Into the Fire

You know me: I could go on and on about books to read. Novels which would make great gifts for so many diverse reasons . . . in abundance. So let’s keep going with more novels to consider for gifts this Christmas or anytime—for others or oneself.

Lovely language, vivid metaphors and imagery reign in Dogwood by Chris Fabry. It’s no secret I didn’t particularly care for this novel’s ending, but the story was written so beautifully and was so meaningful, it’s definitely worth the read.

For those who prefer novels which lean toward horror, Mike Dellosso’s The Hunted and his most recent novel Scream will fill the bill. Also, Travis Thrasher’s Ghostwriter is quite good, and his Isolation is dark, but I failed to like his protagonists in this story.

For good action, voice, and plot in a first effort, try fireman Shawn O’Grady’s Through the Fire.

If you prefer Southern fiction, Eva Marie Everson’s Things Left Unspoken takes a realistic and thoughtful look at an imperfect marriage and the secrets of families. Mary E. DeMuth tackles the first two books in her Defiance Texas Trilogy set in a small town with troubled people and the unsolved crime of a little girl’s murder. Read them in order: Daisy Chain and A Slow Burn.

You really can’t go wrong by reading a Harry Kraus, MD, novel because of his unique and quite clever voice, the way he handles or alludes to romance, and his interesting storylines which center on the medical field. Perfect is one of his most recent novels for those readers who like a snappy heroine about to abandon all she knows to be “perfect”.

Okay, here’s my final recommendation for now. And it’s once again shameful or shameless—take your pick—self promotion. The Famous One chronicles the life of one Joey Parr who grows up without much ambition, a fair amount of confusion, and virtually no boundaries in his life. His desire is for love and a family which sticks together—unlike his own. He is discovered by a director and becomes an actor and a reluctant celebrity, all the while searching for “the one”. The Famous One gives readers a clear picture of what it’s like to be lost, the journey to being “found”, and the realization of purpose. Sometimes raw, always real, it could be given to believers or unbelievers. Not for the “prairie romance” crowd.

Most of these recommended novels can be found reviewed on this blog.

Hope this helps your ideas for meaningful gifts this Christmas.

Lord God, may I write for your glory, for your pleasure, for your purpose. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.