This week's Top Tuesday topic is a unique one from The Broke and The Bookish's blog. As the title suggests, if you were teaching a course or class on whatever book/literary topic or genre you wanted, what books would be on your syllabus?  I decided to do an overview of Christian Fantasy --I also included links to goodreads if you want to read the summaries of the first books in the series.

Christian Fantasy 101 Required Reading Booklist*

First, my "bonus entries" that I'm not counting as my top ten are The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
--I don't think I need to explain why these two great authors need to be on this list.  Lewis' allegorical series is arguably the best known Christian fantasy series and Tolkien is considered one of the founders of what we know as fantasy today thanks to his incredibly detailed world-building.

1.  The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson
--Unfortunately, I have not read a ton of Juvenile Christian Fantasy novels, but these were some of them.  I remember enjoying it even though as a teen, I wasn't the target age.  It has a Narnia-like premise (a child from the present discovers another world), however looking at goodreads reviews for the first novel, it seems there are mixed opinions on it.  The Rise of the Wyrm Lord (#2) is my favorite, but I do remember the allegory being a bit heavy-handed, especially in the final book, which I disliked [edit: to clarify, I didn't dislike the novel, but the heavy-handed allegory *wink*]. I would have my hypothetical class discuss these various topics, pros/cons, etc.
Start With: The Door Within (2007)

2.  The DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul
--Another series that has mixed reviews, but this series introduced me to the current Christian fantasy market.  Kale Allerion is my heroine!  I absolutely adore this series.  I call Donita the "Janette Oke of Christian fantasy" because her books have a wide age audience: upper elementary and up (no super  graphic depictions of violence, sweet romance, etc.) and I just picture her as a grandma telling her grandkids a story.  ;-) Also, this fantasy was unique for it's time because it was aimed at teen girls: "I thought my target audience would be young ladies. The heroine is fourteen and carries kitten-sized dragons in her pockets ..." Donita K. Paul interview.  I would probably assign DragonSpell (#1) and DragonQuest (#2) because DragonQuest is my favorite and DragonSpell takes a while to get started, so once you read the first two novels, you'll have a good idea on if you want to keep going with the series or not.
Star With: DragonSpell (2004)

3.  Auralia's Thread Quartet by Jeffrey Overstreet
--In my opinion, one of the most poetic, artful prose I've seen in Christian fantasy ... so much so that I kind of got lost when I first read it as a teen.  I'd like to re-read it (and actually, I don't think I ever finished the series)?  Again, there mixed opinions on the books (seems to be a common theme here).  Upper YA and older.
Start With: Auralia's Colors (2007)

4.  Tales from Goldstone Woods by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
--Stengl's fantasy stories borrow literary themes from fairy tales and other classic works.  While her first novel was a bit heavy-handed on the allegories, I've enjoyed slowly working my way through her series (I'm currently on #3).  Good world-building and I'm super intrigued by Golden Daughter (#7), which seems to have an Asian-inspired main character (the first I've seen in Christian fantasy)!
Start With: Heartless (2010)

5.  The Blood of Kings Trilogy by Jill Williamson
--One of my more recent discoveries, this is one of the first Christian fantasy novels I read that wasn't aimed at kids but an older audience.  Straight up medieval-styled fantasy world with echoes of other cultures made it a fascinating world to explore --I loved the fact that her novels were 400-500 pages!  This series taught me not to overlook smaller presses ...
Upper YA and older.
Start With: By Darkness Hid (2009)

6.  The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead
--Combining King Arthur, Celtic mythology and the legend of Atlantis, the Pendragon Cycle is one of Lawhead's most famous works.  Despite having not yet any of his books, as one of the first contemporary Christian fantasy authors (he was first published in the 1980s), I feel his work has "historical" importance and would be included in my course syllabus.
Start With: Taliesin (1987)

