Title: My Father's House
Author: Rose Chandler Johnson
Genre: Christian fiction, inspirational, Southern fiction, Georgia author, takes place in Georgia, women's fiction


Lily Rose Cates had a mostly idyllic, small-town childhood: an older brother who was a ready playmate and with whom she was extremely close to, a loving and protective father, and a mother who suffered from unrelenting grief and depression. Lily's father unexpectedly passes away leaving Lily to emotionally flounder throughout the rest of high school and into college. Unfortunately Lily's sweet nature and sheltered childhood do not prepare her for the harsh realities of the world. She falls head over heels with the first man (Manny) who showers her with charm, attention and romance. Despite warnings from Annie Ruth, the caregiver for Lily's mother and the adopted family matriarch, Lily marries him and eventually regrets it. After suffering Manny's abuse for 2 1/2 years, Lily (with the help of a friend) escapes from Manny, and returns to Georgia, to the house she inherited from her father. With the help of her friends, neighbors, her writing, her faith, and a handsome veterinarian, Lily rebuilds her life. A nice clean read that was a nice, relaxing change of pace after a busy semester. Non-religious readers will be able to enjoy this book as well since it is not too preachy or too sappy.

Title: When Rain Falls
Author: Tyora Moody
Genre: Christian fiction, mystery, suspense, urban Christian

I met Tyora Moody at the 2014 Augusta Literary Festival in Augusta, Georgia, and she was one of the finalists for the 2014 Yerby Award for Fiction. I bought the first book in her Victory Gospel series and I finally had a chance to read it over the holidays.

Candace Johnson is a widowed mother of two two teenagers when she suffers another personal tragedy- the murder of her best friends Pamela Coleman. Darnell Jackson is a cop who is a transfer to the Charlotte, NC Police Department from LA. Detective Jackson becomes the lead investigator into Pamela's murder which means he ends up spending a lot of time with Candace. Together they pool their brainpower to find a killer while they cautiously acknowledge their growing attraction for each other.

I would recommend this for anyone who is in the mood to read a mystery that's not too graphic or too sickly sweet (like some cozy mysteries). I am definitely looking forward to reading books 2 and 3 in this series.

Title: Deep Fried Trouble
Author: Tyora Moody
Genre: cozy mystery, Christian, Southern

Within one week of retirement, Eugeena Patterson receives a rude awakening when she finds her estranged neighbor dead of suspicious causes. The neighborhood crime, an unexpected visit from her daughter and two grand babies, and her daughter's disappearance cause Eugeena to enlist the help of her neighbors to solve two mysteries at once. These two traumatic events make Eugeena reflect on her past relationships with Mary (the neighbor) and Leesa (her daughter), and how things turned sour with both of them.

This is a cozy mystery, so it's not too graphic, grisly or preachy. If you're looking for a low-stress, quick mystery read with a hint of Southern, then I would recommend this book to you.

Title: Pie Town
Author: Lynne Hinton
Genre: Christian/inspirational fiction

This was a cute and quick read that wasn't too sappy or preachy; however, I was shocked to see swear words in a Christian fiction novel. I know some Christian fiction has gotten more edgy in the last few years but this really surprised me...

Pie Town. A homey name for a small town that conjures up pies, home cooking, and love. Unfortunately, Pie Town does not live up to its name or warm and fuzzy connotations. First, there is no pie (the bakery shut down years ago) and, second, the Pie Town residents are not the friendliest of small-town welcoming committees.

Father George Morris was sent to Pie Town by the diocese for his first calling out of seminary. Father George was hoping and praying for a parish in a Third World country. Why? Because he is running from a secret that would threaten his reputation and calling as a priest.

Trina has been wandering since she was a teen. After finding out that her latest, sweet-talking trucker boyfriend was older than expected, plus married with two children, she literally walked out on him and towards Pie Town.

Although the residents of Pie Town may be judgmental to strangers and newcomers, the townsfolk rally around Alex, an 11 year-old  boy with spina bifida. Alex is considered by many to be the heartbeat of the community. Soon after Father George and Trina arrive in town, Alex's condition worsens; Alex's worsening physical condition sharpens his senses about the supernatural world and after a tragedy, with a little help from above, he rallies the town one last time.