To Darkness Fled
Almost Heaven
Sworn to Protect
by Diann Mills
Here are the rest of the Christy Award winners. These are Christian Fiction worth reading.
The 2011 Christy Awards
For those of you who don't know, the Christy Awards are the highest achievement a Christian Fiction novel can get. The 2011 Christy Award winners have been chosen, and--not surprisingly--some of those award winning authors were interviewed and reviewed right here on Christian Fiction Book Reviews. We would like to congratulate them for this incredible achievement!
Almost Heaven
Sworn to Protect
Almost Heaven
Sworn to Protect
Interview: Karen Andreola
Christian Fiction Book Reviews: Prior to writing Pocketful of Pinecones, you had done some non-fiction writing. What led you to write a novel?
Karen Andreola: It’s strange. I’ve never been the sort to tell anyone what I’ve dreamed the night before, or make up stories to tell by the fireside or fill notebooks with stories. I concentrated on non-fiction for a good many years in my efforts to share the educational principles of Miss Charlotte Mason. The thought of fiction crossed my mind because I wanted to convey the wonder of nature study through the experience of a family who took part in it. Realistic fiction seemed a good way to illustrate a “how-to” I had previously written about in my book, A Charlotte Mason Companion.
My first attempt was a disaster. My editor/friend was honest. “This isn’t working,” she gently told me. Months of work were cast aside. I lay on the floor by the wood-stove that gray winter afternoon, heavy with disappointment. But the next day I got up and tried again. I decided to put the story in first person. Months later when my editor/friend received again a first set of chapters, she said, “This works.”
CFBR: You chose New England during the depression as a setting for the books, why then and there?
KA: Our family lived in Maine at the time I wrote Pocketful of Pinecones. Therefore, I made the nature we observed month by month to be the same nature that my characters observe. New England is a beautiful region of America and ideal for its four distinct and picturesque seasons. I spent my girlhood a little further south in New Jersey and loved being outdoors. In autumn I’d crunch upon fallen leaves to walk to the school bus stop wearing one of my mother’s hand knit sweaters and the traditional red plaid skirt. Winter had us bundled up and booted for sledding in snow. Spring brought welcomed rays of the sun, red tulips and yellow daffodils, caterpillars and inchworms. Summer gave us a neighborhood of thick green grass to run on top of, noisy birds, orange butterflies, and the rhythmic evening serenade of crickets.
Although chores were constant the 1930s seem to be a time of simplicity. I wanted a story free of television and computer. We had neither in the house when I taught our girls to read in the 1980s. We listened to some audio and music daily. Comparatively my fictional family listens to the radio.
The 1930s were a time when to be a stay-at-home mom (which is what I’ve been) was normal. She dutifully and lovingly contributed to the economy of the home with non-income work from sun up to sun down. This is something I could relate to and I knew my fellow home teachers could, too. My main character, Carol, hasn’t a car but walks to destinations with her children. Sometimes nature observation is accomplished along the way. Her husband Michael takes the family car to work. This is reminiscent to our year in England where I walked daily to the park and green grocer with my children or took the red bus to the library. Today walking to destinations is only doable in the oldest of neighborhoods in America where blocks of houses are connected by sidewalks to Main Street. In the 1930s Main Street filled the needs of the community.
CFBR: Was much of your material drawn from your own experiences as a homeschooling mother?
KA: Yes, very much so, but fact and fiction have a way of intermingling. It would be difficult for me to accurately distinguish between what has its source in pure imagination and what comes closer to fact. The kinds of things I did with my children my character Carol does with hers. When my son read portions the sequel while he was illustrating it he said, “Mom you’ve made the kids too good.”
“But you were pretty well-behaved children for the most part,” I tell them. “And so my fictional children are, too.”
