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BOOK REVIEWS: M-Titles |
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Click on the reviewer's name below each title to access reviews Shop for the best in Christian fiction here
MAGGIE'S MIRACLE Laura V. Hilton 12/2004 Megan Wright spent just a week with him the summer of their 14th year. But despite a lifetime of heartache and bad choices, she never let go of young Kade's magical definition of love. After college Megan settled for a relationship of convenience. Now it's been two years since her husband's death and she is a high-powered attorney, looking for help with her lonely young son. Across town, Casey Cummins is still dealing with the three-year-old tragic loss of his wife. His search for meaning and hope leads him to contact the Manhattan Children's Organization, who connect him with a fatherless child. Now life is suddenly taking a series of unusual twists. How could Megan know that the teenage boy from all those years ago actually kept his promise? Or that the miracle she prayed for as a girl is only a breath away? The prayers of her little boy are about to be answered, and in a strange and mysterious way that only heaven in all its glory could've brought about. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction) Laura V. Hilton 10/2002 Widow Lena Walker struggles to raise her two sons and keep their Nebraska farm running. She knows the pang of loneliness. None of the nearby eligible bachelors meets her high expectations, so she decides to advertise for a husband in newspapers back east. Men find wives that way why couldn't she find a husband? (Inspirational/Romance) MAIRE (THE FIRES OF GLEANNMARA, BOOK 1) Vickie McDonough 11/2001 In an age of darkness comes a flame that will change the Isle of Erin and her people forever... Ireland. 5th Century A.D. An ancient land of timeless mystery, where, in the Age of the Saints, the spark of Christianity spread like wildfire among kings, scholars, and poor alike. And nowhere is the impact greater than among the druids, where the light of Christ divides those seeking truth from those seeking power. Against this backdrop of passion and change, two warriors stand firm: Rowan ap Emrys, reformed mercenary, leader of his tribe, and Maire, warrior queen of Gleannmara. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance)
MAKING RIGHT TURNS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Laura V. Hilton 02/2005 Whether dating or married, we want to feel valued, respected and appreciated. Lewis shows how to accomplish these using clear-cut guidelines for building and maintaining healthy long-term relationships. He clarifies basic rules and skills that allows relationships to be successful and helps individuals and couples identify personal action plans. Each chapter identifies easy-to-follow steps for creating change, enhancing intimacy and strengthening communication. (Christian Living//Relationships)
MAKING YOUR HOME A HAVEN
Barbara Warren 11/2006 Those frustrated by an impossible schedule, overflowing closets, piles of paper and a never-ending to-do list have raved about this first book from Cyndy Salzmann. Chock full of humor and personal examples, readers learn doable strategies for tackling every dusty corner – as well as the key to truly making a home a haven – daily dependence on God. (Christian Living/Homemaking Helps) A MAN FOR TEMPERANCE Vickie McDonough 03/2007 In 1850, Temperance Peabody, age 32, is a plain yet beautiful woman who has yet to know the thrill of romantic love. Raised in the Oregon territory where her parents established a strict religious colony, she was never allowed to have a suitor but now longs to have a family of her own. After her parents die and a cholera epidemic wracks the colony, Temperance feels called by God to take the surviving orphaned children back East to their extended families. But the only man available to accompany her on the dangerous journey is Thaddeus Brennan, a hard-edged drifter with good reasons of his own to get out of town. Despite the mismatch of Temperance’s purity with Thad’s hot temper, heavy drinking, and distaste for kids, the intensities of their trek help the two find common ground, perhaps enough on which to build a lasting relationship. But life and love are unpredictable. And when another man and woman join the journey, and a shock awaits two of the orphans, this hearty story of faith and new desires duly follows. