Oceans Apart

Oceans Apart
Karen Kingsbury
Harper
April
ISBN 0061456713
Inspirational Mainstream
******



He only slipped up once in his marriage vows and his commitment to living the Christian way, but it only took one night of giving into loneliness and tempation to give Connor Evans a son that he does not know about until the boy's mother is killed in a plane crash. When lawyers contact him to inform him of the sad news and the decision he now faces, Connor must confess to cheating to his wife, Michele. Though she attempts to cope, Michele is rocked and believes her entire marriage to be stained by lies. Even as Conner and his son, Max grow closer and their daughters begin to accept him as a friend, even though they do not know the whole truth, Michele struggles with the entire situation. Has Conner gained a son to lose a marriage? What is the path God woudl have them take?



This is a book that will shake you up; Ms. Kingsbury, as usual, pulls you into the narrative and wires you into the characters' emotions. Max's simple faith, Michele's hurt reaction to being betrayed, and Conner having to face the results of his sin will all feel as real as the nose on your face. Once again, a strong Christian message is presented, but not in a wimpy way, like so many "inspirational" novels tend to do. The characters are beautifully realized with all their flaws and heartaches. Even more clear though, is God's ability to make miracles out of messes.

Christian mystery thriller

Deception
Randy Alcorn
Multnomah Books
ISBN-10: 1601420994
ISBN-13: 978-1601420992
Thriller/Inspirational
March



Detective Ollie Chandler’s latest case may just make him wish he had settled his issues with God a bit sooner rather than delaying it. He’s on the trail of a serial killer, someone who might just be another cop, and thus, could be someone he works with, someone who knows what he is going to do and has all the resources that Ollie himself has. With his two best friends, Ollie dares to pursue leads that bring him to a chilling confrontation even as he wrestles with matters that pertain to his own soul and destiny




Though I suspect that the hard edge to this novel will make it far more appealing to the male side of the race, female mystery fans will find something to appreciate as well. Without ever getting seamy or degenerate, Mr. Alcorn has written a thriller with grit and guts that does not shy away from tough questions. Interlaced with the primary plot is a deft Christian apologetic that does not get too preachy, but makes its point. In particular, there is one scene that is so shockingly beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes.