| If I Were You by Lynn AustinThe setup: Aristocratic Audrey Barrett, the English widow of an American soldier, needs support from the in-laws she's never met and heads to the U.S. with her young son in 1950.
The problem: When she arrives at her in-laws' home, she discovers Eve, her friend and former maid, who also has a young son...and who has been impersonating Audrey for nearly four years.
Who it's for: Readers who enjoy sweeping historical fiction dealing with class issues should enjoy this faith-filled tale that includes vivid depictions of World War II-era England. |
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The Summer House by Lauren K. Denton What it's about: tells the story of two women who must face the pain of the past to embrace the future and learn who they truly are. Starring: Lily Bishop, who wakes up one morning to find a good-bye note and divorce papers from her husband on the kitchen counter, and Rose Carrigan, who built the small retirement village of Safe Harbor years ago—just before her husband ran off with his assistant. Reviewers say: "Through their shared faith and resiliency, Lily and Rose bring calm and happiness to the formerly uptight community... Rachel Hauck fans will want to take a look" (Publishers Weekly).
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| The Heart of a Hero by Susan May WarrenStarring: former Navy SEAL Jake, who's now part of an international rescue team, and dedicated pediatric heart surgeon Aria Sinclair.
What happens: After meeting during a Mt. Denali rescue, Jake and Aria take steps toward friendship, so when Aria is in Key West for a conference and a hurricane approaches, Jake shows up to help.
Series alert: This is the 2nd in the Global Search and Rescue trilogy; the 1st book, The Way of the Brave, focuses on another couple but details the entire group's harrowing Mt. Denali ordeal. The series finale, The Price of Valor, arrives in October. |
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| Set the Stars Alight by Amanda DykesWhat it is: a lyrical, layered, and leisurely paced dual-timeline novel with well-drawn characters from vividly described periods.
What happens: In contemporary times, marine archaeologist Lucy and her childhood friend, forensic astronomer Dash, search for the shipwreck of the HMS Jubilee. In the 1800s, Frederick, who's never been able to please his Naval captain father, goes to sea at a young age, along with a friend who's in love with a girl back home.
For fans of: rich, complex novels. |
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What happens: In 1879, Faith Kenner is pursuing her dream to become a doctor and use her gift to help the native populations on reservations. When she meets Andrew Gratton, an injured riverboat captain, a friendship grows between them—but will secrets and rising tensions prevent them from finding true happiness?
Series alert: This is the 2nd in the Willamette Brides series; the 1st book, Secrets of My Heart, was published in March. The 3rd in the series, Forever By Your Side, arrives in October.
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| The Crow's Call by Wanda E. BrunstetterWhat it's about: After three family members are killed in a buggy accident, Amy King, her widowed mom, her widowed sister, and her younger brother mourn and try to keep their Amish greenhouse business afloat, but a vandal seems determined to destroy their work.
Series alert: This is the 1st entry in the Amish Greenhouse series; the 2nd book, The Mockingbird's Song, was recently released.
Don't miss: appearances by characters who starred in the author's Prayer Jar series, which is set in the same Pennsylvania location. |
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| The Feathered Bone by Julie CantrellStarring: Amanda Salassi, a caring mom and a chaperone for her daughter Ellie's sixth grade school field trip to New Orleans.
What happens: One of the girls -- Ellie's best friend -- disappears without a trace. Devastated by pain and loss yet hoping for the girl's return, those left behind face personal trials, including severe depression.
Is it for you? Dealing with a variety of difficult subjects, this is a challenging but illuminating read with strong faith elements. |
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| Life After by Katie GanshertStarring: Autumn Manning, who survives when a bomb goes off on a Chicago train and kills 22 people, though she can't recall any of it.
What happens: Drawn to the victims' families, Autumn records them sharing memories of their loved ones and connects with one family in particular, a husband and kids who lost their wife and mother -- but then secrets from the past complicate matters for everyone.
Why you might like it: Addressing grief and survivor's guilt, this thought-provoking book is poignant and unputdownable. |
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| Stand Your Ground by Victoria Christopher MurrayTwo women of faith: Janice Johnson, a grieving African American mother whose only child, 17-year-old Marquis, is killed by a white man claiming the stand-your-ground defense; Meredith Spencer, the wife of the wealthy Philadelphia businessman who shot Marquis.
What happens: Janice and her husband grow apart as they deal with their son's death in different ways, and Meredith keeps troubling secrets as the investigation into the shooting moves to trial.
Is it for you? First published in 2015, this powerful novel remains just as timely today, though sensitive readers should know that there is some profanity, including racial slurs. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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