Carly Kendall

Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a fantastic debut novel by Alice J. Wisler. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book this much.

Carly Kendall

The Queen of Sleepy Eye by Patti Hill

Rating: 5 Stars

A moving story about God's love and forgiveness.

Joan Richmann (joaniesmail@juno.com)

Hidden Places by Lynn Austin

Rating: 5 Stars

Lynn's interesting characters and writing style are unique. This is one of the best books I have read. I don't think the movie did it justice!

Christy H.

Montana Mistletoe by Lena Nelson Dooley, et al

Rating: 4 Stars

This was a delightful holiday read with a collection of novellas from authors who were both favorites and first-time reads. Set in the town of Mistletoe, Montana, four friends find love and romance in these enjoyable interwoven stories. I recommend this for any time of the year!

Lynda

The Grand Scheme by Kathy Herman

Rating: 5 Stars

This is the last book in the Phantom Hollow series and, in my opinion, it is the best. It continues on with the life and times of Ivy Kessler, her new husband Rue and their son Montana. It has a good message about welcoming all of the prodigal children back into our lives.

Lynda

By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer

Rating: 5 Stars

I loved this suspenseful book ! It got my interest from page one to the end.The plot is so intriguing that it was hard to put down. If you enjoy mysteries, then this book is for you.

Lynda

Ever Present Danger by Kathy Herman

Rating: 5 Stars

I just finished reading the Phantom Hollow series by Kathy Herman. If you like mystery, intrigue and awesome characterization, you will not be disappointed. You will run to get the sequel as I did. This book will make you reflect on the difference Jesus can make in a life that is broken.

MIchele

Healing Waters by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn

Rating: 4 Stars

This is the second Sullivan Crisp novel by these authors, but I did not read the first one and still enjoyed this book very much. It is a story about a woman who takes care of everyone around her, but doesn't feel she is worth caring about. It deals with family issues, the value of Christian counseling, and even has a mystery in it. Worth reading.

Deborah Anderson

Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman

Rating: 5 Stars

Lane Abernathy, a beautiful image coach, is used to having the best of everything in life --- the best looks, clothes, accessories (Prada of course), and men. Her sister, Trudie Abernathy, is the opposite. Trudie, who is down-to-earth and content to shop at garage sales, could care less about high maintenance and mirrors.

On Trudie's thirtieth birthday, Lane decides to treat Trudie to a makeover, free coaching sessions, and lunch with one of Lane's old boyfriends, Mason Wimberley. On their way to the luncheon, in a limo no less, Lane tells Trudie how wonderful Mason is and how he wants to meet her, but Trudie's not convinced. "You either lied your head off about me, or he has issues you never told me about...like he uses one of those plastic toothpicks out of an army knife, or his hair has all migrated from his head to his ears," she says.

Trudie and Mason do hit it off at the luncheon, though, and Mason calls Trudie for another date. A date that finds them both falling fast. Just as Trudie's about to tell Lane about her blessed bliss, Lane blasts Trudie's heart with a confession. "I'm in love with Mason," she says.

Can you imagine?

This is the first time I've read this author's work, and I'm now a fan.

Roxi

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Rating: 4 Stars

It was a very enjoyable book.

Darbys_Closet

Kiss by Ted Dekker

Rating: 4 Stars

First book of Ted's that I have read and I am enjoying it very much! I'm on edge, though, as to who are the good guys and who are the bad guys...must keep reading!

J. Keller

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson

Rating: 4 Stars

I've just started this book. It has captivated my interest just like the first book in the series!! It is very uplifting!

Diana Robinson

Summer by Karen Kingsbury

Rating: 5 Stars

I love everything she writes and this book was especially good. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see how it would all work out.

K Miles

A Land of Sheltered Promise by Jane Kirkpatrick

Rating: 5 Stars

This book fictionalizes the stories of three women living at different time periods in the history of a spread of land in Oregon called the Big Muddy Ranch. The first is a woman who's sheep-rancher husband is accused of murder; the second is enmeshed in the life of an eastern cult that nearly destroyed the towns surrounding it, then begins to fray and fall apart; the last is a wife of a man who is excited to see the land used as a camp for Young Life but who has trouble sharing his enthusiasm when the landscape is so foreign to shat she's used to. I was fascinated by this story, especially since I remember hearing on TV about the cult at Rajnesshpuram and their Rolls Royce-owning Bhagwan when I was a teenager. This book is based on true stories. How like God to redeem the land Satan once used for evil, and use it for His good! A terrific historical fiction read.

TP

Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist

Rating: 4 Stars

This is a story about a 30-year-old spinster in 1890s Texas who is desperate to marry.

The story is edgier than most inspirationals so be warned that is more a cautionary tale than a typical light romance, but the message is one that more single women need to hear.

Mara M. (tinybutmightyml@msn.com)

The Sisters of The Quilt Series by Cindy Woodsmall

Rating: 5 Stars

Set in PA Amish country, Ms. Woodsmall writes about a rape in the community and how it was dealt with (rather how it was not dealt with). This was a beautiful story of God's restoration.

