Hi and welcome to my reader's corner :) I've been reading as long as I can remember, and thought it would be fun to have a place to share my thoughts about books I've read, and to hear what others think of them as well. Here you'll find me discussing mostly Christian romantic fiction, with some Christian non-fiction thrown in.
I'm also providing links to various resources that may be of interest as well, and this page will always be under construction :D
Books linked on this site lead to pages on Christian Book Distributor's website where you can find out more about the book and buy it if you'd like. If a book isn't available at CBD, I've linked another site which has the book available to order.
Looking for the latest in Christian Fiction? Click on the link and see what's new at Christian Book Distributors.
Font used on this page is MilleniGem.
Last updated on June 5, 2004
Discuss books you've read or want to read in either of these forums. The Anchored by Grace Reading Room is a part of this website. The book discussion forum at Crosswalk.com covers much more than Christian romantic fiction, and is a great place to post. I'm kinda partial to it, as I'm the volunteer host in that forum :D
Books I'm currently reading or have recently read.
Dangerous Sanctuary, Camp Hope Series #1 ~ Lois Richer - Desperate to shed the pain of the past, Georgia MacGregor must find a way to get on with her life. Like a beacon, Camp Hope beckons, enfolding her in its peace.
Camp director Kent Anderson is consumed by guilt, determined not to allow anyone or anything to sway him from his goals. Though Georgia's arrival could be the answer to his prayers, someone is determined to harm her.
If Georgia stays, Kent's plans for Camp Hope might never be realized. But if she leaves, his dreams will die. Inexplicably drawn together, neither is prepared for the challenges they face as they learn to trust each other and God - their only true sanctuary.
The Perfect Match, Deep Haven Series #3 ~ Susan May Warren - For fifteen years, she fought for respect in the masculine world of firefighting. Now everything is on the line...As the town's interim fire chief, Ellie Karlson is determined to lead the local macho fire crew in spite of their misconceptions about her. But when someone begins setting deadly fires, Ellie faces the biggest challenge of her life. Especially when sparks fly with one of the volunteers on her crew: Pastor Dan Matthews.
As Ellie battles to do her job and win the respect of her crew, she finds that there is one fire she can't fight - the one Dan has set in her heart.
Beauty for Ashes ~ Dorothy Clark - In the prim and proper Philadelphia of 1820, a shocking marriage...It was the perfect contract for a marriage of convenience to a woman he didn't even know. Didn't want to know. Justin Randolph, a wealthy Philadelphia widower responsible for two small children, is convinced that love is just a myth. The only reason for marriage is to find a mother for the children under his care.
Mistaken for Justin's intended bride, Elizabeth Frazier seizes the opportunity to escape a forced marraige to wealthy, abusive Reginald Burton-Smythe. In contrast to Reginald's unwelcome attentions, Justin's aloof indifference is appealing, and the plight of his motherless little girls pierces her heart. Like Justin, Elizabeth enters into the marriage seeking not love, but safety. God, however, has a different plan.
A Time to Remember ~ Lois Richer - An accident took away Grayson McGonigle's wife and son, or so everyone in Blessing believed - except Gray, who prayed daily for a miracle. Then, five months after their car plunged into the Colorado River, Marissa and young Cody reappear in town, traumatized and unable to speak about their harrowing ordeal.
Though Marissa's amnesia blocks out everything, including the rancher who claims to be her husband, emotions stir when they are together. And as mysterious incidents threaten them, Marissa, Gray and Cody reconnect as a family. Can Gray help to regain her memories of their happy marrie dlife...and build upon a love she could never truly forget?
Among the Tulips ~ Cheryl Wolverton - Turning forty is a major milestone for Annie Hooper, who has been married, with stepchildren, since she was seventeen. The birthday gift of a trip to Holland offers some unexpected and exciting changes to her routine. And when a car accident in Amsterdam leads to her rescue by a handsome celebrity, she begins to wonder whether God has a new direction for her.
Victor Richardson offers his chateau to Annie so she can recover and resume her vacation - with him as guide. And while Annie's leg mends, she discovers that her Prince Charming requires God's grace, and her help as well, to make a fresh start of his own.
The Courage to Dream ~ Margaret Daley - Even the humid weather of Magnolia Blossom couldn't melt the tension that flared between Rachel Peters and Michael Hunter. High school sweethearts ten years before, they were finally face-to-face again, and in place of young love were unanswered questions. Luckily Rachel was only back temporarily, to get to know her younger sister and brother again before she took them off with her.
But nurturing her siblings wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, and as she watched Michael tenderly caring for his own son, she knew she needed help. So he agreed to teach her - about family, about God and about the small-town life she'd forgotten. But she was learning much more - she was learning how leaving again might not be the answer.
The Ransom, Mathews & Mathews Mystery Series ~ Kathi Mills-Macias - After her honeymoon, Toni returns to her detective agency with a new partner, her former police officer husband, Abe. But a new case soon puts them in harm's way again.