I did use my imagination, for instance, to create a Carol’s brother Bob and her sweet sister-in-law Dora. But I incorporated the qualities of people I’ve known into the domestically enterprising Bob and Dora. I created these book friends for myself as much as for my readers. I know that a kindred spirit can be a rare find in the life of a homemaker/home teacher. We had recently moved from Maine to Pennsylvania, away from our friends. I understand that household relocations mean finding new friends because I’d been in this situation often. But with little time to spare in one’s day this isn’t so easy. Book friends are a consolation.
CFBR: I think it’s pretty common for many of us to fall into thinking that only non-fiction books can be educational. What are your thoughts on this?
KA: Good Fiction engenders in the reader a “moral imagination” which enables you “to put yourself in his place.” It shows cause and affect. It reveals what is in the heart of man and how he responds to conflict. In this way it gloriously brings to our notice intangibles. A bold example is the plays of William Shakespeare. Courage, faithfulness, pity, mercy, self-sacrifice, dedication, hope, patience, truthfulness, perseverance, and their opposites are demonstrated through the lives of characters. We can all do with a dose of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott. I think it was Queen Victoria who claimed that Dickens did more for social awareness (and consequently social reform) in London than any institution in the 19th century. Jane Austen’s morals and manners are a refreshing oasis in our modern day culture of coarseness and indecency. I am happy that Jane Austen’s stories and the films based on her writings are so popular. It means that someone is giving the message besides the preacher - and in a way that people are open to hearing it.
CFBR: When did you decide to write the sequel Lessons at Blackberry Inn?
KA: Just after our two daughters were married – months apart from each other – and it was the year our son – our last student - graduated from home school, I gathered notes for a sequel. It kept my mind occupied. I missed my girls and was going through a transition in my life.
CFBR: What are some favorite books that you recommend to parents for reading with their children?
KA: Perhaps giving you sampling of the books I know our children have enjoyed will be of interest – some of these they have read again after graduating from home school. I place them in order for young readers to mature readers.
Frog and Toad (series) by Arnold Lobel
My Father’s Dragon (series) by Ruth S. Gannett
The Adventures of Tintin (series) by Herge
Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
Gentle Ben, but especially Walt Morey’s other stories.
Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (series) by C. S. Lewis
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings (trilogy) by J. R. R. Tolkien
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The stories by James Herriot
Son of Tarzan (and series) by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Sherlock Holmes (short stories) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
My son enjoyed biographies of scientists. I un-ostentatiously curtailed my girls’ reading of modern romance novels by keeping an array of good books on hand. All my children are reading adults and to this day their taste is varied.
CFBR: Do you have any upcoming books projects?
KA: It encourages me to receive letters from my readers requesting that my stories continue. It is heartwarming to hear that they are ministering and soothing to home teachers, that they are valued for their practical ideas on home education. But because paper books have become a more risky investment these days it is debatable whether I will write another. While my supportive husband Dean, who is my publisher, is weighing things out I need to rebuild our websites. I’d like to take advantage of the help of our web-designer son while still lives with us. It’s my writing of the text “just so” that is holding up the works.
CFBR: When you write, do you prefer to have music playing or quiet?
KA: Generally I like absolute quiet. I can’t have any music playing. When my children were little I was used to writing while hearing the sounds of their playing in the background. This didn’t distract me at all. I only wrote an hour a day. Much more recently, I didn’t mind the tweeting of a pair of cardinals, which kept me company daily while I wrote Lessons at Blackberry Inn. They were comforting companions – sort of like little children playing in the background – now that I think of it.
KA: Yes. I think I have something important to say as an “older woman.”
The home teachers I’ve meet over the years are exceptionally dedicated. They are self-sacrificing and conscientious to a T. I admire them for it. The love a home teacher has for her children is expressed in the day-to-day activities of chores and lessons. She needs to be aware, however, of her enemies. Fatigue is one. It will drag her down. All work and no play is another. It can cause her to become disheartened, disinterested or after an extended period – depressed. Here is my remedy:
Mix some of what you “have” to teach with some of what you “like” to teach, each day.
