Recently I presented a workshop for Kentucky Public Librarians about what's happening in Contemporary Christian Fiction. Popular authors such as Beverly Lewis, Janette Oke, Jan Karon and Wanda E. Brunstetter are here to stay, but Christian fiction is really branching out. Mysteries, Thrillers, Chick Lit, Science Fiction and Fantasy, and even Horror are finding their audiences and present a wide variety of reading choices.

If you're looking to find a good Christian fiction read, a great place to start is with The Christy Awards, which recognizes the finest in writers and writing in a number of different genres. Here are a few of the 2010 nominees (others can be found on the Christy Award website):

 

Contemporary Standalone:

June Bug  by Chris Fabry

The Passion of Mary-Margaret  by Lisa Samson

Veiled Freedom  by Jeanette Windle 

 

Historical

A Flickering Light  by Jane Kirkpatrick

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin 

The Swiss Courier by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey

 

 

 I used to drink tea in the morning. I added plenty of milk and sugar, but it started out as tea. Now I have several varieties of decaf in my cupboard that I like to drink at night because I find it very soothing before going to sleep. And one of the highlights of my trip to Victoria, British Columbia was attending the Afternoon Royal Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. We were served a delicious blend of tea, and finger sandwiches and tiny pastries on a tiered tray. Oh yes, I felt quite fancy!

Author Laura Childs has created the The Tea Shop Mysteries, a darling series set in historic Charleston, South Carolina. The first book, Death by Darjeeling, introduces us to shop owner Theodosia Browning; tea expert Draton Conneley; and staffers Haley and Bethany. When a local land developer keels over after drinking a cup Theo's special tea, Theodosia searches for clues to clear her good name. The series continues in Gunpowder Green with her investigation of an unusual death at the annual Isle of Palms Yacht Race in Charleston Harbor. The books are cozy and culinary (tea recipes included!) light reading. The eleventh book, The Teaberry Strangler, just came out in March.

If you like cozies, Childs also writes Scrapbooking Mysteries, and The Cackleberry Club Mysteries which are set in a cafe.

One of my more recent reads was Hope's Boy: A Memoir by Andrew Bridge. I find it interesting to read true accounts of people who grew up in very different circumstances than I did. While I have a few friends who were adopted, or who are trying to adopt children themselves, my knowledge of foster care is far more limited.

Bridge wanted to be with his mom, but Hope's deteriorating mental health left her unable to care for him as a parent should. At age 7, Andrew Bridge was taken to a California Juvenile Facility with no idea of what was happening to him. Eventually he was moved from the nightmarish hall to a "temporary" foster care situation. And that is where Andy ended up staying until he turned 18 years old. He was never included as part of the family; always the foster child. School became his best means of escape and success, and Andy graduated to attend Wesleyan and then Harvard Law. His adult life has been dedicated to helping, protecting and improving the lives of foster children.

For more information about the author, the book, and foster care, check out Hopesboy.com

While I was at my library conference in Portland, I went to a restaurant called The Red Star Tavern and I pulled out my book to read. The waiter brought me the most delicious organic salad and a wonderful corn bread with lavender honey on it. When he came back and inquired about my meal, I held up my book and said "This book cover describes this meal perfectly. It makes me feel like I'm running through fresh spring grass, with a great castle behind me, under fluffy white clouds, while kissing someone in the sky." Yes, it was a really tasty lunch.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is a perfect spring read. The story takes place in the 1930's and follows seventeen year old Cassandra Mortmain, an aspiring writer who lives with her family in a dilapidated but charming castle set in the English countryside. The Mortmains have little money and Cassandra's sister Rose means to marry rich, but also hopes to find love. A chance encounter with two young gentlemen, who happen to be American and the new landlords, brings life and vigor to everyone in the family, and Cassandra discovers new emotions that cause both thrills and turmoil. And if you enjoy the book, definitely watch the film. The three words I would use to describe this book are delightful, delightful, delightful!