Books You Won't Want to Miss
I love this time of year! It's a great time to get cozy and curl up with a good book. I can't remember my last round of recommendations, so I guess it's time for me to do one. All of these books are from authors I know or have taught a class I've taken. I would never recommend a book I don’t love, so know that my closeness to these authors doesn’t affect my opinion in any way.
Devotion
This book was written by my literary agent Blythe Daniel, her mother Helen McIntosh, and Blythe’s teenage son William. I missed getting the book in time for Father’s Day, so I gave it to my dad for his Birthday. It’s part devotion, part gift book (because it's beautiful), and part joke book. Chock-full of good theology and stories anyone can relate to, it’s a page-turner and something to treasure.
This book is great for first-time dads, stepdads, husbands, or any dad you want to honor. There’s space in the beginning where you can write a little message. I decided to write a message for every entry. It took a little time, but I knew I couldn’t just have one personal message for my dad. I even stuck an adorable picture in of baby me and my dad so he’d tear up. (He did.)
Oh, and if you’re wondering, I Love You, Mom is also available by Blythe and Helen. It was released in 2022 and is the same feel without the dad jokes William wrote for the book. Man, I love dad jokes. I want to say my humor is too sophisticated for them, but no. Grab copies of these books for any special people in your life. You'll be glad you did.
Historical Fiction
By: Amanda Dykes
I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction recently and this really stood out from the rest. I saw Amanda Dykes on a panel of Christian fiction authors at the Columbus Book Festival. During her talk, I was on my phone putting her books on hold at the library because I was intrigued by the way she described her writing process, her research, and motivation for writing. I just knew her books would be great and I wasn’t wrong. This book takes place in the late 40’s when Mercy Windsor, running from her past, lands in a small, Colorado town. It’s the home of her, now gone, childhood penpal. My favorite parts of the book were the penpal letters from when they were kids. They're super sweet. I don’t want to give too much away, but get this book. Seriously, you’ll love it. Then check out her whole catalog. That’s what I’ve been doing since I read Gilded Mountains.
Appalachian Fiction
By: Cindy K. Sproles
I’ve read a few books by Cindy K. Sproles and Coal Black Lies may be my favorite. That’s really saying something because What Momma Left Behind and Mercy’s Rain are also wonderful. Cindy is a master storyteller with enough colloquialisms to make you feel like you stepped into another place, but not enough to weigh down the story. If you’re not familiar with Appalachian fiction, I suggest you just get all her books and find a comfy place to curl up for a while. The setting, as described in all its beauty, almost feels like a character. It’s a book about healing and forgiveness, and standing up to those who want to hurt others. Pick it up. You’re going to love it.
Mystery
By: Donna Mumma
A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog series on the decades. I remember my friend Donna Mumma chiming the week I wrote about the 50’s because she was writing a book. The first time I held that book, The Women of Wynton, in my hands it made me tear up. As authors, we know what it takes to start from a concept, to writing, to pitching, to edits, to cover design, and finally a box of books shows up at your house. It feels surreal.
I love historical fiction and mystery, so what's not to love about both of them together? This book transports the reader to the days when women got all dressed up to go to their local department store to shop, eat, and socialize. Even in the 80’s I remember going with my mom and grandma to Lazarus and eating at a place I called “up there” because it had big windows that overlooked the mall.
The Women of Wynton's follows four women: Audrey Penault, Mary Jo Johnson, Vivian Sheffield, and Gigi Woodard who all work at Wynton’s Department Store in Florida. When Mr. Wynton’s son wants to make some changes and some people end up dead, these women have to decide which of them they can trust so they can find some answers. It’s a really fun book and my fellow Sound of Music cast members saw me reading it between scenes this summer when we were performing. That’s a testament to how much it kept my attention.
Middle Grade Novels
By: Niki Lenz
Maybe it’s because I also write middle grade fiction, but I just love this genre. It’s more challenging than elementary chapter books but not all weird and brooding like a lot of Young Adult books are. I was convinced I wanted to read this book simply because the main character’s name is Buttman. Again, my humor isn’t all that sophisticated.
