Mary Garner (mege062@roadrunner.com)

Who We Are in Christ and Who You Are in Christ by Joyce Meyers

Rating: 5 Stars

This was a hand pamphlet that you could flip upside down to read the other side. A co-worker gave it to me, and now I can't find it. I read it every day.

Chris

Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark

Rating: 3 Stars

A mystery thriller set in Amish country about a tragic fire and the group of teens blamed for it. Years later, the group is reunited when one of them goes missing and all of them begin to experience other odd events. This story is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the very end!

Lindsey

Ever Surrender by Joe Vigliano

Rating: 5 Stars

I haven’t read a Christian fiction novel as good as this one in many, many years. This author will rise to the bestseller list in the Christian sector and beyond.

The rich and idiosyncratic characters made me laugh, wonder, and cry. If I could have jumped into the pages of this book and had tea with Miss Robin, I would have. Lynn ’s character made me sad and hopeful at the same time. I can picture Isaac so clearly, and would love to spend a few hours picking his brain.

This author has a gift for suspense. There is much mystery and intrigue around several of the characters. This is one of those novels that you can not put down, and think about until you pick it up again. There were times that I found myself holding my breath as I turned the pages. I found myself thinking about the various outcomes and how I would feel if it went this way or that.

The writing is so smooth that I found myself totally involved in the story and unaware of the writer.

I was drawn into the setting, and the lives of the people in this novel.

I love being a witness to God’s redemptive power at work. God redeems one precious life at time. We get to walk along side the main character as she learns that He is real, and powerful and that He loves her.

I anticipate the sequel with great delight.

Cheryl Stillwell

Insight by Deborah Raney

Rating: 3 Stars

Just as Olivia Cline and her husband Derek began working out the problems of their marriage, following Derek's affair and moving to a new town, Derek is killed in an explosion.

New in town and newly widowed, Olivia finds a job as an assistant to a local artist, who has problems with his vision.

Several months after her late husband's death, Olivia discovers that she is pregnant with his child; she also discovers that she may not have forgiven Derek for his affair.

Olivia isn't sure how she feels about raising Derek's child. Eventually, Olivia's faith helps her to accept her husband's unfaithfulness, his death, and her pregnancy.

Over the course of a few months Olivia and her employer, Reed Vincent, admit to themselves and to one another that they are interested in pursuing a relationship.

Then, Olivia learns that Reed has received Derek's eyes in a transplant operation; she leaves town, believing that Reed has betrayed her, and that she has betrayed Derek.

Because I don’t wish to spoil the ending, I will close by saying that Insight is about forgiveness, standing on faith, and God's timing.

Sharon the Bookworm

No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Rating: 5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoy this series of books by Alexander McCall Smith. The series is about the adventures and personal growth of a young woman, Precious Ramotswe, who opens the only lady-owned detective agency in Botswana. This series is delightful.

Carol Shepherd (rshepmin@aol.com)

Bo's Cafe by John Lynch

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a beautiful story of God's grace and redemption and relentless pursuit of his children.

Shirley

Castles in the Sand by Sally John

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the 2nd book in this series and I love them. They make me want to do nothing but read so I can see what happens in the next chapter.

Carol Shepherd (rshepmin@aol.com)

The Last Addiction by Sharon Hersh

Rating: 5 Stars

A book about addictions that goes beyond the how-to and lands the reader in a deep look at his/her own seemingly harmless addictions.

ADB

Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock

Rating: 5 Stars

From the moment I read the first page of this book, I was hooked. It is a story about twin girls who lose their mother in a car accident when they are only three weeks old. They are left being raised by their father who, 3 years later, finally finds another woman who is in love with him and his girls. But then something unexpected happens, and separates this newly developed family. A great book that keeps you turning the pages!

ADB

Island of Saints by Andy Andrews

Rating: 5 Stars

Andy Andrews has written another great book about our choices in life. This book was so wonderful and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. He has also written THE TRAVELER'S GIFT and it is just as good.

Deanna

Lost Mission by Athol Dickson

Rating: 4 Stars

I'm a little over halfway --- enjoying the dual stories of Franciscan brother Alejandro working to establish a mission in a southern California canyon in the 1770's, and of Lupe, a committed follower of Jesus who has left Mexico to evangelize the wealthy suburbanites in that same area in our current day.

All of Dickson's main characters are flawed, but also sympathetic, and I have no idea what's going to happen next!