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction) Laura V. Hilton 05/2002 This rich tapestry of life in the county that witnessed the most troop movement is a story of the human spirit and the power of love. The book's characters, primarily real citizens and soldiers, relate an authentic day-to-day feel of war's harsh privations. Through this unique Southern vantage point, we gain a perspective of the conflict rarely seen in traditional history books. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance) MARINA Laura V. Hilton 05/2006 Marina Shubina believes God has abandoned her. She's widowed and pregnant--and Hitler's Third Reich has just invaded Russia. As a partisan, she's ready to give her life for the Motherland, but what will become of her unborn child? (Inspirational/Historical/Women/Fiction) Barbara Warren 11/2003 Vickie McDonough 10/2003 The warrior known as Ceallach is ordered to protect a group of imprisoned Englishwomen including the newly-widowed and expectant mother, Orelia. As Orelia mourns the death of her husband and celebrates the coming birth of her son, she captures the eye of Ceallach and a romance ensues. Together they fight to secure their homeland while struggling to understand where God is amidst their circumstances and His plan for their eternal salvation. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance)
THE MARK OF THE CROSS Laura V. Hilton 09/2006 Vickie McDonough 07/2006 When Beatrice finds herself at the mercy of Gareth, a powerful English lord who will stop at nothing to acquire her and her lands, she strikes a most grievous bargain to save the man she loves--Gareth's half brother, Philip. Bitter and angry at the news, Philip devises a dangerous plan for vengeance. But love and hatred both have consequences, and he must face the truth that heaven will not be ignored. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance) MARK'S STORY Laura V. Hilton 10/2003 The timeless Biblical accounts from Mark's gospel written at an upper-elementary reading level made relevant and applicable for today's children. (Juvenile/Biblical/Nonfiction)
THE MARRIAGE WISH
Laura V. Hilton 07/2004
The first novel by the #1 CBA bestselling author is available once again. On his 38th birthday, lonely Scott Williams fervently wishes for a wife and family, but he never expects to become so utterly captivated by the beautiful, yet troubled Jennifer St. James. Reissue. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Fiction)
MARRIED BUT NOT ENGAGED
Laura V. Hilton 02/2007
How wives can help their husbands become the men they want to be. Practical suggestions include giving him room to grow and make mistakes, helping him understand what fear is doing to his life without comparing him to other men, and never shaming him for being passive and fearful. (Christian Living/ Marriage)
THE MARTYR'S SONG
Laura V. Hilton 09/2005 Vickie McDonough 09/2005
"Make me beautiful." That's what Marci wants from the old woman--not "inner beauty," but real, physical attractiveness to save her from being a teenage outcast. The woman offers a gift in the form of a story--a strange tale from 1940s Bosnia about a group of soldiers who terrorize a town of women and children, brutalize their priest, and murder a child. Somehow in the midst of the horror, a window opens to another reality--a world of impossible beauty, infectious music, irresistible laughter, and a vision that somehow changes...everything. By the time the story ends, Marci hears the heavenly music herself. So will you. Once you read this unforgettable story, you'll never be the same. Included with this novel is a CD single featuring an original song by Todd Agnew, one of today's fastest rising Christian music artists. (Inspirational/Suspense)
MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER
Laura V. Hilton 03/2006 When reporter Jeb Marlowe is assigned to write a story of Grace Harrison's Christian matchmaker program for singles, they both finds themselves smitten--with each other. (Inspirational/Romance)
MATTHEW'S STORY
Laura V. Hilton 10/2004 One of the most effective methods for teaching great truths is by telling a story. The Bible is filled with them. Jesus used them in his ministry. A good storyteller rarely finds it difficult to gain an audience. He stays with the truth but provides vivid details to make it come alive. Facts are vital, but facts alone often do not excite or create a desire to hear more. (Inspirational/Nonfiction) THE MAVERICK
