It’s
time once again to prepare for the best and worst of times in the Ouachita
region- our blazing summer. If you are fortunate enough to have an escape
planned, I am here to recommend a few “must-haves” for your suitcase. If your
routine will change very little, here’s hoping this list will help divert your
attention from the droning weatherman and his never changing forecast. Turn the
TV volume down, the air conditioner up, and have yourself a vacation in the
pages of a good book.
My
long-time fans know that I love Christian fiction. When I do have time to
escape, I love nothing more than a heart-touching story with a happy ending. So
if you’re the guns-a- blazing, missile dodging, end of times type . . . well,
to each his or her own. Maybe one of these books will catch your eye when
you’re ready for a break from all that stress!
First
up- a contemporary story from Kim Vogel Sawyer, who also writes very good
historical novels. This one, “When Mercy Rains” takes place in a Mennonite
community. Similar to the Amish in their love of simplicity and biblical truth,
this family has been rocked by an out of wedlock pregnancy and the secrets that
have accompanied it for years afterwards. When the young mother and her teenage
daughter return to tend to the aging matriarch of the family, they all must
come to terms with the truth, and their feelings for each other. An excellent
multi-generational read. I have already ordered the sequel- “When Grace Sings.”
The
latest story in Rachel Hauck’s series about fictional royalty is “How to Catch
a Prince.” Like her others, it deals with the clashing worlds of European
royalty and modern-day America. This time, what comes between our star-crossed
lovers is a shared burden dealing with war-time tragedy that has altered both
of them. There’s a touch of magic that relieves the sadness, and ultimately
engineers the happy ending. Oops, Spoiler Alert.
Speaking
of series- One of my absolute favorites chronicles the Christiansen family of Minnesota,
on the shores of Lake Superior. These contemporary tales draw me in over and
over again as we get to know and love each member of the large, active family.
If you’re new to Susan May Warren’s world- start with “Take a Chance on Me”.
The succeeding books all have song-title names, and the one I finished most
recently, “Always on My Mind” was equally satisfying. The heroes and heroines
in these books are real people with real flaws. Mistakes they have made in the
past can never quite be ignored, as they struggle to find their futures. They
draw on the stability of a loving family, and their trust in God to get them to
where they are meant to be.
As
always- a summer reading list needs a cold weather tale. This time-it’s a
collection of stories that take place during the Second World War. Three
Christmas Carols popular during that period spark the stories in “Where
Treetops Glisten” by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman and Sarah Sundlin. I knew that
Tricia, who lives right here in Central Arkansas, was great at writing stories from
this time period, but the other two ladies were new to me. A delightful way to
experience the romance of the “Greatest Generation” and cool down several
degrees at the same time.
Two
more Arkansas authors teamed up to produce “Swept Away,” a romance in the
Quilts of Love series from Abingdon Fiction. Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
piece together a tale of a couple who seems helpless to counteract the designs
of a very determined grandmother. Well crafted, warm and comforting, like every
good quilt should be.
Currently,
I’m immersed in “To Win Her Favor,” Tamera Alexander’s latest
Belle Meade plantation novel. Set in post Civil War Tennessee, this story begins where most other romances end, with a wedding. As many unions of the time, love at first sight is not a factor here, but I can’t wait to see how the couple who were brought together by a piece of land learn to love each other as much.
Belle Meade plantation novel. Set in post Civil War Tennessee, this story begins where most other romances end, with a wedding. As many unions of the time, love at first sight is not a factor here, but I can’t wait to see how the couple who were brought together by a piece of land learn to love each other as much.
Next
up, another Arkansas friend of mine, Shannon Vannatter, has a new Rodeo romance
that I can’t wait to read. “Rodeo
Reunion” will come out in June, and I’m sure it will offer another swoon-worthy
hero and another pretty Texas cowgirl. Believe it or not, I was mentioned in
the dedication of her last one, “Rodeo Family.” Believe me, I would recommend
these books, even if I’d never met this sweet lady. Look for this one wherever
Heartsong Presents is sold.
So
many stories, so little time. Get ready, it’s going to be a long, hot summer!
