.  Lynn's sensitivity to her subject is obvious and provides much food for thought.  She is articulate and her words are instructive.  Her characters are well developed and because of that you will find yourself drawn into the story as if you were a part of it.  She is an incredible storyteller.

I received this as a complimentary book for review from Bethany House Publishing.
4697104
In the Soul Saver, Dineen Miller has managed to weave together a compelling story; one that combines elements of spiritual warfare, the issues Christians face in a spiritually mismatched marriage, as well as, an enchanting description of what it's like to be a talented sculptor (with special inspiration from God). Though most of us feel a less direct feeling of inspiration, Dineen pulls off making her character's gift of foresight regarding the faces of those she needs to help feel believable - mostly because this isn't written as her character, Lexie Baltimore's, first time on this merry-go-round. As a reader, we are introduced to the idea of her unusual gift as though she probably found it unbelieavable too ... until  the process repeated several times. Lexie deeply wishes she could share her gift, and her faith with her husband - yet she fears he won't believe her . . .  and the truth would only push them even further apart.

I know Dineen personally, and I also reviewed her previous non-fiction book regarding spiritually mismatched marriage. Although her non-fiction book was very well written by she and her co-author - I feel this work of fiction really brought the issue home for me, as a reader, in a way non-fiction can't. As a reader you don't just read about Lexie's trials in her marriage, and in her mission to help hurting souls ... we actually live it with her in real-time.

I believe this book would appeal to many Christian fiction readers. There are several strong male characters, and an intriguing story line regarding temptation and spiritual warfare, that both sexes can relate to.
4593644
When I first read the summary I was not sure if this was Christian fiction. As I started I was still unsure given the quantity of swear words and details in the risqu parts. But as the story continues the author clearly conveys the message of the Gospel. If you find Christian fiction too "fluffy" but are uncomfortable with the content of most secular romance then this may be the perfect book series for you. This is a great debut. I look forward to reading more as the author grows along with her characters.
4415232
The author displays a depth of knowledge regarding both degrading sexual abuse and faith in the living God.  Only a person with this kind of knowledge could combine these two perhaps incompatible elements in a believable
plot.  Victims of childhood sexual abuse often find faith in a good God difficult, if not impossible.  It is rewarding to read a story where God's goodness is revealed to be greater than this trauma.  Some weaknesses in the writing, but overall this book shows talent that should be encouraged.  JBG
1165624
This was a great read!  I've read many Christian novels and have so often been disappointed.  This one did not disappoint.  It kept me wanting to read more to find out what would happen.  I'm not sure that someone without faith in God would understand the faith portrayed during severe circumstances, but I know that it is real, and I love to see this sustaining faith in a book about real life problems and how God sees us through the difficulties and heartaches.  It wasn't perfect, but I think it would have had to have been a much longer book to fully depict the realities of growing relationships.  But, it was very well written with enough detail to help us understand -- but not so much as to weigh us down with unnecessary information.  And, I am so happy that this book didn't leave us hanging on for a follow-up book.  It has an ending that satisfies.  I really look forward to more books by Kimberly and Kayla Woodhouse.
3730436
The Blood Done Signed My Name by M. Ann Ricks was a good read. Some of the plot is predictable, but sometimes that is a benefit to a reader who enjoys a particular type of story. The background history given at the beginning is not as tightly connected to the rest of the story as it could be, and left me a little distracted as I tried to connect the dots. The Blood includes a lot of solid story aspects such as love, restoration, redemption, forgiveness and faith which are favorites because of the inspiration they provide. Just before completing the book I was prepared to only rate it 4 stars, but the truth and strength of the word of God in the book increased up to the very end and exploded on page 179 and that made The Blood Done Signed My Name a 5-star read for me. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy Christian Fiction.
889155
Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I've read hundreds of Amish stories.  There are several authors I have come to trust, and I can be pretty sure I'm going to enjoy whatever books they write.  Some of the stories, though, stand out above and beyond the others.

Kathleen Fuller's A Faith of Her Own is one of those standouts.  Kathleen tells Anna Mae's and Jeremiah's story in a way that is gentle and touching.  The questions and struggles are very realistic and very deep.  There are issues of deep hurts that require healing and forgiveness.  Difficult decisions with long-reaching consequences have to be made.  And this is definitely a story that keeps you guessing about the resolution all the way to the very last pages.

But running through every one of those challenges is an overarching theme of a personal, guiding faith in God, a kind of faith that requires patience and understanding rather than rash judgments and quick decisions.  Anna Mae, Jeremiah, and the other characters in this story draw you into their lives and provide opportunities for you to share in their joys and their heartaches as they each find their own answers.

