You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4 (NIV)
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Once again this author writes in multi-genres, occasionally partnering with other authors in successful endeavors. The lovely Tosca Lee is one of those masters of prose and creativity that stretches the imagination as well as touching the heart. Dabbling in everything from speculative to historical to biblical fiction, Tosca gives the reader a superb experience with beautiful writing in each genre.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
There are multiple books from which to choose, but this one below is still my favorite. So very well done.
Father, you see all of Tosca’s efforts in every area of her life, but you’ve especially gifted her writing. Please continue to pour out your Spirit in her life and encourage her all along the way. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Some authors are true writers. By that I mean they can play with the language and make it stark or beautiful, or daring, and/or imaginative. They have a knack for real “creative writing” and it’s a pleasure to read in book form.
Sibella Giorello started out as a reporter and built a sterling career before she made the changes in her life that gave us her novels.
Sibella’s heroine Raleigh Harmon is my all-time favorite. Others have come close, but Raleigh remains at the top. Her series begins with The Stones Cry Out, and it’s a great place to start Book 1 of the Raleigh Harmon Mystery Series which continues with other novels reflecting Raleigh’s changing career choices. (She also wrote four excellent prequels covering the young life of Raleigh Harmon.)
You won’t forget Sibella’s work.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
One of my absolute favorites in the series:
“One of the best heroines in modern literature is Sibella Giorello’s Raleigh Harmon…She’s a perfect endearing heroine because I understand her snark when it happens and she brings me to tears when she’s on the verge of them.” Nicole Petrino-Salter (Into the Fire – Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God)
Father, you’ve given Sibella her wonderful talents, her compelling prose, and her radiant sense of humor. Please bless her in every way and keep her writing the stories you have just for her to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Remember this one? One of the greats by Bob Dylan.
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Francine Rivers is one of the most influential Christian Fiction authors in the industry because of her amazing bestsellers in the genres of contemporary and biblical historical literature.
I confess I haven’t read her biblical historical fiction, but I’ve read almost all of her contemporary work. (I have reader friends who also rave about her biblical fiction.)
Two of my all-time favorite novels are Redeeming Love and The Masterpiece. While Redeeming Love is a bit historical time-wise, its underlying theme of redemption is certainly time-less. The Masterpiece is truly a masterpiece of a story. It touched me so deeply, the moment I finished it, I opened it up and started it again. (I won’t tell you how many times I did exactly that, and I don’t read novels twice. This one shattered that record.)
There are so many others of her contemporary selection that I truly loved. Always giving a real picture of the world and the way life changes when Jesus enters that world. Characters are superbly written, plots always meaningful and heart-rending. You want to read real Christian Fiction, read Francine Rivers.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Father, you know Francine’s life from the inside out, the things she loves, the things she needs, her devotion to her husband and family. Please minister your divine light over the entirety of her life and loves and keep the blessings coming to her in ways she never expects. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
Exodus 19:3-6 (NIV)
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Dustin Stevens writes Book 1 of the City of Sin Thrillers: Buried Confession.
A nervous mother (Linda Perlin) goes into the confessional booth while “not that kind of priest” Father Michael Kane is conducting confession. What she shares and why she’s there lead to further conversation outside the booth and presents a mission which is at times awkward, sometimes messy, and Father Kane soon learns is very dangerous.
The young woman (Stacy Perlin) Father Michael is trying to find left her safe and comfortable mid-western home to travel to Las Vegas to realize a dream of becoming a stage actress in one of the shows on the strip. Instead, she ends up at one of the many clubs that feature all that pretty young women have to offer. When she learns what this particular club is doing to the girls who perform there, she wants out, but there’s always a price to be paid to get out – one that no one can afford.
As she attempts to break free, she goes on the run and is forced into a hidden life that begs for a rescue.
Enter Father Michael Kane.
The opening scenes for this novel establish the hardcore action for the story. With the quiet, mature assistance and encouragement from another priest (Father Gallini), Father Michael Kane is relentless in his search for the missing girl combined with his quest for justice. He gets his share of personal assaults before he finally makes progress.
If you’re looking for perfect theology, don’t. It isn’t present. There’s enough Catholicism to establish the basis for this story, but as the series title implies, it’s going to be Father Michael Kane facing sometimes insurmountable problems to either rescue and/or end a conglomerate of evil with plenty of physical, emotional, and spiritual chaos and damage along the way.
The story is entertaining. If violence makes you squeamish, probably better pass on this one, but if you can get through the tough stuff, you’ll find this take on the priesthood interesting.
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Brenda S. Anderson herself will tell you she knows I don’t prefer to read the genre of Women’s Fiction. However, I do make exceptions for friends who write in a different genre than I normally read. If you’re a fan of this genre, you will definitely enjoy Brenda’s work. With interesting and meaningful characters, she captures the multitudes of circumstances and the emotions they incur that many women face. Please visit her website and note the array of novels/series she’s created.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
One of my favorites: (and I especially love the cover)
Father, you know all the details of Brenda’s life right now. You strengthen her daily for the journey that is meaningful but often heartbreaking. I pray she would feel your presence as never before and reassure her every day that you see her and her family. Bless her, Lord, as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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Aahhh, the Supremes. Enjoy!
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As you have read, I only enjoy a few authors within the genre that I write. Kristen Heitzmann is one of them. To my knowledge, Kristen hasn’t written a novel recently, but she’s written some wonderful and unique stories also in multiple genres. Visit the link above to see her fabulous array of novels. She writes real, and I enjoyed so many of her books.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Here’s my favorite that begins The Michelli Family Series (Book 1).
Into the Fire 