Barbara Warren 12/2006 The third book of the popular Men of the Saddle series follows Susanne McCord, who tricked Cass Claxton into marrying her in a shotgun wedding six years ago. They haven't seen each other since that day, but when they cross paths again, everything has changed. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance) ME, MYSELF AND BOB Anne McDonald 02/2007 Larry. Bob. Archibald. These Veggie Tales stars are the most famous vegetables you'll ever eat. Oops, meet. Their antics are known around the world. But so much of the Veggie Tale story hasn't been told. In Me, Myself, and Bob, Phil Vischer, founder of Big Idea and creator of Veggie Tales, gives a behind-the-scenes look at his not-so-funny journey with the loveable veggies. From famed creator to bankrupt dreamer, Vischer shares his story of trial and ultimate triumph as God inspired him with one big idea after another. (Christian Living/Biography) THE MEASURE OF A LADY Laura V. Hilton 12/2006 Vickie McDonough 04/2006 Rachel van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city's dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won't give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady. (Inspirational/Historical/Romance) MEETING HER MATCH Laura V. Hilton 04/2007 Out to avoid the Mule Hollow Matchmakers, a commitment-shy woman persuades her ornery rancher neighbor to pretend to be in love with her. But mayhem ensues when she discovers that God is holding the matchmaker strings as these two opposites learn a lesson about romance. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance) Vickie McDonough 06/2002 When fiery, impetuous Melody Laurent, is completely smitten by the dark good looks of her new neighbor Avery Knight, she is soon cooking up outrageous schemes to get his attention. Avery, a local fireman still smarting from a failed romance, spends more time trying to rescue her from scrapes than putting out fires. (Inspirational/Romance) MEMORIES OF A DIRT ROAD TOWN Laura V. Hilton 11/2005 Following the death of her unfaithful husband, Donna Woodstone's 21-year-old daughter blames her for his death and becomes estranged. Brokenhearted, Donna journeys to a town in Wyoming where she vacationed as a child. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Western) MENDING PLACES Laura V. Hilton 08/2004 Teeming with suspicion and intrigue, this Grand Teton adventure leaves the reader struggling with forgiveness in the midst of emotional entanglements, fears of the heart, and the inevitable agony of love. (Inspirational/Women/Fiction) MERELY PLAYERS Barbara Warren 02/2007 Bethany Hamilton followed her father to Florida to escape the star-studded and invasive culture of Hollywood. Now, training dolphins and working with challenged kids, she finally feels safe--until she comes face-to-face with the man who abandoned her love for the big screen. Brick Connor has changed. He's no longer young Ricky O'Connell, at the mercy of his father's vile temper. Now he's a star, and his movies are major hits. When his latest project brings him to an aquarium in Florida, he learns that some things have not changed--namely, his love for Bethany Hamilton. But to her, the Lord must be the main attraction, and Brick cannot give that kind of headline to the God who failed him as a youth. Can wounded hearts join together on a common stage to participate in a perfect romance penned by God? (Inspirational/Romance) A MERRY HEART Laura V. Hilton 07/2007 Barbara Warren 11/2006 Could a forbidden romantic friendship with an English newspaper reporter stir the embers of Miriam Stoltzfus's heart? Or will she follow the traditional Amish path and settle for a marriage of convenience born out of the sake of a child? (Inspirational/Romance) A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS Laura V. Hilton 02/2007 This two-in-one combines Palmer's "Unto Us a Child," in which a bachelor discovers babysitting and the woman who turns his life upside down, with Hart's warm "Christmas Don't Be Late" which finds millionaire Colton Nichols determined to keep his distance from his neighbor until he reads her son's letter asking Santa to heal his sister's illness and his mom's broken heart. (Inspirational/Romance) MICHAELA'S CHOICE
