Favorite Reads in 2007 -- Christian/Inspirational

It's Christmas Eve! The childlike excitement and anticipation I remember is beginning to take hold. I've got sugar cookie dough chilling in the refrigerator, gifts to wrap, and eager children to help through the next 24 hours.

My prayer is for all to experience the true promise of Christmas, that God loves Y-O-U! Be healthy, be safe, and be blessed this Christmas season.

My present to you? Instead of romantic suspense, my favorite Christian fiction reads in 2007 (and a giveaway):

The Amen Sisters by Angela Benson -- "Engrossing, thought-provoking Christian fiction. Another Benson delight." Ms. Benson's Awakening Mercy was one of the first Christian novels I read with African-American characters. I've been reading her books ever since and have never been disappointed. This one deals with love and relationships among sisters and within the church.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers -- This novel is spoken about in almost reverent tones, the quintessential Christian novel so to speak. After hearing about it for a couple of years, I finally broke down and read it. It was everything I heard and more. "Riveting; raw (in subject matter) but restrained; gripping but not graphic; Biblical story placed in 19th/early 20th century setting."

Abraham's Well by Sharon Foster Ewell -- "Interesting historical; poignant" I loved this book set against the backdrop of the post-Civil war times and the Buffalo soldiers, the African-Americans and Native-Americans who fought in the US military even as the US government stole their land.

Georgia on My Mind by Rachel Hauck -- One of the first inspirational chick-lit books I read. It carries a gentle faith message and the prose is like smooth jazz.

Boaz Brown by Michelle Stimpson -- This inspirational chick-lit challenges beliefs about love and racial issues. For those familiar with the COGIC church, an African-American Pentecostal denomination, you'll bust your sides with laughter.

Spring Rain by Gayle Roper -- First in the "Seasons" series, this one deals with "homosexuality and promiscuity issues" in a "gentle but certainly not subtle" fashion. Not a common topic for Christian fiction. As much as I enjoyed this one, however, I didn't care for the Summer book quite as much and haven't read the other two yet.

A Sin and A Shame by Victoria Christopher Murray -- Another author of AA Christian I've been with since her first book. This one was "enjoyable; an unusual inspirational love story because it addresses what is means to be truly saved, as well as forgiveness."

The Fragrance of Roses by Nikki Arana -- I discovered Ms. Arana in 2006. Her multicultural novels are so beautiful in content and language that they gave me chills. The third book in the Regalo Grande series, it is "uncompromising, unapologetic Christian fiction; refreshing and inspiring."

The EX Files by Victoria Christopher Murray -- Another great book from Ms. Murray. I always laugh, cry, and learn with her characters.

Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee -- Possibly the best book I've read all year. This one is particularly for anyone who is spiritually inquistiveness. For Christians, it will make you think about satan and demons in a new and different way.

Snow Angel by Jaime Carie -- Ms. Carie's prose is poetic and her romance, set in the Klondike during the Gold Rush, is both riveting and soothing. (See below to win a copy!)

Bad Heiress Day by Allie Pleiter -- I lost this book four times. In my house. Every time I wanted to start it, I coudldn't find it. For months. I'm glad I finally did. "Great voice. Heartwarming chicklit/women's fiction without over the head message."

Post a comment for a chance to win a copy of Jamie Carie's Snow Angel.

Next: Favorite Romantic Suspense

A very Merry Christmas to one and all!

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia