Hey Everybody,

I was wondering if you ladies know of any Christian fiction books that are a little more.. modern?

I love to read for fun, especially at night. But the only Christian books I can find are from like the 1800s or so. If it's modern, it's for kids or it's Peretti-like. Now I love Frank Peretti but I can't read his books before bed. I end up staying up all night! lol

I'm currently reading City Girl by Lori Wick. It's almost a joke in my house. This because we hope to move to the midwest. I grew up in NJ, and originally from Hoboken. I've been to NYC many times, once even on a bet when I was a teenager (we lost! rofl). This book I'm reading is nice because I can sorta relate to where the main character is coming from. But the old fashioned things, not my style, no offense to anyone! I had borrowed it from the library so it's not like I wasted any money for it.

TIA!

Try Patti Hill's books. She is a fairly new author (though she's written and taught for years), and her books are set in modern times.

Jan Karon is also terrific! Karen Kingsbury (did I get that last name right, girls?) is also a writer who deals with modern times. Lots of folks are crazy about her books, but I can only take them in small doses.

Anyone else?

If you are interested in inspirational romance books, look for the Love Inspired series published by Steeple Hill. I enjoy reading those books. I have a very hard time putting them down. They are clean romance that reflects on our walk with Christ as the romance blooms.

Thanks. I did look them up. The Jan Karon ones - I did learn she also writes kids' books so I'll look into those. But her books from grownups, something about them don't appeal to me for some reason (again no offense to anyone!).

I did place a library hold on a Patti Hill book - something about the watering garden or something like that. Looks like Book 1 for her anyway..

We must've cross-posted, Thunderheart! (and btw, welcome!) I will check out the Steeple Hill ones too.

Basically I'm not really looking for romance novels, just a good Christian story to read. kwim? Nothing wrong with romance novels from a Christian perspective, though!

I also love Jan Karon - so we may not like the same kind of fiction - but look up Robin Jones Gunn - her sister-chick books are very easy reads, very entertaining & laugh out loud funny at times. She also has a teen series my 15 year old loves - in fact she bought the newest one today & has had her nose in it since - only took a short break to eat!

snmom, I can't tell you how many times the Jan Karon books were recommended to me before I finally read one. Somehow, a book about an older, single, Episcopal priest just didn't sound "interesting" to me...in fact, it sounded like a great big giant SNORE. (Be careful what you say about Episcopalians, b/c it was in the Episcopal church that I first fell in love with Jesus! I've been an Episcopalian, and a Baptist, but above all, I am a "Christ-follower.")

After my mom died in Aug of '99, I wrote in my journal that I just wanted God to give me a book that would be kind and gentle--something that I could read to escape from the grief for a little while. None of my favorite authors had anything new out, and I favor murder-mysteries--which are neither kind nor gentle--so, in desperation, I let the salesman at the bookstore send me home with Jan Karon's first book.

Two nights later I was bawling my eyes out! I was crying b/c I was only 20 pages from the end of the book...and even though the bookstore was still open...and even though I knew that the next two books in the series were on the shelf--ready for purchase...I didn't want the book to end.

God answered my prayer in such a loving way, and I have been head over heels for "Father Tim" ever since! I have had ONE friend say that Jan Karon's books were "too sweet" for her, but everyone else I've ever known has loved them, regardless of their denomination. They are full of Scripture, and wisdom, and humor, and are delightful in every way.

You don't have to read one, but I wanted to let you know, as one who formerly wrote them off, I LOVE them. Right after my Bible, they are my favorite books. I read in the neighborhood of 100 books a year, but I always have time for a "visit" to Mitford. It is a sweet place to retreat to when life is hard.

I agree about Jan Karon's books. In fact, snmom, I almost posted the same thing tntkart posted the other day but I didn't want you to think I was pressuring you again .

I learned a lot in her books but one thing I have hidden in my heart that is from the Mitford series is

THE PRAYER THAT NEVER FAILS..."Thy Will be done."

I would be laughing out loud as I read through her books...then I would be bawling over another part. I've never had any other books affect me that way to that degree. And I almost put the first book down after reading a couple of pages. I thought it was boring. But a good friend of mine had bragged so on At Home In Mitford and I just kept reading. And I was hooked!

My sister has shared with me that when she's reading these books, she will read parts out loud to her husband. They are just so romantic to me. And precious. I can't say that I feel like they are "dated." I didn't find them to be written for any specific generation of reader. They are just a pleasant read and a faith strengthening opportunity. Father Tim is kinda like a friend of mine after reading these books...a dear friend.

Good luck on finding books that you enjoy. I've read one book by Vonette Bright and it was a little more modern with a faith focus. And I really like Beth Moore's book, Feathers From My Nest.

