Historical Fiction. In 1745 Edinburgh, Scotland, the Jacobite Rebellion is under way and alliances are shifting in the Kerr household. Born a Highlander, Elisabeth Kerr sides with the pretender Bonnie Prince Charlie, nevermind her marriage to her Royalist husband; Elisabeth's mother-in-law, Dowager Lady Marjory Kerr, knows that her family's status is due to the security of the Crown. Tensions mount within their home, family secrets abound, and in the end, both women find that only their faith can truly save them. If you like this novel, which is a reimagining of the Old Testament story of Naomi and Ruth, don't miss author Liz Curtis Higgs' other Scottish books, such as Grace in Thine Eyes.

Suspense Story. It's been 17 years since author CJ Baxter, the one-time black sheep of his family, has been home to Adelia, New York. But when his grandfather passes away, he goes home for the funeral...and gets a front-row seat at his ruthless brother's senatorial campaign. He also witnesses his family's desperate determination to get him elected--at any cost. Then, just when CJ couldn't possibly feel more unwelcome in his own hometown, long-buried secrets begin to unearth themselves. Featuring slowly mounting tension and complicated familial relationships, Hunter's Moon will appeal to readers who like intelligent suspense novels.

Historical Fiction. In 1877 Iowa, a young woman named Johanna Ilg learns a troubling secret about the Amana colony--the village of devout Christians who lead plain, cooperative lives in service to God--in which she has grown up. Though she has always yearned to know more about the outside world, Johanna is now forced to make a difficult choice about her future in the colony. Meanwhile, teenager Berta Schumacher and her family have left their privileged lives in Chicago for the simplicity of the Amana lifestyle, but Berta is having a hard time settling in. Readers who enjoy Beverly Lewis' Amish novels will enjoy Somewhere to Belong.

Historical Fiction. At the beginning of the 20th century, Swiss-born Marta Schneider decides to leave her family's home--and her father's abuse--and build a new life for herself. Thanks to her hard work, she makes her way through England and then Canada before eventually ending up in California. Along the way, Marta marries Niclas, a university-educated German, and bears four children. Later, Marta's oldest daughter, Hildie, finds her own way in the world by becoming a nurse during World War II. Set against the backdrop of numerous historical events during the last century, this sweeping saga is the 1st book in a two-part epic based loosely on author Francine Rivers' own family tree.

General Fiction. In the small community of Partonville, Illinois, the quirky inhabitants have begun planning--and arguing over--the celebration of their town's 130th anniversary. The most colorful of them all is feisty, 87-year-old former bandleader Dorothy Jean Wetstra, who has just befriended new resident Katie Durbin and her teenage son. But not everyone is completely focused on the upcoming festivities, as the acting mayor has come up with a scheme to transform the town square--and not everyone is going to be happy about it. This delightful story about an itty-bitty town in "the northern part of southern Illinois" is the 3rd of 6 books in the Dearest Dorothy series; the 1st is Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet? and the 2nd is Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You're Wearing Us Out!

General Fiction. Quaker minister Sam Gardner has always wanted to return to his bucolic hometown of Harmony, Indiana, and now--after 12 years pastoring in another state--he is moving there with his wife and two sons in tow. Among the eccentric individuals that populate Harmony are Dale Hinshaw, a church elder who knows "just enough Scripture to be annoying, but not enough to be transformed," and Billy Bundle, the "World's Shortest Evangelist." If you like Jan Karon's Mitford novels, you're sure to enjoy the Harmony series; Gulley's books are episodic like Karon's, with chapters that end in brief homilies highlighting the spiritual nature of everyday things. Gulley's down-home humor will also be a hit with readers who are partial to Garrison Keillor's tales of Lake Wobegon.

General Fiction. Nestled in New England's Connecticut River Valley is the charming town of Dorsetville, home to the Roman Catholic parish of St. Cecilia's. Father James, the host of the Fat Friar cooking show, is busier than ever mentoring an ex-con; engaged couple Harry and Nellie find that their upcoming wedding is beset by problems; single mom Valerie Kilbourne's twin girls are both in dire need of an expensive operation; and pregnant Lori Peterson discovers that the baby she carries may be disabled. Thankfully, the tight-knit residents of Dorsetville are there with comfort and support for anyone in need. Grace Will Lead Me Home is the 3rd book in a six-part series.

Historical Fiction. In 1947, the townsfolk of tiny Morgan Hill, Tennessee, find their lives turned upside down by the arrival of the Turners, the first African-American family to move into the area. This is especially true for nine-year-old Jane Gable, whose family takes in six-year-old Milo Turner after his mother dies tragically in a fire. Jane describes how together--and supported by their faith--Milo and the Gables find the strength to overcome poverty and the anger of those who think Milo doesn't belong in their town. Try this gentle, heartwarming read if you like Southern fiction.