The Frontiersman's Daughter

debut novel by Laura Frantz

published by Revell (2009)
416 pages

Feisty, independent Lael Click, the daughter of a heralded Kentucky frontiersman, comes of age during the American Revolution. We see her grow up on the frontier with a family who has many secrets including a father who spent two years in captivity with the Shawnee Indians. Her heart is torn as she’s denied betrothal to the young man she loves, then her heart’s conflicted over a forbidden attraction to one of the very Indians who held her father captive. In the end, Lael grows into a strong, independent woman who eventually learns what real love truly is.

Review:

I typically don’t read historical fiction. I much prefer literary works, complex suspense, or modern issue novels. So, when I picked up The Frontiersman’s Daughter, I was expecting a casual read, a nice story.

I was wrong.

Right off, Laura Frantz drew me into the story with symphonic prose. I love it when authors make their words sing. Her descriptive period and landscape settings add depth to the characters. Plus, she doesn’t shy away from Kentucky settler/Native American hostilities while offering insight to both sides.

One thing I generally haven’t cared for in historical fiction is when authors treat their female protagonist like they’re the incarnation of Gloria Steinem, when they deal with issues using current day sensibilities. Nothing will ruin a story for me faster than that. Laura Frantz avoids that trap. While Lael is a strong character, her thoughts and actions are believable for that time period.

This summer, Frantz will be releasing her next novel, Courting Morrow Little. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Introducing Laura Frantz:
Laura Frantz credits her grandmother as being the catalyst for her fascination with Kentucky history. Frantz's family followed Daniel Boone into Kentucky in the late 18th-century and settled in Madison County where they still reside. Frantz is a member of the Kentucky Historical Society, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She currently lives in the misty woods of northwest Washington with her husband and two sons.

Her Books:
The Frontiersman's Daughter, Baker/Revell, 2009
Courting Morrow Little, Baker/Revell, 2010
The Colonel's Lady, Baker/Revell 2011

To Learn More:
Website: http://laurafrantz.net/
Blog: http://laurafrantz.blogspot.com/

Novel Anticipation - August 2012

August may be a slight month when it comes to the number of books I anticipate reading, but I'm excited that two of my must-read authors--Laura Frantz and William Kent Krueger--have books releasing. My reading list might be slim, yet quality. I'm also intrigued by a new release from an author I haven't read before, Julie L. Cannon.

LOVE'S RECKONING

Ballantyne Legacy Series #1

by Laura Frantz

Revell

432 pages

To my delight I received my complimentary copy of Love's Reckoning from Revell this past Saturday. In my estimation, Laura Frantz is one of the premier authors of historical fiction in the CBA. She's not a formula writer--which I greatly appreciate--and reading her prose is like hearing a symphony. Add to that, she's a vivid painter of scene so the reader is placed right in the middle of action, and her characters are rich and three-dimensional. I have no doubt that I will enjoy Love's Reckoning just as much as I have her past novels, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, and The Colonel's Lady.

Book Description

    On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

For more Spire Reviews' posts regarding Laura Frantz's work click <here>.

TRICKSTER'S POINT

by William Kent Krueger

Atria Books

336 pages

William Kent Krueger is a fellow Minnesotan who sets many of his stories in picturesque northern Minnesota. That alone makes his work intriguing, but its his superb storytelling that keeps luring me back for more. The majority of Krueger's work centers around Cork O'Connor who's part Irish and part Anishinaabe Indian. He's a former Chicago cop, former small-town Sheriff, turned private investigator. His books are not Christian and if you're offended by rough language (which he uses sparingly), then his books may not be for you. But his novels always include a spiritual element, one that favors Christianity as opposed to mocking it. If you haven't read William Kent Krueger before, I highly recommend giving him a try. And if you are the type of reader who needs to start at Book #1 in a series, pick up Iron Lake. You won't be disappointed.  

