Into the Fire

Here are some brilliant series novels for those readers on your list who love to see a character continue to find themselves in new and startling venues and adventures, often in danger and sometimes immersed in contemporary dilemmas depicting current chaos. 

This is my favorite series by Barbara Ellen Brink, but there are more! Be sure to check them out for the variety of mystery novels. The things your readers will find in Barbara's work are entertaining writing, strong characters, a little snark, some humor, and more serious underlying topics. Great options for gifts. 

This is where the amazing Raleigh Harmon Series by Sibella Giorello began, but added to the series are four prequels from Raleigh's youth. You don't want to miss these compelling mysteries with an exceptional female protagonist. You absolutely want to consider these novels for your mystery lovers. 

             

 

Add the continued legacy of the premium and unequaled male protagonist Mitch Rapp created by Vince Flynn and carried on by Kyle Mills in his additions (not shown above) to this incredible espionage series for your thriller readers. 

 

 

 

These two mysteries feature former cop Atticus Priest, now a private investigator who consults with a cop, by the creator of thriller series author Mark Dawson. His other work will be featured in a future post. Atticus Priest is one of the most unique characters in literature today, and his uncanny ability to observe and figure out bizarre circumstances is sure to capture the interest of your mystery lovers. There are more books coming in this series. 

 

Father, you've gifted so many with so much. May each one be thankful for the talents and gifts you've given them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

 

            

This song captures so many hearts through so many eras. Loneliness is a powerful thing. And wanting to connect on several levels even if it's just for those present moments often drives people to do things they might not plan to do. Particularly poignant in the 60s and 70s for those lost days without a moral compass . . . 

Father, only you save us from the things our flesh leans toward. We're always desperate for you whether we know it or not. Thank you for rescuing me from my lost days. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Before we get into "series" suggestions, we'll do some random choices in different genres for your reader gift list. 

For the Young Adult genre: I wholeheartedly recommend Gypsy by Shelley M. Headley. This is a wonderful story for horse-crazy girls. I loved this story. 

Chris Fabry is one of the more literary authors in Christian fiction. The Promise of Jesse Woods is an older novel of his, but like most of his books, it lingers. His unique characters and plots touch the soul. I'm not sure where this story or others of his belong genre-wise. I just know they're worth the time it takes to read them. 

This novel with the gorgeous cover tells a wonderful story of its own. I'd probably categorize The Sea Prayers as a gift for your lovers of Women's Fiction. Another touching story by an author who's literally traveled "the seas" and writes from the heart. A very good story from Normandie Fischer. 

Charles Martin always captures the utter depths of emotion in high quality writing. Long Way Gone is just one of the amazing stories from this contemporary author. 

These are just a few of the incredible choices of fine literature waiting to be read by lovers of these genres. Add them to your list of choices for meaningful gifts. 

Merry Early Christmas! 

Father, giving is so fun and rewarding, meaningful and fulfilling. May we do it right to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

May all who gloat over my distress

   be put to shame and confusion;

may all who exalt themselves over me

   be clothed with shame and disgrace.

May those who delight in my vindication

   shout for joy and gladness;

may they always say, "The Lord be exalted,

   who delights in the well-being of his servant."

My tongue will speak of your righteousness

   and of your praises all day long. 

Psalm 35:26-28 (NIV) 

Here's my annual Merry Early Christmas: Shopping for Readers, Segment One!

We're starting backwards this time since it's the end of the week. Usually, I post my novels last. This time we're doing them first. Not to be obnoxious or over-hype my work, it's just if you're looking for real love stories for that romance reader in your sphere of friends or family, those are what I write. You can visit here to read their reviews. Three of them are only available for e-readers, and all of the Kindle or e-reader prices are fair and inexpensive. 

If you've read any of them, please feel free to comment here for recommendations for early shoppers.

These are the current books from my repertoire for this year. Hope you can find one or two to enjoy yourself or for gifts this Christmas. 

Merry Early Christmas Shopping! 

Father, you provide the inspiration and give me the words for them all. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Girl got 'tude. Chubby little thing I was. Thinned out at school age. These make me laugh. Two years old and obviously full of it. I had it good. Loved my parents and brother. Near perfect childhood. Born blonde. Wish I would've stayed blonde! 

Thank you, Jesus. I'm so sorry it took me so long to find you. I'm desperate for you always. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

You know you want it! Your early Christmas shopping book selections are coming soon! Get ready to shop for the readers on your list!

Father, thank you for gift-giving. You gave it all to us. The greatest gift: Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Great song! You cannot beat the oldies. Just can't. 

Father, many creative artists speak your truths without knowing it. Others speak it knowing from where Truth comes. Lord, may more and more of your creation find you and be rescued. Thank you for saving me. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Book 5 in Heather Day Gilbert's cozy mystery The Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery Series definitely anticipates Trouble Brewing. 

Macy Hatfield's good friend and widow Della has been the caretaker for an elderly woman for some time. When the woman dies suddenly, Della has this nagging suspicion that she's been murdered. To add to the mystery of her death, Della received a private note from the woman promising her a valuable gift she doesn't want her greedy children to own, but she's hidden it "right under their noses" at the inn her daughter and son-in-law run. Della proposes a "ghostly" weekend getaway with Macy to snoop around for the item and maybe discover some evidence of foul play in the woman's death. 

One thing Heather does particularly well in this series is her ability to casually catch the reader up with the history of the characters. It's not obtrusive, repetitive, or annoying in case a new reader picks up one of the later books in the series without having read any of the others. It creates a stand alone cozy mystery with a revealed history. 

The getaway at the inn is just as expected. Not a lot of immediate success in Macy's and Della's snooping when suddenly: murder! There's plenty of tension going on between family of the deceased and the guests, odd conduct from everyone there except for Macy and Della, and no one in their eyes is free from suspicion in this murder. When the police arrive, the husband of the victim is taken in for questioning, but Macy's convinced he didn't do it. 

And so goes the latest "investigations" of Macy and her friends in this Book 5 of the series. Cozy mystery lovers will be enthralled with solving this one with plenty of strange behaviors from easily suspicious characters and enough twists to confound even the shrewdest readers.

Father, please continue to bless Heather's writing endeavors and provide all that she needs to keep writing the stories you have just for her to tell. Bless her and keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

A greedy man stirs up dissension,

   but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

. . . 

When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;

   but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.  

. . . 

A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes

   will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy. 

Provers 28:25,28  Proverbs 29:1 (NIV)