This book is a delight! I laughed the whole time. It reminded me of one of my favorite books The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. Remember that little gem? Where the Herdmans terrorize the town and ultimately star in the Christmas pageant?
Well, Bernice Buttman is basically a Herdman with a reputation to maintain and kids to bully. But when she gets the chance to step out of her hometown and recreate herself without the shadow of being a Buttman, she…well, she still wants to make trouble. But a little less and she learns a thing or two about herself and others that may just change everything. I loved this book. It’s the perfect blend of humor (like really, really funny) and heart. Get it for the kids in your life and read it together.
Romance
By: Jason B. Dunton
This debut novel by my friend Jason B. Dunton was one I couldn’t wait to get my hands on. He did an amazing job of keeping the public updated on his journey to publication and his book launch party was such a big event, I could’t find a place to park. Nick Freeman, a wonderfully sculpted protagonist has a physical handicap but the story isn’t trite or stereotypical. The characters are real and lovable and funny.
It’s not an exaggeration that I couldn’t put this book down. I had a paper copy and I bought the audiobook so I didn’t have to stop reading it while driving, walking the dog, or doing laundry. The reader on Audible is great by the way. While reading this book, I was either laughing (it’s very funny) or marveling at the beauty of the writing.
Do yourself a favor and get this wonderful book. I know you’ll fall in love with the characters just like I did. I just wanted them to be friends with me. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented author.
By Janine Rosche
Like “How to Dance”, this author did a lot to get us excited about her book. She actually travelled Route 66 in preparation and shared her experience on social media. Janine is a good friend of mine and if I’m recommending books, you can bet one of hers will be on the list. Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of romance books. The obvious exceptions are Jason B. Dunton and Janine Rosche. They both give a nod to the things we love about romcoms without simply following a formula that’s predictable and humdrum. (I think that’s the first time I’ve ever typed that word and I have to say, it was fun). The Road Before Us is a split time novel taking place both in the 50’s and today. Jade Jessup reluctantly accepts an offer travel Rt. 66 with an old Hollywood movie star and her adopted son. They're there to retell the retired actress's love story as a documentary. The characters take a journey (literally and figuratively) to find reconciliation and healing.
One of the things I love about Janine’s books (and there are many) is that she doesn’t shy away from hard situations -which is kind of rare in contemporary christian romance. That’s probably why I don’t read a lot in this genre. Characters tend to be too squeaky clean and unbelievable. I love how relatable and flawed (but wonderful) Janine’s characters are. Read this book and then check out her others. I know you’ll be glad you did.
Picture Book
By Michelle Medlock Adams
The beginning of the school year can be stressful for kids and parents. This book may start a conversation in your home about what to do when people just aren’t nice. Even if you're not familiar with the first book in this series, Dachshund Through the Snow, you’ll love meeting Crosby -though I imagine you’ll want that one too. Crosby is a tiny dachshund on an adventure as big as Texas where kindness, determination, and friendship win the day. This is the perfect book for any child (or grown-up) who has ever felt small or overlooked.
Board Book
By: Jill Roman Lord
I love holiday books and books by Jill Roman Lord, so I had to order this one. It arrived yesterday and my kids (who are a bit old for board books) handed it to me to read to them. How sweet is that?
Quick side note: when my daughter Anna came with me to her first writers conference, Jill took a special interest in her. Being encouraged by a successful author turned Anna from someone who was excited for a week away with me to being excited about writing books. I don’t think Anna would have pursued writing and her book wouldn’t exist without the encouragement she got from Jill. So, yeah. When she publishes a book, I buy it.
This is just what you want from a holiday book. It’s very sweet and the illustrations are beautiful. You can see kids pulling it out year after year (even when they’ve outgrown board books) because it’s special to them. What I like best is this quote: “I like to name my blessings and to celebrate and say a special thanks”. I’m too old for board books too, but I’m never too old to be reminded to “name my blessings”. What would my day look like if I actually made a habit of naming blessings. Oh the discontent I wouldn’t experience. I guess we never really outgrow board books when they have messages like that.
I hope you take me up on some of these recommendations. It’s been a great season of reading for me and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to talk about these wonderful books.
Happy Reading!
Shannon
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