Vickie McDonough 12/2004 After losing her husband and daughter in a fire, Michaela Macintosh never planned to love again. She certainly didn't imagine that her heart would be torn between two very different men. Now Michaela is faced with important questions: Has she mistaken familiarity for love? Would the Lord desire her heart to be safe with her brother-in-law Philip or rekindled with handsome widower Eric Johnson? (Inspirational/Historical /Romance) MICHIGAN
Laura V. Hilton 11/2004
Four couples come together in diverse Michigan locations, but they each have to answer the same question: Will they allow God to lead in their love lives? Faith, humor, adventure, and suspense fill four romances by Martin, who shares her love of her home state and her God. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance)
A MILE FROM SUNDAY
Kathy Carlton Willis 01/2007 Barbara Warren 12/2006 Eileen Key 11/2006 Sometimes wolves pray in sheep's clothing The perfect hair product is out there for girls with uncontrollably frizzy curls. So is the perfect piece of chocolate. So is the perfect man. And so is a good, warm, fuzzy, inspirational lead story. Jonna Lightfoot McLaughlin, religion reporter for the Denver Dispatch knows, in her heart, all this to be true. She just can't find proof. For any of it. Then one day, a series of mysterious messages appear on her voicemail and she is thrown headlong into a story that may drastically affect her career, and, if she's not careful, her life. Clues from untraceable sources collide with duplicitous ministers, ambiguous monks, and one exceptionally good-looking community center director. With the help of her supportive editor, her savvy, fellow chocoholic colleague and the protection of her big brother, she might break the biggest story of the year and find some of that inspiration after all. (Inspirational/Fiction) MINNESOTA BROTHERS
Laura V. Hilton 11/2006 Barbara Warren 05/2006 The Nilsson family has decided to settle in Minnesota where each brother seeks a wife. Olina Sandstrom travels from Sweden to marry her fiance—only to find him already married and his brother left to explain the fact. Anna Jensen has lost her beau to an unforeseen rival, but could there be another Nilsson brother for her? Clarissa Voss lives in an emotional prison—and now two Nilsson brothers think they can save her. Gerda Nilsson envies her brothers' wives, but there has been no romance for her—until a mysterious marshal rides into town. Can a family's faith sustain romance? (Inspirational/Romance) MISSION POSSIBLE Joyce Handzo 11/2003 This book provides today's Christian with a rationale and a solid framework for investing. Author Hammond declares that God is interested in the well-being of His children. Wealth is not for our personal consumption, but for establishing the kingdom of God. (Christian Living/Finances) MISS MATCH Laura V. Hilton 12/2007 Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends." Inspired by the recent success of matching her sister and new husband, Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything. When Lauren's foolproof plan begins to unravel, she learns that a simple introduction between friends can bring about complicated results. And as she reconsiders her new role as Cupid (as well as her vow to stay single forever), will Lauren finally decide that God's plan is always good enough? Inspirational/Chick-lit) MISTAKEN FOR THE MOB Laura V. Hilton 04/2007 Librarian Maryanne Wellborn is the prime suspect in an FBI investigation of mob activity, and agent J.Z. Prophet searches for evidence against Maryanne, but soon discovers she's as innocent as she is charming. (Inspirational/Romantic/Suspense) MIXED BLESSINGS Laura V. Hilton 09/2004 Eileen Key 08/2004 A routine medical exam told widowed Marie Cadant that her little boy had been switched with another at birth. But when she tracked down wealthy Peter Hallock, the man who had her biological son, she was surprised to find another single parent, and one eager to love not just his own child, but hers, as well. Even as they struggled to keep their children close despite their far-flung homes, Peter is intrigued by Marie's inner strength and deep faith. He prevails on her to accept a marriage of convenience for the children's sake, then faces the challenge of convincing her that despite the circumstances, theirs was a marriage truly made in heaven. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Romance)
