This month my book clubs are reading novels that I can highly recommend! I have already read them; have you? We would love to hear your thoughts.
By The Book’s Pick
If I Run by Terri Blackstock. Casey Cox’s DNA is all over the crime scene. There’s no use talking to police; they’ve failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she’s arrested . . . or worse. The truth doesn’t matter anymore.
But what is the truth? That’s the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren’t adding up.
Casey Cox doesn’t fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan’s skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn’t guilty, why did she run?
Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan’s damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer . . . or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.
Page Turners’ Pick
Water form My Heart by Charles Martin. Charlie Finn had to grow up fast, living alone by age sixteen. Highly intelligent, he earned a life-changing scholarship to Harvard, where he learned how to survive and thrive on the outskirts of privileged society. That skill served him well in the cutthroat business world, as it does in more lucrative but dangerous ventures he now operates off the coast of Miami. Charlie tries to separate relationships from work. But when his choices produce devastating consequences, he sets out to right wrongs, traveling to Central America where he will meet those who have paid for his actions, including a woman and her young daughter. Will their fated encounter present Charlie with a way to seek the redemption he thought was impossible–and free his heart to love one woman as he never knew he could?
Music taught Lucy love and beauty. Could silence teach her hope?
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 17 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin.
As a follow up to their bestselling Thank You, Lord, for Everything, P.J. Lyons and Tim Warnes have created a sweet and relaxing padded cover board book that tells the story of God’s constant presence around you. Meant to be read at night, when a child is warm and snug in their bed, the rhyming text and adorable illustrations in 
As the sun slowly sinks in the nighttime sky, baby farm animals of all shapes and sizes snuggle up with their mamas for a good night’s sleep. Little ones will love the cozy animals and the sweet conclusion-a mother rocking her child to sleep. Patti Eubank’s expressive rhyming text is paired with her finely detailed illustrations to create a board book that is perfect for bedtime reading. It doesn’t get any sweeter than this! 
We all want our little ones to grow strong characters, but how do we teach them? Best-selling children’s author Dr. Mary Manz Simon offers the solution. This collection of twelve stories stars a menagerie of adorable animals and offers simple, concrete examples for little ones to remember. Your child will learn about these important virtues: 
Some friends are closer than family. They weave their way into our lives, there to celebrate the highs and comfort us through the lows. And for those special friends, Max Lucado offers forty scriptures and guided prayers that bring joy and serenity in Pocket Prayers for Friends.
Graduation is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It can also be a source of uncertainty and anxiety. What comes after graduation day? More education? A career? Starting a family? Often this time in life can bring more questions than answers, but Max Lucado offers hope and direction by pointing to the Answer to all of life’s question. Pocket Prayers for Graduates includes forty scriptures and guided prayers written especially for those considering their futures post-graduation.
Daily life for those in the military and their loved ones at home can be filled with rapid change, fear, and uncertainty. For those bravely sacrificing for our country, bestselling author, Max Lucado, offers words of hope, pointing them to the Source of faith and courage. Pocket Prayers for the Military contains forty scriptures and guided prayers that will help readers face the unique challenges of military life with courage and faith.
Dads wear many hats. From protector to playmate, confidante to counselor. No matter the role, families rely on dads to lead with strength and faith. And in Pocket Prayers for Dads, Max Lucado offers forty scriptures and guided prayers that will help dads do just that.
No one knows how quickly the chaos of daily life can become overwhelming more than moms. We lean on them for everything from hurt feelings to missing homework to broken bones. So, where can moms turn for peace and rest in the midst of mayhem? Bestselling author Max Lucado points to the Source of all hope and strength in Pocket Prayers for Moms, which contains forty scriptures and guided prayers written especially for all moms.
More than 120 million readers have found inspiration and encouragement in the writings of Max Lucado. He lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy, in San Antonio, Texas, where he serves the people of Oak Hills Church. Find out more about Max at 
Pocket Prayers for Teachers went to my good friend and super teacher, Carrie. This mom of two elementary school-aged boys is an inspiration to many in her professional and personal life, but we all can use a little help!
Sheryl is a busy mom and my husband’s dedicated office manager. She immediately dug into Pocket Prayers for Moms. She says she loves beginning each day with a message and prayer that prove pertinent for her upcoming day.
Nikki is still a newlywed. She has been married less than a year, but her husband has been deployed twice for a total of six months! She is a wonderful registered veterinary technician who received Pocket Prayers for Military Life.
I have a new friend and sister-of-the-heart in Carol. We have had so much fun in the short time we have known each other and I hope the adventure continues for a long time! She got Pocket Prayers for Friends.
Soon to be graduate (and my soon to be daughter-in-love!), Brittany is a young woman with a bright future. I gave her Pocket Prayers for Graduates for the guidance she needs to transition from college to real life!
Fiona Lanier is the only woman in the tiny Gulf Coast settlement of Navy Cove. While her shipbuilding family races to fill the demand for American ships brought by the War of 1812, Fiona tries to rescue her brother who was forced into service by the British Navy.
About
I have two other book buddies that I have never met, at least in person. 
of the interwebs. I love their insights, their passion and am thankful for the real friendship that we have developed.
Oh I love book club night! I belong to two book clubs — 
Book signings, book luncheons, book conventions, book field trips — I’m there! I have had so much fun exploring the world outside my books. Both my book clubs have gone on field trips — St. Simons Island for Eugenia Price books, Atlanta for Elizabeth Musser books. We have hosted a number of authors for meet and greets (see above picture for the Tracy Groot meet and greet). I’ve also attended the ICRS as media (yes book bloggers are media!) and met some fabulous people. The last book event I attended was hosted by the 
Can anyone have a list of bookworm delights without included book stores? I have an internal magnet that involuntarily draws me to any bookstore within walking distance. A vacation is really not complete without a visit to the local bookstore. In my second year of marriage we moved to a small town outside of Atlanta. I worked in a very small bookstore there — yeah, dream job! 
I am a sucker for the swag that accompanies books — bookmarks, postcards, bookplates. Thanks to all the authors that provide these little gems! I recently received a book bag, bookmark and keychain from 
Every two months 
I am excited to be part of the launch of the Africa Study Bible. Designed to bring study resources in a culturally relevant form to millions of people, this new Bible will speak truth to people just where they are in a language they can understand.
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