I really haven't read much fiction except for the "Left Behind" Series; which I loved. After reading each of your posts I think I will try one on Jan Karon's books. Sounds like they are possibly a series too? I wonder which is cheaper the Christian book store or online. I have to go to the Cities today for a Drs. appt. While I am down there I think I will take time to check it out & see if they have any and check online prices before I go.

Deb, I pick up copies of Jan's books at garage sales just so I can give them away. I've probably given the first book in the series: At Home in Mitford, away at least a dozen times. As good as it is, I loved the second book even more...and there is a sermon in the fourth or fifth book that stopped my heart. Anyhow, my point was going to be, your local library should have all of them, so you might check there first.

I don't know if you have any bookstores that sell used books, we have one called Hasting's, but that might be another resource.

Blessings, and happy reading!

We don't have any bookstores where I live. In fact, we don't even have a real grocery store. We have a little convience type store that does have some groceries if you don't mind giving an arm and leg for a can of soup.

I didn't get to got to the bookstore today because I went to the fabric store first...whoops! But you know, you can't ever have too much fabric...can you?

In a neighboring town we have a library and in another town they sell some used books so I will check them out there. Thanks for letting me know. So is this a 'series"?

Yep, it's a series, so be sure to start with "At Home in Mitford." Each book builds on the one before...the story just gets better and better!

Fabric, huh? I'm not much of a seamstress--in fact, I send my daughter's pants to her grandma or her auntie to be hemmed. Bless my mom's heart, she tried!

How did things go at the doctor?

Oh, I like this thread. I hadnt read Christian fiction (any fiction) for years.
Picked up Mitford, book 1 and joined their online community as well. Great prayer warriors over there.
I like the book so far, very soothing and calming in a strange way. And interesting, creative, and just unique somehow.
Btw, the gals over there say not to read books 1 to 9 in that order. They all suggest making a change in sequence.
Let me know if you want to know what they suggest. And I think on the blog, Beth Moore says it is one of her favorite series (or Amanda said....)

Emmab,
I'd like to know in what order to read them.

Deb, so sorry I didnt get back to you.
My monitor died so I had to go computer parts shopping today.
They said, between book 2 and book 3 read book 6.
They Said, "Dont ask why, just do it because it makes more sense" (accoring to the Karon bulletin board group).

Emmab - I'm glad you like this thread! My goodness, I was just asking a question.

I did start reading Like a Watered Garden - by Patti Hill? It's great. It's both sad and funny at the same time. I wonder if she's related to Steve Taylor?? lol

snmom, I'm so glad you like Patti's book. I thought it was a great "first" book. Anyway, I'll be sure and let her know. She's sending me the book that is coming out this fall to "review." I am SO excited. Let me know what you think when you finish it. I so loved Mibby's neighbor (Louise? I can't remember.) and really would love if Patti did a whole book on just her!

I have a slew of books here that I need to finish...most of them are like work tho (Christian non-fiction), and I'm in the mood for something lighter.

Oh well.

You know Patti Hill? She's great - I placed a hold on the second book.

Louise (Mibby's neighbor) is fantastic.

My only complaint: I can't put it down when I read it at night. I'm losing sleep!!! rofl

Thanks Emmab, I will write that down so I don't forget it.

snmom, Yep, I tracked her down after reading the book you're reading so I could tell her how much I loved it. She graciously sent me a signed copy of the second...and maybe third books. She even allowed me to pick her brain about writer's conferences since I used to write columns (God stories really) for the editorial page of our paper, and want to try my hand at a novel.

I hope this doesn't come across as patting myself on the back, but I left the paper over a year ago and I still have people telling me how much they miss my columns. The cool thing is that I have been hearing that a LOT lately and I have a new writing opportunity to write for another publication. Problem is, I'm out of practice and getting started is a little hard right now. Thoughts flit through my brain pretty quickly, but nothing lingers long enough to write down! I'm wondering if I've got any unconfessed or un-dealt-with sin blocking my hearing, and have been praying that God reveal that if it is the case.

Now, this is a rabbit chase, but I wanted to tell ya'll the cool thing the Princess and I saw happen the other day. We were driving on a 4 lane road that was going to decrease to 2 lanes in 1/4 mile or so. We were in the inside lane behind three or four cars, with more cars behind us. In the outside lane was a big dump truck that needed to merge. BUT GOD kept him in his lane...and then one of his tires blew out. (It was really awesome--it looked like a dust explosion when it happened, and was so loud we could hear it with the windows up and the stereo on.) The Princess and I listed all of the things that went "right." No one was following close behind him. He didn't lose control of the vehicle. It had dual tires on the back, so he really only lost the one. And, just as soon as he was able to slow down, there was a big driveway (leading into a factory) where he was able to pull off and tend to his tires. He was able to get stopped in a timely enough manner that he probably didn't damage the wheels. I just loved how God timed everything SO perfectly, and how the Princess and I got to count the "blessings" that we witnessed. God is amazing! I love Him, love Him, LOVE HIM! Love ya'll too!