Deena’s January 2024 Reads
Take a look at the Christian Fiction books I read and reviewed in January, then scroll all the way down to the comments section, and let’s talk hope-filled fiction. One commenter will win your choice of my January reads. (US winner only)
For more information on each title, click the book cover for the Amazon link.
In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer
Genre: Historical Time Travel Romance
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Five
My Review: I finished listening to In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer today (Jan. 10). Oh, my goodness. I think I have a book hangover. What a fantastic story!Â
This author is a master storyteller. Her ability to seamlessly weave three storylines together, while making me care about each character in every timeline, is mind-blowing. I loved the historical details. I wanted to finish the book and for it to go on all at the same time. This might be my favorite read of all time! Do yourself a favor and read this book!
The Last Exchange by Charles Martin
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Three
My Review: I’ve loved many of Charles Martin’s other novels, especially the Murphy Shepherd series, but The Last Exchange was difficult for me to get into. For most of the first three-fourths of the book I was confused. Many times it seemed the POV switched from person to person in the same scene and the narrator was omniscient. I’ve developed a love of deeper POV writing where the reader is in the character’s head, and I didn’t get that from this book. I felt like the narrator was “telling” me a story instead of “experiencing” the story with the characters, leaving me feeling on the outside and not really connecting with the characters.
There was mild language sprinkled in. Nothing over the top, but I’m sharing for awareness. Also, the female lead character has a problem with swearing, (along with other sinful vices) and a few times she would start to say a cuss word and stop herself, but at that point, the full word is already in the reader’s head. There are lots of trigger points people need to be aware of before picking up this book, such as drug abuse, miscarriage, IVF, abduction, infidelity, and more. It’s gritty, raw, and definitely for a more mature audience.
On the positive side, I love the premise of the book: How far are you willing to go for someone you love? Pockets, the male protagonist, went to extreme measures-very unconventional and morally/ethically questionable measures-to rescue the heroine. I have mixed feelings about how that all played out, and each person will have to determine in their own heart whether they agree with the characters’ methods.
From hearing Charles Martin speak at a writer’s conference last year, I truly believe he has a heart for the Lord and his intent behind that question and reason for writing the book was to point people to Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice He made for us all. But if a reader isn’t a Christian, I don’t believe they will get that message. I hope I’m wrong and that God will use this book to open people’s hearts and minds to His amazing love and sacrifice.
Although this wasn’t my favorite read, I will certainly try another book by this author.
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt
Genre: Historical
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Five
My Review: I can’t imagine the intense research this author did to write such a historically rich novel such as this. Amanda Barratt’s novel brought back all the thoughts and feelings I had years ago while reading The Hiding Place, a memoir by holocaust survivor, Corrie Ten Boom.Â
Ms. Barratt’s novel obviously portrayed fictional characters, but they might as well have been real people. Such a deep, painful story to read, but so important. We must always remember and acknowledge the atrocities perpetuated against innocent Jews during that time and take every action necessary not to repeat them in any way, shape, or form.
Bravo to this author for tackling this heartrending account.
The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Ebook
Stars: Five
My Review: What a privilege to read and review Amanda Wen’s upcoming release. I loved the author’s first two books in the Sedgewick Chronicles series, and this one was no exception. Ms. Wen tackled a difficult subject but balanced the negative side of what can happen in a church with a heavy dose of God’s grace and truth.
The melding of two different timelines tied together by a violin in need of repair painted a heart-wrenching story of excruciating pain, loss, and grief but shined a spotlight on the power of true forgiveness and how unconditional love can help heal a wounded heart.
I highly recommend all three books in this series!
Thank you to the author and publisher for an advance e-copy of the book. I wasn’t required to provide a review, and all thoughts are my own.
Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
Genre: Historical Coming of Age
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Three
My Review: Lovely descriptions by an obviously gifted writer, but I struggled to connect with the characters. Maybe because both POV females were underage. I appreciate the author delving into mental illness, but it seemed to be prevalent in multiple characters, causing a lack of balance in my opinion.
I know for a lot of people course language is a non-issue, but for those like me who are sensitive to it, please note there were multiple uses of the crude word for angry – “pi_ _ ed,” and one use of “dumba_ _.”
The storyline presented some believability issues for me, and the genre wasn’t my favorite, but I’m sure many readers will enjoy this coming-of-age book.
Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams: A Novella Collection by various authors
Genre: Contemporary Christmas
Format: Ebook
Stars: Three
My Review: I enjoyed several of the storylines and writing style more than the others. None of them really grabbed me, but were entertaining enough as short Christmas stories.
If it Rains by Jennifer L. Wright
Genre: Historical
Format: Audiobook
Stars: Five
My Review: I might not have enjoyed this book nearly as much if I’d read the paperback or kindle version, but the audiobook narrator was fantastic, and her voice really drew me into the story. The writing style was engaging, and I was invested in the characters.Â
Set in the Dust Bowl era of history, there were lots of difficult moments throughout, and the author addressed hard topics like spousal abuse, anger, forgiveness, disability, and death, but in spite of all those depressing situations, the characters triumphed in the end.
