Reading

Cindy's Recommended Reads!

reading

Book Reviews:

Watch this page for reviews of terrific books. If you're an avid reader constantly looking for great titles and authors, especially of fiction, you may want to add this page to your favorites. I'll be adding to it frequently!--Cindy

Favorite Authors:

I will read just about anything that's interesting and uplifting, but I'll admit that fiction is my favorite. I'm also happy to report that Christian fiction is better than ever. My favorite books are those that I'm reluctant to put down...stories that transport me to a another time and another place. Here are a few of my favorite authors, and links to their websites where available.

Charlotte Bronte

As I mentioned in my bio, I read "Jane Eyre" at an early age, and it remains my favorite fiction book of all time. There are several websites that deal with Charlotte as well as her sisters, Emily Bronte who wrote "Wuthering Heights" (another favorite of mine) and Anne Bronte who wrote "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall."

C.S. Lewis

As a child,I fell in love with "The Chronicles of Narnia," Lewis' fantasy tales that have a strong allegorical element depicting Christ and our relationship with him. Some may criticize some points of Lewis' theology in his personal life, but the Narnia books remain classics that I would recommend to every child AND adult who loves a wonderful story.

Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers is probably my very favorite contemporary author. Her books are immensely readable,well-written, and convey Biblical truth through fascinating stories. My favorite Francine Rivers books include her series set in early Rome, the Mark of the Lion series ( I never thought I was interested in Roman times before I read these books!); also, Redeeming Love, The Scarlet Thread, The Atonement Child, The Last Sin-Eater, and Leota's Garden, among others.

Jane Kirkpatrick

From the time I picked up Jane's book, A Sweetness to the Soul ,I realized that here was a very remarkable Christian author. Her beautiful,lyrical writing style would grace any writing genre. Probably my favorite Kirkpatrick book,though, is Love to Water my Soul. Few authors possess such a gift of evoking a mood or capturing a description sheerly through finely crafted wordsmithing and absorbing storytelling.

B.J. Hoff

Given my fascination for all things Irish, it's no wonder I fell in love with B.J. Hoff's "Emerald Ballad" series. The series follows a family from famine-stricken Ireland to their immigration to the United States. I've also read part of B.J.'s "Song of Erin" series, and some of her stand-alone novels. A terrific writer who spins very entertaining tales. Check out B.J.'s blog, "Grace Notes", which she describes as a "meeting place for writers and readers of Christian fiction."

Lisa Samson

If you think all Christian writers are sappy and unrealistic, you need to read Lisa Samson's The Church Ladies. Check out my review of this book elsewhere on this page. Lisa has also written some terrifically absorbing historical novels, my favorite of which is her "Shades of Eternity" series. I've interviewed Lisa, and I can tell you that her great personality and sense of humor come through in her novels.

Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz is a former radio DJ and is an acclaimed speaker as well as writer of both fiction and nonfiction...but my favorites are her fiction books, Mixed Signals and Bookends. Liz has a delightful,bubbly,humorous style.

Terri Blackstock

Out of all the books I've given or recommended, I probably get the most positive feedback from the books of Terri Blackstock! Terri's suspenseful "Suncoast Chronicles" and "Newpointe 911" series will hook you...they are definite page-turners, somewhat reminiscent of a John Grisham style of writing. She has also written some very good Christian romances.

Nancy Moser

Nancy's "Mustard Seed" series is reminiscent of Frank Peretti's spiritual warfare books, deftly combining suspense,fantasy and solid Biblical truth in page-turning narratives. Bit of trivia here: on some copies of Moser's book,The Temptation, you'll see my comments about the book on the front,inside front page,and back of the book! I've reviewed Nancy's "The Seat Beside Me" and "Time Lottery" on this page, and look forward to reading and reviewing more of her books.

Linda Hall

With her page-turning narrative ability, realistic characters and intriguing plots, Linda Hall has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I had read a few of her books, including Margaret's Peace and Island of Refuge in the past, and recognized instantly her exceptional talent and singular style. Her recent books, including Sadie's Song and the first two books in the Teri Blake-Addison mystery series--Steal Away and Chat Room--have irrevocably hooked me. I highly recommend them!