Here are some of my favorite books. If you like these, you could try to get them at your local library, purchase them at your local bookstore, or online at Christian Book Distributors or Family Christian. Gail Sattler's books (and all other Heartsong novels) can be purchased from Heartsong Presents.

Gail Sattler

The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson

Cheney Duval Series by Lynn and Gilbert Morris

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye/Jerry Jenkins (adult series)
Left Behind by Tim LaHaye/Jerry Jenkins (kid series)
Are We Living in the Endtimes?
Revelation Unveiled

Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke -
Bride for Donnigan by Janette Oke
Canadian West Saga by Janette Oke
Heart of the Wilderness
They Called Her Mrs. Doc
Too Long a Stranger

In Grandma's Attic

Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher

Gail Sattler

For my reviews please see below.

VANCOUVER (July, 2003)

    Gail Sattler's publication, VANCOUVER is a re-release of four of her best selling novels, three of which were in the top 3 favorites in the Heartsong Reader Polls for the year of their release. 
    In Gone Camping, Robbie comes out of a bad relationship and must learn to trust again. Gail Sattler skillfully shows how Robbie progresses from the deep emotional pain of her fiance's betrayal to emerge a new person, stronger for the experience.
    In At Arm's Length, the author demonstrates that sometimes taking responsibility for one's actions can give rewards we never dreamed of. When Molly accidentally causes her boss to break his arm, she determines to be a help to him during his recuperation. The two have nothing in common -- or do they?
    Opposites attract once more in On the Road Again. Outgoing Gwen decides to do something different with her summer and learns to drive a truck. When she is thrown together through unforeseen circumstances with loner Lionel Bradshaw, the two have their work cut out for them as they struggle to maintain propriety in close quarters. The situation is sensitively and delicately handled, always keeping Christian morality in view. This was an amazing effort as the author must keep all the details in mind--where they're traveling, how many hours each has driven--and still develop the romantic relationship in a satisfying and believable manner.
    In My Name is Mike, we revisit Robbie's old boyfriend. Now I was prepared to really dislike Mike, who cheated on Robbie in the first story in this set. However, somehow the talented Ms Sattler convinces us that Mike can be salvaged. This is a powerful entry as Mike realizes how much he has lost through his alcoholism, and struggles to drag himself back from the dredges with the help of the sweet Patricia. As anyone who has gone through such a traumatic event in their life knows, this is a serious matter. Ms. Sattler handles it with finesse and compassion while still entertaining the reader.
    These four separate adventuers blend together well into one continuous story. Despite everything that happens, the friendships continue. With each new story the reader sees the continuation of the previous couple's lives, and everything is wrapped up nicely when the last page is turned.

FOUNDATION FOR LOVE
in anthology THE HOUSE LOVE BUILT (June, 2003)

    In Foundation For Love, the first of four stories in the anthology, The House Love Built, Gail Sattler tackles several difficult issues. We note Carla's courage as she moves on with her life after an intense broken engagement. Carla has trust issues that need to be resolved. The author demonstrates in her portrayal of Lyle that Christianity must be more than a word. It's not enough to announce that one is a Christian, nor does sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings or playing on a church football team rate you a mansion in heaven. And yet, we should not judge all Christians, all men, or any other group, by the actions of one person. Jack is not perfect, but his patience, his honesty and integrity both in his business and personal life, and the way he takes his responsibilities seriously, all demonstrate his honorable nature. Even in this short work, Ms Sattler manages to give us a peek into the world of construction. One almost feels as though one could go out and build a house after reading this tale. This is a sweet, insightful story and a good foundation for the anthology

JOE'S DINER  (March, 2003)

    Gail Sattler has created two memorable characters in Chantelle Dubois and Mark Daniels. Forced to work together to keep Joe's Diner running while the owners are in the hospital, Mark discovers Chantelle's uniqueness does not include a proficiency at waitressing. Chantelle would like to loosen Mark up. A high stress job has him wound tight. She also senses that his relationship with God has suffered as he concentrated on becoming a "success" in his field. It is fascinating to watch Mark's voyage of discovery as he is pushed to his limits and tries to determine just where he belongs.
    Events move at just the right pace. We are able to enjoy the gradual development of the romantic relationship. There are also some knock down hilarious moments. The Crazy Hat contest had me howling with laughter. All in all, a very good read by an author who has consistently produced quality writing.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO LOVE
in anthology ALOHA! (December, 2002)