A seemingly routine missing person's case quickly draws them unknowingly into the dangerous underworld of drugs, violence and murder. Even as Toni and Abe become involved in prison ministry through their church, Abe's Jewish aunt, Sophie, continues to struggle with the question of who Jesus really is, and Toni's younger sister, Melissa, wrestles with teenage romance involving an unbeliever, the deadly web is closing around the newly married detective couple. The circumstances surrounding the interwoven relationships soon build to a dramatic climax with Toni's - and ultimately Abe's - life hanging in the balance.
Eden Hall ~ Veronica Heley - Minty Cardale isn't sure what kind of reception she'll get when she returns home to help run the family estate. Her father is dying. Her stepmother is furious at her presence, and her stepbrother is too friendly. When she uncovers long-buried family secrets, Minty becomes the target of life-threatening attacks. Somebody wants her dead. But why?
Precious Things, Faded Photograph Series #3 ~ Andrea Boeshaar - The past was far behind her-at least that's what Blythe Severson thought. But then she received a wedding invitation containing a faded photograph, and old memories resurfaced. Even worse, Kylie Rollins entered her life. . . . Kylie's fresh young face-searching, wondering, and reminding Blythe of the one man she loved and lost-turns Blythe's world upside down. When T. J. enters the picture, bringing a taste of emotions Blythe thought long dead, she must summon the courage to reveal painful secrets that will end Kylie's tortured search. In "Precious Things", author Andrea Boeshaar brings her Faded Photographs series to a dramatic close.
True Courage, Uncommon Heroes Series #4 ~ Dee Henderson - Someone snatched his cousin's wife and son. FBI agent Luke Falcon is searching for a kidnapper and sorting out the crime. He's afraid a stalker is responsible. He's afraid they are already dead. And he'll do anything required to get them back alive...but he didn't plan on falling in love with the only witness.
Winter Winds, Seaside Seasons #4 ~ Gayle Roper - After a tragedy-riddled early life, Dori McAllister has made a quiet place for herself on the West Coast, far from the landscape of her earlier heartbreaks. When she receive word that the man who raised her is gravely ill, she is drawn back to a place full of love and longing - and betrayal.
Pastor Paul Trevelyan hasn't seen the woman he loves in six years. When he's given a second chance with her, he longs to make it work this time. The trouble is, if he doesn't win her back, it could cost him his job - and his happiness.
The charming town of Seaside now has its very own crime boss, and Officer Maureen Galloway would love to be the one to make charges stick. Her investigation leads to Dori MacAllister, but is Dori an accomplice or a victim? And why is pharmacist Phil Trevelyan so bent on getting in Maureen's way?
Jumping in Sunset ~ Dawn Ringling - "Pam, I'm leaving you." At age 40, Pamela Thornton is suddenly alone - abandoned by the husband she has adored for two decades. As she slowly regathers her wits and emotions at a rustic lakeside cabin, Pamela realizes tht her married years may have been missing more than her husband's love. Amid the pain, she discovers the depth of true friendship, the solace of her artistic talent, and the comfort and compassion of God.
She hardly knows what to make of the attention she gets from Chad, a handsome, courteous poet, or from Ken, a reclusive musician with a past of his own. Will the new Pam cling to the sorrow of yesterday, or can she find healing by the waters of Sunset Lake?
The Faith of George W. Bush ~ Stephen Mansfield - In the first book to explore the religious ideals and background of the 43rd President of the United States, The Faith of George W. Bush discusses how Bush's spiritual beliefs shape his private life as well as drive his policies and politics.
More than any other presidency in recent years, George W. Bush's presidency is "faith based". He has often said that faith saved his life, nurtured his family, established his political career and helped form the destiny of the nation.
Discover how Bush incorporates his faith and belief in God into every detail of life. From his devotional time alone each morning to his frequent use of Scripture in his speeches, the president relies upon his faith to direct his actions and goals.
The Faith of George W. Bush recounts Bush's conversion to Christianity in 1986, when he overcame a growing dependence on alcohol by turning to the Bible to save his marriage and family.
From the tragedy of September 11th to the conflict in Iraq, President Bush has learned to use his faith to help him live his public and private life. This revealing book will inspire others to do the same.
Books in my TBR (To Be Read) Pile:
Latte for One and Loving It! (A Single Woman's Guide for Living Life to It's Fullest) ~ Melanie B. Dobson and Tosha L. Williams Ok, this one's not a romance, and it isn't fiction :) It was on the bargain book shelves and looked interesting. Since I'm a single woman and am interested in living a full and happy life, it made sense to buy it.
Winterflight ~ Joseph Bayly - Imagine an America not too many years distant. An America that seems perfect on the surface, but whose ethical underpinnings have totally collapsed. An America where abortion is the rule for imperfect fetuses and euthanasia is mandatory at age 75.
John and Grace Stanton's allegiance to God is about to be put to the ultimate test in this future society. As they struggle to protect two members of their family from the law of the land, they must rely on each other and their faith as they never have before.
