Book picks similar to
The New Pastor by Sherman Cox


christian-fiction
2nd-reading-challenge
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4-stars

Chased


Lakisha Johnson - 2018
    She thought she'd be happy but as soon as the words, "We want you to lead..." left the mouth of Senior Pastor, Lucas Carrington, fear set in. It isn't fear of the position because Magnolia has been under the leadership of Pastor Carrington for five years. It isn't even fear of being the church's first woman pastor. Her fear is the secret she's carrying. Her secret ... Magnolia is being chased. Chased - pursued in order to catch. Magnolia is being chased by the demons of her past and it is the one thing she can't get away from. No matter how much she prays and fast or the many times she lays on the altar, she cannot outrun it. But she's tired. Tired of running but afraid of being caught. Will Magnolia finally surrender to stop the chase or will her fear be too hard to face?

Never Knew Love Like This (Love Bites #1)


Shani Greene-Dowdell - 2021
    If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be yours.Because of a misunderstanding, college sweethearts Ryan Rogers and Chrissy Underwood were torn apart. A year later, they reconnect at a Valentine’s Day Masquerade Party. With the lights low, the music humming and their faces hidden underneath a mask, they’re still able to recognize one another. And the love they once felt is still there and strong as ever. As they sway to the music and reminisce, Ryan is able to clear up the misunderstanding that forced Chrissy to leave.However, will Chrissy have the guts to reveal the secret she left town with?

Beauty After Brokenness (Ashes to Beauty Series Book 1)


Kia Summers - 2018
    She’s fighting her way back, one heart-wrenching minute, but it’s not been easy. Her faith and her desire to move on have been shattered. If not for Pastor Weber and First Lady Marian, she might not survive at all. Pastor Brayden Weber has offered counsel during difficult times, but as he councils a young widow, he finds himself in need of prayers of his own. His marriage has seen some strain. The more he gives to his church, the more his wife seems to resent it. As both the Pastor and Jordan face their own battles, only God can give them Beauty After Brokenness. Find out what happens in part one of this series!

When It's Too Late to Tell (When it's . . .#1)


J. Evan Johnson - 2010
    To tell is to inform. When it's Too Late to Tell features four characters, Mark, Craig, Jade and Berta, all holding issues from the past that suffocate every lasting relationship they have. Mark, an elementary school teacher, and his wife Jade, a pharmacy technician, hold deep secrets from each other; secrets that cause a rift in their marriage. Mark's best friend Craig lives his days as a financial planner, struggling with the idea of God, questioning His existence each day. Indeed, Craig once believed and held strong to his faith, formerly being a youth minister for a well-known church, but some strenuous events turned his life upside down. If it weren't for a helping hand, his life would have ceased to exist. Berta, Craig's assistant, stands to be the most faithful, although the horrors that happened to her in her past would allow anything but. One part to her past in particular binds her, forcing her to believe that her entire existence boils down to a single man's dying wish. In this mesmeric story of relationships, each of the four must realize what issues truly hold them back and what issues to reveal before it is too late.

Delayed but Not Denied


Teresa B. Howell - 2019
    They married and created a picture-perfect family. But, after only a few years of love and happiness, Selina discovers a horrible secret about her Mr. Right's past. It was hidden in the most unexpected place, his Bible.

Whatever He Wants


Bridgett Henson - 2012
    Now, he abandons his education to provide for the young son he didn’t know existed. Can he persuade Joni to join his new family before Isaac’s abusive mother tears it apart? Or will the court finally grant him sole custody?Joni Maher was adopted at age six, but who is she really? Obedient daughter? Concert pianist? Sorority sister? She experiences love in James’s arms. His adorable son stirs her maternal instincts. Yet, in his family church, the power of God’s presence creates a longing she doesn’t understand.When their carefully constructed world shatters, which will they choose?Love’s Pleasure? Isaac’s safety? Or a Savior’s forgiveness?***Each of these contemporary romance books have individual plots, and may be read as standalones, yet an underlying story is woven throughout this entire Christian Fiction series.Book 1 - Whatever He Wants -A construction worker must choose between protecting his young from an abusive mother, or a life full of music with the girl of his dreams.Book 2 - Whatever It Takes -She’s the promised wife of a godly attorney. She’s also a born-again drug dealer.Book 3 - Whatever Is Done -A fun-loving construction foreman longs for a family, but a widow doesn't want another husband.***The first Christian romance series of its kind, this edgy contemporary series is set among the Pentecostal church, dispelling many misconceptions of this denomination and their beliefs.The heart tugging topics of child abuse and drug use are motivations for its character driven plots in stories that take place in southern Alabama. In these new adult, inspirational fiction novels you can expect to find a life changing stories of truth, sacrifice, and love.Love’s Pleasure? Isaac’s safety? Or a Savior’s forgiveness?