Book Description

    Cork O'Connor is sitting in the shadow of a towering monolith known as Trickster's Point, deep in the Minnesota wilderness. Beside him is the first Native American governor-elect, Jubal Little, who is slowly dying with an arrow through his heart. Although the men have been bow hunting, this is no accident. The arrow in the governor's heart belongs to Cork.

    When he becomes the primary suspect in the murder, Cork understands full well that he's been set up. As he works to clear his name and track the real killer, he recalls his long, complex relationship with Jubal, the Native kid who aspired to be a populist politician and grew to become a cunning man capable of treachery and murder. As Cork looks deeply into his own past, he comes face to face with the many motives, good and ill, that lead men and women into the difficult, sometimes deadly, political arena.

List of Corcoran (Cork) O'Connor novels, click <here>.

For more Spire Reviews' posts regarding William Kent Krueger's work click <here>.

TWANG

by Julie L. Cannon

Abingdon Press

320 Pages

Author Julie Cannon is new to me, but the concept of Twang has me intrigued. My daughter's dream is to become a performer so any novels that chronicle a music star's life pique my interest. Hopefully, when I'm done reading Twang, I'll have one more author to add to my must-read list.

Book Description

    Twenty-three-year-old Jennifer Clodfelter believes she is destined to be a country music star. When her passion, determination and homemade demo tape were rejected by every music label in Nashville, she refused to give up. In just three years, a combination of guts and raw talent have propelled her on a journey of fame beyond her best dream.

    Now Jennifer has all she ever wanted, only to discover that there is a dark side to the glitz and number one hits. She will have to decide whether to sing her pain to a loving audience or find the courage to face the music in the private studio of her heart.

Novel Anticipation ... August Releases

For readers, there's nothing quite as exciting as having a bedstand full of books begging to be read. It's like eating supper while that piece of French silk pie calls your name from the refrigerator. You're tempted to skip supper altogether.

My bedstand is always full, but there are a handful authors who put out only one book per year, thus testing my patience.

Two of my favorite authors release their books in late August, two very different authors. Regardless of your reading tastes, I recommend both highly.

THE COLONEL'S LADY
by Laura Frantz

Revell, August 2011

In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own--some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him?

Okay, I'm cheating a bit with this one as I've just finished reading The Colonel's Lady and no longer have to anticipate reading it, but I had to include Laura Frantz on this list. She writes historical romance, a genre I tend to stay away from, but Frantz's delivery is completely different from the majority of hist/rom writers. Her stories are neither cookie-cutter nor predicatable (elements that will often bore me) and her prose is lyrical (which I love). It's clear she spends much time listening to the cadence of her words. She also has a unique way of placing the reader in amidst the action, painting scenes in vivid color. My only disappointment, when it comes to Laura Frantz, is that I have to wait a year for her next work.


 

NORTHWEST ANGLE
by William Kent Krueger

Atria Books, August 2011

During a houseboat vacation on the remote Lake of the Woods, a violent gale sweeps through unexpectedly, stranding Corcoran O'Connor (Cork) and his daughter, Jenny, on a devastated island where the wind has ushered in a force far darker and more deadly than any storm.

Amid the wreckage, Cork and Jenny discover an old trapper’s cabin where they find the body of a teenage girl. She wasn’t killed by the storm, however; she’d been bound and tortured before she died. Whimpering sounds coming from outside the cabin lead them to a tangle of branches toppled by the vicious winds. Underneath the debris, they find a baby boy, hungry and dehydrated, but still very much alive. Powerful forces intent on securing the child pursue them to the isolated Northwest Angle, where it’s impossible to tell who among the residents is in league with the devil. Cork understands that to save his family he must solve the puzzle of this mysterious child whom death follows like a shadow.

For those of you who haven't discovered William Kent Krueger yet, I highly encourage you to pick up one of his Corcoran O'Connor (Cork) books. Cork, part Ojibwe-part Irish, is the former sheriff of a northern Minnesota county. His heritage alone creates conflict. While this probably isn't a book you'd place in your church library, Krueger respects faith issues and often includes faith elements in his novels.

