Risen by Angela Hunt

Release Date: January 2016

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764218453

Genre: Historical Fiction / Biblical Fiction

Angela Hunt is one of my favorite authors so when I learned she wrote the novelization of the movie, I was ecstatic and had to read it! While the story is on the redundant side, it’s always fascinating to imagine the resurrection of Jesus Christ through a tribune’s eyes.

I have not seen the movie so I cannot compare the book towards it. However, I have heard that the movie is good but lacks in the scriptural content. Angela Hunt uses tons of scripture references (but not overwhelming!) and lots of historical contexts. She also includes a bibliography of her sources that can be found at the back of the book.

When Grace Sings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Release Date: March 15, 2015

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah Press

ISBN: 9780307731333

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish & Mennonite

Series: The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy

When I first discovered this book, I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I based it solely on the front cover. Kim Vogel Sawyer is also an author that I have never read, but she has been on my to-read list for a while now. I didn’t even bother to read the back of the book.

Untangled by Carey Scott

Release Date: May 2015

Publisher: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780800726591

Genre: Christian Living

Have you ever felt worthless, not good enough, or guilty because you don’t measure up? Have you ever felt like you were alone while everyone else seemed to have their lives together? We all want to feel valued. That we are worth something. We crave the approval and acceptance in the eyes of family, friends, and even strangers. We always fall short whenever we seek the world’s standards. We also cannot believe we are who God says we are -accepted, loved, beautiful, and treasured if we seek these lies.

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Release Date: May 2015

Publisher: Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780800723576

Genre: Fiction – Romance

Series: A New York Romance Novel

Melody Carlson is one of my absolute favorite authors! In fact, I have been following her books since I was in middle/high school. The Diary of a Teenage Girl series was the very first novels that I have ever read from her. When Revell offered up her latest for review, I jumped up and down excited that I would have the opportunity.

The Pharaoh’s Daughter by Mesu Andrews

Release Date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah Press

ISBN 10: 1601425996

ISBN 13: 978-1601425997

Genre: Fiction, Biblical Fiction

 

I was completely blown away by this novel. Mesu Andrews has a talent for writing biblical historical books.

It’s refreshing to know that there are some good Christian novels out there that are worth reading. It’s fascinating, engaging, thrilling, and causes one to stop and think. Mesu Andrews also knows how to tie in the Word of God without it being so overwhelming or preachy. We all live in fear of something, whether it’s death or childbearing like Anippe or something else. It’ll definitely change your perspective.

Broken Silence by Annslee Urban

Release Date: March 2015

Publisher: Love Inspired Romance

ISBN: 9780373446582

Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Mystery

I’m still shocked that I was one of the contest winners that won a copy of this book. If it weren’t for this contest, I probably would not have bothered with purchasing a copy of my own. I’m really happy I did because I was not disappointed.

The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert

Release Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

ISBN-10: 1601425929

ISBN-13: 978-1601425928

Genre: Fiction, Romance

If you’re looking for a book that contains real characters and real stories, then perhaps this book is for you. If you’re looking for a light read, this won’t be one of those. You will find yourself crying, laughing, and overjoyed all at the same time. God has His hand all throughout the book even when it seems like there is hope. Life won’t be easy and their problems will not go away overnight, but they know that there is hope that there will be healing. It’s a wonderful read that you won’t be able to put down. I felt as if I was right there with Gracie and Carmen as they shared their stories.