I really enjoy Erynn Mangum’s novels because the romance in her novels have a sense of reality. The guys are not exceptionally hot, saved, or mysterious. The women are not particularly brave, self-sacrificing, or stunning. I read her books and think I know this person. And yet, there’s something romantic about the normal relationship. The only drawback to her novels is the intense love of coffee and chocolate. I don’t understand it. In the Maya Davis Series, you have Maya who works at a coffee shop with her best friend Jack. In the first book, she realizes that her roommate is dating her ex-boyfriend. And even though they meet on occasions, the ex-boyfriend doesn’t even remember her. It’s funny and lighthearted. Spiritually, Maya is very involved in her singles group and having devotion and Ms. Mangum is serious about getting others saved. I love how Maya just lives out her Christianity as though she is breathing. Great Series!
Category: Contemporary
Jordyn Redwood’s Proof
This was a fun mystery in the sense that I had no idea how the bad guy was completing his crime. Dr. Lily Reeves is an ER doctor who is attacked by a serial rapist. Nathan Long is a detective trying to find this guy. The guy leaves his DNA on the scene everytime, yet something about it is very weird. I really enjoyed this mystery. It kept me full of suspense the whole time. The only thing I wasn’t crazy about was the romance. It seemed kind of thrown together. Other than that, this book is a page-turner that will teach you a few things about medicine that you never knew existed! Spiritually, Lily is not a believer in the book, but she has several friends who are. They constantly pray and witness to her and when Lily has her own God experience, her friends are there to pray with her. It’s so important to be a witness to those around it. We never know the plans God has for their lives. Recommended!
Ronie Kendig
When I first stumbled upon this series only the first two books were out. At the time, I couldn’t put my finger on the reason why, but I wanted to read more. This series is about a group of soldiers who have had to get out of the military for some reason or the other. Yet, they love it. So the government starts this program, that they will deny if asked about, that needs the skills of these selected soldiers. It kind of reminded me of X-men, because each of these guys has their own kryptonite (Superman, I know). Being a huge fan of superheroes, these books fed that need. I would have to say Wolfsbane is my favorite, but all are enjoyable. Since you have four guys that are highlighted, they each approach God differently, but each one of them needs Him. Otherwise, they would still be in the military.
Does anyone know of any other great military fiction novels?
Mary Nealy’s Ten Plagues
Mary Nealy is also the famed author Mary Connealy. I have read all of her books. This one is nothing like them. Ten Plagues is about a serial killer who is killing people based off of the ten plagues in the Bible. Keren is a cop with the gift of spiritual discernment. It allows her to sense when the killer is near. Paul is a former cop, now minister, whose parishoners are the ones’ disappearing. Together they join forces to stop this killer. I really enjoyed this novel. Not only did I enjoy the mystery, I enjoyed that God was interwoven throughout the whole novel. I loved how there was such an emphasis on spiritual gifts. There is such power in the name of Jesus and we become extraordinary people when we realize this. This book was a great read, a fun romance, and a reminder that Jesus is Lord.
Irene Hannon’s Deadly Pursuit
Irene Hannon came on the scene shortly after Dee Henderson took a sabbatical (although she has a new coming out this year!). She’s a good author who knows her way around detectives, forensics, ballistics, etc. Deadly Pursuit is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series. In this novel, Allison, a social worker and sister of a detective and U.S. Marshal starts receiving creepy gifts and heavy-breathing phone calls. That can only spell trouble. Toss in her brother’s new ex-Navy Seal partner and you’ve got a fun book. This isn’t a book that revolves around who the bad guy is. You’re told in the beginning, but now you have to watch everyone else figure it out. I’ve read a review or two that said this book was more romance than mystery. I’m the kind of person who says want some more mystery to go with that romance? Thus, I liked it. It was probably more romance focused than any of her others (of course book 3 is coming out soon).
Spiritually, the ex-Navy Seal has to learn to reconcile God with his current circumstances and Allison has to learn to trust God as things go from bad to worst. It’s a great book and a good mystery.