My one negative about the book was the all-too-visual description of the marriage bed near the beginning. It was a bit graphic for my taste, and especially considering this is Christian Fiction. Aside from that one scene, I loved the book and recommend it to those who enjoy gritty, raw, historical fiction with no romance thread.
Check out @Deenamadams #JanuaryReads and comment on her post by Feb. 13 for a chance to win your choice of the books. (US winner only) #bookreviews
Join the conversation. Have you read any of these books? If so, do you agree with my reviews? Which would you like to read? How many books did you read in January?
Comment below by February 13 for your chance to win your choice of my January reads in ebook or paperback format. (US winner only)
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
24 Comments
SARAH TAYLOR
Congratulations winner
Deena Adams
Congratulations, Jeanette! You’re the winner of this week’s giveaway. Check your email.
Vickie
This is a fantastic list of books to read. Any of these would be wonderful! Thanks.
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading, Vickie!
Cherie J
I have read some of the stories in Candy Cane Wishes but wasn’t able to finish. I am leaving the rest for when I don’t feel so burned out on Christmas stories like I do now. I did enjoy the ones I did read. I haven’t read any of the others. I am intrigued by In This Moment’s story plot.
Deena Adams
Hi, Cherie. I hope you get a chance to read Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series. It’s so unique.
J.M. Kirkley
Hi Deena!
You grabbed me with your review on Gabrielle Meyer’s book, In This Moment. A favorite read of all time is high praise! I sometimes have difficulty staying engaged and caring about all the characters when there are multiple storylines, unless it’s really well crafted. Good to know the author creates strong characters that the reader cares about. This book has been on my radar for some time, and I will definitely check it out!
I also appreciated your review on the book by Charles Martin, since I’ve read a number of his books. I will keep your comments in mind.
Deena Adams
Hi, J.M. I’d love to know what you think about In This Moment if you read it. I do suggest reading the fist in the series, When the Day Comes, before you read it, though. Yes, you can still understand the second one just fine on its own, but I think you would enjoy it more if you read the other one first.
Thanks so much for reading my post and commenting!
April Kidwell
I’m still trying to decide if I want to read *In This Moment*, I enjoyed the first in the series, but not nearly as much as other reviewers. From your reviews, *The Rhythm of Fractured Grace* sounds intriguing, and I’ll probably pick up the Christmas novella because it is in my genre.
Deena Adams
Hi, April. Not every type of book is for every reader … and that’s okay! You tried Gabrielle’s first book and it seems it wasn’t really your style, but I will say I enjoyed the second in the series even more than the first. Maybe you would too.
Priscilla Bettis
Good reviews, Deena! I’ve heard gerat things about Gabrielle Meyer. I haven’t read anything by her yet, but I obviously need to! I recently read Cheryl Grey Bostrom’s sequel to Sugar Birds, a book called Leaning on Air. (It works perfectly fine as a standalone.) I loved it eventhough contemporary romance isn’t at all my go-to for reading. But like you said, some readers will like a book/author when others don’t. We’re all individuals with personal likes and dislikes.
Deena Adams
I totally agree, Priscilla. I think Cheryl is a very good writer, that particular story just wasn’t my favorite.
Caryl Kane
Hey Deena,
I read and loved The Last Exchange! I read 27 books January.
Deena Adams
Wow, Caryl! How did you read that many books in one month? Do you listen to audiobooks, or did you physically read all those?
Alyssa Schwarz
These all sound like amazing books! I loved Gabrielle’s first book in the Timeless series and can’t wait to read In This Moment 🙂
Deena Adams
Hi, Alyssa. I loved Gabrielle’s first book too. I can’t wait for book three coming out soon! Thanks for stopping by!
Jeanette Davis
You did a lot of reading! And honest reviews! Thank you. If chosen would love a paperback copy of Within These Walls of Sorrow
Deena Adams
Hi, Jeanette. Best of luck in the giveaway! I’m sure you’d enjoy Within These Walls of Sorrow if you like WWII stories.
Elizabeth Litton
I haven’t read any of these yet, but The Last Exchange and Within These Walls of Sorrow are on my TBR list. In January, I read at least 6 or 8 books. (I don’t remember for sure!) 🙂
Deena Adams
I hope you get to read those two books soon, Elizabeth! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Have a beautiful day!
Melissa Henderson
Looks like some great reads. I see some titles that I’ve been wanting to read and also, see some new ones. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Deena Adams
Thanks for reading and joining the conversation, Melissa! Which book listed do you hope to read first?
Dana
I read When the Day Comes, the first book in the Timeless series and it was amazing! I can’t wait to read In This Moment.
I read ten books in January.
Deena Adams
Hi, Dana. I thought In This Moment was even better than Gabrielle’s first book! I hope you get to read it soon. I’m looking forward to book three soon! Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