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Christian Fiction September 2022 |
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| Heirlooms by Sandra ByrdAfter the Korean War... young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home to another young widow, Choi Eunhee. Together they manage, bonding over common losses and a shared secret.
In contemporary times... Cassidy Quinn inherits her family home and a task from her grandmother Helen: sort through a locked hope chest with Grace Kim, Eunhee's granddaughter.
Reviewers say: "gorgeous...this is a gem" (Publishers Weekly); "women's fiction as it is meant to be written" (Library Journal). |
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The Orchard by Beverly LewisThe setup: After her twin brother, Evan, is drafted for the Vietnam War, despite their Old Order Amish belief in non-resistance, Ellie Hostetler, confiding in Sol Bontrager, the cousin to her new beau, Menno, as they work together in her family's orchard, suddenly finds the plans she held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Fun fact: Beverly Lewis' writing has been called "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and said to offer "an insider's view of Amish life" by an Amish country newspaper. |
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| Beyond the Desert Sands by Tracie PetersonThe setup: In 1911, 25-year-old Isabella Garcia must leave her comfortable California life with her aunt for a Christmas visit with her parents. To get to their remote New Mexico town, she's accompanied by Aaron Bailey, a Christian business associate of her father.
What happens: Aaron and Isabella grow close on the trip, but he has reservations about her faith. Then, she learns news that permanently changes her life.
Reviewers say: This 2nd historical romance in the Rio Grande series offers a "poignant rendering of transformation through faith" (Publishers Weekly). |
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A Quilt for Christmas : A Christmas Novella by Melody CarlsonThe setup: A group of quilters, including the recently widowed and relocated Vera Swanson and the free-spirited Tasha Ellison, unite while crafting a special gift for someone who has fallen ill, through their shared experiences, stories and a bit of Christmas matchmaking. Fun fact: Melody Carlson has written at least 24 Christmas books, and over 200 total books. |
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Long Way Home by Lynn AustinWhat happens: Peggy Serrano couldn't wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. She starts by trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy's belongings. Quote from the author: "I pray that this book will help us view the sacrifices of the soldiers who fight for peace and freedom in a new light, as well as look with compassion upon the innocent refugees whose lives are disrupted by the horrors of war." |
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Massachusetts, 1993: After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Massachusetts, 1916: Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm's way. Atta's best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. |
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| Set the Stars Alight by Amanda DykesWhat it is: a lyrical, layered dual-timeline novel with well-drawn characters, vividly described settings, and a touch of romance.
What happens: In contemporary England, 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 his friend, who's in love with a girl he must leave behind.
For fans of: Melanie Dobson, Ashley Clark, and Heidi Chiavaroli. |
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| A Piece of the Moon by Chris FabryThe treasure: Wealthy, eccentric Gideon Quidley puts gold, cash, and more in a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, then hides it in the West Virginia mountains, offering Bible verses as clues to its location.
The hunt: A few years later, in 1981, searchers descend on a small town where likeable community radio DJs discuss and read out clues. But when a local pastor goes missing while looking for the treasure, the DJs rethink their role in the hunt and wonder how to put an end to it all.
Reviewers say: "This is Fabry's best yet" (Publishers Weekly); "The rural South comes to life, with themes of forgiveness and second chances as highlights" (Library Journal). |
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| The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods FisherA new start: Leaving Lexington, Kentucky in 1911, Lucy Wilson, who's never recovered from the disappearance of her toddler sister a decade ago, arrives in a rural town to do office work for her formidable aunt.
But it's not what she expected: With only 15-year-old Fin to guide her, Lucy's aunt sends her on horseback into the hollers to read letters to and take dictation from people who lack formal education. With the help of Fin, her aunt, and a handsome choirmaster, Lucy might just find home.
Did you know? Moonlight schools for adults were real, and the character of Cora Wilson Stewart is based on a real person, who was the first woman school superintendent of Rowan County. |
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| Night Bird Calling by Cathy GohlkeThe setup: In May 1941, Lilliana Swope flees her abusive husband for No Creek, North Carolina, and the home of her elderly Great Aunt Hyacinth Belvidere.
What happens: Liliana makes a home for herself in the small town, and with help from precocious 11-year-old Celia, opens up Hyacinth's small library for all. But the local KKK isn't happy about that.
Is it for you? Depicting courage, faith, and friendship, the characters in this compelling work of historical fiction also face serious issues, like racism, child abuse, and sexual assault. |
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| To the Moon and Back by Karen KingsburyWhat happens: Brady Bradshaw and Jenna Phillips, who both lost parents in the Oklahoma City bombing, connected with each other at the memorial site as teens. Ten years later, Ashley Baxter Blake meets struggling Brady and feels compelled to help him find Jenna.
Series alert: Though this novel is part of Karen Kingsbury's bestselling Baxter Family series, it can be enjoyed on its own.
Reviewers say: "A moving story of survival, of faith, and of beauty from ashes" (Booklist); "a tale of divine love coming to those in the most need" (Publishers Weekly). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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