The Eagle and the Tiger


Tim Davis - 2015
    The deceptive, crooked path that led him to today began a few months back. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, nineteen-year old Fleming was a professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago White Sox. His successful first year in the minor leagues was waylaid when he received his draft notice. Through a series of misadventures, he ended up enlisting for four years in an elite unit called the A.S.A. or Army Security Agency; the army’s equivalent to the N.S.A. or the National Security Agency. Once in the army, Fleming learned that the recruiter had manipulated him with a host of untruths. Then, to his dismay, he learned that the army had lost his orders and he was placed in an infantry unit. Once in Vietnam, Platoon Sergeant, Levine questioned Fleming and dragged out of him the sad story of how he had enlisted for four years and ended up in an infantry unit. He became the butt of the platoon’s jokes and underwent vicious ribbing by the other platoon members. That day, the platoon was ordered back to their base camp: L.Z. English. Before leaving, they endured a mortar attack and then a ground probe. Fleming’s foxhole mate was critically wounded. Fleming did everything he could to save the man but his wounds were too severe and he died in Fleming’s arms. Repulsed by the ordeal, Fleming was left wondering if he could endure a whole year of this. Twelve-year old Van Phan Duc and his two friends twelve-year old Hoi Anh Vanh and Dan Tri Quang lived happily in their village until the day a N.V.A. invaded and forced them to join their struggle and fight the invading Americans. They were then assigned to a Viet Cong unit where they met Sergeant Chi, the man who would train them to be soldiers for the revolution and lead them into battle. Three American soldiers had been captured. Chi ordered the three boys to participate in brutally torturing the Americans. Dan embraced the torture and it turned him into a brutal fighting machine, much to Chi’s satisfaction. On the other hand, Hoi was repulsed by the events and a part of him died that day. He performed the torture but it wasn’t to Chi’s satisfaction. Van, a devout Buddhist, was also repulsed. He realized that life, as a soldier was three hundred and sixty degrees opposite of Buddha’s spiritual path. The 173rd’s area of operations was the Central Highlands. The 173rd’s home base was in and around the town of Bong Son, but they patrolled all over the province of Binh Dinh. For the next few months, Fleming and Van’s units met on numerous occasions. The first time they engaged each other in combat was in a simple ambush that lasted only two minutes. Both men were left repulsed by the carnage that could take place in only two minutes. Right after the ambush, Fleming’s company was deployed in a battalion-sized operation located in the Dak To mountain range. It was an area where numerous North Vietnamese soldiers infiltrated into South Vietnam from neighboring Cambodia and Laos. Fleming’s company was dropped into an area far from Dak To and the men were forced to march (hump) to their final destination. During the trek, they had to carve their way through impenetrable jungle and cross leach infested rivers to reach their destination, all the while suffering under Vietnam’s oppressive heat. Van’s Viet Cong unit was sent to the Dak To mountain range to do battle with Fleming and his company. Months passed with Van and Fleming’s units constantly meeting. Both men had similar personalities. Both men overcame their initial shock at war’s brutality and became highly competent soldiers who bravely fought the enemy. Both men were ultimately made into squad leaders. Both men continued to hate the war, yet were entrapped in the insanity that was war. They both recognized what war was—a brutally insane series of events where lives were lost and where dreams died.

Know You More


Jan Thompson - 2015
    When Heidi Wei becomes his strongest supporter in his church planting ministry, how does Diego show his interest in her without her getting the wrong idea? Does she see him as potential husband material or just the pastor of their church? Heidi has suspected that Diego is sweet on her, but he seems to believe that his divine calling prevents him from acting on it. If it isn’t meant to be, she’s not going to push for it. Yet every time they are together, something happens between them. Have they moved beyond the platonic relationship they have enjoyed the last nine years to something more personal? When a crisis hits Heidi’s family, Diego has to balance pastoring his congregation and ministering to Heidi without losing either one. Falling in love while planting a new church is difficult for him to juggle. Which path is more important to him? Which one should he focus on? KNOW YOU MORE is the first book in Jan Thompson’s SAVANNAH SWEETHEARTS series of contemporary Christian novellas celebrating faith, hope, and love.