Mix the business of bringing up children with pleasure. This helps to retain needed enthusiasm for the work required. This “enthusiasm” is why I invite the home teacher to take part in what I call, “Mother Culture,” for moments of recreation and refreshment. Perhaps she desires to knit that red yarn that had been pushed to the back of a closet. She may wish to listen to “Mommy’s music” for a change, or read a book just for Mommy so she can explore her own avenue of stimulating thought. I found that taking a solitary walk after my husband came home was a good time for me to pray, reflect or sometimes to toss pent up emotion to the wind. The important thing to remember is that the homeschool mom is a person. Her small moments taken for Mother Culture are necessary for her to not stop growing into the person God is creating her to be. The advantages of growing and of being refreshed with a little Mother Culture will fill her cup. And her cup will runneth over into the family circle – which includes her husband. So you see, this is not a selfish thing to do.
CFBR: It’s been lovely talking to you Karen! Thank you!
KA: Thank you for inviting me for a chat. I hope that I’ve shared not just bits about myself but some hopeful and curious ideas for readers to ponder.
Visit Karen Andreola’s blog Moments With Mother Culture!
The best Christian Fiction
Here is a list of the Best Christian Fiction available today. Are you looking for a new Christian author? You will definitely want to check out these titles for your Kindle.
First Light by Brodie and Brock Theone
The Trial by Robert Whitlow
Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
The Great Divide by T. Davis Bunn
The Oath by Frank Peretti
Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills
First Light by Brodie and Brock Theone The Trial by Robert Whitlow Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins The Great Divide by T. Davis Bunn The Oath by Frank Peretti Breach of Trust by DiAnn Mills
Dianna Young: Drama and Pro-Life
Review by Lisa Norsworthy
I have convictions and I feel very strongly about some of them. However, daily life seems to take over, and I can be guilty of getting tepid in my passion on certain subjects. Jesus said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:15-16
Muted Grey reignited my grief over abortion. In a very clever, unique way, it reminded me that the victims of abortion are people…the babies are not just “fetuses” and the mothers are victimized by deception and, often, regret. If you are pro-life in your beliefs, this is a must-read. If you are pro-choice, I challenge you to read this book and give some thought to the author’s message. It’s a very quick read at only 100 pages, and it would be thought-provoking to anyone who reads it.
Available at Amazon:
This Months Giveaway Winner
This month's winner can be found here, at YouTube. We'll give the winner a couple of days to find out from the video, and after that, we'll send out a confirmation e-mail. We would like to thank you for playing. We wish everyone could win a book, because we love you all. Sadly, there can be only one. Click the link to find out if it was you.
CLICK HERE-- THIS IS THE LINK
CLICK HERE-- THIS IS THE LINK
Hailee: Frontier Fiction
We are giving away a copy of Hailee, by Penny Zeller. Leave a comment on this post, with your e-mail (if we don't have it yet), so we can let you know if you are the winner. Runs AUG29-SEP3
CFBR: We are excited to hear about your latest novel, Hailee. What is the hook?
Penny Zeller: Hello, thank you for allowing me to be a guest on Christian Fiction Book Reviews. It’s great to be here. Following is the blurb for Hailee, the third book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance Series:
For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.
Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.
When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?
CFBR: Who is your favorite Character and why?
Penny Zeller: My favorite character would be my heroine, Hailee Sophia Annigan. I love Hailee’s character for her fierce determination and her spunk. I love her compassionate heart, her strong faith, and her sweet spirit.
CFBR: What can Christian expect to get from the story?
Penny Zeller: My passion is to write books that impact lives for Christ. For the Christian reader, they can expect to share in Hailee’s pain and sorrow, as well as the joy she experiences. They will watch as her faith wavers and her heart breaks at the losses she experiences in life. They will share with Nate as he struggles to release to the Lord burdens he was never meant to carry. My books are character-driven, and as such, throughout the book and with a variety of characters, readers will catch a glimpse of struggles with forgiveness, Salvation, rededication to Christ, and the hope of a new life.
