Staff Favourites

Sometimes small towns hold the biggest secrets.
Ambitious young attorney Tom Crane is about to become a partner in a high-profile Atlanta law firm. But first he must clear one final matter from his docket—the closing of his deceased father's law practice in his hometown of Bethel, Georgia. Killed in a mysterious boating accident, John Crane didn't appear to leave his son anything except the hassle of wrapping up loose ends.
But instead of celebrating his promotion, Tom finds himself packing up his office, having suddenly been "consolidated." To add insult to injury, that same night his girlfriend breaks up with him . . . by letter.
Returning to Bethel with no sense of his future and no faith to fall back on, Tom just wants to settle his father's final affairs and get back to Atlanta. But then he runs into an unexpected roadblock—two million dollars of unclaimed money stashed in a secret bank account. And evidence that his father's death may not have been accidental. Worse still, a trail of data suggests his father played a role in an international fraud operation.
Tom follows the money into a tangled web of lies, theft, and betrayal. Along the way, he meets a woman who is as beguiling as she is beautiful. And her interest in the outcome of the case is just as high as his. She challenges Tom's assumptions . . . and his faith. Now he has to decide who he can trust—and how far a father's love can reach.

Pub Date: July 2011
View more by Robert Whitlow

Staff Recommend:

'I've always enjoyed Robert Whitlow's writing and this book definitely did not disappoint. My plan was to read it over a weekend, but I got so engrossed I stayed up to finish it on Saturday night!! He always has an interesting mystery plot and approaches the solution form a lawyer's perspective. This book would be equally interesting for either a man or a woman. Enjoy!'

~Marilyn

Are you a follower of Jesus? Don’t answer too quickly.
In fact, you may want to read this book before you answer at all. Consider it a “Define the Relationship” conversation to determine exactly where you stand. You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus, period.
In any case, don’t take the question—Are you a follower of Jesus?—lightly.
Some people don’t know what they’ve said yes to and other people don’t realize what they’ve said no to, says Pastor Kyle Idleman. But Jesus is ready to clearly define the relationship he wants with his followers.
Not a Fan calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humor, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.
Pub Date: June 2011

Staff Recommend:

'This is a humorous, insightful book about what it means to be a real "follower" of Jesus, as opposed to a "fan". A fan is described as someone who knows about Jesus, maybe even enthusiastic but has never surrendered their life to Him. Kyle Idleman is a teaching pastor in a big church-- and it shows...He has a wonderful way of communicating in a difficult truth.'

~Rick

From the bestselling author of Crossing Oceans comes a powerfully moving story that tests the limits of love’s forgiveness. Like many marriages, Eric and Kyra Yoshida’s has fallen apart slowly, one lost dream and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal finally pushes them beyond reconciliation. Just when it looks like forgive and forget is no longer an option, a car accident gives Eric the second chance of a lifetime. A concussion causes his wife to forget details of her life, including the chasm between them. No one knows when—or if—Kyra’s memory will return, but Eric seizes the opportunity to win back the woman he’s never stopped loving.
Pub Date: September 2011

Staff Recommend:

'Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart! With surprising clarity, Gina is able to bring to life a story that touches most of humanity today. The shattering betrayal in relationships and the ultimate road to redemption and to forgiveness. In a very real way , brings about the "truth" that will set you free! Very enjoyable read!'

~Jenny

"I collect words. I keep them in a box in my mind. I'd like to keep them in a real box, something pretty, maybe a shoe box covered with flowered wrapping paper. Whenever I wanted, I'd open the box and pick up the papers, reading and feeling the words all at once. Then I could hide the box. But the words are safer in my mind. There, he can't take them."
Ten-year old Kaylee Wren doesn't speak. Not since her drug-addled mother walked away, leaving her in a remote cabin nestled in the towering redwoods-in the care of a man who is as dangerous as he is evil. With silence her only refuge, Kaylee collects words she might never speak from the only memento her mother left behind: a dictionary.
Sierra Dawn is thirty-four, an artist, and alone. She has allowed the shame of her past to silence her present hopes and chooses to bury her pain by trying to control her circumstances. But on the twelfth anniversary of her daughter's death, Sierra's control begins to crumble as the God of her childhood woos her back to Himself.
Brought together by Divine design, Kaylee and Sierra will discover together the healing mercy of the Word-Jesus Christ.
Pub Date Feb 2011

Staff Recommend:

"This is one of the most compelling fiction books I have ever read...the story and the characters stayed with me one I had reluctantly laid down the book.
Ginny Ytrupp s an amazing first time novelist who writes eloquently about a subject that she understands and the results are evident. The cover may not grab you but the content certainly will!"
~Denise Ramsay

At a lavish estate in Mercy Falls, California, Addie Sullivan finds danger—and quite possibly the love of her life.