His books stand alone and don't have to be read in order, but if you're like me, you'll want to pick up the first in the Corcoran O'Connor series, Iron Lake. Then you won't want to stop until you reach Northwest Angle.

I'm curious ...

Who are your favorite authors? Which authors do you anticipate reading every year? Do you have a favorite series?

A Reader's Christmas List

So far this year I've completed 127 books. At that rate, I should read about 10 more by the end of the year. I've read thrillers, literary, historicals, biographies, even romance. (Sorry, no bonnet). So, if you're looking to give a good book this year, I have a few suggestions.

Each day this week I'll be offering Wish List Ideas in a few different categories. I'd love you to stop on by and offer your own suggestions.

To kick off the week, I'm giving Shameless Plugs to writer friends who are all very gifted. Ironically, three of the books are historical and one is romance. I don't typically read either genre, but my friends have gotten me to stretch my tastes and I thank them for that.

Making Waves - debut novel by Lorna Seilstad. A witty historical romance set in Lake Manawa, Iowa (by Council Bluffs.) It's a story about a spunky debutante who falls for a sailing instructor rather than the wealthy but boring suitor her parents chose for her. The story takes place at what used to be a water resort/amusement park for the wealthy. Lorna gave me a tour of current-day Lake Manawa. Nothing remains of the resort. I love that Lorna has brought this historical site back to life in this fun story.

White Roses and White Doves - debut series from Shannon Taylor-Vannatter. Like many readers, I have a pre-conceived notion about romance novels so I tend to avoid them. Give me gritty, thought-provoking works please. But Shannon dispelled those notions. Her characters are broken human beings living authentic lives. Her first series takes place in the city of Romance, Arkansas. Another great setting.

The Famous One by Nicole Petrino-Salter. Chronicles the life of a troubled young man propelled into super stardom, a man who earned everything, but still felt empty ... until he found the only thing, The One who could fill that hole. I love Nicole's raw characters and her genuine portrayal of people's lives. Like to read something emotionally honest? Then check out The Famous One.

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz. Morrow Little doesn't think she can ever forgive the Shawnee for tearing apart her family, but then she is drawn to one of their warriors. Is she betraying her family by falling for this man? Laura Frantz deftly avoided the sophomore slump in this novel. I loved her first book The Frontiersman's Daughter as it was more than a simple historical novel. It was a literary journey. In Courting Morrow Little, Laura takes the reader on another sweeping journey with her trademark symphonic prose. I can't wait to get her next book, The Colonel's Lady.

The Girl in the Gatehouse by Julie Klassen. After a scandal, a young woman is banished to a life of seclusion in a distant relative's gatehouse and puts a crimp in a military captain's perfectly formed plans. The story takes place following the Napoleonic wars. I'll admit I haven't read this yet as it doesn't come out until tomorrow, but like Laura Frantz, Julie has a musical way with words and she tells a unique story. Barring a blizzard, I'll be in line to get my autographed copy.

The Best of 2010 - Books That Sing

Drum roll please ...

It's time for the Pièce de résistance ...

... for those novels that leap above others in not only plot and character, but in conveying a deeper message using prose that has a distinct rhythm and melody. I love authors who use symbolism, both obvious and covert. I love flowing narrative descriptions that paint scenes so vivid you can imagine you're living inside the setting.

If you love to read beauty in fiction, then you'll love these stories. When I grow up, these are the kind of books I want to write.

Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson - a spirited college graduate takes a mission trip to Rwanda where she learns to serve others ... until she witnesses the genocide of the people she grew to love. She returns back to Kentucky, her innocence gone, but a sweet elderly farmer takes her under his wings and tries to resurrect her faith. Lisa Samson is well known in Christian circles for providing a unique vision of life and faith and she always makes the reader think beyond their own little world. If you want to be challenged, pick up a Lisa Samson novel.

