The Third Grace

by Deb Elkink
Greenbrier Book Company, 2011

The daughter of hard-working Mennonite farmers, Mary Grace's life takes a dramatic turn at the age of 17 when a French exchange student visits her family's Nebraska farm and skillfully weaves his way into her heart. Using Greek mythology to woo her, Francois upsets Mary Grace's childlike faith with his fanciful pagan tales. When he is unceremoniously sent packing, Mary Grace's heart goes with him, and she turns away from God and her family.

Now fifteen years later, Mary Grace, who has legally changed her name to Aglaia and moved to Denver to pursue a new life and career, has the opportunity to visit France through her employer. She is determined to find Francois and reconnect with him, or at least bring closure to the story of their youthful love, since her remembrance of him and obsession with him, has stopped her from opening up to any other man or developing transparent relationships. Aglaia's mother, Tina, wants her to find Francois for another reason - to return to him the Bible he left at the farm, in the margins of which he had made notations whose meanings she does not understand.

As Aglaia reads through the notations she remembers that summer of love, all that happened in it, and how it changed her forever.

At a recent meeting of one of my writers' critique groups, I was admonished for the level of vocabulary apparent in my work, and told that the "rule" is to write at a fifth grade level. Deb Elkink breaks that rule entirely - no fifth grade level readers here, please. The language is elevated, and I think you have to have an intense interest in Greek mythology as well. (I took a Greek and Roman mythology course in university, and still the content in this book is a bit too much for me. I admit that further along in the book, I skimmed a few, but not all, of these parts).

Aglaia is a three-dimensional character the reader invests in and cares about. The other characters are in a way types, but that does not make them less interesting or provocative. The story's plot is complex, but extremely well developed, with a satisfying resolution. Although this is Christian fiction, it is not at all preachy and I'm sure there will be some readers who wish the book was more 'Christian'. I am pleased to recommend this book to the more erudite and open-minded reader.

They Almost Always Come Home

by Cynthia Ruchti,
Abingdon Press, 2010

Libby's lacklustre marriage is on the verge of complete disintegration when her husband, Greg, disappears in the Canadian wilderness during a solo canoe trip. The authorities conduct an investigation and have searchers fly over the area of Quetico Park he was supposed to be in, although they suspect he's not run into trouble, but deserted his wife.

Despite their marital problems, Libby knows Greg is too faithful and loyal to leave her. Taking the search into their own hands, she, her father-in-law Frank, and her best friend Jen, decide to follow Greg's route to see if they can find him, or at least discover what happened to him.

This is a fascinating and well-written story on the subjects of love, loss, and faith. While the author seems to have only one other story in print, I look forward to reading it along with any future books she may write.

Snow Day

by Billy Coffey
Faith Words, 2010

Peter Boyd, his wife and two children, live in the foothills of Virginia, where Pete is employed at a local factory. When he wakes up one morning and finds himself the beneficiary of an unanticipated snow day, he decides to use the day to reflect on his life and what his future might hold. The factory is in the process of downsizing and he fears he may not have a job there much longer.

Through the course of one day Pete is reminded of a variety of truths and rediscovers what is important in life. He discovers that there really is a Santa Claus, but more importantly, there's a God who loves him, who has a plan for his life, and wants to shower him with all good things. Pete's faith increases as these lessons hit home.

A very enjoyable read, the contents deserve our careful attention. Well worth reading more than once.

One Smooth Stone

by Marcia Lee Laycock
Castle Quay Books, 2007

Winner of the 2006 Best New Canadian Christian Author Award (the Word Guild), One Smooth Stone tells the story of Alex Donnelly, a man on the run from his past, a man who believes he can trust no one.

Orphaned by his parents and then by his adoptive parents, Alex grows up in the foster care system, moving from one family to another until he is taken in by an abusive couple where he suffers neglect and torment for several years. Faced with the accusation of raping a 13-year-old girl in Vancouver, he runs away at the age of 16, and hides in the Yukon.

But God has a plan for Alex, and one day a man named George shows up on Alex's property. The lawyer says Alex is the heir to one million dollars - he just needs to go to Seattle to be positively identified and to sign the paperwork. Alex is skeptical. Is this for real? Do they have the right Alex Donnelly? Isn't the past safest left in the past?

In Seattle, Alex meets Kenni, the researcher who traced his whereabouts. After spending a few days with her and her family at their secluded cottage, Alex's semi-healed-over emotional wounds begin to reopen. The tension is too great for him to bear. Then, given a package from his mother, Alex discovers something he didn't want to know and takes off for the wilderness without his inheritance.