THE MOM I WANT TO BE Laura V. Hilton 02/2007 A woman’s experience as a mother is influenced by the mothering she received as a child. If neglect was a part of that upbringing, the woman who holds a newborn and faces the responsibility of parenting needs a healthy vision of motherhood. T. Suzanne Eller compassionately discusses how a woman can turn from a painful past and embrace a godly example of motherhood. This is a celebration of God’s healing power and how all women can become the mom they want to be. (Christian LivingWomen's Issues) MOM OVER MIAMI Laura V. Hilton 08/2005 Soccer mom, budding journalist, dutiful doctor's wife and mother of two — Hannah Bartlett feels she's suddenly been handed a full plate from the buffet of life. A new baby alone could overwhelm, but add a nine-year-old foster son, meddling neighbors and Hannah's nagging self-doubt, and you've got a recipe for disaster. What else can a mom do . . . but go AWOL? (Inspirational/Mom Lit) Linda Mae Baldwin 03/2002 A captivating story of human weakness and divine faithfulness. Jade and Tanner were childhood friends until scandal drove them apart. Then one golden summer they found each other again and shared dreams of forever. But in a moment of weakness they made a decision that would tear them apart for nearly a decade. Now, Jade's unfaithful husband wants to destroy her in a custody battle that is about to shock the nation. Only one man can help her in her darkest hour. And only one old woman knows the secret about that summer-and the truth that can set them all free. (Inspirational/Romance) A MOMMY IN MIND Laura V. Hilton 07/2007 A young reporter learns that life does not always move in an expected path when, while doing a story on the Tiny Blessings adoption agency, she decides to adopt a baby girl. (Inspirational/Romance) MONDAY MORNING FAITH Laura V. Hilton 12/2006 Barbara Warren 10/2006 The New Guinea jungle holds many fascinations, but not for librarian Johanna Holland. Johanna is simply aghast at the lack of hot showers and clothing. She is positive the mission field is most certainly not God's plan for her life, but will that mean letting go of the man she loves? (Inspirational/Women/Fiction) MONSTER Jeremiah McNabb 07/2005 Vennessa Ng 05/2005 Miles away from the hectic city, Reed and Rebecca hike into the beautiful Northwestern woods. They're surrounded by gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, and hundreds of acres of unspoiled wilderness. But something--or someone--begins closing in on them, and it's killing everyone in its path without remorse. (Inspirational/Thriller/Suspense) MONTANA MISTLETOE Laura V. Hilton 12/2007 Four girlfriends make a pact to find true love by their twenty-eighth Christmas. As the deadline looms, each keeps busy with expanding career and experiences faltering Christmas spirit. Lori is a major struggling to bolster the small town's economy, Madison runs a Christmas store and often travels to build up stock, Deanna is the town's director of tourism on a campaign to put her town on the map, and Kathy is a writer living in California who has lost her small town faith. When romance arrives in Mistletoe, Montana, in unexpected Christmas packages, will each woman be able to accept the gift? (Inspirational/Contemporary /Romance) MORNING SKY Laura V. Hilton 12/2006 Barbara Warren 05/2006 Nothing will ever be the same after boisterous Aunt Lilly Verdue arrives in the new settlement of Nicodemus, Kansas, in the early summer of 1880. Her brother-in-law is not at all happy to see her, and her unwillingness to admit the reason behind her hasty exit from New Orleans only fuels the fire. She's not content to peacefully join the little farming community. No, Lilly manages to shake things up even further when she decides Moses Wyman is engaged to the wrong sister! (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction) A MOTHER'S PROMISE Laura V. Hilton 11/2006 Lisa Manning is just out of prison, and her main goal is to regain her daughter from her overbearing aunt and rebuild her life. Having learned how to forgive while incarcerated, Lisa soon learns how to love again when she meets banker Ethan Vance. (Inspirational/Romance) MOTHER OF PREVENTION Vennessa Ng 05/2005 Laura V. Hilton 03/2005 After Kate Madison's husband is suddenly killed in an on-the-job accident, this new widow works hard to rebuild her life for herself and her children amongst the many challenges they face. (Inspirational/Mom Lit) Vickie McDonough 09/2002 Matt Caldwell was finally coming home. After years of trotting around the world, running from his faith, detaching from love, stunning