    The story of the Harrigan brothers continues in the tale “It All Adds Up to Love” by Gail Sattler. It was so interesting to learn what’s been happening in the lives of the other brothers and now we are treated to the story of Steve, the quiet accountant. His college friend, Tasha, shows her generous spirit when she gives up most of her Hawaiian vacation to help Steve get ready for an audit. She’s a good sport when she learns they start work at 6:30 in the morning. And on her vacation. Sigh.
    On the other hand, this is not a one-way relationship. Tasha helps Steve learn there’s more to life than work. He can have fun and still be responsible.
    This resort sounds so good I’d like to pay a visit myself. I loved the tradition of placing a coconut at the door as a “do not disturb” sign. There were many bits of trivia about Hawaii woven within the story which gave a sense of realism.
    This final tale of Harrigan’s Cove allowed us a sense of completion in each of the brother’s lives. Nice ending.

APPLE PIE IN YOUR EYE
in anthology AS AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE (April, 2002)

    God’s timing. Often we don’t like it, but you can be sure it’s perfect--always. This is the lesson that Rick and Lynette learn in Gail Sattler’s “Apple Pie in Your Eye”. Rick has loved the pastor’s daughter since he was eighteen, but, though friendly, she has never agreed to go out with him. The church needs a new roof, desperately, and Rick is chosen to work on this important fund-raising project with Lynette. Coincidence? Or God’s timing?
    Rick has it all together. He has found the work he enjoys--working with the church youth--and studying to become a pastor. While he prays to learn God’s will for he and Lynette, he admits that God may not give him the answer he wants. Isn’t this how it is? We pray to God, but we want Him to give us the “right” answer. And what is the “right” answer? It’s the one that God chooses to give us. A wonderful spiritual lesson.

THE WEDDING'S ON

   How do you stop a wedding when the bride and groom are your best friends? Pretend to be a "couple" yourselves, of course! Trevor and Janice don't think Laura and Frank know each other well enough to get married. They believe the newly engaged couple have only seen the "dating" side of one another. Janice and Trevor try to help their friends learn more about one another in the few months remaining before they speak their vows. But as they struggle to find ways to help their friends, Janice and Trevor slowly grow closer together, their own friendship blossoming into something more.
   This story doesn’t hit you between the eyes with sappiness. Janice is not your typical romantic lead. Her idea of Sunday best is jeans without a hole in them and a pair of sneakers. She has a red belt in self-defense. She doesn’t put on airs or get teary-eyed and emotional. She's real. Trevor is a kid at heart, but serious when it counts. The skillful Gail Sattler turns the diminutive Janice and the six-foot plus Trevor into characters so real that you'll consider them friends. You'll be out there rooting for them, even as you wonder what will happen with Laura and Frank. You'll care what happens to them because their relationship is so real. They talk, they argue, they laugh, they love. They care about their friends. And you'll find yourself caring about them too.

MCMILLIAN'S MATCHMAKERS

    Twenty-five year old Josh McMillian has just become guardian to his five nephews, aged from six to sixteen. A daunting proposition even for seasoned parents, Josh is overwhelmed and welcomes the help and advice of six year old Bradley's teacher, Melissa Klassen.
    The children want to see Uncle Josh happy and, to them, happy means Miss Klassen. Thus are born the McMillian Matchmakers. Now if only the principal would drop that rule about teachers not dating parents!
    Gail Sattler does a wonderful job of getting into the head of an overwhelmed young bachelor, a schoolteacher, and five eager children. The topic of tiny matchmakers lends itself beautifully to humor and the author takes skilled advantage. The "Cleo" episodes are hilarious. Each child has a distinct personality. The situation is kept realistic, yet comical and endearing. This is a winner and I'm not the only one who thought so as it was voted #2 Favorite Contemporary Heartsong of the Year in 2001 by the Heartsong readers.