7.  The Sword of Lyric Trilogy by Sharon Hinck
--A soccer mom is pulled into another world ... is she the prophesied Restorer?  The target audience (adult women, who are the main purchasers of Christian fiction) makes this a unique Christian fantasy title.  I need to get my hands on the last two books ...
Start With: The Restorer (2007)

8.  The Circle Trilogy by Ted Dekker
--One of the best contemporary/alternate world concepts I've read.  It's fast-paced and keeps you turning pages.  The inclusion of Green, the prequel/sequel 4th novel kind of dulled my love for the series for it's controversial "ending," but I heard there is a revised, alternate ending in existence.  There are also graphic novel/comic book adaptations, for those curious.
Start With: Black (2004)

9.  The Staff and the Sword Trilogy by Patrick W. Carr
--Chalk this one up as, "examples of current Christian fantasy." I haven't read anything by Carr yet, but I'm excited that more adult Christian fantasy titles are hitting the market.  Most of the titles I was familiar with are aimed at the Juvenile or YA age group.  Making this list made me realize I need to get this high up on my TBR pile, since I keep hearing rave reviews about this one.
Start With: A Cast of Stones (2013)

10.  Books of the Infinite by R.J. Larson
--Featuring a Biblical-esque fantasy world.  Again, another author that I haven't read, but the premise sounds unique and like Patrick W. Carr, from a relative newcomer to the Christian fantasy realm.
Start With: Prophet (2012)

So do you agree or disagree with my picks?  Is there anything I'm missing?  Who are your favorite Christian fantasy authors or titles (or general market fantasy) --I'm always looking for more.  Let me know! [Edit: Also, if you've participated in this week's link up, feel free to share your list as well!]

*Cover images copyrighted by their respective publishers and owners.

[Edit: Formatting and expansion on final three titles]

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibberty jibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"

--Excerpt of lyrics from the song "Maria" by Rogers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music (1965).

(c.) 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

Title: In Good Company (A Class of Their Own #2)
Author: Jen Turano
Published: 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?"

The Artist Librarian's Review:
When trying to come up with a title for this review, the lyrics from "Maria," the song sung by the Nuns about the main protagonist in the classic Sound of Music film immediately came to mind.  I can easily imagine poor Mrs. Patterson of the employment agency singing, "How do you solve a problem like Millie Longfellow?"  Indeed, Millie must be one of the most quirky, "adorkable" protagonists I've encountered this year!  Always armed with a dictionary, Millie will often look up words that her high society employers use --her quirks came off as amusing rather than annoying, much like Amelia Bedelia, the protagonist of Peggy Parish's classic early reader book series.  In contrast with the high society, "hands off" attitude of the time towards childcare, Millie is a good nanny because she embodies the mindset of a child --she knows how they think and truly loves and cares about them.

I've heard of Jen Turano's books around the Christian/Inspirational book "blog-o-sphere" for several years, but never got around to reading her novels until now.  I'm seriously wondering why I took so long to give her a try!  After reading In Good Company, my mom immediately pronounced Jen Turano "The Mary Connealy of 19th century East Coast high society" --I wholeheartedly agree with her description.  If you enjoy romantic historical comedy such as Mary Connealy's western romances, I think you would enjoy this book!  I also must add that despite being the second novel in the A Class of Their Own series, I was able to read it as a stand alone with no problems (though characters that I assume were main protagonists in the first novel are mentioned).   

With an adorkable heroine, a likeable hero, scene-stealing, mischievous secondary characters, a sweet romance, and a dash of mystery --Jen Turano's latest book is a fun romp though 19th century Newport!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher for review purposes.]

I always enjoy romances that make me smile or laugh out loud!  What about you?  Author or title suggestions are welcome as well! 

About the Author:

"Jen Turano is the author of six books, including the Ladies of Distinction series.  She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son.  Visit her website at www.jenturano.com."