CFBR: How long does it take you to complete a novel?
Penny Zeller: This is a great question. Actually, it really varies. Sometimes it can be as little as two months and sometimes as long as five or six months. I think my average would be about three months for the first draft. However, I give my books and my writing to the Lord, so I’m learning to write on His schedule.CFBR: What advice would you give to a fledgling author?
Penny Zeller: I offer several writing helps on my blog, at http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/sticking-with-writing/ including how to stick with writing and information about how to prepare for a writer’s conference.
I am humbled how the Lord has placed me in a mentoring position for new writers through a Writer’s Bible Study. When I chat with a fledgling author, I ask what he/she envisions themselves doing for God’s Kingdom and how can I pray and encourage him/her in that pursuit. One of the most important things to remember in being a writer is that if God has called you to write, He will guide you, one step at a time.
In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services governmental agency so I could stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my career, beginning with magazine articles. I would advise a new writer to give his/her writing to the Lord and to not give up! I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens another (much better) one.
CFBR: If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?
Penny Zeller: Probably a television talk show host for a Christian TV show. I think that would be a lot of fun!
Thank you again for having me as your guest!
I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com,
My humor blog (A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author) www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,
On Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts where I post updates about new books, giveaways, events, and Just-for-Fun Fridays.
Book by Penny Zeller at Amazon
Erin Healy: Supernatural Mystery
The Promises She Keeps by Erin Healy
Chase is a 30-year-old autistic man with a savant-like talent for drawing, and a knowledge of trees. He awakes to the voice of his father--who has been missing in action for over ten years--telling him to draw a certain tree.
Porta Cerrato, an aging woman adept at witchcraft, opens an art gallery in Chase’s hometown, and uses her evil craft to influence people, while searching for a person she believes has the key to eternal life.
When Chelsea, Chases’s devoted twin sister, brings Chase on his usual walk over the same route one Saturday, she is shocked to see him deviate from his usual routine and enter Porta’s gallery. The pictures he is being told to draw all have recipients and Chase eerily knows who they are and why they need them.
In the meantime, Porta’s son, Zac, comes to know a young woman with cystic fibrosis. Because she knows her lifetime is limited, she is obsessed with becoming famous so she will not be forgotten.
All of these lives converge into a suspenseful, supernatural story of evil, greed, and the quest for eternal life. But, ultimately, it is child-like love, perception, and loyalty that are victorious. It can be difficult to find a story with supernatural elements that are not contrary to scripture but this tale unfolds in a way that doesn’t leave the Christian reader uncomfortable. Because a main theme of this story was the desire for eternal life, I was left wishing the author had emphasized that Jesus was the only true answer especially in Promise’s quest.
Erin Healy developed the characters nicely, and the uniqueness of this thriller was engaging. I look forward to Healy’s next work.
Book at Amazon by Erin Healy, alone and with Ted Dekker.
Supernatural Christian Thriller
Review by Teisha Priest
Visit Teisha's blog at http://www.teishknits.com/
David chance sees messages. They tell him what will happen. One of the messages saved his life, but now they are directing him to take action that could end up costing him his life. Are these messages from the dead? Is it some genetic mutation? Or, could it possibly be God speaking to him? David is just an ordinary guy with a family, but these messages have landed him in the middle of a conspiracy. Will David follow them regardless of the cost? I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to give the story away! If you enjoy supernatural thrillers, drama, intrigue and action then Messages is right up your alley.
In the very first chapter, David begins seeing messages in the words around him. The story takes off from there and continues its fast pace through to the end. There are enough clues to give us a hint of what’s really going on, but enough twists to still keep us guessing. I stayed up late two nights because I was so intrigued by the story that I couldn’t put it down! The main character is the type of “average-Joe” that most of us can identify with. David is not a believer, but the messages that have embroiled him in extraordinary circumstances also lead him to search for answers.