Raquel Byrnes’ Purple Knot
So this is a mystery in the classic sense, and reminds me of a better version of Nancy Drew. Reyna Cruz’s best friend Summer is married to a man who is physically abusive. When Summer shows up dead, Reyna who is an investigator, decides to find out what really happened. Summer’s brother also wants to find out what happened. It just so happens that he is also Reyna’s ex-fiance. I really enjoyed this book because not only did I like the characters, the whole book I was like is it him? her? that guy? It was romantic and Reyna’s assistant adds humor to a serious situation.
Spiritually, Reyna has to learn to accept that Jesus is her Lord and while some salvation stories in books are cheesy, I thought this one was well done and made complete sense. Highly recommended!
Steven James
Steven James is a phenomanal mystery suspense writer. If I had to liken him to someone I would say he’s like the earlier James Patterson books. The first book is The Pawn. The Pawn introduces you to Patrick Bowers who is an FBI detective who uses geographic locations to solve his murders. I appreciate that Ms. James decided to make his detective distinct and unique. Patrick is also raising his step-daughter alone which adds a familial layer (and humor) to an oftentimes serious book. That said, things can get a little bloody. I do have a tendency to fast-forward through the murders and killings. This is not your typical romantic suspense as romance is not the focus. But if you read all four of the Patrick Bowers books, you will be rewarded.
Spiritually, his mystery novels, though, are a little different in the sense that there is no overt Christian message. Once again it’s kind of woven through until the last novel (which may not be the last because I just ordered something from Amazon with Patrick Bowers!!). But the novels are clean (no cursing, nothing illicit). He also has a new series coming out with Bethany House this year so stay tuned!
Claudia Mair Burney’s Zora and Nicky
This is a great romance! Zora and Nicky are two pastors’ kids who have kind of strayed from God in their own way. Zora is the daughter of a wealthy minister. Her every wish is granted-so long as its the same thing that her dad wants. Nicky’s family is not as wealthy, but he has his own history of challenges that plague him. They each decide it’s time to get right with God and meet at a Bible Study. But its not that easy since race has such a history on both sides. I really enjoyed this book because it wasn’t just attraction, they really got to know each other. This book will make you smile, it will make you pause and question society, and may even make you sad at some point. But in the end it is so worth it! I couldn’t put it down!
Beth Vogt’s Wish You Were Here
This book was really unique because it starts with a wedding (albeit a wedding gone wrong). This book starts with Allison who is about to marry Seth, but five days before the wedding finds herself kissing Seth’s brother Daniel. I don’t think you need me to point that there are a few problems in this relationship. It’s an interesting premise, but I think if I were rating the book I might give it 3.5 starts our of 5. It begins very engaging for the first few chapters, but then it kind of mellows out in the middle and picks up again towards the end. Overall, I found that this was an enjoyable read and so very different than the usual.
Spiritually, you have Allison who got saved as a teenager, but once she started dating Seth, she put God on the backburner. She has to learn who she is in Christ before she can proceed any further with another relationship. I love this concept. Daniel’s relationship in the beginning resembles his relationship to his father, cold and distant. To be honest, I think a lot of people compare their relationship to God with their relationship with one of their parents. This book really challenges you to look beyond yourself. I recommend it!
Charles Martin’s When Crickets Cry
There is fiction and then there is literature. I’ve always thought of fiction as a story and literature was just finely crafted words. I’m not a big fan of literature. Then I read Charles Martin. I’m pretty sure Mr. Martin doesn’t market himself as literature, but his writing is pure poetry mixed with a good story. Today, I’m featuring When Crickets Cry which is one of my favorite books by Charles Martin. It is tied with Chasing Fireflies. Wrapped in Rain and The Mountain Between Us are close seconds. He has written other books which I enjoy as well, so I definitely recommend reading any and all of his books. When Crickets Cry is a story about a man who has a gift, yet a mistake in his past has caused him to hide that gift. But then he meets a little girl who needs his gift. Sound evasive? I don’t want to give anything away.
One of the things I appreciate about Charles Martin’s books is the importance he places on marriage in his all his books. It’s a key theme. Families are vital and relationships are life. Charles Martin doesn’t really write for the “Christian” market anymore, but you cannot read any of his books and not feel his faith.
Has anyone else read any of his books? Which one is your favorite and why?
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