Will he survive the dangers that face him in his isolated winter job? Will Kenni be able to find him to share the missing letter from his mother? Can God find a way to reach him even in the place of desolation? Can Alex share the truth and find it sets him free?

A powerful first novel from prolific freelance writer, Marcia Laycock. Endorsed by Mark Buchanan: "tells a crackling good tale of crime and punishment, damnation and redemption that is at once grimly real and deeply hopeful" and by Phil Callaway: "makes me smile, nod my head, and furrow my brow. She makes me question, and long, and wonder. Plus she makes me glad I spent fifteen bucks!"

Chateau of Echoes

by Siri Mitchell,
NavPress, 2005

After reading She Walks in Beauty, I was anxious to read another novel by Siri Mitchell. Chateau of Echoes tells the story of Frederique Farmer, a youngish widow and accomplished chef, who has purchased a castle in Brittany, France and turned it into an inn. She is, however, not overly keen on having guests, preferring to run, work in her garden, and experiment with food.

When Robert Cranwell, a popular American author, persuades Frederique to let him stay at her inn, she agrees against her better judgement. Cranwell's presence and the intimacy he assumes provoke her at every turn as he encourages her to move on with her life and open herself to new relationships. But as Frederique's feelings for Cranwell turn to affection and possibly love, she is perturbed to see that he's developed what appears to be more than a friendship with her assistant, the beautiful researcher, Severine. And as strange things begin to happen, Frederique fears for her own safety.

The story alternates between the modern-day plot and the story of Alix, a girl from medieval times, whose journals Frederique found on her property and turned over to the university. This sub-plot takes us back to a time when marriages were pre-arranged in order to strengthen status, position, and loyalties, and when women weren't typically valued as persons. The Alix- Awen story has a mystical feel to it, which is enhanced through the telling of traditional tales, including references to King Arthur and the Holy Grail.

At first I wasn't sure what period the "modern-day" section was set in. Mitchell's language conveys a more historical and formal feel than the 2002 date that is later clarified. This causes confusion for the reader, especially in the beginning. This fact is less important as the reader comes to care about the characters and to hope for a happy romantic ending. Mitchell has done a considerable amount of research on Brittany, France, and medieval times. Her love for her subject shines through. I was satisfied with the story's conclusion, though of the two books, I have to admit a preference for She Walks in Beauty.

Seaside Letters: a Nantucket Love Story

by Denise Hunter,
Thomas Nelson, 2009

I don't often read romance novels, but I've written a few short stories in the genre and feel it's important to read one once in a while. I doubt I could have made a better choice than Denise Hunter's Seaside Letters, third in a series of Nantucket love stories.

Sabrina Kincade's cousin and fiance betrayed her when they fell in love over a year ago. Hurt and humiliated, she fled from Florida and spent her honeymoon alone in Nantucket. When the "honeymoon" was over, unwilling to face her family, Sabrina found a job and somewhere to live on the island, determined never to let anyone access her heart again.

Enter Tucker McCabe, the man she serves coffee to every morning at a Nantucket cafe. Devilishly handsome and seemingly good-hearted, Tucker has fallen for a woman he's met online and wants Sabrina to help find her. The problem is, Sabrina is that woman, and she doesn't want to be found. Especially since she knows something about her past that Tucker must never discover. Can she pretend to search for Tucker's mystery woman and spend hours in his presence without letting her guard down? And what will she do if Tucker falls in love with someone else?

My biggest problem with the romance genre in general is that it sets women up to have false expectations of a man, and to have an incorrect picture of what love looks like in real life. I understand that it's "escape" reading, but escape reading can have dangerous real world consequences. That said, I like Hunter's expressed goal for the Nantucket series: "to show the love of Christ through the relationship of the hero and heroine." I think she achieves her goal well, and the reading guide questions at the end of the book encourage a deeper probing of this aspect.

Conclusion/confession? Denise Hunter has created a very readable book, with a well-developed plot line and three dimensional characters. I am going back to read numbers one and two in the series: Surrender Bay, and The Convenient Groom, and look forward to reading more of this talented author's work.