A Season of Miracles by Rusty Whitener - A little league team asks an autistic phenom to join their team and so begins their season of miracles. I fell in love with this book from the first line and that love never relinquished. Rusty Whitener realistically captures the essence of a group of preteens. One minute I was laughing, and the next I wanted to cry. If you want to read a book that speaks to the heart, read A Season of Miracles.

The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan - A strange book mysteriously appears in a newspaper office, a book that gifts the reader with insights into townspeople's lives, past, present, and future. Reading this book was like reading a work of art. River Jordan has a poetic way with words as she weaves a plot line that digs into our hearts and teaches each of us a little something of ourselves.

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz - Morrow Little's life is torn apart when a Shawnee raid kills her mother and baby sister, and her brother is presumably kidnapped by the Shawnee. Years later, as a young woman of marrying age, Morrow's father wishes her to marry a young man from the nearby settlement, but Morrow only has eyes for the Shawnee warrior. Is she betraying her family by falling for him? Laura Frantz's stories are more like journeys that whisk the reader along a meandering path. I love that her stories are unpredictable and non-formulaic. She's an artist with the pen, composing symphonic prose that carries the story along, while painting scenes in vivid color.

Reading Recommendations By Moms - For Moms

This coming Sunday, across the nation we’ll celebrate mothers. I’ll admit I’m partial to this day, being I am a mother of three and a stay-at-home-mom for 19 years. It’s not an easy job, but it’s one that can be completely rewarding. I’ve watched my daughter grow into a lovely young woman who’s now a best friend. Our two sons our both respectful young men, a trait that is sorely lacking in much of today’s teens. I’m blessed that God has given them to me and my husband to raise. What an awesome privilege!

To honor our mothers I’ve asked five writer friends, all mothers, to talk briefly about a book they would recommend for other mothers, one that would make a meaningful gift. These friends have responded with a diversity of ideas! Love it!

So thank you Sharon, Laura, Nicole, Cathy, and Jerri! I pray God richly blesses your mother’s day!

Sharon Hinck - A book I recently gave my daughter-in-law (who is soon to become a mother) that has a beautiful depiction of motherhood is actually a children’s book.

THE RUNAWAY BUNNY by Margaret Wise Brown. As the baby bunny tests his limits and grapples with independence, the mother bunny patiently becomes what he needs to be a reassuring presence in his life. Whenever I read this book, I also think of God stepping into our humanity to find us and call us home.

For a terrific Mother’s Day Gift, I highly recommend Sharon’s Restorer series! It’s combination soccer-mom/fantasy. Every mom can relate to the main character, Susan. Two new editions are now out: The Restorer-Expanded Edition and The Restorer’s Son-Expanded Edition, both of which have interactive elements within the book that heighten the reading experience.

THE RESTORER’S SON – Expanded Edition (Marcher Lord Press) - Plunged again into the gray world of Lyric and Hazor, Susan and Mark search frantically for their teenage son, Jake, as all signs hint that a trusted ally has betrayed them. Assassins, political intrigue, false leads, and near misses beset their path, which will lead them into the dark prisons of Hazor before the One’s purpose is revealed.

Cast out by those he trusts and preferring to cross swords with the One rather than yield to His will, Kieran flees to enemy Hazor, only to find that the One knows no borders. Pursued by his calling, Kieran finds a boy without a home, a king with burning questions, and a nation torn by darkness. As he embraces the tasks the One has set before him, this new Restorer learns that the One requires his all—perhaps even his life.

This Carol Award-winning novel is now in a new edition that includes a devotion guide, bonus scenes, and other great extras to immerse the reader in the world on the other side of the portal.

