Be Frank with Me by Julia Clairborne Johnson

Released January 2016

Johnson’s debut novel is highly original and brought to life by its unusual characters and their witty dialogue. The unique relationships that the characters create with one another make for an interesting and touching read but the anti-climatic ending will leave you unsatisfied. 3 out of 5 stars.

SUMMARY: Mimi, a reclusive, former best-selling author and single mother, needs help to complete her second novel. After a 25-year silence, she calls her editor and asks him to send someone to keep her on track. His assistant, Alice, arrives at Mimi's California home to help her finish the book on time, but Mimi has other plans for her. Mimi locks herself away, leaving Alice to care for Mimi's eccentric 9-year-old son, Frank, who gets into mischief at every turn. As Alice gets to know Frank, she becomes intensely curious as to who Frank's father is while trying to discover what role Xander, Frank's transient ex-piano teacher, plays within the family. She wonders if Frank's father and Xander, the man she has fallen for, are one and the same.

Unhinge by Calia Read (review)

This is a new release, just out on January 12th.

This book keeps you guessing until the end and then you will want to reread everything. By jumping from present day to flashbacks, we feel the characters confusion, frustration and determination to uncover the truth, no matter the consequences. Her "dead" husband tells her she has been in Fairfax for three years; a mysterious stranger says only six months. I highly recommend this mind-boggling book to fans of twisting psychological thrillers and romantic intrigue with a warning due to three detailed intimacy scenes and some strong language. NOT CHRISTIAN APPROVED.

 

SUMMARY: Garden-lover and ex-nurse, Victoria, awakens in a psych ward with a faulty memory. Victoria's confusion and frustration with being in Fairfax leads to her quest to unlock the last three years of memories. She remembers marrying Wesley Donovan, a cutthroat lawyer, soon after meeting.  The key may lie with Sinclair Montgomery, the mysterious stranger who shows up at Fairfax, claiming to know and love her.  4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Photograph by Beverly Lewis

In an Amish town in Lancaster, PA, three unmarried sisters live in the house their parents died in. The youngest, 18 years old, decides to try her hand at being English and leaves with only a note to explain. A carriage maker comes for a visit from Ohio and decides to help the family find the run-away girl.

Jed Stutzman finds Little Women on his train ride to PA with notes, comments and hearts desires written in the margins. A photograph is used as a bookmark. Truly  touched by the writings, he hopes to meet her. An amazing twist at the end. 4 stars. Christian Approved.

Drawing Fire by Janice Cantore

In Long Beach, CA, a Homicide Detective and a Private Investigator join together to solve recent murders that seem to be connected to a triple homicide that occurred 27 years prior. 

Abby Hart was supposed to die in the fire 27 years ago, with her parents and Luke Murphy's uncle, who was the cook at Abby's parents restaurant, The Triple Seven. This was a great first book in Janice Cantore's Cold Case Justice series. We are left with just enough questions o make the reader want to get the next book to see what happens. Christian approved. 4 out of 5 stars

Made with Love by Tricia Goyer and Sherry Gore

Keep your words soft and sweet in case you have to eat them. Amish Proverb

In Pinecraft, FL a young Amish woman dreams of owning her own pie shop; in comes a carpenter willing to make her dreams come true. Together they must overcome obstacles from the past in order to succeed in the future.

The story of Lovina and Noah is not your typical Amish story. They live in Florida where the Bishop allows things like air conditioning and electric due to the unbareable heat. There are no horse and buggies to be spoken of; the either walk, ride bikes, use public transportation or hire a driver to get around.

We see a lot of comma misuse or lack of use and also incorrect words, ex. his appears instead of this; there instead of their, etc.

This is a quick, easy read. An amazing story of God helping more than just our two main characters to trust and have faith in Him. 3 out of 5 stars.