The Absolver


Gavin Reese - 2021
    Positioned around the globe, they are called to protect us from the deadliest predators on Earth. As he plunged his attacker’s blade deep into the man’s abdomen, Father Michael Thomas thought he understood the difference between murder and justifiable homicide. After Church officials learn what happened in that dark back-alley amid the slums of Bogota, they urgently whisked Michael away to an isolated compound in rural Wyoming. Alongside a handful of trainees, he lives under an assumed name, learns the skills of a moral investigator and clandestine operative, and faces the ethical dilemma repeatedly placed before him: when is a deliberate death a righteous act? As Michael struggles to answer the question for himself, he fears the faction is hiding secrets of its own and will stop at nothing to protect itself from even the slightest perception of betrayal. Even if they let him walk away with his life, will Michael get to take his conscience with him?">

Love's Healing Power (New Beginnings Book 1)


Margaret Daley - 2019
    She’d always wanted a large family, but that dream was shattered when her fiancé was murdered while volunteering in South America. Peter “Mac” MacPherson, a former football superstar, had dealt with his own tragedies—the deaths of his father followed by his wife while she was giving birth to their daughter. His faith sustained him through his grief, but can he help Tess believe again in God and finally find a family—with him?

Tales from Stool 17: Finding Port St. Joe


Kirk Jockell - 2015
    Joe is the first of a three-part series that will leave you wanting more!“I’m not running. I’m not hiding. I’m just going. There’s a difference.”Compelled to retire from the only life he’s ever known, retired Navy Chief Petty Officer Nigel Logan discovers his only option is to disappear from a violent past and a murder, he knows will one day catch up to him.In the dead silence of night, he slips out of Norfolk, Virginia on MisChief, his 32-foot Pearson Vanguard sailboat. He set sail for destinations unknown and is ultimately drawn to Port St. Joe on Florida’s beautiful Forgotten Coast. There, he stumbles into the lap of some of the craziest and lovable people which help him to forget his past as he tries to start a new life. And while a new home and friends help distract him from his dark past, Nigel Logan will never get to completely erase it from his mind.If you like Randy Wayne White, John D. MacDonald, and Carl Hiaasen, welcome to the Dark and Crazy World of Nigel Logan!Reviewers say:“A Great Read”“Masterful Storyteller”“Wonderful Characters”“Intriguing and Interesting”“I enjoyed every bit of this book”“PLEASE WRITE MORE!”

What She Don't Know (Her Secret Love Series Book 1)


Mia Black - 2018
    After losing her adoptive parents as a teenager, she found solace in a relative’s home. Her aunt helped shape her formative years and inspired her to reach for her dreams, no matter how unimaginable they may seem. Now, Remi is young woman trying to make a name for herself in the fashion industry, but finds herself distracted by one her aunt’s many suitors. Soon a torrid love affair with him begins to chip away at the wall that separates her love and devotion for the woman who raised her and the man she can’t help but fall in love with. Kaiden has never had to worry that he’d spend a night alone. Independently wealthy and dangerously handsome, his mere presence makes women for miles around swoon, but when he meets his girlfriend’s niece, he finds himself caught up in trouble. Love, lies, and scandal! Find out what happens in part one of What She Don’t Know!

Books 1-5 Collection : After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club


