Five Fall Favorite: Contemporary Christian

Welcome to day four of Five Fall Favorites, a week-long book party hosted by Read Another Page with party “rooms” at various literary blogs! Each blog has a different theme for the day and each blog will be sharing five favorite books in a specific genre. There are also giveaways and free books, so don’t forget to check out the rest of the rooms for today’s freebie (link at the end of this post). The US giveaway includes a fall reading basket with several paperbacks and a mug. Enter here. The good news is if we get enough entries, we’re adding a special second prize and perhaps even a third, so go enter!

Today I’m hosting the Bikes party room, and today I’ll be sharing five of my top contemporary Christian fiction books: books published in the last five years and set in any modern time period.

Welcome to the Bikes! We have all styles of bicycles here today, and we’re going to trek around this beautiful lake and enjoy the fall colors. Pick your favorite bike, hop on, tuck your books in the basket – don’t forget your water bottle! – and follow me!

Readers of all ages squint in the sunlight as they mount the bicycle of their choice. Soon, a bright array weaves in and out on the path, and we set off down the trail.

As we ride, I adjust my microphone and speak up. “Time for today’s top five contemporary Christian books.”

Six Cousins series by Kelsey Bryant

Family Reunion (Six Cousins Book 1) is captivating, in-depth, realistic, well done. The description caught my eye on Amazon. It sounded like something with the potential to be interesting. It was much more. Each character captivated me with their realistic personalities. Each one was unique and distinct – something that can be difficult to portray for so many teenage girls but was extraordinarily well done. I could feel Reanna’s reticence, Emma’s conscientiousness, Abby’s disgruntled attitude, Caroline’s impulsiveness, Kailey’s extroversion, and Marielle’s see-sawing emotions.

The descriptions were excellent. I could picture exactly what the characters were like through Marielle’s eyes. What is more, the scenes are set so clearly that I can describe exactly what Marielle’s home, guesthouse, and fields look like.

The plot was very well done. It wasn’t action-packed in the normal sense of the word, but it was realistic and down-to-earth. It was easy to relate to and true to life. It followed the normal struggles of young girls and their interpersonal relationships. Their motivations and feelings were easy to follow and understand. Their desires and frustrations alike spilled out clearly. Their adventurous spirit was a delight. The ups and downs were natural and not squeezed into the stereotypical “storyline mold.” In a way, much of the plot was engineered by Grandpa, and his plans were wise and masterfully executed – though the reactions of the girls lent many twists and turns.

The story also exuded excellent values and principles. It is not only a fascinating page-turner but also a wholesome role model. Though all of the girls are far from perfect, Marielle and Emma especially hold important standards and convictions close to their heart. The way the girls pray together and seek God during their struggles is encouraging. It’s a rare blessing to find such a family-friendly and uplifting book.

The growth and character development are excellent. It doesn’t happen quickly – in fact, at some points it seems to go backwards. There isn’t an “Ah-ha!” moment where everything is suddenly better; rather, it is true to life: ups and downs, struggles, challenges, advances, retreats, good resolutions, guilt, anger, desire, making amends, asking forgiveness, fresh starts, and so forth.

The ending is satisfying and yet leaves you wanting the sequel. The three projects – masterfully written, by the way – weave throughout, giving the reader a chain to follow and suspense as to how it will end.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It’s a page-turner and one of the best reads I’ve picked up for some time.

Martin Hospitality by Abigayle Claire

The nitty-gritty details of daily life. The tiny things one notices in a quiet moment. The inner thoughts of the heart. The practical needs: food, laundry, minor injuries. So often these very real details are left out of a story or glossed over. Not in Martin Hospitality. This is real life, folks. The bustling energy of a large family…the struggles of a single mother…the joys of a small baby. It’s all here.

Content-wise, read the other reviews on this book – they are pretty accurate. Hard issues are handled very discreetly. Endearing characters abound. I would call this an adult book, though mature teens can read it as well. Personally I was ecstatic to see the overall high standards promoted by the characters in this book, though a diverse array of lifestyles and worldviews was present. The cohesive harmony between a variety of convictions was refreshing to see.

Gemma’s journey to God was beautifully portrayed. I loved that we got to walk along with her step by step – reading the Scriptures as she did and following her thoughts and growth. I appreciated how it was God who led her to Himself, not just someone telling her about Him. I appreciated the slow journey upward rather than the stereotypical single crisis that propels a character straight to God.

Letters from a Scatter-Brained Sister by Amanda Tero

The next three books on this list are all by Amanda Tero. I absolutely love her writing style, and this book is my favorite of hers so far. Upbeat, funny, and positive, the tone of Nicole’s letters to her sister reveals a down-to-earth girl who isn’t afraid to laugh at herself or her many cooking blunders. The tone of this book truly set it apart and caused it to come across as uplifting and refreshing. What is more, her struggles with cooking, letters, and Bible time are things real girls face – and her growth is portrayed accurately and in a way that uplifts the reader. I recommend this book, especially for Christian teenage girls.

Coffee Cake Days by Amanda Tero

One of the best short stories I’ve read, this book is both relatable and interesting. I so appreciate Meg’s heart for God and desire to know Him, spend her time in His word, and sit at His feet. I relate to her struggles in helping her family vs. spending that time in the Word, and I love how God taught her His purpose for her time. 100% relatable in struggling with “spiritual selfishness.” I highly recommend this book.

Maggie’s Hope Chest by Amanda Tero

This is a sweet, encouraging, realistic short story with a thought-provoking theme and message. It seemed to end a bit abruptly, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This story is highly recommended, especially for teenage girls.

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As the bike shed appears on the horizon, we cruise down the final stretch of the trail, crunching over the browns, reds, and yellows coating the path. Thank you so much for riding with me today! I will see you tomorrow for yet another enjoyable autumn activity. Until then, enjoy today’s other party stops linked below, stop by the Books room for your free short story, and don’t forget the giveaway!

Have you read any of these books? What are some of your favorite contemporary Christian books?

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