  The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson

Published by Multnomah Books

    Seven children spent much of their childhood in the Trevor House orphanage . Each with their own "baggage", the group decides to become a family, changing all of their last names to O'Malley. Their professions often put them in peril and in the public eye but each knows that no matter what happens, the O'Malleys are always there for one another. These books are thoughtful, exciting, intelligent, and full of Christian wisdom. Her characters are the sort of people you'd hope to have in your own lives. They lead full, interesting lives and struggle with the same internal issues we all struggle with though, of course, their occupations make their lives a bit more exciting than ours and many of their problems are solved within the book though there is a continuing story line as well.

Kate is a hostage negotiator
Marcus, the eldest, is a U.S. Marshal
Lisa is a forensic pathologist
Stephen is a paramedic
Jack is a firefighter
Rachel is a trauma counselor
Jennifer, the youngest, is a pediatrician

Cheney Duvall, M.D. series by Lynn Morris and Gilbert Morris
Published by Bethany House Publishers

The Stars for a Light is the first book (of 8) in this popular Christian series. If you enjoy a period piece, this is the series for you. Dr. Cheney Duvall is one of the first female doctors of the Victorian era, having graduated from the Woman's Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania. As you can imagine, she fights an uphill battle to use her not inconsiderable skills. Not only that, but she has a male nurse who ends up traveling with her on this first adventure, a habit they continue throughout the series. The incongruity of the female doctor/male nurse is one of the things that keeps the series interesting.

There are a number of things I enjoy about this series and a few that annoy me. Cheney, 24 years old, is smart as a whip about everything a doctor should know, but when it comes to common sense...well, she could use more of it. Dr. Duvall is a proper Victorian lady (a lady's body must never touch the back of her chair), with her own maid (various young intelligent black women as the stories move along, one of which desires to become a doctor). It is inferred that Dr. Duvall would not have a clue how to dress herself without her maid's help and, in one of the later books, confronts this issue herself. She is an innocent and her male nurse, Shiloh, is hard put to keep her safe and out of trouble. Of course, he is in love with her, but Cheney is a Christian and Shiloh is not, so their relationship, while close, does not take on a romantic overtone until much later in the series, though there is an underlying whisper of their feelings for one another.

Shiloh and Cheney work well together with Shiloh knowing almost as much as she does, having been a nurse during the war. He is also more worldly and has more experience with life than Cheney and often must protect her from her own and naiveté. He is a former boxer and occasionally this comes up. Cheney does not approve.

Each book is set in a different location, one of which is New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, though this was by no means my favorite.

The Morris father/daughter team finished the series with book #8, but immediately began a second series starring Cheney and Shiloh, now married, so figure it out.

One wonders where Cheney would be without Shiloh. Fortunately, we don't have to find out. The books are captivating and interesting, contain lots of descriptive paragraphs of the time period in each location, and travel (though at a snail's pace) towards our goal of having Cheney realize her love for Shiloh.
While the books can be read as stand alones, it is nice to have the background and follow the progression. Since all eight of the first series have been published, this is a great time to pick the series up. I was able to find some of the earlier books very inexpensively. Of course, if one wants to keep the series as a set, you'd want to get them all in the same publication size.

Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye/Jerry Jenkins
For more information (and to read the first chapter) go to the Left Behind web site

This is the most exciting book (and series) I've read in a long time. I read the first 4 volumes in under 2 weeks--a small miracle. :-) This is a book that can scare the wits out of you -- if you're not sure you're going to heaven when you leave this earth. If you ARE sure then it will move you to call that unsaved friend and set up a lunch appointment. It will send you to God's Word to read and re-read. The Bible says we should not just take a person's word for what THEY say the Bible says. We should find out for ourselves what it says. Read the book and then check it out with your Bible.

Here's the deal: Christ has come to rapture His church. What that means is that those who accepted God's free gift of salvation by believing in His Son, Jesus Christ, and so are presently Christians, will be taken up to "meet Him in the sky". They're in heaven, folks! How wonderful! But not so wonderful for those who are LEFT BEHIND! That would be those who heard the Word, got the message but left the gift on the table. Those who felt there would always be time to make the decision. Those who have not yet heard the gospel message given. They are about to go through some serious stuff--stuff which will hopefully convince them the gospel message is real.