Promises Book 4 ~ Steve Stephens - They're unique, challenging, changeless. They're signposts of the past that spark a sense of familiarity, an insistent memory, powerful truths. This collection of newly retold stories from the Bible is the final book in The Story Teller series of four. A splendid combination of historical narrative and unforgettable drama captures your imagination and transports you to faraway places in times long ago. Let master storyteller Steve Stephens introduce you to biblical characters and events of the Old Testament in a fresh, compelling way.
You'll revisit Jonah in the belly of the fish, Daniel in the lion's den, and Esther in the court of the Persian king. You'll gain insight into the lives of other biblical men and women, prophets and kings, priest and scoundrels. And you'll discover the eternal hope promised by the One who is above all - the hope that is His Son, the Messiah - Jesus Christ.
Passing By Samaria ~ Sharon Ewell Foster - A single moment can change everything...The date is 1919 - a time of unrest and drastic change. For Alena, though, life in Mississippi is perfect, and she prays she will never leave her home. That prayer is shattered when she makes a horrible discovery - a discovery that leads her to challenge all she believes. From a quite country setting, Alena is catapulted to Chicago, the "city of broad shoulders".
There, amidst riots, misplaced love and post-war confusion, this outspoken young woman struggles to find herself and the one true thing that will save her.
Sanctuary ~ Beverly & David Lewis - Trembling, Melissa James returned the phone to its cradle and hurried to the stairs. She grasped the railing, nearly stumbling as she made her way to the second-floor bedroom. Her heart caught in her throat as she considered the next move. Her only option. You can do this, she told herself, stifling a sob. You must...
Times and Seasons ~ Terri Blackstock, Beverly LaHaye - When Cathy Flaherty's teenage son Mark is arrested for selling drugs, her neighbors once again show that Cedar Circle is more than a suburban cul-de-sac. It is a tightly knit circle of friends whose faith, love and encouragement help each other make it through the changing seasons of life.
More is at state for Cathy than her son. With Mark in juvenile detention, the single mother of three finds herself struggling over whether to marry Steve Bennett, a man she truly loves. It will take strength and wisdom for Steve to see Cathy through this time of family conflict. Fortunately, he is not alone. Other lives, each with concerns of their own, weave together in a strong show of mutual care and support. And through the hands and hearts of this loving community, God moves.
The Storyteller's Collection ~ Various - Departing now! All aboard for spirited adventure. Paris. London. Moscow. Senegal. See faraway places, distant shores, natural wonders. Hear the exotic sounds, international stories, and meet the well-known communicators whose own journey inspired them. Imagine your surprise: a beggar gives you a gift. A stranger invites you to tour the Louvre - and heals your heart. A letter from your deceased grandfather awaits you upon check-in at a hotel halfway across the globe. Open your spirit to these universal stories from famous world travelers - like yourself. And learn about the world as they did - by going there.
Tails Of Love ~ Various - "Paws" for romance as pets play matchmaker in four novellas. Can puppy love keep Brian's store from ruin? Will an injured dog restore Jake and Kerry's truce? Why is Lynne thinking so much about the owner of the Great Dane her Corgi bit? Fluffy doesn't like Fido---Heather doesn't like Bill. What's bringing them together?
Then Comes Marriage ~ Angela Hunt and Bill Myers - His idea of a romantic gift is a truck? Excuse me if I'm not thrilled to pieces. It's been exactly one year since Heather and Kurt Stone exchanged wedding vows. A photo collage? For crying out loud! She knew I was hoping for golf clubs! They'd planned to celebrate. Instead, they're fighting. Not about the gifts they got - those are just added proof of what's become apparent with time: how little each person understands the other. How could this perfect match turn out so wrong?
As a furious Heather unloads her marital woes to her mother, a bewildered and resentful Kurt heads for the racquetball court to vent his frustration. Now the real issue emerges: Kurt is a man and Heather is a woman. How can two people wired so differently ever hope to become one flesh? Or could the strength of their union lie in their very differences?
Love Comes Home ~ Terri Reed - An ache throbbed within Dr. Rachel Maguire's chest. After twelve years, Josh Taylor, the man she'd loved and lost, stood before her, handsome as ever, and now with an adorable son. Something stirred inside her at the sight. It was a feeling she hadn't faced in twelve years.
Was it yearning? Or...love? Did it matter what it was? Years ago Rachel had vowed to follow God's path to improving hospital conditions, at all costs - even if that meant giving up Josh. Again, she'd stick to her path, despite the pain in her heart. But did that path have room for three?
Jabez: A Novel ~ Thom Lemmons - Follow this compelling story of two pain-stricken people - a young man and his mother - in one of the Bible's most turbulent eras. Experience the many-sided paradox of blessing amid struggle and one man's relentless, unshakable pursuit of God's hand upon his life.
Reviews of books I've read.
Autumn's Shadow ~ Lyn Cote This was an excellent book. Suspenseful, wonderful romance, left me with a warm and happy feeling.
Along Came Jones ~ Linda Windsor Yup, I loved this, too. A cowboy hero to die for, a realistic plot, lots of adventure and humor. Another book I can highly recomment.
Books I loved that I think others would enjoy as well :)
