Ramblings-n-Writings

The Faith ‘n Fiction question from My Friend Amy is:

The 2009 Christy Award Nominees were recently announced. Today’s assignment is to look at the list of nominees and share with us whether or not you have read any of them. If you haven’t read that particular novel, have you read anything by that author? Have you read all of the books in any category? What are your favorite books on the list? Are there any books you haven’t heard of?

Here’s the list of nominees:

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren • Tyndale House Publishers
Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White by Claudia Mair Burney • David C. Cook

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS
Sisterchicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
Summer Snow by Nicole Baart • Tyndale House Publishers
You Had Me at Good-bye by Tracey Bateman • FaithWords

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE
Dogwood by Chris Fabry • Tyndale House Publishers
Embrace Me by Lisa Samson • Thomas Nelson
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas • Moody Publishers

FIRST NOVEL
Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake • David C. Cook
Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler • Bethany House Publishers
Safe at Home by Richard Doster • David C. Cook

HISTORICAL
Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley • B&H Publishing Group
Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin • Bethany House Publishers
Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser • Bethany House Publishers

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy • Barbour Publishers
From a Distance by Tamera Alexander • Bethany House Publishers
The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen • B&H Publishing Group

SUSPENSE
By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer • Tyndale House Publishers
The Rook by Steven James • Revell
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson • Bethany House Publishers

VISIONARY
The Battle for Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka • Harvest House Publishers
Shade by John B. Olson • B&H Publishing Group
Vanish by Tom Pawlik • Tyndale House Publishers

YOUNG ADULT
The Fruit of My Lipstick by Shelley Adina • FaithWords
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke • Moody Publishers
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson • WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

MY ANSWER:

I haven’t read any books in the Contemporary Romance category, but I have read a book by Susan May Warren – The Perfect Match, which I thought was enjoyable. As far as the Contemporary Series, I’ve read some of the SisterChicks books (lighthearted, make you laugh, but drive home the message) and a book by Tracey Bateman that I don’t remember the name of. And in the Contemporary Standalone, I’ve not read any of those or the authors.

First Novel: I read Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it. Wisler created amazing, believable characters, and to me, the characters make or break a book.

Historical, my all time favorite category, has two books that I’ve read. Until We Reach Home is a book that I struggled to “get into” at first. I’m so glad I finally did read it in entirety because now it’s one of my favorite books from the past year. I’ll even go so far as saying it’s a favorite out of all the books I’ve ever read. I really want to read it again (rare for me), however my mom has my copy. LOL Washington’s Lady is a book that I started reading quite awhile ago, but haven’t taken the time to finish (too many review books). I love how Nancy Moser weaves a tale around people from history that we’re familiar with. Her writing style is beautiful and makes me think I just finished a personal conversation with the character.  I’m glad I’m not a judge for this category because I’d have a really hard time choosing the winner!

Historical Romance has a book/author that I really want to read – Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy. (I’m not sure if this is the first book in her series or not.) I’ve heard great things about Connealy and her writing as well as rave reviews for this series. I plan to read it soon (if the local library ever gets their copies!). On the other hand, Tamera Alexander’s From a Distance is an awesome book! I adore her characters and walk away from her books a different person. Tamera is definitely one of my favorite historical authors. Personally, I hope From a Distance wins because it deserves the award!

For the final three categories (Suspense, Visionary, and Young Adult), I’ve not read any of those books or authors. Suspense is a “new” genre to me that I’m finding I like a lot. So, I think I’ll wait to see which book wins and pick up a copy.

Related posts:

1. Hearts Aglow by Tracie Peterson
2. Review: The Centurion’s Wife by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke
3. Hope Rekindled by Tracie Peterson
4. A Glimpse at the Book Pile
5. If You Like an Author…

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