Recent Five-Star Reads
This week I thought I’d share a few five-star Christian novels I’ve read recently. You’ll find my review in the text beside each book cover. I’d love to know if you’ve read any of these and what you thought about them.
Also, do you have any recommendations for me? I’m always interested in finding new-to-me authors who write fantastic Christian fiction. I’ve read lots of historical fiction lately, so I’d especially like to know if you’ve read any wonderful Contemporary/Women’s Fiction novels. Scroll to the comments section and let’s chat!
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
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There’s so much I love about this story. The author delves into deep, hard topics with such grace, and the characters’ growth and actions throughout are completely believable. The story digs deep into family and romantic relationships, never shying away from the tough topics many will no doubt relate to.
I appreciated the dual-timeline aspect and how we learn little-known facts about Louisa May Alcott. The author tied the two time periods together seamlessly, and the past’s connection with current-day made perfect sense and brought everything to a satisfying end.
Fans of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, deep themes, and family drama, all with a spiritual thread, will want to read this one! I listened on audio, and it was fantastic. Kudos to Chiavaroli for an outstanding read!
The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel
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What a wonderful trip into the 1920s underworld of gangsters and the prohibition era! The romance was breathtaking and beautiful, and the story compelling and gripping.
This is such a unique story with lots of twists and turns. I was invested from page one until the final scene.
This was my first read by this author, but definitely not my last!
I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator brought the story to life with her on-point accents. Highly recommend!
Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem
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This was my first book by this author, and I’m thoroughly impressed with her writing. This novel is so well-written and obviously well-researched. I’ve read many novels based on Hitler, the Nazi’s, and the atrocities of that time in our world, but this story was like none I’ve ever read. A unique storyline that grabs you at the beginning and doesn’t let go.
I can’t think of a single thing I didn’t like about this book. An excellent read!
I listened on audio, and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, so that was an added bonus.
If you enjoy Historical Fiction based on true events, you’ll want to read this one!
Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn
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Edge-of-your-seat action and tension, along with an endearing romance, ticked all the boxes for what I look for in a Romantic Suspense novel. I loved the camaraderie between the FBI agents and how they had each other’s backs.
This was my first book by this author, and she did not disappoint. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, and I didn’t feel like I was lost at all, although it was obvious there were lots of previous relationship dynamics I’ll want to read about.
If you’re a Christian Romantic Suspense fan, add this one to your list!
All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee
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I’ve loved every book this author has written and this one was no exception. Ms. Shocklee seamlessly weaves together Mattie Taylor’s 1969 timeline with her mother, Ava’s, 1944 timeline. This dual timeline story takes the reader on a compelling journey as we experience the devastating effects World War II and the Vietnam War had on the characters’ family throughout several generations.
Amid heartbreak, loss, grief, racism, injustice, and family secrets, the author shows us beauty, forgiveness, grace, and hope in unbelievably tragic circumstances.
If you’ve lost a loved one, especially in war or from cancer, parts of this story may be difficult for you to read. My mother passed away from ovarian cancer in 2021, and I thought a lot about her while reading this book, but I’m glad I read it. I can’t recommend this book and this author enough!
Have you read any of these books? If so, did you give them five stars, too? Do you have any recommendations for great #ChristianFiction? #bookrecommendations
TweetJoin the conversation. Have you read any of the books mentioned in this post? If so, did you give them a five-star rating? Which was your favorite? What Christian Fiction books or authors do you recommend?
Scroll to the comments section and let’s chat!
If you missed Deborah Raney’s interview last week, find it here!
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.
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6 Comments
Traci Winget
Excellent books to add to my TBR list! Haven’t read any of them, but look forward to them.
I am currently listening to Brave by Mesu Andrews and find it really interesting. About King David and his wives.
Jeanette Davis
HI Deena
I have read The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli and Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem (have read all books of both authors) Love them!. Because Ms. Chiavaroli is from Massachusetts as I am, this drew me to her books (she actually inspired me to visit the Ordhard House in Concord, Mass even though it is less than an hour from where I live, I had never been there). Ms Landsem’s books The Well, The Theif and The Tomb were by first reads by her and I loved them! Anyway most of my reading comes from your recommendations so I don’t think I can offer you new names. But I am reading Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Cape Cod Creamery series (also a Massachusetts based series) is wonderful. I have read some of her Amish books as well – Season’s on the Wind and Lost and Found – both great reads.
Thank you for your postss!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for your comments, Jeanette! I LOVE Heidi Chiavaroli! One of my favorites by her is Hope Beyond the Waves. It impacted me deeply, probably because of personal reasons, but it was so heart-achingly beautiful.
Faith D. Cox
It’s always nice to hear of five-star reads to add to my reading list! Thank you, Deena!
Deena Adams
My pleasure, Faith!
Traci Winget
Excellent books to add to my TBR list! Haven’t read any of them, but look forward to them.
I did have two of them on my list already.
I am currently listening to Brave by Mesu Andrews and find it really interesting. About King David and his wives.p