November 2013 – Novel Anticipation

SINGULARITY, The Jevin Banks Experience Book #2 by Steven James (Revell) – As I mentioned in my What Books are on Your Nightstand? post, I’ve already read Singularity, so this is more of a Novel Recommendation than Anticipation. Steven James continues to put out intelligent, gripping, frightening, page-turning stories. In my opinion, he’s one of the best authors of suspense / …

Loving LOVE’S AWAKENING

LOVE’S AWAKENING, Ballantyne Legacy Series (Revell) by Laura Frantz Publisher Description: Ellie finds that her parents are away on a long trip and her siblings don’t seem to want her to stay. When she opens a day school for young ladies, she begins tutoring the incorrigible daughter of the enemy Turlock clan. The Turlocks are slaveholders and whiskey magnates, envious …

Wanting to be Invisible

INVISIBLE by Ginny Yttrup B&H Books ISBN: 9781433671685 ~~~ Publisher’s Description:      Ellyn DeMoss — chef, café owner, and lover of butter — is hiding behind her extra weight. But what is she hiding? While Ellyn sees the good in others, she has only condemnation for herself. So when a handsome widower claims he’s attracted to Ellyn, she’s certain …

Novel Recommendation – Secrets Over Sweet Tea

Denise Hildreth Jones is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I’m not usually a fan of Southern fiction–there’s just so much of it out there–but Denise’s work stands out. In 2011, The First Gardener made my favorite’s list, now this year I’m adding Secrets Over Sweet Tea (Tyndale). I love the characters! First there’s Scarlett Jo Newberry. She’s a loud, …

The Breath of Dawn – Novel Recommendation

I recently read through Kristen Heitzmann‘s A Rush of Wings series, re-reading the first two books A Rush of Wings and The Still of Night. Back when these novels were first published, they set the standard for me that few authors have matched or even come close to. These are stories that yank at the heart and wrench your gut. …

Favorite Novels from 2012

My Goodreads bookshelf shows that I read 126 books in 2012. That’s up 19 from the previous year, which surprised me since I’d assumed, at the beginning of 2012, that I’d read less. But, with all those books, only (7) were marked FAVORITE. To receive *Favorite* status, they must combine captivating story, rich prose, complex-authentic-believable characters, and true-to-life dialogue. In addition, all …

A Christmas Smorgasbord of Novels, Part Two

Hopefully, in Part One you found a title or two that satisfied your taste. And today I’m offering a taste of more excellent novels from even more genres. Make sure you stop by next Tuesday, December 4, for additional recommendations. Romance: MY STUBBORN HEART by Becky Wade – Not your typical romance. I love the authentic characters in this novel! …

Novel Recommendation: The Restorer’s Journey-Expanded Edition

One of the sweetest benefits of being a writer is getting to know other authors, and one of the dearest people I’ve met on my writing journey is Sharon Hinck. Not only is Sharon a gifted storyteller, but she also excels at teaching, mentoring other authors. I admire her joy for God and aspire toward that same joy. I’m blessed …

Fabulous Fall Fiction – Plus Book Giveaway!

*For Book Giveaway – Read post then see details below* It’s no secret that I’m a picky reader. For me to completely enjoy a novel, it has to have the perfect storm of intelligent prose, believable dialogue, intriguing story, authentic characters, and a satisfying–does not equate to happy–ending. So far in 2012 I’ve read 111 books and of those only …

Novel Recommendation – September 2012, Part 1

September is typically a crazy month for me. The kids go back to school, my husband has two conferences, I have one conference, we celebrate a handful of birthdays and anniversaries… Somewhere in there, I have to find time to read as so many good books are coming out. So many, in fact, that I need two weeks to talk …