Welcome to Christians Read

Thank you for joining us. We hope that you’ll enjoy our blog posts and lively discussions about books. Please feel free to add your thoughts in comments, and if you have something you’d like to blog about, please contact our CR administrator, Vicki Hinze.

Our Mission

We are Christians who both read and write Christian fiction. The goal for this blog is to talk about the books we read and about our spiritual journeys. So you’re just as apt to read a review or comments on a book–fiction or non-fiction–as you are to read a devotional or inspiring quote or about daily Christian life in our posts. On the weekends, we post about writing and welcome guest bloggers. It is our hope to build a community where we can interact, discuss matters of importance to us, encourage, share and lift spirits.

Our Authors

The authors participating in this blog are:

Hannah Alexander: After Cheryl and Mel, a doctor, got married in 1995, they worked together on rewrites of Cheryl’s previous manuscripts. When she marketed them, publishers noticed. Three of her first novels, entitled The Healing Promise, Ozark Sunrise, and A Living Soul have now been published by Heartsong Presents under the name of Hannah Alexander. “I hope this is just the beginning,” Cheryl says. “Mel and I have a lot of stories yet to write.” Hannah’s Website: hannaalexander.com. Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the re-release, ENTRUSTED: Surrendering the Present, as well as the sequel, ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past. She also shared her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to subscribe to her monthly newsletter full of resources and giveaway opportunities at JULIE ARDUINI: SURRENDER ISSUES AND CHOCOLATE and the weekly e mail. SUNDAY’S SURRENDER AND CHOCOLATE. Julie’s website: http://juliearduini.com Facebook Twitter Google+ Goodreads

Kristin Billerbeck is the author of more than 30 novels, including “What a Girl Wants” and the Ashley Stockingdale and Spa Girls Series. She is a fourth-generation Californian, who loves her state and the writing fodder it provides. www.kristinbillerbeck.com Facebook Twitter

Patricia Bradley is the author of fifteen Inspirational Romantic Suspense books set in the South and is the winner of a Selah award, and an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Three anthologies that included her stories debuted on the USA Today Best Seller List. She and her two rescue kitties call Corinth, Mississippi home, and when she’s not writing, she likes to throw mud on a wheel to see what comes out.

Kathy Carmichael is the bestselling author of romantic comedy, cozy mystery and nonfiction Christian books. She hopes that her books give people hope and help them through difficult times. Kathy lives with her husband of nearly 45 years on Florida’s west coast. She’s the proud grandmother of two. Please visit her at www.kathycarmichael.comand on Twitter www.twitter.com/kathycarmichael

James R. Coggins is a professional writer and editor based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. He wrote his first novel in high school, but, fortunately for his later reputation as a writer, it was never published. He briefly served as a Christian magazine editor (for just over 20 years). He has written everything from scholarly and encyclopedia articles to jokes in Reader’s Digest (the jokes paid better). His six and a half published books include four John Smyth murder mysteries and one other, stand-alone novel. In his spare time, he operates Mill Lake Books, a small publishing imprint. His website is www.coggins.ca. LinkedIn Facebook

Jim Denney has written more than 120 books, including the Timebenders science-fantasy series for young readers, now being revised and updated for paperback and ebook release. Each Timebenders tale is a thrill-ride through time and space, and timeless truth. Speaking of thrill rides, Jim’s latest nonfiction book, Walt’s Disneyland, celebrates Walt Disney’s classic theme park in Anaheim, California. Jim has also written books with Orlando Magic founder Pat Williams, supermodel Kim Alexis, political commentator Michael Reagan, Star Trek actress Grace Lee Whitney, and Super Bowl legends Bob Griese and Reggie White. Jim is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). He lives in southern California. Jim’s websites: https://writinginoverdrive.com/ and https://waltsdisneyland.wordpress.com/ Twitter #1 WriterJimDenney Twitter #2 WaltsDisneyland

Nancy J. Farrier lives in the Mojave desert of Southern California amidst mountains and sunny skies. She is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 novels and non-fiction books. In addition to writing and being involved with her family, she teaches women’s bible study and is part of the worship team at her church. In her down time, she loves to ride her bike, play with her cats and read. Nancy’s Website: www.nancyjfarrier.com Facebook TwitterGoodreads

