Announcing new Christian Fiction for 2014
Yesterday I shared with you some of the new fiction titles that I’m excited to read in 2014. Today I’m happy to have my fellow coworker, Ruth Anderson, here to share about the novels she’s looking forward to in the coming months. Ruth is an avid book reader and blogger. And the chick has good taste in books!
Welcome, Ruth!
I’m thrilled to once again share some of my most anticipated reads of the year on Rachel’s blog. Between Rachel’s list and mine, 2014 promises to be a fabulous year for fiction lovers and I cannot wait to dive into these upcoming releases.
A Draw of Kings by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House) – February 2014
The first installment of Carr’s The Staff & the Sword trilogy became one of my favorite books of 2013. Sadly life intervened and I was unable to read the second book until now – and I am LOVING it and so happy that I’m on track to finish it right as the conclusion is set to release. I am NOT the world’s most patient person when it comes to cliffhangers. Carr’s books are epic fantasy at its finest. Here’s a bit about the final installment of Errol’s journey:
Dark Forces Have Gathered and the Final Battle for Illustra Has Begun
Their journey to Merakh should have made Errol and his companions heroes of the realm. Instead, they’ve been branded enemies of the kingdom.
In the wake of the king’s death, Duke Weir is ruling the country–and he intends to marry Adora to bring an heir from the royal line. With Errol and the others imprisoned and the identity of the rightful heir to the throne still hidden in secrecy, Illustra is on the verge of civil war–and threatened by hostile forces gathering on every side.
A dangerous mission to free Errol is attempted, but the dangers facing the kingdom mount with every passing moment. The barrier has fallen, ferrals are swarming toward the land, and their enemies draw ever closer. Will the discovery of the true heir turn back the tide of Illustra’s destruction?
The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Pataki (Howard Books) – February 2014
I love novels inspired by actual history, and Pataki’s debut promises to be enthralling (and I LOVE the cover!). Here’s a bit about the story:
A riveting historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, the cunning wife of Benedict Arnold and mastermind behind America’s most infamous act of treason . . .
Everyone knows Benedict Arnold—the Revolutionary War general who betrayed America and fled to the British—as history’s most notorious turncoat. Many know Arnold’s co-conspirator, Major John André, who was apprehended with Arnold’s documents in his boots and hanged at the orders of General George Washington. But few know of the integral third character in the plot: a charming young woman who not only contributed to the betrayal but orchestrated it.
Socialite Peggy Shippen is half Benedict Arnold’s age when she seduces the war hero during his stint as military commander of Philadelphia. Blinded by his young bride’s beauty and wit, Arnold does not realize that she harbors a secret: loyalty to the British. Nor does he know that she hides a past romance with the handsome British spy John André. Peggy watches as her husband, crippled from battle wounds and in debt from years of service to the colonies, grows ever more disillusioned with his hero, Washington, and the American cause. Together with her former love and her disaffected husband, Peggy hatches the plot to deliver West Point to the British and, in exchange, win fame and fortune for herself and Arnold.
Told from the perspective of Peggy’s maid, whose faith in the new nation inspires her to intervene in her mistress’s affairs even when it could cost her everything, The Traitor’s Wife brings these infamous figures to life, illuminating the sordid details and the love triangle that nearly destroyed the American fight for freedom.
Death by the Book by Julianna Deering (Bethany House) – February 2014
The first installment in Deering’s Drew Farthering Mysteries was also one of my favorite reads from last year. Her writing brings 1930s England to vibrant life, and her mysteries are well-plotted treats, perfect for fans of classic mystery authors like Agatha Christie or Dorothy L. Sayers. Here’s a bit about Drew’s second investigation:
WHEN THE VILLAGE OF FARTHERING ST. JOHN IS Stunned BY A SERIES OF MURDERS, DREW FARTHERING IS DRAWN again INTO THE SLEUTHING GAME.
Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.
Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl’s tearful confession point to the victim’s double life, but what does the solicitor’s murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem–except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.
Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn’t at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?
Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell (Bethany House) – March 2014
Siri Mitchell’s novels are consistently among my most anticipated reads of any given year. She excels at bringing history to life and telling the stories of ordinary women living in extraordinary times. Her latest is the story of a woman with big dreams of making it in Hollywood who takes a job as a telephone operator. I was hooked from the start by her job as it reminded me of one of my favorite classic movie musicals – Bells Are Ringing starring Judy Holliday and Dean Martin. Here’s a bit about the book:
A girl with the best of intentions.
A heart set on Hollywood.
An empty pocketbook.
That’s all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She’s tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can’t deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she’s not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It’s simple: avoid Griff’s attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call…with her very own Griff as the target.
With an endearing heroine as her lead, Siri Mitchell takes readers on a madcap tale of love and discovering one’s true desires!
Healer of Carthage by Lynne Gentry (Howard Books) – March 2014
Francince Rivers’s classic novel, A Voice in the Wind, set in Ancient Rome, is largely responsible for my interest in Christian fiction, and so when I saw the cover of Lynne Gentry’s forthcoming debut it immediately went on my wishlist. And that was before I ever knew her novel was a TIME TRAVEL romance! Here’s a bit about the story:
A modern-day doctor gets trapped in third-century Carthage, Rome, where she uncovers buried secrets, confronts Christian persecution, and battles a deadly epidemic to save the man she loves.
Dr. Lisbeth Hastings, a first-year resident, is summoned by her eccentric father to join him at his archaeological dig. She is hesitant to accept his invitation, but when a tragic mistake ends her medical career, Lisbeth decides the only way to redeem her failure is to care for her confused father.
While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole and awakens to find herself the object of a slave bidding war! She tries to escape her captor, a wealthy Roman lawyer named Cyprian Thascius, and discovers that the city she remembers as ruins has somehow become brand-new. Who restored Carthage to a thriving metropolis? And if she is in the third century, how did this happen?
Cyprian believes God called him to rescue the beautiful and strange woman being auctioned off as a slave. He doesn’t understand why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a mysterious woman who seems determined to get him killed by her stubbornness. But who is he to question God?
Their colliding worlds spark an intense attraction as Lisbeth and Cyprian soon find themselves united in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Together they confront Christian persecution, uncover buried secrets, and witness the beginnings of a medical revolution, but they fear Roman wrath will separate them forever. Will Lisbeth save the man she loves and the family she longs for—or will their separate worlds pull them apart forever?
In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews (March 2014)
When Mesu Andrews released her biblical fiction debut in 2011, she quickly became one of my favorite authors. She excels at bringing the scriptures to life through her sterling historical and theological research and vibrant characterizations. Her upcoming release tells the story of one of Scripture’s most infamous women – Jezebel – and I cannot wait to see her turbulent times brought to life by Mesu’s talented pen! Here’s a bit more about the story:
Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?
With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings Old Testament passages to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.
Thanks for hosting me on your blog Rachel! It was terribly hard to limit myself to only six upcoming titles.