Forgive me.  Between summer camps, summer school, and getting sick, I've fallen behind on reviews!  If you remember last month's Last Ten Books in My Possession list, you'll probably recognize this title ... 

(c.) 2015 by Bethany House

Title: A Worthy Pursuit 
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Published: 2015 by Bethany House

About the Book:

"A teacher on the run.  A Bounty Hunter in pursuit.  Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart."

The Artist Librarian Review:
I've loved reading Karen Witemeyer's books ever since I discovered her work about four years ago.  While I normally shy away from western/prairie settings now (due to reading almost nothing but fiction in those settings in high school), Witemeyer is one of the few prairie/western authors I'll make an exception for.  Her books are lighthearted and sprinkled with humor that makes you smile.  While the story moved a teensy bit slower than I'm used to seeing, it was understandable, since due to the plot, much of the time Charlotte and co. are either in hiding or waiting for information, documents, or other messages (this is 19th century Texas, after all).  However, despite this, I'd say this is one of her most action-packed novels to date!  There are others after Lily and the bounty placed on her and Charlotte's heads, which lend to several dramatic scenes. 

Trusting in God through or despite fear was one of the main themes of the novel and while I enjoyed Stone and Charlotte's stories, I was constantly captivated by Charlotte's young wards: Lily, the main impetus of the story, who has a photographic memory; Stephen, a child inventor and another of Charlotte's students, left in her care since his parents are traveling abroad; and John, an orphaned piano prodigy in the making.  I admit, I may have "squeed" a bit when I saw that John was Chinese --I rarely seen Asian characters in the fiction I read, so I have to give credit to Witemeyer for her historically believable inclusion.  I'd be thrilled to see their stories continue as young adults --perhaps through novellas?

With humor, romance, and a bit of action, Karen Witemeyer fans old and new are sure to enjoy A Worthy Pursuit.

Check out behind-the-scenes of A Worthy Pursuit's book cover photoshoot on Karen's website!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher for review purposes]

Do you enjoy reading prairie/western historical fiction?  What are some of your favorite titles or authors?

About the Author:

"Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and the ACFW Carol Award, bstselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romances because she believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters.  She is an avid cross-stitcher and shower singer, and she bakes a mean apple cobbler.  Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.

To learn more about Karen and her books and to sign up for her free newsletter featuring special giveaways and behind-the-scenes information, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com"

Throwback Thursday to a craft book review I originally wrote on Goodreads in January 2014 ...


Title: 75 Exquisite Trims in Thread Crochet: For Edgings, Corners, Crescents & More
Author: Caitlin Sainio
Published: 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin

Caitlin Sainio presents a wide array of thread crochet trims in her new book, 75 Exquisite Trims in Thread Crochet: For Edgings, Corners, Crescents & More. From traditional patterns such as the Simple Chain or Pineapple Lace trims to whimsical and unique designs such as Teddy Bears on Swings or Rainbows, there is sure to be a perfect trim for you, whether new or experienced in crochet work.

The instructions are clear, with foundation rows written out with crochet abbreviations, but the main pattern is written using crochet symbols --no need to fear if you are not familiar with these, as the book contains a symbol chart for easy reference. Every pattern includes instructions for turning outer corners (such as if you were to trim the edge of a table cloth) and for turning inner corners (such as trimming the inside of a square-neckline blouse).

There are clever holiday themed designs and ones that would be perfect for children. However, there are also more stylish patterns that teens and adults would be comfortable wearing --perhaps edging a scarf or as another accent. There is also a brief section on project ideas and samples on how to utilize the trims.

As these patterns are designed for thread crochet (with small sized hooks), I'd recommend this book to crocheters who are at least comfortable with the basic crochet stitches and techniques before tackling trims in this book. However, none of the trims look too difficult and should be accessible to intermediate and more experienced crocheters.

The photographs are clear and allow you to easily envision the finished designs. They are so tempting, even to me --someone who rarely uses crochet thread-- that I want to pick up a spool and steel hook and start one now!