~*~*~

Laura Frantz - My Mom gave me this book when I was a busy mom of two young boys. The only problem was I never had time to read it! But once I did, it became a keeper. Beth Moore's Feathers From My Nest is a collection of personal vignettes about mothering, being a wife, and the riches children bring to our lives whether they're little or grown. More personal and reflective than her Bible Studies, Beth talks about authenticity in the Christian home, communication, encouragement, and also makes some memorable spiritual parallels.

Interestingly, the book begins with twin forwards by her two daughters and Beth herself ends with a chapter entitled, "One Slightly Gray, Well-Seasoned Man" in which she talks about her husband, Keith. This is a book for women of any age and stage. It's timeless and moving and beautifully done!

I love authors whose prose and descriptions create a musical tapestry. Laura is one of those gifted few. I’ve savored all her previous novels, Courting Morrow Little, The Frontiersman’s Daughter, and The Colonel’s Lady, and cannot wait to read her upcoming release, Love’s Reckoning! If you go to Amazon.com now you can pre-order this book for a very low price.

LOVE’S RECKONING (Revell) - On a bitter December day in 1785, Silas Ballantyne arrives at the door of master blacksmith Liege Lee in York, Pennsylvania. Just months from becoming a master blacksmith himself, Silas is determined to finish his apprenticeship and move west. But Liege soon discovers that Silas is a prodigious worker and craftsman and endeavors to keep him in Lancaster. Silas becomes interested in both of Liege's daughters, the gentle and faith-filled Eden and the clever and high-spirited Elspeth. When he chooses one, will the other's jealousy destroy their love?

~*~*~

Nicole Petrino-Salter - Mother's Day was very special to me until my mother passed away at the young age of 62. I miss her to this day as tears come to my eyes even writing this. My husband just asked me last night what I wanted for Mother's Day. Immediately I thought of which novel to request. (Oh, and some perfume I'm out of.) But really, Mother's Day almost ceased to exist for me when I lost mine even though I'm the mom to two wonderful adult sons.

If I were to recommend giving a book for Mother's Day, it would probably be Dr. Emerson Eggrich's Love and Respect because there's nothing better a mom can do than reassure her children that their parents are solid, love each other, and respect each other. In spite of my life choices, I always had that with my parents. I know it's strange for this almost exclusive novel reader to recommend non-fiction, but I think this particular book is that important. However, in keeping with my "first love" of novels, I would also recommend the classic Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, which demonstrates love and respect on a whole other level.

One of the greatest pleasures of writing has been meeting new friends. In Nicole, I’ve discovered a friend who shares much the same literary taste, but more importantly, I’ve found a friend completely in love with God. If your mother likes books that deal with broken lives and gritty reality, then I highly recommend Nicole’s Breath of Life.

BREATH OF LIFE (WinePress) - Breath of Life tells the story of embittered, wounded, and divorced Michael Jamison, who, after a prolonged period as the casual observer of a lovely woman, discovers his attraction to her supercedes remaining a stranger. With a smarting ego and nothing to lose, he figures out a non-threatening way to introduce himself and is overwhelmed with her pristine beauty and challenged to change everything about the way he's lived his life so far.

~*~*~

Catherine Richmond - Mother’s Day brings to mind one of the great mothers in fiction: Marcy O’Connor of Julie Lessman’s Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series. Marcy is the matriarch of a large family, a fount of strength and wisdom for her children and their spouses. And she’s passionately in love with her husband. What a great example!

Thanks to my Inkspirational Messages friends and my debut novel site, I was introduced to Catherine Richmond last year. Her lush descriptions of the Dakota territories and her sizzling romance in her book Spring for Susannah convinced me I need to read more from her. Through Rushing Water (Don’t you LOVE the cover?) comes out in July, but you can pre-order it and give your mother something fun to look forward to.

THROUGH RUSHING WATER (Thomas Nelson) - Elegant and educated, Sophia Makinoff is sure that 1876 is the year she'll wed congressman Rexford Montgomery. But he proposes to her roommate instead! Humiliated, Sophia signs on with a foreign missions society to go to China---but ends up with the Dakota Territory Indians. Can she find a purpose in God's plan?