Talking to the Dead

by Bonnie Grove
David C. Cook, 2009

When Kate's husband, Kevin, dies suddenly after they've been married only five years, Kate is devastated and lost. The pair had been high school sweethearts with shared dreams for the future. Dreams of a house filled with children, love, and laughter. And when Kate starts hearing Kevin's voice after the funeral, she is filled with both longing and despair. Is she going crazy? And why does Kevin seem to turn on her?

Kate's mother, whose own husband passed away eight months earlier, gives Kate the space that she needs. Her sister, Heather, and Kevin's best friend, Blair, are always there when she needs them. Maggie, an older woman from Kevin's church, wants to help. But there are gaps in Kate's memory - important things about the past and her marriage to Kevin that Kate needs to remember before she can move forward.

Counseling, group therapy, and medication for depression help, but aren't enough in and of themselves. Could she be "spiritually blocked" as one counselor suggests? As Kate recovers bits and pieces of her past, and learns of several betrayals, she turns to Jack Slater, a pastor/youth worker she met at a downtown community centre. With his friendship and insight come the beginnings of healing and forgiveness.

This is one of the best first novels I've had the pleasure to read. Bonnie is a gifted writer, who draws the reader into the story and doesn't let go. I literally had a difficult time putting this down, and eagerly anticipate Bonnie's next book.

Splitting Harriet

by Tamara Leigh
Multnomah, 2007

Former wild child, Harriet Bisset, has spent the last eight years atoning for the errors of her youth. The daughter of a preacher, she feels a duty to honour the church members who offered forgiveness and welcomed her back into the fold. Now working as director of Women's Ministries at the church she grew up in, she dreams of the day she can own Gloria's Morning Cafe, and drowns her personal sorrows in tubs of Jelly Bellies.

Enter Maddox McCray, the consultant hired by the church to help it transition from a traditional to more contemporary style in order to attract younger families and keep the church growing. He drives a motorcycle, has tattoos, and oh, that black curly hair! He spells trouble, and there's no way Harri is getting involved with him.

Well, er... If only he weren't so darned good looking, unpretentious, and persistent. But then there's how his suggestions are upsetting the balance at church, and causing Harri's comfort zone much discomfort...

Very well written, with fully developed characters, this story will tug at your heartstrings and move your spirit.

Room of Marvels

by James Bryan Smith
Broadman & Holman Press, 2007

A huge Rich Mullins fan, I stumbled across this book when I was looking for books about this well-known and well-loved musician, who was taken from us all too soon.

In Room of Marvels, Christian writer Tim Hudson has suffered a series of devastating losses and is on the verge of losing his faith. Advised by his pastor to go on a silent retreat, he visits a monastery where he experiences a vision of heaven that transforms and renews his spirit. In heaven, Tim meets people he's influenced in his life and who have influenced him. These meetings help him understand that love is not just important, it's the only reason for living. He also comes to accept the truth that we live on an eternal plain, that death is not the end and is not something to be feared.

While I'm not 100% sure of the theology in spots, the book sends an important message to believers, and has brought comfort to countless readers. It is semi-autobiographical and helped the author to recover from his own grief as well. I was moved by the fictional account and by the true story behind it.

Tying the Knot

by Susan May Warren

Tyndale, 2003

Second in the Deep Haven series, this book was written during a difficult period in the author's life, though you'd never know it from the ease with which it reads. Warren has the romance genre down pat, with lots of attraction, tension, miscommunication and misunderstanding between the hero and heroine. In addition to creating a well crafted plot, she paints vivid settings and is able to evoke strong emotions from the reader.

Anne has come to Deep Haven to find peace from her past, a past that has scarred her deeply. Brought up in a Christian home, she spent her teen years in the inner city of Minneapolis as her parents worked among its broken people. High school was intolerable. More recently, Anne's work as an EMT in that same area brought her face to face with a teen strung out on drugs, a teen who shot and wounded her without provocation. The only memory from that night worth holding onto is the man who prevented the shot from hitting her in the face, the man who sang "It is Well with My Soul" over her as she was carried from the scene on a gurney.

Noah is in Deep Haven for different reasons, though he too has a scarred past. God has given him a vision for a wilderness camp that will take urban teens out of their day-to-day reality and plant them in a beautiful natural environment absent their gang colours and associations, where they can be challenged spiritually and physically. With her medical credentials, Anne is the only one who can help Noah's camp get off the ground, as the local church committee refuses to provide financial backing without a trained medical person on staff. Will Anne cooperate? And will she learn to trust Noah? To see beyond his exterior tough guy appearance to the interior man of faith?