[I received a copy through the Goodreads First Reads Program]

Do you crochet?  Have you tried thread crochet?

This week's Top Tuesday topic is from The Broke and The Bookish's blog. I used my goodreads account to gauge, but I still don't have all of my high school reading logs added yet.  So in alphabetical order, the authors I've read the most from are most likely ... 

Aaron Allston 
(Novels, short stories, etc. read: 12)
--One of my favorite Star Wars authors, I always enjoyed reading his novels because he always infused the SW world with humor and awesome combat/space battles.  He's first known for authoring the second half of the X-Wing series featuring Wraith Squadron, a motley team of pilots thrown together for espionage missions.  As much as I love characters that are Jedi, it was nice to see "non-Force sensitives" featured as protagonists.  He also wrote novels in the New Jedi Order, Legacy of the Force, and Fate of the Jedi series (all now categorized under the "Star Wars: Legends" brand).  Unfortunately, he passed away last year --I would have loved to see him write in the "new" everything-published-is-officially-part-of-the-timeline SW universe.

Bryan Davis
(Novels read: 12)
--One of the first Christian fantasy authors I discovered in high school.  I don't love the books as much as I did in the past, but I still am attached to the characters (looking at you, Elam, Sapphira, and Ashley!)  Best known for his contemporary-set fantasies featuring dragon/human hybrids: the Dragons in our Midst and Oracles of Fire quartets, I also enjoyed his more sci-fi/AU Echoes from the Edge trilogy.

Troy Denning
(Novels, short stories, etc. read: 12)
--Another of my favorite Star Wars authors.  I have a love/hate relationship with his books --I love that he featured "the next generation" of Jedi (the Solo children and their friends) but he also was responsible for the much-too-short Legacy of the Force: Invincible and the Dark Nest Trilogy ... which was one of the most ... interesting SW trilogies that I've read.   

Brian Jacques
(Novels read: 30)
--Mr. Jacques passed in 2011 but left a legacy of detailed stories of questing, feasting, songs, adventure, honor, and courage.  While the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman trilogy is good, the Tales of Redwall series are what he was best known for.  Medieval fantasy with anthropomorphic woodland creatures --it's much better than it sounds.  Matthias, Mariel, Dandin, Martin, Triss, Rakkety Tam ... and so many more characters I will forever remember.  If I ever have children of my own, these are definitely books that I can't wait to share with them.  Also, if you get the chance, the audiobooks are amazing to listen to: full cast (they sing the songs as well), with Brian Jacques often narrating --check if your library has any!

Carolyn Keene
(Titles read: 100+)
--Between the 56 "original" Nancy Drew mysteries, the continuations, the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys super mysteries, the Girl Detective series, the graphic novels, the Nancy Drew Notebook series ... you get the idea.  I've been reading about ND since 5th grade and though I'm not currently following the series, I will pick up a novel every now and then.  One of the many red-haired heroines on my favorite characters list ...

Ann M. Martin
(Titles read: 100+)
--As a young teen, I devoured the Baby-Sitters Club series.  My favorites were Claudia and Mallory.  Claudia because she was the artist, Asian American, loved Nancy Drew, hated math ... she was like me, except for her flamboyant fashion! =P  Mallory because we both had oldest child troubles/responsibilities, "large" families, loved reading and had glasses.  At the time, I didn't really get the point of them dating and having boyfriends in middle school (and still don't) but I did love seeing how they dealt with their baby-sitting charges and got lots of baby-sitting tips and tricks.  And the handwriting!  I was really fascinated by the little notebook excerpts and everyone's different handwriting.  =-)

Janette Oke
(Novels read: at least 28)
--Like Bryan Davis, I'm not quite as enthralled with her novels as I was in high school.  However, we can't ignore the impact Janette Oke made in Christian publishing and that she helped paved the way for the absolutely amazing authors we have in Christian fiction today.  Technically, she was the first "romance" author I read, so I have to credit her for introducing me to one of my most-read genres.  ;-)