I'm not going to give you the whole content of the book, but if you want a preview, just read the book of Revelations. It's all in there. Mr. LaHaye and Mr. Jenkins do a wonderful job of making this information easily accessible. Revelations is full of symbolism. Some of it is not readily understood. Some of it probably won't be understood until we meet Jesus. Until then, however, this series is one of many that will help us to understand and help us to minister to those who need to hear this message so they won't be Left Behind. My one caution is to remember that this is a fictional series, although Biblically based, and not to use it in place of your Bible. Just like a commentary or any other tool, it can be used to enhance your study. The authors have written additional books on this and other topics which you should also check out.

There are 12 books planned in the series. Currently out are:  They are Left Behind, Tribulation Force, Nicolae, and Soul Harvest, Apollyon and Assasins, Indwelling, and the Mark, due out in Nov. 2000.   Most are available in audio cassette and CD as well as hardcover and paperback.

Left Behind, Book 1
Tribulation Force, Book 2
Nicolae : The Rise of Antichrist, Book 3
Soul Harvest : The World Takes Sides, Book 4
Apollyon, Book 5
Assassins, Book 6
The Indwelling : The Beast Takes Possession, Book 7
The Mark : The Beast Rules the World, Book 8
Desecration,  Book 9
The Remnant, Book 10
Armageddon, Book 11
Glorious Appearing, Book 12
Sequel: Kingdom Come (April 2007)

Prequels
The Rising
The Regime
The Rapture

The Authorized Left Behind Handbook�Now Available

And for the younger group --  the following series written by the same authors (Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins), is about 4 children, ages 12-16, who are also Left Behind. I don't like to think about children being left behind in such tumultous times but this book, I believe, can help that teen realize that this is an eternal decision and not one to be put off. Though the books are small and a teen might balk at reading "kid books" if you can get them into their hands, I think it will help them to understand the gospel a bit better and maybe even make a believer out of them. For a non-reader the size and print won't put them off. They are easy reading. You know, sometimes even an older child is looking for something that will go quickly. Take a chance on these books and you (and your child) may find yourselves using them as evangelical tools in the neighborhood.

Left Behind: The Kids series
reading level: Young Adult

Other Books by Tim LaHaye

Are We Living in the End Times?
Revelation Unveiled
Bible Prophecy : What You Need to Know : Quick Reference Guide
Understanding the Last Days

Janette Oke

Love Comes Softly is also a movie produced by Hallmark. It will be available on video soon.
For more info, go here.

The movie is being directed by Michael Landon, Jr. and stars Katherine Heigl as Marty Claridge, Dale Midkiff (Darien Lambert in Time Trax 1993-5; Pet Sematary,) as Clark Davis, and Sky McCole Bartusiak as Missie Davis. An additional cast member you might recognize is Corbin Bernsen, who portrays Ben Graham.

Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke

I've read this series through twice. I just love to read about Marty and Clark and their brood of young 'uns. The series begins sadly with the death of Marty's husband just as they arrive in the west. She is young, alone, in a new land with no money, no home and now no husband. Her choices are pretty limited. What happens to her, and how she finds God is a wonderful story. Though fiction, Mrs. Oke manages to entertain her readers and also expose and educate them. She shares the gospel in a very non-threatening way. These are Christian romance and family novels. The worst thing I think I could say about them is that a young girl might want to hold out for a Godly man like Clark!

See more stories about this family below!

Buy the whole series (in two sets) or just the first book, for a look-see. For more individual books by Janette Oke, see below. Sample her writing style and Godly text and you'll soon have a Janette Oke collection just like mine! They are available for purchase in hardcover, paperback and audio cassette as well as large print editions (which is what I buy.)

Love Comes Softly (can be purchased grouped by Books 1-4, and 5-8 or individually) (pb)

Love Comes Softly
Love's Enduring Promise
Love's Long Journey
Love's Abiding Joy
Love's Unending Legacy
Love's Unfolding Dream
Love Takes Wing
Love Finds a Home

Now you can continue the adventures of this family with Mrs. Oke's books about Virginia, Marty's granddaughter. Mrs. Oke calls it the Prairie Legacy series.