The book is as much about his spiritual journey as it is about his quest to unravel a terrorist plot. Messages fits into the “speculative fiction” genre, as does John’s first novel, VRIN: ten mortal gods. Even so, it will appeal to those who enjoy dramatic thrillers as well. Messages is a solid second novel for John, and we’ll definitely be watching for his third! If you missed John’s first book, VRIN: ten mortal gods, then you can read my review here. Both of his novels are available through Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats. To keep up with what John is writing, visit his blog.
Interview with Teisha Priest for CFBR
Christian Fiction Book Reviews: You’ve written two novels that have been published so far. Was the writing process pretty much the same for both books, or did you find it different the second time?
John Michael Hileman: Most of VRIN took place in a Fantasy world of my own creation. It's pretty easy to write about a world that doesn't exist. No one can say, "Hey! There aren't any stairs in front of the Blah Blah Blah museum!" When you're writing about a man hunting for a dirty bomb in the streets of Boston, you need to have a working knowledge of Boston and the surrounding area. Since part of my childhood was in the suburbs of Boston, I have a good idea of how things work. The internet filled in the blanks.
CFBR: What drew you to the speculative fiction genre as a writer?JMH: I like being able to create scenes no one has ever created before. Speculative fiction offers a canvas for that kind of out of the box thinking. Plus, alternate realities allow you to examine the principles and precepts of God from another perspective.
CFBR: What has the publishing process been like for you?JMH: Lots and lots of waiting. Writing a book is merely the beginning of a vast journey. If you set foot on the road, prepare your heart to enjoy the walk, because there aren't' many rest stops on the way.
CFBR: What’s been the most difficult part of the writing/publishing process for you?JMH: Overcoming doubt. When I started as a writer, I wanted success, and I feared failure. God has shown me that success is not in the quantity of people who love you, but in the quality of people who love you. It is fair to say, my readers have given me more than I could ever give them. I no longer wonder if I was meant to write, because I have a stack of e-mails from dear friends, who remind me how important what I do is.
Just last night I got a letter from a concerned mother who asked whether or not my latest novel would transform the heart of her Atheist son. I shared this insight. A stonecutter was once asked, "which strike of the hammer broke the stone?" The stonecutter replied, "The first. The last. And every one in between." I don't know if my book will be the strike that breaks her sons hard heart, but knowing that I am partnering with someone of such great character, gives value to the work I put in to writing it.
CFBR: There has been the suggestion that Christian authors should not write any sort of fantasy/science fiction type novels. What are your thoughts on the topic?JMH: I don't think most Christian outright object to fantasy and science fiction. It is more of a cautious apprehension--at least towards science fiction. As Christians we must guard our minds against the enemy of our souls. He is continually pleading his case through all forms of media. He wants to sow seeds of doubt in our minds, and turn us away from the truth. Since truth is so important, most Christians stick to stories that are grounded in reality. Most science fiction starts with a premise that is a lie, like: in thousands of years mankind will take to the stars and meet other life forms. This premise is silly and fanciful as Gene Roddenberry wrote it. But Christian authors tend to put Biblical truths into everything they write. As soon as you turn Star Trek into an Allegory, you've lost your Christian readers. They cannot take the story as pure fiction, because you've injected the real God into it.
As for Fantasy, that is more of a witchcraft/magic issue. God tells us to avoid such things. And yet, most fantasy stories have some form of it mentioned.
I believe science fiction and fantasy are like firearms. They are only as dangerous as the person wielding them. I don't know about you, but I'm thankful police carry firearms.
CFBR: What are your favorite books? The ones you read over and over.JMH: I did most of my heavy reading before I was right with the Lord. The only books I read over and over--lately-- are mine.
CFBR: When you write, do you prefer background music or quiet?JMH: I like it quiet. I'm easily distracted.