Brenda Rupp

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a fabulous book that has yet to be released to the public. I got a pre-release from Barnes and Noble. I really like this book, about two different women and their lives, during World War II.

Sarah (booksandchocolate@gmail.com)

Any Minute by Joyce Meyer & Deborah Bedford

Rating: 5 Stars

Honestly, I just started but I have very high expectations!!

Patty

Bittersweet by Cathy Marie Hake

Rating: 5 Stars

Discovered this author recently and have loved all of her books thus far. This book was no exception. I've purchased her newest, THAT CERTAIN SPARK, and can't wait to start it!

Melanie Forest

Love Focused by Bob & Judy Hughes

Rating: 5 Stars

Based on the Great Commandment, this book helps a person learn how to love others better. Building on one concept at a time, LOVE FOCUSED becomes an easy-to-use guidebook that can be applied to every area of your life --- from relationships, parenting, work, ministry, etc. Thought-provoking, encouraging, and above all, God-centered, it is a model that has proven itself successful in the lives of countless individuals.

Sheryl Golden

Dogwood by Chris Fabry

Rating: 5 Stars

Cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Really like the way he tells his story. A page turner.

Sheryl Golden

Dogwood by Chris Fabry

Rating: 5 Stars

Cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Really like the way he tells his story. A page turner

Lisa Douglas

The Soul-Mate Marriage by David & Lisa Frisbie

Rating: 5 Stars

Ideas and concepts here that I've never seen anywhere else, in any book about marriage. This book is about intimacy and how to get there, plus also how to cope with all of that baggage from the past. It's amazingly well done!

M. Tlusty

Jillian Dare by Melanie M. Jeschke

Rating: 5 Stars

Jillian Dare, a product of many foster homes, was finally on her own and on her way to a large country estate in Virginia to become a nanny. She would be caring for the daughter of a rich and famous international telecommunications executive and film producer. Jillian grew to love her job, her young charge, Cadence, and eventually her employer, Ethan Remington. As part of her job, Jillian even got to travel to England. However, Jillian received some threatening emails, and several mysterious accidents occurred while she was on the job.

Will Jillian be able to keep her job working as a nanny? Will her handsome, but moody, boss return her feelings? Who is behind the accidents, and why are they occurring?

This inspirational romantic suspense, a modern adaptation of the well-loved classic, JANE EYRE, should hold one’s interest, and perhaps encourage the reader to revisit the original tale by Charlotte Bronte.

M. Tlusty

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

Rating: 5 Stars

Jessie Stone has been obsessed with falling in love and getting married since she was young. She has written her romantic ideas with a special purple pen in a journal. She has been a bridesmaid eleven times, but never the bride. The man she thought would be her husband cheated on her, and her other relationships have been disasters. One day, God shows up in human form to Jessie. He wants to take possession of her purple pen and write her love story for her. He becomes a daily part of her life. Jessie is likable, independent, self-sufficient, wise-cracking, and skeptical of God. This book asks the question, Why do we insist on going our own way when God, who made us, knows what’s best for us?

The authors have created an original, inspiring story of one woman’s self-evaluation of her life and what the future holds for her. They have succeeded in a humorous, imaginative romantic comedy that exceeds expectations.

Asha Smith

The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Rating: 5 Stars

A little book packed big suggestions for living life. No sugar coating here.

MaryAnn

Black Sands by Colleen Coble

Rating: 5 Stars

I've enjoyed all the Colleen Coble books I've read --- the Rock Harbor series, and now I'm working on Aloha Reef books.

Sagil

Black Lightening by John Saul

Rating: 4 Stars

Just a good mystery.

Asha Smith

So You Don't Want To Go to Church Anymore by Wayne Jaobsen/Dave Coleman

Rating: 5 Stars

A great book for those of us who are tired with church-anity.

Lisa Jernigan (jernland@myactv.net)

Ever Surrender by Joe Vigliano

Rating: 5 Stars

This was the best Christian fiction book I've ever read. It kept me up late at night reading to see what happened next! Can't wait for another book by this author!!

dawnymae

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh

Rating: 4 Stars

The book is set in 1943. The war is on --- gas rations, victory gardens, lines to get meat at the market, and sugar is scarce. It's Christmas, and a young boy loses his mother in an accident, his dad is a fighter pilot overseas, and so he has to stay with his granddad until they find his father. Lots of unresolved hurts, and past mistakes surface until all comes to a boiling point. Very well written, not the average feel-good Christmas novel.