Growing up as the lightkeeper’s daughter on a remote island at the turn of the century, Addie Sullivan has lived a hardscrabble life. When a long-lost and wealthy relative finds her and enlists her to work as a governess at a lavish estate, she hopes to discover the truth of her heritage. But at Eaton Hall, nothing is as it seems. Not the idyllic family she hoped for, not the child she was hired to help, not even the aloof man she’s immediately attracted to. Soon she must turn for help to Lieutenant John North, a man who views her with suspicion.

As Addie edges closer to the truth, danger threatens even as her romance with John blossoms and together they unravel a decades-old mystery. As Addie faces down her enemy, she discovers that faith in her one true Father is all she needs

Pub. Date:  January 2010
View more by Colleen Coble

Staff Recommend:

"Many of you are familiar with Colleen Coble's riveting mysteries.
These three books, while they digress from her usual writing to a gentler time, still have a element of mystery, but put an equal focus on relationships.
They make for a nice easy read, and you get quite attached to the main characters, as she carries each one over to the next book.
So, make a nice cup of tea, relax, and enjoy!"
~Marilyn

A missing girl....A corrupt investigation....They thought they could get away with it, but they forgot one thing:
Roland March is BACK ON MURDER
Houston homicide detective Roland March was once one of the best. Now he's disillusioned, cynical, and on his way out. His superiors farm him out on a variety of punishment details•until an unexpected break gives March one last chance to save his career. And his humanity.
All he has to do? Find the missing teenage daughter of a Houston evangelist that every cop in town is already looking for. But March has an inside track, a multiple murder nobody else thinks is connected. Battling a new partner, an old nemesis, and the demons of his past, getting to the truth could cost March everything. Even his life.
Pub. Date:  June 2010
View more by J. Mark Bertrand

Staff Recommend:

"This is a two book series by J Mark Bertrand, but I hope he writes many more! The main characher is a wounded, but very persistant homicide detective, named Roland March. The stories are gritty, without drowning in gore: entertaining but not titalating: well paced but not frantic. It's obvious that Bertrand understands Christians, and even though the protagonist isn't one, there is a discernable faith journey going on. I enjoyed both books enormously!"
~Rick Hall

As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war. At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan.
A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn’t be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.
Pub. Date:  October 2010
View more Joel C. Rosenberg

Step into the boots of a former Marine in this heart-pounding adventure in life and love. Colton “Cowboy” Neeley is a Marine trying to find his footing as he battles flashbacks now that he’s back home. Piper Blum is a woman in hiding—from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. When their hearts collide, more than their lives are at stake. Will Colton find a way to forgive Piper’s lies? Can Piper find a way to rescue her father, trapped in Israel? Is there any way their love, founded on her lies, can survive?
Pub. Date: January 2011
View more by Ronie Kendig

Staff Recommend: This exciting series is about a group of 'discarded heroes', elite soldiers who have returned home scarred by what they have seen and done while serving their country. Due to their specialized skills, they are united to form a highly secretive group, code named "Nightshade".
Colton Neely is the sniper of the group known as 'Cowboy', his quiet and gentle personality hide the fact that he is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Colton finds himself falling hard for a local sales clerk, Pipe Blum. Unknown to Colton, Piper has secrets of her own. As Colton gets closer to Piper, he and the rest of Nightshade are drawn into the situation, heading to the Holy Land to try and sabe Piper's father, and Israel from certain death.
Is Nightsade able to stop the horrific terrorist attacks and save the lives of God's people? Are Colton & Piper able to work through all of their misunderstandings to find true love? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out!!
~Linda

The game is on.
FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers's cutting-edge skills are about to be pushed to the limit when a young woman is found brutally murdered in Washington DC. Her killers continue a spree of perfect crimes in the Northeast, but with nothing to link them to each other, Agent Bowers faces his most difficult case yet--even as his personal life begins to crumble around him.
The Bishop is a gripping, adrenaline-laced story for readers who are tired of timid thrillers. Strap on your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride
Pub. Date: July 2010
View more by Steven James
Recommended by staff
The Bishop is the fourth installment in the Patrick Bowers Series by Steven James.  Since I enjoyed the first three I expected to enjoy this one also.  I was definately not disappointed.  As I read, I was excited and engaged.  Moreover I was challenged, and felt the need to question.  This is the most impressive thing about James, although he entertains the reader, he informs and attempts to persuade.  There is a deeper level to James' work one that engages moral and ethical questions.  These questions focus on the nature of humanity over against animals, good and evil, and freedom and determination.  This is a refreshing contrast to an industry seemingly afraid to ask challenging questions, face intelligent discussion, and/or criticism.  Threads from previous stories still weave their way through this one, althought the storylines of The Bishop take precedence.  This does not mean they do not play an important role, since they are necessary to understand the context and history of the series.  I commented, after reading The Knight, about a concern that James may be unable to keep this from becoming monotonous.  This concern was misplaced.  James continues to move the series forward, maintaining excitement and avoiding redundancy.  It is an excellent piece of fiction, and I dread waiting another year for the follow up.  ~~Matthew Lortie