CFBR: Any words of wisdom for aspiring speculative fiction authors?JMH: Tread carefully. You will be accountable for your actions.
CFBR: Do you have any other novels on the horizon that we should be watching for?JMH: Yes I do. But I can't tell you about it. It's super duper top level secret stuff. All I can say is, I've been working on it for the past eight years, and it has one overriding theme: the holiness of God.
CFBR: We will be looking forward to it! Thanks for the interview John!Both Messages and VRIN: ten mortal gods are available through amazon in Kindle and paperback format.
I have finally carved out enough time to get the video done for this giveaway. I'm sorry for the wait. Life has been a little hectic lately. If you would like to see who won, click the link below.
THE WINNER
Thanks for playing, and check back for more giveaways.
John Hileman
Managing Editor
Christian Fiction Book Reviews
Interview: Julie Cave
Leave a comment for Julie Cave, after the interview, to win a copy of her novel Pieces of Light.
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Julie: Thank you for having me, I really appreciate it!
CFBR: Tell us about Dinah Harris. What makes her tick?
Julie: Throughout the trilogy, readers will have come to know Dinah Harris firstly as a woman suffering from depression and alcoholism to one who has discovered hope and redemption in Christ. She is flawed in many ways - she loses her temper often and is sarcastic and impatient. However, she is genuinely growing in her walk as a Christian and learning how to re-define her life according to her faith. She is smart, funny and single-minded in her quest to find justice.
CFBR: She sounds like a lot of fun to write. What kind of mysteries will we unravel in "Pieces of Light"?
Julie: A serial bomber is determined to get rid of God from Washington D.C. by blowing up churches. Dinah's old FBI partner, Ferguson, asks her to consult on the case and they discover an intelligent, organised killer operating from a place of great rage. It all comes down to Dinah to reach out to the bomber and convince him to end his reign of terror over the city. Will she succeed before more lives are lost?
Readers will also meet Isabelle, a young woman dealing with the aftermath of a violent childhood and trapped in a loveless marriage. Will she escape her abusive husband and learn how to reconstruct her life? And what connection does she have to the bomber?
Finally, Dinah's nemesis Senator Winters is back, but for how long? This time he has met his match. Who could be powerful enough to bring down the evil Senator?
CFBR: What inspires your stories?
Julie: Anything that is currently happening in world current events. I get many story ideas from the news headlines. I try to research the issue behind the headline - such as euthanasia, atheism or domestic violence - with a view to explaining the impact on people's lives and what the Bible says about such issues.
CFBR: Who is your target audience and what do you hope readers will get from your books?
Julie: My books target both Christians and non-Christians who enjoy a thrilling, action-packed read. For non-Christians, I include a simple, accurate Gospel message in each book along with a reasoned defence of the Christian faith in the hope that their hearts are stirred into finding out more about God. For Christians, I hope to provide them with a non-threatening tool to evangelise to their friends and families, and to challenge their own understanding of Christianity and the controversial topics of our culture. All three Dinah Harris mysteries delve into some deep and shocking subjects, as I feel passionately about writing with authenticity about issues facing us all today - like alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence.
CFBR: What is the greatest obstacle to being a writer?
Julie: Having people know who you are and what you write about. Getting published is the first step - then the real work begins! It takes a lot of time, effort and hard work to build your profile. For anyone thinking of a writing career, I'd encourage them to build their platform now - work out who your audience is and how you will target them. If you have this platform in place and growing, it makes publishing and marketing your book more attractive to a publisher and easier on the writer in the long term.
CFBR: Are there more Dinah Harris stories in our future, or are you planning something else?
Julie: I could quite happily do either! There is so much character development I can still do on Dinah Harris and I have no shortage of ideas. However, the idea of doing something completely fresh appeals to me too. We'll have to see what the readers think I should do!
CFBR: Thanks for joining us, Julie.
Julie: Thanks again for having me.
Here are books by Julie Cave, available at Amazon.com
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