Fans of great Amish fiction should definitely enjoy visiting Middlefield in A Faith of Her Own.  Thanks to Kathleen for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
2063610
What a beautiful story! The characters are portrayed as real, flawed human beings. Something I find lacking in much Christian fiction. Action, romance, a strong faith based message. I look forward to more from Mrs. Deneve.
1568889
Few sermons, characters generally without sanctimony, but with a real drive to lead worthwhile and productive lives, and a writer who has bothered to learn her craft. All of this makes for a real novel that lets faith touch rather than drown the reader as most 'inspirational' writers do. My only irritation was the two negative characters - overdrawn unfortunately.
3053913
(This is actually 4.5 stars.)

One aspect of Dave Milbrandt's novel that has stayed with me since reading it this past summer is the way the writing captures religious talk that sounds right but is really off. This is part of a compelling depiction of the controversial Pastor Jeremiah Harmon that helps to make him into a complex antagonist.

My big complaint about genre fiction is that it needs a villain to make the story run, and usually this villain will become an uninteresting cliche. I don't understand how evil can be turned into something uninteresting, but many genre writers do it, at least for me. This is why I don't currently read many suspense novels. In Milbrandt's novel, however, this isn't the case, in part because of Harmon's own voice. But the conflict also works convincingly in part because Jim Mitchell, the main character, does not start out as a Christian who sees a conspiracy behind every teaching. When he first hears one of Harmon's sermons, he is a skeptic anyway and really doesn't hear any difference between Harmon's cliches and the Christianese he heard in church as a child. This is very honest and shows a good ear on Milbrandt's part.

But this is just part of what makes this novel so timely and worth reading and, for me, compelling. Other great qualities include Jim Mitchell, the main character, who is well-drawn. And I agree with the other reviewers who note that the San Dimas/Glendora setting is well done, as are the day-to-day conflicts of the journalist. The main story conflict builds with genuine tension that starts fairly early in the story arch. This is a strong Christian novel.
2421779
well worth reading. a little edgier than most Christian fiction I read, but enjoyable. Looking forward to the next in the series.
591008
'When Mockingbirds Sing' is a beautiful and thought provoking Christian fiction novel that tells the story of Leah and her invisible friend. At first nobody pays much attention to Leah's friend, until he helps her upset the calm of the new town she and her family have moved to. When Leah paints a picture that contains the winning numbers for a lottery, people in the town begin to speculate that she may be either a prophet or a threat. Leah's father - an agnostic - clashes with the town's pastor and his ideas about Leah and her prophecies. Soon things take a turn for the worse when Leah's imaginary friend predicts danger coming and people begin to doubt the truth behind her so called prophecies. When a severe storm blows into town on the day of their annual carnival, the people of Mattingly and Leah's family must decide between what they can see and what they know or accept and embrace Leah and her prophecies.

This book was very unique from anything else I've read lately. Although it's classified as Christian fiction, the book doesn't have a ton of religious beliefs stuffed within its pages and it didn't sound preachy at all. The story is an amazing and curious one - the kind that makes you question what you would do in that situation and if you would have the courage - the faith - required to believe. Leah is an intriguing main character - she's just a girl, but she's brave and speaks up when she needs to; even when people are judging her and trying to prove she's making things up. Her faith as a child reflects the innocent nature we all lose with time and how we should all strive to regain that kind of faith in every aspect of our lives. The plot was captivating in every aspect - the small town with the various townspeople, Leah and her family, the troubled past they've had, and the strange yet wondrous experiences that Leah brings to them all. It deals with some really important topics that we can all relate to: family, faith, hope, friendship, community, and love. Highly recommended for fans of Christian fiction and those looking for a story full of hope and something to reflect on.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
1584178
This novel is a page turner with a unique secondary story.

Thomas Kent made a promise to his buddies in his college Bible study. He couldn't imagine that years later, after he'd lost all he loved and his faith, he'd be called upon to keep that promise.

Kent receives the coded message to pick up a package, and the garbled answering machine plea, "save my children," and his life changes once again. Can he save the Bishop children, Justine Bishop, and the United States of America from the evil cult intent on ruling the world one person at a time? Can Thomas Kent find his lost and bruised faith?

Though not perfectly written, this is a suspenseful and compelling read. Kent's anger at God and the struggle to forgive God are mostly realistic and thoughtful. A few timing issues or rapid mood swings slowed down the page turning every once in awhile but overall, this was a fascinating story with a strong message.

As far as the unique secondary story goes, a man found one burned, weathered Blind Sight page lying against a tree. The location of that tree was the former site of his razed home after the burning of his house and the horrific murder of his family. James Pence went on to co-author Terror by Night with Terry Caffey and Blind Sight was rereleased.