Into the Fire

Don't you love this song? I do! Great one from J. J. Jackson. 1968. 

Father, thank you for the wonderful music, singers, and musicians. Always may they know you're the source of their talent. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Last but hoping not least are my novels presented from the most recent to the first. As I prepared to do this, I wondered what to say about my novels. I decided to say more than I probably need to just because they are different from the "mainstream" Christian romance novels or "love stories" as I prefer to label mine. 

I've described my writing as "Raw Romantic Redemptive" but only because compared to most Christian romance novels, I suppose the word "raw" gives evidence of what could be called an "uncut" version of the romantic process without any sexual graphics but with plenty of sexual temptation which I find real and authentic. I've written multiple times before this post that my audience most likely does not consist of those readers who keep their eyes sharply focused on the "sweet and clean" romantic adventures. (And I can't help but wonder if that description for those novels means others in the genre are "sour and dirty"?) I know my novels definitely do not appeal to those readers who gave My Stubborn Heart and The Masterpiece one-star reviews.  

So. Without further disclaimers, from my most recent to my first novel, here they are for those on your list who want to read love stories with a passion. 

And there they are from last to first. May your shopping be easy, fun, and merry. And never forget – even in October – The Reason for the Season is Jesus. Merry (Early) Christmas! 

Thank you, Lord. It's never enough. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Joseph Courtemanche deserves to be part of my random selections for the readers on your Christmas shopping list. His voice is unique and entertaining while giving the reader thoughtful and well-researched (both "physically" and "spiritually") stories. I loved his novels. 

I loved this series by Barbara Ellen Brink, but she offers all kinds of novels for your list of readers. Check her out!

Canadian author Sara Davison also mixes it up with unique characters and spirited heroines. I especially enjoyed the two-book Night Guardian Series and Book 1 in her Rose Tattoo Series Lost Down Deep, but take a look at all of her novels before you complete your shopping list.

Father, again, I love writers and authors, particularly those who write for your glory. Please continue to bless their lives, hopes, struggles, and faith. Let them know you uphold their efforts and cherish each one. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

So. I've covered most of the genres I'm interested in and some I'm not but do read occasionally. I've presented you with many dynamite authors in different types of novels. Before I get to the conclusion of this early Christmas shopping for the book readers on your list, I've decided to give you a few more random selections of wonderful novels for your consideration. 

This gorgeous cover and touching story is my favorite of Normandie's wonderful selections which might be most identifiable with the Women's Fiction genre. 

Chris Fabry's stories are guaranteed to touch your heart. Each one might be totally different in content, but their sensitive and emotional appeal created with characters who struggle through life's challenges and somehow manage to get to a place of triumph – no matter how minimal that victory might seem in the process – will strike deep to your readers who want well-written, thoughtful stories. The Promise of Jesse Woods is just one of several that really struck deep for me. 

Ronie Kendig has written an abundant selection of military action novels and some of those contain what might be called speculative fiction intermingled with the authentic flavor of military exercises. There are some great reads for those on your list who love stories about military heroics. This trilogy (The Tox Files) is my absolute favorite with Cole "Tox" (aka Toxic) Russell as one of the best heroes in this genre. 

Winter Austin has written general market series fiction with a police procedural, mystery, and/or romantic suspense flavor. Pictured above are the first two books in the McIntire County Series with these great and striking covers of two sisters in law enforcement. Very entertaining characters and riveting stories. 

Father, you know these authors intimately and have poured out talent upon them. I pray you would continue to bless them in your abundance and supply all they need to continue to write for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Now, although you know I write love stories/romance, I'm dissatisfied with many romance novels in the Christian market so I can only recommend those who have made an impact on me. In the general market, romance novels threaten pornographic "literature" so I don't engage them. However, I will say there are some marvelous romance writers in Christian contemporary fiction, and here are three of them who know how to write it well.  

As you know, I prefer the original cover to Becky Wade's wonderful standalone story My Stubborn Heart. Check out her series novels to meet characters you won't soon forget. 

Kristen Heitzmann is a master at romance and always manages to give a reader original and often captivating characters. My favorite trilogy of Kristen's begins with Secrets and takes place in the beautiful wine country of California. Her hero Lance Michelli is absolutely magnificent. Loved him. See her collection here. Kristen gets romance. Hands down. 

Toni Shiloh manages to put some real sizzle into her romance novels. Although this is my only adventure into her novels, it was well worth my time and yours! The Truth About Fame presents an inside look at the problems with being easily recognizable and known only by your fame. Likeable, interesting characters, Toni's books will give your romance lovers fun, entertaining, and touching stories in her romantic novels.  

Father, thank you for these amazing authors mentioned here. You've gifted them for your glory, and they do not disappoint. Please continue to bless their lives and their writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
 

Another great one from Gordon Lightfoot. Ah, the melancholy . . . He does it so well. 

Thank you for your singers/musicians, Lord. We need music. May those who make it know from where their talent comes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To add to your list of thriller readers: you really can't go wrong with this series from Mark Dawson and his character John Milton: an assassin with a conscience who vows to quit his "trade" with no intentions of exposing "The Group". However, the past and now present leader of Group 15 have been seeking his elimination after a brief reprieve from "Control" who headed Group 15 between the two of them. Readers will be taken all over the world with Milton (aka John Smith), locations and characters fleshed out in detailed descriptions with complicated setups and deadly encounters. In the process John learns multiple things about himself, two of them being he needs AA and no matter how hard he tries, he can't redeem himself. 

There are currently 17 novels in this series with offshoots connected to "The Group". Book 18 in the John Milton Series will be out in 2021. These are truly entertaining novels from British author Mark Dawson. I highly recommend them for thriller readers on your shopping list.

(These are general market novels. Profanity present.) 

Father, thank you always for your authors/writers and the vivid imaginations of each. Such an amazing gift. Please continue to bless Mark and may he know The One who's given him his amazing abilities. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     "Behold, I am coming soon. My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

     "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 

     "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David and the bright Morning Star." 

     The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

     I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described  in this book. 

     He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."

     Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 

     The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. 

Revelation 22:12-21 (NIV) 

As those of us who read and write know, there are all kinds of readers. So for those readers on your list who love snark, wit, and complex characters and plots, I recommend James Scott Bell. James is truly the wittiest author I've ever had the pleasure to read. Although there are many of his novels to choose from, I'm going to suggest his most recent series: A Mike Romeo Thriller. Mike Romeo is one of the most fascinating characters you'll ever discover. This series is at five books currently, and each one is a unique journey into circumstances it seems only Mike Romeo could find. Highly recommend James Scott Bell's books and writing.

This is just a small sampling of the prolific selection by James Scott Bell. Unique, complex, and wonderful. 

Father, only you know what James needs most. I pray you would provide it for him and continue to bless his life and writing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.