Christian Fiction
January 2021
Recent Releases
Burden of Proof
by Davis Bunn

Starring: Ethan Barrett, a 55-year-old ex-pro surfer dying of skin cancer who's still haunted by his brother's decades-old unsolved murder.

What it's about: Ethan's scientist sister-in-law has found a way to send people back in time. With nothing to lose, Ethan travels to 1985 to uncover the truth about his brother’s death...and maybe even stop it.

Reviewers say: "combines propulsive plotting with sharp observations on what it means to live a good, faithful life" (Publishers Weekly).
Things We Didn't Say
by Amy Lynn Green

What it is: an accomplished debut novel in epistolary form that takes place during World War II on the Minnesota home front.

What it's about: Johanna Berglund unhappily returns to her small hometown to work as a translator at a new German prisoner of war camp. Amid prejudice and secrets, she censors POW letters and corresponds with her friend, Peter Ito, who works at a school for military intelligence officers -- and then she's charged with treason.

For fans of: Sarah Sundin's many World War II-era novels or The Last Year of the War and A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner. 
Nothing Short of Wondrous
by Regina Scott

What happens: In 1886 Yellowstone National Park, widowed Kate Tremaine, the mom of a six-year-old, agrees to guide a cavalry officer who's protecting the land and the last wild buffalo herd. In exchange, he'll do repairs at her small hotel. But trouble arrives in the form of threatening poachers.

Series alert: This is the "brilliant, awe-inspiring" (Booklist) 2nd in the American Wonders series after the delightful A Distance Too Grand, about a female photographer at the Grand Canyon. The 3rd entry, A View Most Glorious, is set at Mt. Rainier and due in October.
To Steal a Heart
by Jen Turano

Starring: Gabriella "Gabe" Goodhue, a former child thief living at a boardinghouse in 1886 New York City.

What happens: Gabe teams up with her housemates to clear the name of a fellow resident accused of theft. Looking for evidence, she's caught breaking into a safe by Nicholas Quinn. Nick, a fellow street urchin who was adopted into wealth (and against whom Gabe's held a personal grudge for years), insists the two former best friends work together.

For fans of: charming 1st entries in new series; fun characters you'll want to hang out with; romantic comedies that make you laugh out loud. 
Books You May Have Missed
The Happy Camper
by Melody Carlson

The setup: Dillon Michaels has had it with her selfish boyfriend and her unfulfilling yet time-consuming job. So she leaves both, heading home to her ill grandfather's Oregon farm.

The problem: Her mother, who's having her own problems, has moved in, too, leaving Dillon to sleep on the uncomfy couch. So Dillion sets out to restore an old camper, enjoying the work and learning from the handsome hardware store owner...until her ex shows up.

Read it for: the lighthearted story, sweet romance, and Dillion's strong faith in God. 
You Belong With Me
by Tari Faris

What happens: Luke Johnson discovers a box that holds details about his birth mother while remodeling his childhood foster home in charming Heritage, Michigan, but he doesn't want to dig into the past. Still, his best friend Hannah Thornton hires a PI, which causes a rift between them that sends Luke away from Heritage. 

Series alert: This is Tari Faris' debut novel and the 1st entry in her Restoring Heritage series; the 2nd book is Until I Met You.

For fans of: Karen Kingsbury, Robin Lee Hatcher, and Denise Hunter.
The Bridge to Belle Island
by Julie Klassen

What it's about: In 1819 England, disgraced lawyer Benjamin Booker is sent to a remote island in the Thames to investigate the mysterious death of a senior partner's old friend.

What happens: Booker, who was manipulated by a beautiful woman in the past, is drawn to Isabelle, a lovely, enigmatic woman...and the case’s chief suspect.

Read it for: the combination of history, twisty mystery, and charming romance; the gothic atmosphere.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
by Sarah E. Ladd

Cornwall, England, 1818: In a mining town where work has slowed, orphaned Lady Julia Twethewey arrives to live with her wealthy uncle, There, she falls for a second son while being courted by his mine-owning older twin, even as items go missing and mysterious events occur. 

Series alert: Though each can be enjoyed on its own, this is the 2nd in The Cornwall Novels after The Governess of Penwythe Hall; the 3rd book is The Light at Wyndcliff.

For fans of: Julie Klassen, Jane Austen, the BBC series Poldark. 
The Water Keeper
by Charles Martin

What it's about: Former priest Murphy Shepherd lives alone on an island near Jacksonville, Florida, tending an old church. When he meets a young woman from a party boat, he's afraid she's a victim of human trafficking. When she disappears, he works with her mother and others they meet, including a smart dog and an ex-con, to save her. 

Read it for: the compelling story, the appealing characters, and the boat and sailing details. 

Did you know? The sequel, The Letter Keeper, comes out in June. 
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Sonoma County Library
707-545-0831www.sonomalibrary.org