events had flung the handsome bachelor back to quaint Caldwell Cove. But widow Sarah Reed, publisher of the Cove's Gazette, couldn't imagine that Matt's sudden return would be anything but trouble for her and her young children. Then the unlikely business partners met, and her once-silent partner, Matt, was no longer silent. Sarah had never imagined that love strikes twice, but she was beginning to hope that the heavens were smiling down on her. And that the path to righting old wrongs would turn out to have hidden blessings. (Inspirational/Romance) MOZART'S SISTER Laura V. Hilton 12/2006 Can talented Nannerl Mozart, the older sister of Wolfgang, ever hope to become a famous musician in a world where a woman's place is in the home? (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction) MURDER BY MUSHROOM Laura V. Hilton 07/2007 A potluck on the lawn of Heritage Community Church attracts the usual pests - ants and flies, gossips and murderers. In this cozy mystery set in the small town of Versailles, Kentucky, kitchen klutz Jackie Hoffner decides to bring something other than potato chips to the church potluck. When someone plants poisonous mushrooms in her casserole to kill a gossipy old lady, Jackie determines to find the killer and clear her name. (Inspirational/Cozy/Mystery) MURDER IN MAINE Laura V. Hilton 09/2003 When Anne Wyndham's adoptive uncle commits suicide in the woods of his estate in Maine, Anne finds herself alone and confused. Burned out of her home and business by a suspicious fire, rescued by a handsome stranger, Anne is left feeling abandoned, her faith shaken, in need of answers. She returns home to Wyndham Manor, determined to find those answers. Dangerous accidents at her uncle’s lumber mill, a disturbing letter, and a new will that mysteriously disappears are all parts of the puzzle that Anne must unravel. With her own life in danger, and uncertain who to trust, Anne finds herself drawn to her rescuer, Brock Cameron, manager of her uncle's problem-plagued lumber mill. But Brock has some secrets of his own, secrets that will bring Anne to the edge of danger and love. Is her faith strong enough to survive the shocking truths that will come to light? (Inspirational /Mystery)
MURDER, MAYHEM, AND A FINE MAN
Barbara Warren 11/2006 Laura V. Hilton 11/2006
All Amanda Bell Brown wanted for her 40th birthday was to watch CSI on television, but what she got was a couple of corpses, a hunk of a detective, and a drop-dead gorgeous red dress. What's a girl to do when a cult madman is on the loose? Save the day, of course, and maybe snag a good man. (Inspirational /Mystery) MUSCLEHEAD REVOLUTION
Barbara Warren 01/2007 “MuscleHeads” is the name coined by popular radio talk show host Kevin McCullough for people who use their brains (that often under–used muscle in our heads) to find real solutions to our nations problems instead of just going along with the cultural flow. McCullough calls for a commonsense revolution to over–throw the power which liberalism holds over the media, educational systems, and the nation’s values. With straight talk, he encourages readers to: see through the deceptions of liberal ideology; respond with intelligence and clear thinking about the issues of the day; understand the real basis for values This is a guide to responsible action for those ready to join the front line of the MuscleHead Revolution. (Christian Living) THE MUSTANG BREAKER
Laura V. Hilton 07/2007 In this second book of the winsome Horse Dreams trilogy, heavyhearted divorcee Develyn Worrell’s mood continues to lighten as she has escaped Indiana to enjoy the equine charms of a small Wyoming town. There, in a place she visited as a child and has dreamt of ever since, the Lord’s leading becomes clearer, even as cowboy romances and the relationship with her grown daughter get more complicated. (Inspirational/Contemporary/Western) MYSTERIOUS WAYS
Laura V. Hilton 01/2005 Vickie McDonough 11/2004
When Amos Taylor steals a parson’s clothes, he thinks he’s found the ideal disguise to hide his life of crime—until an old blind man enters his life who has a little trick up his own sleeve. Before long the disguise is working too well: The local residents start expecting Amos to actually serve as their preacher! When revival breaks out in the small Texas town, Amos’ payoff is bigger than he could have dared imagine—proving, indeed, that the Lord works in Mysterious Ways. (Inspirational/Historical/Fiction) |