Vicki Hinze is the award-winning, bestselling author of nearly 40 novels, 4 nonfiction books, a few short stories and hundreds of articles, published in as many as 63 countries. She’s recognized by Who’s Who in the World as an author and as an educator and her works have appeared on the USA TODAY Bestseller’s list multiple times. Vicki’s Website: www.vickihinze.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Maureen Lang writes stories inspired by a love of history and romance. A lifelong reader, at the age of ten she figured out a way to write the stories she feels like reading. Maureen is the author of a dozen novels and her Inspirationals have earned various writing distinctions as a finalist for the Rita, Christy and four times in the Carol Awards. She’s won a Holt Medallion and Holt Award of Merit as well as the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. In between researching various eras in history (such as Victorian England, First World War, and Gilded Age) Maureen takes care of her children, including her special needs son, and lives out a real-life romance with her husband just outside of Chicago. Maureen’s Website: www.maureenlang.com Facebook Goodreads

Yvonne Lehman is a best-selling, award-winning author of 50 novels, the most recent being Aloha Brides, a Barbour collection of three Hawaii historical stories. Hearts that Survive – A Novel of the Titanic is due for release by Abingdon in March of 2012. She directed the Blue Ridge Conference for 25 years and now directs Blue Ridge “Autumn in the Mountains” Novelist Retreat, works with authors in the Gideon Media Arts Festival, and is mentor with the Christian Writers Guild. Makes her home in the mountains of western North Carolina. Website: www.yvonnelehman.com Facebook Goodreads

Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres. She writes about family values, mystery and, of course, her favorite theme, love and romance, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara is the author of traditional romance books and mysteries, as well as upcoming releases by Harlequin and Abingdon Press. Website: www.tararandel.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Bridget A. Thomas is the author of numerous books which hit the top of the charts and continue to help many people find true contentment in life. In her spare time, Bridget enjoys reading non-fiction, fiction, and classic literature. She also enjoys crocheting and watching baseball. Bridget and her husband live in Florida, but often travel to the Smoky Mountains in search of black bears. To learn more about Bridget, visit her at the following: Website: bridgetathomas.com Facebook Twitter GooglePlus

Mary Alford was inspired to become a writer after reading romantic suspense greats Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Soon creating characters and throwing them into dangerous situations that test their faith came naturally for Mary. In 2012 Mary entered the Speed Dating contest hosted by Love Inspired Suspense and later received “the call”. Writing for Love Inspired Suspense has been a dream come true. Now an inspirational romantic suspense author, Mary’s debut title, Forgotten Past, was released by Love Inspired Suspense in June 2014. Mary’s website: www.maryalford.net, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

Peggy Webb is the award-winning, USA Today bestselling author of almost 100 books in multiple genres including mystery, suspense, women’s fiction and literary fiction. This native Mississippian is the most prolific writer her state has ever produced. Peggy also writes under the pen names, Elaine Hussey and Anna Michaels. Reviewers dub her one of the “Southern literary greats” and “a comedic genius.” Many of her beloved classic romantic comedies have been Top Ten bestsellers on Amazon, and her fan-favorite novel, Driving Me Crazy, was submitted for a Pulitzer. Additionally, Peggy writes screenplays and has written more than 200 magazine humor columns. She holds a B.A. from Mississippi University for Women, an M.A. from the University of Mississippi and is a former adjunct instructor of writing at Mississippi State University (2004-2005). One of her greatest joys is teaching the toddlers at her small country church. A gifted musician and actress, Peggy loves taking the stage at Tupelo Community Theater, singing in her church choir and playing piano. She particularly loves blues and frequently threads musical motifs throughout her novels. She has stacks of blues lyrics she composed for her own amusement, including Why Ain’t You Dead Yet. Peggy loves hearing from readers. Follow her at www.peggywebb.com.