Joy Ohagwu - 2020
    Over 500 Five Star series reviews. Quoted by the famous and churches alike. The First Five Novels of the acclaimed After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series. Enter your most impactful Christian Fiction series yet.Book 1 - AFTER - Candace had a stunning voice but he plotted her downfall and the loss of her faith. When she falls before thousands, will shame win, or will her newfound faith in Jesus build her a new platform?Book 2 - JABEZ - Born into a family where support was lacking, will his dreams fall before it began? Or will an encounter with a pastor change the direction of his life and destiny?Book 3 - AFTER 2 - Blinded by tears, broken by rejection, and caught at her wits end, Blossom mistakenly plunges her car into the Potomac River and isn't sure whether she will survive. Will she drown or can she be rescued before it's too late? Will she trust God to carve her a fresh start while sinking to the bottom of the Potomac?Book 4 - AFTER 3 - Harboring a secret that torpedoed every chance at finding love, can she trust God to lead someone who accepted her...including her challenge? His grief for a tragedy soured his choice to live. After his chance encounter with her, a future filled with sorrow seemed like a choice. Would he accept hope?Book 5 - HER UNDYING FAITH - Sharon Parsons is no stranger to being different. However, she did not expect to fall in love with a man who not only didn't share her faith, but any faith at all. When her heart gets deeply in love, and their faith differences more stark and impossible to ignore, what ends - his faithlessness or their marriage?Dive into this beloved series by USA Today bestselling author Joy Ohagwu, hailed as a top 17 Christian Fiction Author, stories applauded by thousands, and hope-filled adventure and don't stop until you flip the last page. Books by Author Joy Ohagwu in reading order:The New Rulebook & Pete Zendel Christian Suspense Series-1- Red2- Snowy Peaks3- The Wedding4- Vanished5- Rescued6- Delivered7- Freedom8- Rest9- Sunshine10-Whisper11-The Secret Heritage12-Hunter13-Hunted14-Courageous15-Defended16-Warrior17-Emergent18-Reign19-Legacy20-Emerald EyesThe Pleasant Hearts & Elliot-Kings Christian Suspense Series:Uncommon GroundUnbound HopeUnveiled TruthUnshaken LoveDecoyA Home RedeemedA Trust RestoredA Tainted FruitA Righteous CallingRaspberry KissesThe After, New Beginnings & The Excellence Club Christian Inspirational Series:AfterJabezAfter 2After 3At First SightTo Have & To HoldHer Undying FaithHis Changed LifeHis Secret MissionTheir Sister's RescueHis Stubborn ChaseA Daring AdventureTheir Happy HomeA Sacred TrustA Sealed DealAn Opened TreasureA Restored PromiseA Three-fold CordA Cherished BlessingA Godly CovenantAsia Bancroft Christian Suspense series:She Knows Her GODShe Had A Name

Love for Sail


C.L.R. Dougherty - 2014
    Experience her anxiety; feel her fear. Watch her survive by her wits. Connie has recruited her friend, Paul Russo, to serve as cook and first mate. Paul can't join her on her maiden voyage, so Connie is forced to rely on pick-up crew for her first two weeks at sea. Trouble erupts aboard Diamantista as soon as she leaves shore. Anticipating that Paul will join her in the Virgin Islands before their first guests arrive, Connie stays in touch with him during her voyage. As they converse, neither one will acknowledge that their growing attraction is deeper than friendship. Love for Sail is the first book in the Connie Barrera Thrillers, a romantic thriller series from the author of the best-selling Bluewater Thrillers. The next Connie Barrera Thriller will be published in the fourth quarter of 2014. If you enjoyed the Bluewater Thrillers, you'll see a different side of some of your favorite characters when they appear in the Connie Barrera Thrillers. Connie Barrera first appeared in C.L.R. Dougherty's Deception in Savannah. She discovered her Love for Sail in Bluewater Ice and Bluewater Betrayal. Now she has her own stories to tell. Welcome aboard!

Give A Little Love (Jordan Family Book 1)


Rhonda McKnight - 2013
    Paradise isn’t paradise when you’re not where you want to be, but this Christmas is anything but uneventful. Three airplanes land on the island and Brooke finds herself in exchanges that cause love, temptation, and HATE to surface. Marcus Thompson has pain in his past, but he’s decided it’s time to try love again. A widowed orphan from a wealthy family, he’s alienated from his grandfather and wants a family of his own. His feelings for Brooke can’t be denied, but she won’t give him a chance to prove he’s not the playboy she thinks he is. Though she finds Marcus tempting, Brooke is determined to get off the island without falling for his charms. The two people she trusted the most betrayed her in the worse way, and she isn’t prepared to risk love again. But when her worst enemy stands on her doorstep needing the generosity that has always been a part of Brooke’s character, she begins to question who she is and what she’s allowed heartbreak to do to her. Will she let anger and hate take over and turn her into someone else? Or will she find that even in her pain, she has the capacity to give?