Shyeyes

Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson

Rating: 5 Stars

A new Yada Yada series, with some old friends from the previous series. It starts at Hope House and the women at the homeless shelter. Gabby is a wealthy, lonely wife/mother who meets an odd homeless woman Lucy, who comes to her aid. Very well done, as always by Neta Jackson.

Carly Kendall (carlyberd@yahoo.com)

The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Rating: 5 Stars

I enjoyed every moment of this book. I loved the characters and the setting. It is truly a book to savor. The setting and the details made this book very realistic and interesting. Even if historical fiction does not interest you, this book is worth reading.

Mara M. (tinybutmightyml@msn.com)

A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury

Rating: 5 Stars

I rarely cry when I'm reading --- I can get involved, but I don't sob. I did with this book. This is a wonderful story and I look forward to getting the second book from the library (as soon as our cold, frigid weather goes away).

Carol Baxter

Invisible by Lorena McCourtney

Rating: 5 Stars

A fun book; not too preachy, but still very Christian.

Kelly Stilwell (kastilwell@gmail.com)

Hollywood Nobodies by Lisa Samson

Rating: 5 Stars

This is a wonderful series for young adults. I couldn't put them down ( though I'm not in the age range of YA, I loved them!)

Betty

Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas

Rating: 4 Stars

I was somewhat disappointed in this book because of the fact that one person in the family remains to be a not very nice person. My sister, who suffers from depression and anxiety, found the book almost more than she could handle because of the events that happen in the beginning of the story.

Why is it that editing is so poor in the newer books? The Pledge of Allegiance was left uncapitlized.

Other than that, this was not your ordinary Christian fiction story, which was a nice change.

Karen (karenrn92@gmail.com)

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

Rating: 5 Stars

Loved this book. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction. This was a great tale about the Salem Witch Trials, but very applicable to our current culture. I highly recommend any of her books.

Robin W. in NC

90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper

Rating: 4 Stars

The subject is absolutely fascinating, but the content was a little rambling and repetitive in places. I still highly recommend this book!

Linda

Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man by Claudia Mair Burney

Rating: 4 Stars

Intriguing story of a young women from a horrendous past mixed with murder.

Lorraine M. Larose

People Tribute: Paul Newman by The Editors of People Magazine

Rating: 5 Stars

Beautiful photos. They cover all of Paul's beautiful expressions.

Becky who reads

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

Rating: 5 Stars

A wonderful story written entirely in letters that tells two tales --- what happened on Guernsey Island during World War II and what happens to the author of a series of articles about WWII after the war is over.

Alexis King

The Valentine Edition by Robin Shope

Rating: 5 Stars

Robin Shope's second charming tale for the Turtle Creek Edition series is just as good as the first. THE CHRISTMAS EDITION and now THE VALENTINE EDITION are the first two books in a four-book holiday series (apparently two more will come out in 2010, THE EASTER EDITION and THE HARVEST EDITION). With returning characters set in Turtle Creek, Wisconsin, the books can stand on their own so you don't need to read the first in order to fully enjoy the second. Each story is unique and quite different from the other, which I found enjoyable and really appreciated.

In THE VALENTINE EDITION, Jodi Williams is riddled with problems. With a heart filled with resentment towards a father who abandoned her years ago, her best friend now marries the love of her life, and her stepdad refuses to recommend her for her dream job at The Chicago Tribune. Jodi is good at running away from sadness. To escape her latest troubles, Jodi accepts a job at a small rural newspaper. On her way into town, she comes to the aid of a dog that has been hit on the icy country road. Enter a handsome, single veterinarian, Josh Thomas, for whom Jodi immediately feels a connection. However, there is his pesky assistant, Della Wheat, who refuses to let Jodi or anyone else to come between them.

The newsies at Jodi's place of employment offer their friendship. In no time at all, Jodi knows she has ended up where God has wanted her all along and just like that, she comes up with an extraordinary idea for a Valentine's Day matchmaking connection. Things only get better when she finds the perfect vintage chiffon dress of her dreams to wear and Josh asks her to be his date. Just as things seem like they might work for Jodi, Della comes up with a new plan to tear the young lovers apart.

THE VALENTINE'S DAY EDITION is about new beginnings, trusting God and forgiveness. I highly recommend this entertaining and heart-warming story to anyone needing to work through forgiveness and believe that God can shape our lives for His glory.

Watch for Shope's next book, a stand alone coming in late April 2009. WILDCARD will be a romantic thriller and I can't wait for it to come out. I have found a new favorite author --- she's a keeper!

Amanda

Where Do I Go? by Neta Jackson

Rating: 4 Stars

More fun and inspiration from the lady who brought us The Yada Yada Prayer Group --- I can hardly wait for the next installment!

Amanda

Healing Waters by Nancy Rue

Rating: 5 Stars

I simply loved this book.