2006 Christy Awards finalists

Since our library has a fairly substantial number of patrons who love to read inspirational fiction, I’ve been trying to read more inspirational books lately. But I’m sad to say that I’ve only read one book off the 2006 Christy Awards finalists list. A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist is a delightful historical romance set in 17th century America, when the Virginia colonies were getting set up. Lady Constance Morrow sneaks aboard a ship to rescue her uncle and then ends up trapped and sailing to America where she ends up getting sold as a tobacco bride. Drew O’Connor, owner of the small farm only needs a maid to look after his baby sister and do housework. After many trials, the two fall in love (hence the romance). I especially enjoyed Gist’s very smooth blend of history, romance and faith. Actually, the historical aspects were quite impressive for a romance!
Alright, back to the Christy’s…the following are the finalists with the winners to be announced on July 8, 2006.

Contemporary (Stand-Alones)
Grace at Low Tide by Beth Webb Hart (WestBow Press)
Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer (Bethany House Publishers)
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin (WestBow Press)
Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)
Living With Fred by Brad Whittington (Broadman & Holman)
Moment of Truth by Sally John (Harvest House Publishers)
The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro (Steeple Hill)
Historical
Glimpses of Paradise by James Scott Bell (Bethany House Publishers)
The Noble Fugitive by T. Davis & Isabella Bunn (Bethany House Publishers)
Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Press)
Romance
A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers)
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell (NavPress)
In Sheep's Clothing by Susan May Warren (SteepleHill)
Suspense
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo (WestBow Press)
Last Light by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
River Rising by Athol Dickson (Bethany House Publishers)
Visionary
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman (Kregel Publications)
The Presence by Bill Myers (Zondervan)
Shadow Over Kiriath by Karen Hancock (Bethany House Publishers)
First Novel
Like a Watered Garden by Patti Hill (Bethany House Publishers)
The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro (SteepleHill)
This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella (Paraclete Press)

Category: Inspirational