The Tender Years, v. 1
Searching Heart, v. .2
Quiet Strength, v. 3
Like Gold Refined, v. 4|

Women of the West series by Janette Oke
A Bride for Donnigan
They Call Her Mrs. Doc
Roses for Mama
Drums of Change
Julia's Last Hope
Too Long a Stranger

A couple of these are reviewed below.

A Bride for Donnigan by Janette Oke
part of the Women of the West series

Donnigan lives in pioneer times. He is in the west, with few choices for a bride. He begins to think about living the remainder of his life alone. He yearns for a wife and children, someone to share his life and his thoughts with. He decides to follow the example of his good friends and sends for a bride, paying her passage. Since his is a last minute request, he knows nothing about his coming bride nor she anything of him. Her decision, too, is not an easy one. When her step-mother remarries and offers her a place as a servant in her home, she takes the plunge and goes to a new land, the only way she can afford to. She is scared and doubting her own reason for doing such a thing but she has doubts, planted in her by her step-mother, that she could ever find a suitable husband because of a birth defect which causes her to display a slight limp. You will be rooting for this young couple as they struggle to find one another and a love for Christ in A Bride for Donnigan.

They Called Her Mrs. Doc (Women of the West) by Janette Oke

Another look at what love can do! In Janette Oke's captivating style, we watch as Cassandra becomes a frontier doctor's wife with all the trials and tribulations of both the new west, being a new wife and answering a new calling.

Too Long a Stranger (Women of the West, Book 9) by Janette Oke

This book gives us a look at a mother's love, so great that she suffers terrible hardship so her daughter can have a better life. What happens then is unexpected both to mother, Sarah, and to daughter, Rebecca, who now has a life which no longer resembles the one her mother has whittled out for herself. She has had the "better" life - can she appreciate how she got it?

Canadian West Saga by Janette Oke

The Canadian West series includes
When Calls the Heart
When Comes the Spring
When Breaks the Dawn
When Hope Springs New

Note: Mrs. Oke has also written a few stories with T. Davis Bunn and some children's animal books. Check your local bookstore or Christian Book Distributors online for more info on these and other books by Janette Oke.

For the younger folk in your group (and you too Mom), Arleta Richardson has written a superb coming of age Christian series. We watch our "heroine" go from a young girl to a mother and laugh and cry with her each step of the way. The writing style gradually changes as she gets older. It reads like a diary would. You know - as you get older, you would speak differently and have more mature opinions of things, yet hopefully keep a youthful outlook, able to laugh at yourself as well as appreciate the   lessons learned. In Grandma's Attic is the first book of the series.

In Grandma's Attic series by Arleta Richardson
Reading level: Ages 9-12

This is a sweet series about a young girl's growing up years through her marriage.

Robin Lee Hatcher

Coming to America series by Robin Lee Hatcher (historical)
Published by Zondervan

Dear Lady - Janie Steele has been corresponding with Beth Wellington and mentions that her small town in Montana needs a school teacher. Fleeing from a fiance she does not love, Beth comes to America, hoping to get the job. Upon her arrival, she meets Janie's dad, Garret, who is not expecting company and most definitely is not ready for Beth to enter his life and his heart.

Patterns of Love - Believing she is not nearly beautiful enough to snare a husband of her own, Inga Linberg agrees to help Dirk Bridger to care for his ailing mother and his young orphaned nieces. Though determined to do his duty, Dirk is bitter at having his life's plans disrupted when his brother and sister-in-law die unexpectedly.

In His Arms - Mary Malone can't seem to get a break. She left her life in Ireland and came to America only to be harassed by her employer. Eventually, she finds herself in Idaho where she meets Sheriff Carson Barclay. Will the terrible secret in her past be more than the sheriff can handle?

A few Christian publishers and authors

Bethany House Publishers |   Multnomah Books  |  Barbour Books  |  Tyndale   | 
Heartsong (Christian romance book club)  | Zondervan 

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