Publisher: David C. Cook
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 02/01/2012
ISBN-13: 9780781404242
ISBN-10: 078140424X

Historical Fiction. In this lyrical coming-of-age story set in Depression-era Mississippi, young Millie Reynolds lives with her troubled mother; occasionally (but still too often), her abusive father returns home from the rodeo circuit. As Millie grows up, she's intrigued by a band of gypsies who appear every spring. While longing for the freedom they have, she experiences neglect, betrayal, first love, and the effects of dark family secrets. Though Into the Free is Julie Cantrell's debut novel, it's already a bestseller and a sequel is due next year. If you like haunting, emotionally intense stories of characters questioning their faith, this book should be on your reading list.

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Publisher: Tyndale House
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 01/03/2012
ISBN-13: 9781414353074
ISBN-10: 1414353073

Historical Fiction. In Belfast, 15-year-old Michael Dunnagan, who's seen the Titanic go from shell to ship, loads supplies as the luxury liner readies for her trip to Southampton, England to pick up her first passengers. Stowing away to escape an abusive home, he meets a third-class passenger, Owen Allen, and the two become fast friends. When tragedy strikes, Michael promises Owen he'll help his sister, Annie, back in England. As Michael and Annie correspond, they deal with Owen's death in different ways and grow closer. This "dramatic and heart-wrenching" (Library Journal, starred review) tale of the 1912 disaster is perfect for readers who love romantic stories and Titanic tales.

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Publisher: Bethany House
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 02/01/2012
ISBN-13: 9780764207860
ISBN-10: 0764207865

Historical Romance. In 1895, kind-hearted Sadie Wagner leaves her sick stepfather, mother, and five younger siblings in Indiana and moves to Goldtree, Kansas. Her cousin lives there and has found her jobs in a mercantile and as a singer. Sadie works hard, but with her family needing money desperately, she finds herself doing some things she wouldn't normally do -- like belting out bawdy songs at private parties. Thad McKane, the new sheriff in town (who actually wants to be a minister), uncovers a connection between the bootleggers he's after and Sadie, whom he's developed feelings for, making him wonder if she's as innocent as she seems. Realistic characters people this lighthearted romance set in a small town.

Each year, the Christy Awards single out the best Christian Fiction in several categories. In addition to the books we've highlighted below, the other 2011 winners are: Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book by Nancy Rue (Young Adult); Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry (Contemporary); The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue (Contemporary Series); Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills (Contemporary Romance); and To Darkness Fled by Jill Williamson (Visionary).

Publisher: Bethany House
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 10/01/2010
ISBN-13: 9780764204975
ISBN-10: 0764204971

Historical Fiction. As World War II rages in Europe, the lives of three people in an unassuming Brooklyn, New York apartment building intertwine -- a 12-year-old girl, whose mother has died and whose father has gone to war; a young woman who cares for the motherless children of the soldier she loves; and an old man with family in Europe. As their worlds intersect, the three grow and change in ways they never expected, while pondering questions of faith. Winner of the 2011 Christy Award in the Historical category, While We're Far Apart should please readers who enjoy war stories set on the homefront as well as anyone who likes history combined with fascinating characters. If you enjoy this book, check out more of Lynn Austin's work (she's won seven Christys!).

Publisher: Signet
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 12/06/2011
ISBN-13: 9780451235350
ISBN-10: 0451235355

Suspense. FBI agent Patrick Bowers' past connects to the present as his former mentor is murdered and an alleged killer he caught years ago is declared innocent based on DNA evidence. Then, a Congressman's daughter is murdered in Washington, D.C., the first in a series of seemingly perfect killings that occur in the Northeast U.S. Suspecting that there is more than one killer involved, Bowers has to be at his best to prove it, catch the diabolical killers, and deal with his past. In his fast-paced, well-plotted 4th outing (after The Pawn, The Rook, and The Knight), the likeable Bowers might be up against his toughest foes yet.

Publisher: Bethany House
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 01/01/2011
ISBN-13: 9780764207082
ISBN-10: 0764207083

Historical Romance. After being banished by her father for what he believes is scandalous behavior, 24-year-old Mariah Aubrey is devastated to leave the only home she's ever had. After a two-day journey, she moves into an abandoned gatehouse at her aunt's estate, eventually supporting herself and her loyal servant by secretly writing novels. When Captain Matthew Bryant rents the main house from her relatives, he's intrigued by Mariah...even though he has his heart set on another. For other noteworthy historical romances from last year, try the other finalists in the Christy Award's Historical Romance category: She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell, set in 1890s New York, or Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander, set in 1870s Colorado.

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Publisher: Bethany House
Check Library Catalog Pub Date: 07/01/2010
ISBN-13: 9780764207808
ISBN-10: 0764207806

Fantasy. Princess Una of Parumvir is finally 18, which means she's of age to court -- but finding an acceptable prince to marry proves difficult. There is, of course, Prince Aethelbald from Farthestshore, who seems kind, but maybe a bit boring. Along with Una's romantic troubles, there's also the excitement of the sudden appearance of a magical faerie market and the danger of an approaching dragon, making this "a clever debut from an author worth watching" (Publishers Weekly). If you enjoy this Christy Award winner for First Novel, check out the next book in the Goldstone Woods series, Veiled Rose.

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