Rick Riordan
(Novels, short stories, etc. read: 16)
--I was introduced to Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by my former junior high Awana leader and haven't looked back since.  Witty narration with intriguing and entertaining premises, Riordan writes best with 1st person POVs.  Merging mythology with contemporary settings: "PJatO" (Greek), Heroes of Olympus (Greek and Roman), Kane Chronicles (Egyptian), I'll most likely continue with his upcoming Magnus Chase series (featuring Norse mythology) because of that name drop alone: how is this kid related to Annabeth???

Gertrude Chandler Warner
(Titles read: 151)
--I finally stopped reading GCW in 2012.  Up until then, I had read every single Boxcar Children Mystery title out there (130).  Add the Special Edition titles (21) and I come out with a grand total of 151.  Recommended for elementary school students, especially those that don't care for the contemporary, bit of sass or sarcastic-towards-authority type of protagonists --even the later titles I read still retained the "wholesome" behavior/attitude the Alden kids are known for.  

Timothy Zahn
(Novels, short stories, etc. read: 16)
--His Thrawn trilogy kind of set Star Wars publishing in motion and is known for creating legendary SW Expanded Universe characters like Grand Admiral Thrawn, Talon Karrde, and of course, Mara Jade (another of my favorite red-gold haired heroines).  I'd be interested to see what he would write in the new SW continuity ... I hope he gets the opportunity.


What about you?  Who are the authors you've read the most books from? You can totally guess or estimate if you aren't sure.  If you participated in the same blog link up, feel free to share your post in the comments as well!

Throwback Thursday --since I'm taking a Books & Media for Young Adults course this summer, I thought I'd post a contemporary YA review I first wrote in February 2014.


Title: Destination Unknown
Author: Amy Clipston
Published: 2014 by Zondervan

The Artist Librarian Review: It’s Whitney Richards' senior year and the pressure is getting to the straight-A student. When her mother forces her to get tutoring after she receives a D on her Calculus exam, Whitney meets Taylor Martinez. More than just explaining mathematics concepts, Taylor begins to challenge Whitney to look beyond her prep school life and the popular crowd. But while Whitney’s mother and friends are discouraging her from forging a deeper relationship with Taylor, Whitney struggles to take control of her life for the first time …

I admit, I don’t read a lot of contemporary-set YA fiction, but I could really relate to Whitney’s semi-perfectionist worries over grades and the frustration of feeling like your parents control everything you do.  (Don't many teenagers share those thoughts?)  Though some of Whitney’s decisions and lies of omission (when she’s hiding her relationship with Taylor) made me want to give her a talking-to (and she does face the consequences for her actions), it was really Whitney’s mother that I was most disappointed about. She’s supposedly a Christian, but she is so obsessed about perfection, appearances, and Whitney attending her alma mater.  Along with the way she treated and referred to Taylor just because he was from a single parent, lower income family … she didn’t seem very Christ-like to me. I know she thought she was doing what was best for her daughter, but it still didn’t rub me the right way.

However, I did love Taylor and the way his friendship with Whitney makes her realize how shallow and superficial the popular crowd she had been hanging out her whole life with was. I liked how their relationship began with friendship (though there was also some physical attraction), conversations, and getting to know each other before heading to romance. Though I think the spiritual aspect of the novel may have been its weakest point, in the end Whitney realizes she needed to trust God and His direction in her life even when the future is unknown (I definitely related to that feeling). However, the included discussion questions should help readers (and parents) to think and talk about the decisions of the characters and some of the ideas touched on in the novel. If you’re looking for a quick, clean YA read, give Amy Clipston’s books a try!

[Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher for review purposes. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own.]

Do you enjoy reading contemporary YA fiction (Christian/Inspirational or general market)?  Why or why not?  Are the school settings realistic, in your opinion?