Our Honored Alumni

Lyn Cote USA Today bestselling author, Lyn Cote has written over 45 books. A Romance Writers of America RITA finalist and an American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, Lyn writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense and historical novels. No matter which kind of story, her brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories” comes through. Her most recent achievement is being added to Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She lives in a lakeside cottage the northwoods of Wisconsin with her comfy husband and two adorable cats.Lyn’s website:http://www.LynCote.com FacebookTwitterGoodReads

Margaret Daley is a USA Today’s Bestselling author of over 105 books (five million plus sold worldwide), has been married for over forty-seven years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling or being with her two granddaughters, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense/mystery thread and corralling her cats that think they rule her household. Margaret’s website: http://www.margaretdaley.com. Facebook Twitter Goodreads Newsletter signup on front page at: http://www.margaretdaley.com

Elizabeth Goddard is the author of numerous articles, two novellas and seven contemporary romance novels, including Freezing Point, a romantic suspense. She is a 7th generation Texan who lives in East Texas with her husband and four children. Elizabeth’s Website: www.elizabethgoddard.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Sarah Goebel is a graduate of Grace College of Divinity. She has received Certification as a Biblical Counselor through the International Board of Christian Counselors and is also a certified life coach. Sarah’s passion is to share the Word of God. In recent years, she has brought her experience of ministering to women as a Pastor’s wife coupled with her knowledge of Scripture to the world of media and writing. Her prayer is that God will use her programs and written work to set people free from every kind of bondage, and ignite a vision within for a deeper relationship with God and transformation into the image of Christ. Sarah’s Website: http://www.sarahgoebel.com Facebook Twitter

Louise M. Gouge has been creating stories since she saw Mary Martin portray Peter Pan on black and white television. She began to write those stories down while in grade school, but it wasn’t until she was close to becoming an empty-nester that she seriously sought publication. Her first book was published by a major Christian publisher in 1994. Twenty-five books later, she’s not slowing down. Louise’s website: https://louisemgougeauthor.blogspot.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of historical and contemporary romantic suspense novels, including Colorado Book Award finalist The Still of Night and Christy Award winner Secrets. She lives with her husband, Jim, extended family, pets, and wildlife in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Kristen’s Website: http://www.kristenheitzmannbooks.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Judith (Judy) Miller is an award-winning author who has authored or co-authored more than thirty books and novellas. She has been writing historical fiction for Bethany House for the past fifteen years. Her love of unique settings, professions and skills has provided her with an opportunity to share exciting facts with her readers and take her characters into unexpected places where they must overcome difficult conditions and personal challenges. Judy and her family reside in the Kansas City area. Website: www.judithmccoymiller.com Facebook Twitter

James L. Rubart is the best-selling, and award winning author of ROOMS, BOOK OF DAYS, and THE CHAIR. During the day he runs Barefoot Marketing, helping authors make more coin of the realm. In his free time he dirt bikes, hikes, water skis and take photos. No, he doesn’t sleep much. He lives with his amazing wife and teenage sons in the Pacific Northwest and still thinks he’s young enough to water ski like a madman. More at www.jameslrubart.com Facebook Goodreads: WordPress

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of four novels and six novellas for Barbour Publishing. When Lynette’s not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down stories for her local newspaper. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip. Websites: lynettesowell.com Facebook Twitter

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. She grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She graduated from Stanford University and worked as a biologist researcher for 9 years, but now she writes full-time. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and she leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, Camy’s Loft, she ponders knitting, spinning wool, dogs, running, the Never Ending Diet, and other frivolous things. Visit her website at http://www.camytang.com/ to read free short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter. Websites: www.camytang.com/ Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Marilyn Turk loves to study history, especially that of lighthouses and the coast of the United States. She is the author of Rebel Light, a Civil War love story set on the coast of Florida, The Gilded Curse, a historical suspense novel set on Jekyll Island, Georgia, in 1942, and Lighthouse Devotions – 52 Inspiring Lighthouse Stories, based on her popular lighthouse blog. (@ http://pathwayheart.com) Shadow of the Curse, the sequel of The Gilded Curse, will be published in 2018. She is also a regular contributor to Guideposts magazine and the Daily Guideposts devotional book. Website: http://pathwayheart.com/ Facebook Twitter Goodreads

Susan May Warren is the ECPA and CBA bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than one million books sold. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT and numerous Reader’s Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. Website: www.susanmaywarren.com Facebook Twitter Goodreads