As we continue our series of what authors like to read, I’d like to share with you the list of recommended books Jewel Adams sent me. My interview with Jewel can be found here.
One of Jewel’s favorite authors is Richard Paul Evans.
“The Last Promise.” This novel, set in Tuscany and featuring a romance between a married woman and her tenant, was the subject of controversy upon its release. Deseret Book, Utah’s most conservative bookstore, decided that the topic was too risky for their audience and refused to stock the book in the stores. Curious, the reading public thronged to the independent stores to see what all the hubbub was about. What they found was a story filled with lush descriptions of the Italian countryside and cuisine, mentions of art and culture, and a relationship between a lonely and abused woman and a caring man. By the end of the story, her husband has accused her of adultery, which she denies. We, as the reader, are never actually told if she’s lying or telling the truth, which I found an interesting literary device. Based on what we see happen, we know that the relationship was too intimate to be appropriate for a married woman, but we don’t know just how far the physical aspect went. I enjoyed the book for the feeling it gave me that I had been to Italy in my mind, but was left a little unsettled by the “not knowing.”
“The Looking Glass.” This book by Evans is the story of a Presbyterian minister who has turned his back on preaching to become a gambler. Run out of a gold mining camp by a lynch mob who thinks he’s been cheating at the card table, he makes his way to the Oquirrh mountains in Utah, finding enough gold there to strike it rich. But he finds that without a relationship with God, the gold is meaningless.
“The Sunflower.” Christine Hollister takes a volunteer work trip to Peru to work in an orphanage, meeting handsome doctor Paul Cook while there. After a series of clumsy meetings, they strike up a relationship against the backdrop of their humanitarian work. This novel sparked some humanitarian work of Evans’ own, as you can read by clicking here.
Jewel also enjoys the romance novels of Marcia Lynn McClure, who calls her writing “sizzle without the sin.” If you like a good steamy romance, you may want to give these books a try.
“Dusty Britches.” Angelina Hunter has been her father’s right-hand man ever since her mother died. With her determination to make the ranch work, she’s taken no time for fun. This hadn’t always been the case – she used to be flirtatious and imaginative, but that was taken from her. Shutting herself off emotionally, she focuses on work to avoid the pain. But one day, the man who broke her heart returns. Will she be able to recapture what she lost?
“The Fragrance of Her Name.” A romantic ghost story, this novel tells us of Laryn Kensington, a young woman who has been striving to help a departed soul, known as Captain, find peace. But now a flesh-and-blood man wants her attention – must she choose? How will she do it?
“The Visions of Ransom Lake.” Vaden Valmont finds herself attracted to the handsome recluse Ransom Lake, a man who has shunned society in favor of his mountain home. When their paths keep crossing, either by fate or design, they discover that they are linked together, whether they like it or not.
Jewel’s final selection is “The Great and Terrible Series,” by Chris Stewart. The first novel is called “The Brothers,” and you can read my review on this novel here.
The second book is called “Where Angels Fall.” The spiritual war continues, ramping up into the final battle for freedom. Our Father sends some of His most faithful to fight. Elizabeth has made covenants to do her part, but will her circumstances cause her to forget them? Taking place during conflict in the Middle East, this is a gripping, emotionally involving tale.
The third book is called “The Second Sun.” The saga of the End Times of the world is being wrapped up as evil raises its head against the valiant, determined to stop at nothing to cause the destruction of good. The fight is on and must soon end, one side victorious, the other side, defeated. Called “a fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed story” by critics, this novel by national bestseller Chris Stewart will keep you dangling on the edge.
Jewel, thanks for these recommendations! It was fun to learn more about these books – I admit, the only ones I’ve read on this list are “The Last Promise” and “The Brothers.” I love having new titles shown to me; it’s like taking me into a candy shop and giving me a $100 bill.
Be sure to check out Jewel’s website while you’re online today.