~*~*~

Jerri Lynn Ledford - One book that I found on my own, but would have loved to receive for Mother's Day was Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The book really challenged me to stretch my belief system and my faith in God. It's unconventional in some ways, but in others, it's just clarifying. I love the book so much that I think I'll pass it on to a couple of my favorite Moms for Mother's Day. Maybe it will help them to understand why they're so critical to His plan!

A few years back I was blessed to be assigned to a wonderful critique group (through ACFW). Jerri is one of those partners. She’s multi-published in non-fiction in topics like SEO and Google Analytics and things that are way beyond my pay grade. And she recently released her first work of fiction, Biloxi Sunrise. It was so much fun working with her on this book and I can’t wait until her next novel in the Biloxi Series, Biloxi Blue, to come out. She’s created captivating characters that I can’t wait to learn more about!

BILOXI BLUE (Deep South Press) – They can’t connect …

With Jack Roe promoted Captain of the Homicide Division of the Biloxi Police Department, his partner and girlfriend Kate Giveans is left behind to take on a new partner. Caleb Castille, an Abercrombie & Fitch model look-alike with a gun, is more than willing to pay attention to Kate while Jack is focused on other things.

And the race is on …

Kate and her new partner have little to go on when they begin investigating a murder at a local logistics company. Worse, their suspects keep turning up dead. When the killer’s sights land on Kate, the two detectives must rush to find the murderer before Kate becomes the next victim.

But who to trust ...?

While Kate's trying to stay alive, she and Jack grow further apart and his secrets drive a wedge between them. Frustrated with Jack, Kate finds herself drawn more and more to her new partner. But is Caleb who he seems to be? And can Kate figure out who to trust before she ends up on a cold, steel morgue table.

The Best of 2011 - Favorite Fiction

It's always fun looking back over the year at the books I've read. Out of 110 completed, I marked ten as favorites, ten that have found permanent residence on my bookshelves, ten I would recommend to others. It's even a fairly diverse grouping. Three of the novels are contemporary, three are speculative, two suspense, and two historical.

If you're a picky reader looking for quality fiction, here are my favorites in no particular order:

Words by Ginny Yttrup
B&H Books 2011

The Resurrection by Mike Duran
Realms 2011

Nick of Time by Tim Downs
Thomas Nelson 2011

Darkness Follows by Mike Dellosso
Realms 2011

Desert Gift by Sally John
Tyndale House 2011

Vigilante by Robin Parrish
Bethany House 2011

The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz
Revell 2011

The First Gardener
by Denise Hildreth Jones
Tyndale House 2011

The Queen by Steven James
Revell 2011

City of Tranquil Light
by Bo Caldwell
Henry Hold & Company 2010

2010 Christy Award Finalists Announced

Each year, Christy Awards are given to writers whose novel has demonstrated excellence in Christian fiction. I look forward to reading this list every year, hoping to see my favorite books, and wondering which ones I've missed reading.

I'm pleased to see that the nominees include a number of books I reviewed over the past year, several of which are on my all-time favorite reads list. To revisit those reviews, just click on the title: Daisy Chain by Mary DeMuth, The Passion of Mary-Margaret by Lisa Samson, The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry, Scared by Tom Davis. Two additional finalists, June Bug (a modern day retelling of Les Miserables) by Chris Fabry and Fireflies in December (poignantly portrays the horror of prejudice in the 1930's) by Jennifer Erin Valent are on my all-time favorite reads list. (see my Highly Recommend Reading list in the sidebar)

Of course, there are always a few additional titles I believe are worthy of a Christy: White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner is a story that peeks beyond the pristine fences of a normal family and finds that fences only mask the truth, and The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz.

So, if you love to read and are looking for the novel that goes deeper, that's willing to challenge you and provoke thinking, then check out the Christy Awards.

