My first Did Not Finish of the year…
… is Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson. I have been interested in reading Christian Fiction for awhile now, and I’ve heard great things about this particular author, so when I was at the library last week I had the brilliant idea to grab one of her books. I don’t know what it was about this one, but I couldn’t get past page 40… it just didn’t do much for me. I couldn’t get into the story, and I couldn’t get attached to the characters either. I feel bad about this, especially since all the reviews on Amazon are extremely positive, which makes me feel like there’s something wrong with me. Anyone have any experience with this author or this particular title? For those of you who read Christian Fiction, what other authors/titles should I check out?
I read a lot of Beverly Lewis, not for the writing, because it isn’t spectacular, but for the story lines around the Amish and Mennonite communities. I have really enjoyed Ted Dekker and Karen Kingsbury is not too bad. I wouldn’t give up on the genre just yet…I’m sure other people have some great recommendations!
I usually recommend Lisa Samson first and I did love this book…but having said that she has a very quirky style and voice that not everyone likes.
What are your favorite genres? Ted Dekker is good for fast paced thriller and Karen Kingsbury for romance. I also love Francine River’s Mark of the Lion series.
Just want to add that Ted Dekker and karen Kingsbury are the big names in the genre…the best-selling authors. There are a lot of others that I like more or better.
I hate having to give up on a book. So far this year I haven’t had to give up on any books, but I’ve given up on several audio books. Sometimes the reader ruins it
There’s quite a broad variety of Christian books, these days. I just finished Word Gets Around by Lisa Wingate. It’s the second in a series — the first is Talk of the Town. They’re very fun, light books set in a small town in Texas.
Nancy Moser has written three historical fiction bios — of Jane Austen, Nannerl Mozart (Wolfgang’s sis) and Martha Washington. I enjoyed all three, although I probably should have spaced them out a bit. I love the one book I’ve read by Francine Rivers and the single book I’ve read by Beverly Lewis, but I didn’t like Karen Kingsbury’s writing. Brandilyn Collins writes Christian Suspense — haven’t read her, yet, but I’ve heard good things about her books.
If you’d like to see what’s available, I recommend going to the Bethany House website (just dot com after the name of the publishing company). They have a very nice website, easy to navigate, lots of titles to look through and read about.
Heather- One of my favorite books is Redeeming Love by Francis Rivers. I would be happy to share my copy. Have you read it already?
I’ve been enjoying reading your blog and am getting some great reading ideas. I read a lot of Christian fiction and sometimes there doesn’t seem like there is very much quality writing, though lots of easy reading (which is what works best for me right now). I didn’t necessarily care for Tiger Lillies either (it is the only book I’ve read by Lisa Sampson.) I think the reason so many do, is that it has quirky, edgier characters than your average Christian fiction book. Some authors I enjoy would include Angela Hunt, Lynn Austin, Kristin Heinztmann (sp?),Francine Rivers, Deborah Rainey and Ted Dekker. I”ve also read some more obscure authors that I’ve liked but am terrible for remembering titles or authors off hand. Too often Christian fiction seems to try to give nice easy answers to difficult moral dilemmas. (especially Karen Kingsbury) That isn’t all bad, but not always realistic. I agree to not give up on the genre quite yet… sorry this got so long!
I haven’t heard of this book. I appreciate your honesty. I’d go with Ted Dekker if you like thrillers. I read Beverly Lewis’ Amish books and love them. Other than that, I haven’t read too much Christian fiction, at least not in quite awhile.