For a complete list of finalists, visit Inkspirational Messages.

In Support of the Debut Author

I'm always looking for new authors, people with a unique voice and an usual story. Often I find that in debut authors. The problem is, how do you find those writers out of the thousands out there? How can we offer them support?

I discovered during a discussion on Laura Frantz's March 4th blog, that I'm not the only one who loves supporting debut authors. I did a little research and couldn't find any site dedicated solely to the new novelist (not that there isn't one). So, I figured why not create one?

Debut Novels for 2011

But, I'm going to need your help.

I've gotten a decent start on finding debut authors in the inspirational market, but I know I've barely nicked the surface. If you know of anyone whose first book releases in 2011, please let me know so I can add it.

Thanks for your help!

2011 Christy Award Nominees Announced

For those of you who love to read exceptional fiction, the 2011 Christy Awards Nominees were announced this morning. This is one awards list I anticipate seeing as I do believe the Christy Award honors the best in Christian fiction.

It's always interesting to note which books I've already read (11 of them), which ones need to go on my gotta read list, which nominees I agree with (or disagree), and which books did they miss?

I'm thrilled to see A SEASON OF MIRACLES, one of my favorite books for 2010, on the list twice: once for Contemporary Standalone and once for First Novel. ALMOST HEAVEN by Chris Fabry and THE BISHOP by Steven James are two other titles I'm rooting for.

I'm disappointed that Lisa Samson's RESURRECTION IN MAY and River's Jordan's THE MIRACLE OF MERCY LAND failed to make the list. In historical romance, I would have loved to see Laura Frantz's COURTING MORROW LITTLE nominated. All exceptional novels.

The one category I wish they'd change or, rather, diversify, is Contemporary--and I say this for book awards across the board as most are guilty of the miscategorization (in my opinion). I'll never understand how Amish fits into Contemporary. That's like comparing apples to cucumbers. Right now there are enough Amish books and authors to create its very own category. If Amish had its own category, perhaps there would have been room for true contemporaries such as Resurrection in May and Mercy Land.

I'd love to know your thoughts. How many of the Christy Awards nominees have you read? What are your favorites? Which do you still want to read? Did they miss any of your favorite novels?

Christmas List for Readers

Okay, I'll admit it: I'm one of the crazies who hits the stores the day after Thanksgiving. (No, not Walmart. I'm not THAT crazy.) But for me, this day is about so much more than shopping. it's about spending memorable times with family. You see, I get to spend the day with my mom, sisters, sisters-in-law, and now our daughters.

We're usually at the mall by six a.m. At that time, it's pretty quiet yet. We shop for three to four hours then go out to eat where we often laugh ourselves to tears. I'm so blessed to have this close family. I can't wait till this Friday!

Of course one of those stores I'll be shopping in is the local bookstore. Needless to say, I love giving books! ... If you love to give books too, I have a few suggestions, some of my top reads of this past year.


Contemporary:

DESERT GIFT
by Sally John

WORDS
by Ginny L. Yttrup

BREATH OF LIFE
by Nicole Petrino-Salter

Romance:

A GREAT CATCH
by Lorna Seilstad

THE COLONEL'S LADY
by Laura Frantz

RODEO DUST
by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Literary:

BENEATH THE NIGHT TREE
by Nicole Baart

THE FIRST GARDENER
by Denise Hildreth Jones

THE OPPOSITE OF ART
by Athol Dickson

Speculative:

THE RESURRECTION
by Mike Duran

VIGILANTE
by Robin Parrish

DARKNESS FOLLOWS
by Mike Dellosso

Suspense:

NICK OF TIME
by Tim Downs

THE QUEEN
by Steven James

BILOXI SUNRISE
by Jerri Lynn Ledford

Biblical Fiction:

DAY OF WAR
by Cliff Graham

Happy Shopping & Happy Reading Everyone!