Book picks similar to
Jabez by Joy Ohagwu


christian
novella
christian-fiction
contemporary

Snow Belle


Jackie Castle - 2016
    Well, all right, so it's Madison Creek, Michigan. But for a Texas gal this frozen land ought to come with a sled and huskies. If it wasn't for her family's rundown property, she'd have stayed where the sun shone bright and warm. However, she has grand ideas for her inheritance even if the town has thrown up their objections to her plans. Ethan Winters hated going home and admitting failure. Sure, he has a special talent with the violin, but he has bigger ambitions than playing at the local bowling alley. And then there was the idea of facing his father. No, he wasn't ready to go home just yet. He veered off the interstate and drove to a little town named Madison Creek. Maybe his luck would change.

An Anchor on Her Heart


Patricia Lee - 2017
    She promised to love him until death parted them. But when circumstances drive a wedge into their marriage and Dane chooses to escape what life has dealt them, how long can she be strong? Can she remain faithful to her marriage vows when tempted by the friendship of an unlikely stranger?Rudy Taylor, who senses McKenna's loneliness and understands the difficulty of raising her daughter, struggles to keep his concern for the young woman biblical. Will McKenna’s faith in God and Rudy’s commitment to his Lord be enough to keep their relationship simple until McKenna's husband one day returns?

Winter Trees


Kim Stokely - 2014
    Ginny struggles to make the holidays joyful for the residents, while still mourning the death of her fiancé. Edith and Frank decide it’s time for an intervention. The two conspire to play matchmaker between Ginny and Chester. The task isn’t an easy one. Ginny must find a way to let go of her grief and Chester’s past may stop any romance from growing. But the two matchmakers are nothing if not persistent. They’ve lived too long, and learned too much, to give up hope. They know that barren winter trees bloom again in the spring and everyone deserves a second chance at love. Semi-finalist Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel Contest 2010

Tea with Emma


Diane Moody - 2011
    But an airport mishap with a cranky Englishman gets her off on the wrong foot (quite literally), especially when he moves into the university guest house across the street. Can Maddie find a love for her unapproachable new neighbor, or has she finally met her match?

Streams of Mercy


Teresa Slack - 2004
    Only the lack of evidence--mainly the missing woman's body--kept him from going to prison. All too familiar with his violent reputation and hard-fisted lifestyle, Jamie has to find out for herself if he was capable of the crime everyone in their small town believes he committed. The more Jamie discovers about the twenty-five-year old disappearance of Sally Blake, the more convinced she becomes her father was involved. Regardless, she needs to know the truth, even if it means destroying what’s left of her memories of him. The first book in the Jenna's Creek Series is a mystery which takes hold of the reader at the outset and doesn't let go until the end. Told from a Christian worldview, Streams of Mercy explores loving people who aren't easy to love, and forgiving those who don't deserve it.

The Heavenly Grille Café


J.T. Livingston - 2015
    She packs all of her belongings into her old car and drives north from Tampa, FL for several hours until she comes upon an out-of-the-way restaurant, accen-tuated by a huge golden halo instead of the more well-recognized golden arches. Th e Heavenly Grille Café is operated by three angels who take Amanda under their wings (no pun intended): Max was once a Roman Gladiator; Bertie was a loud and boisterous housewife who died unexpectedly in 1911, leaving behind a husband and two children; and Doug was a strong, handsome soldier who died serving his country in 1953. Amanda meets another young woman, Kris DeVone, who is completely opposite to herself in character and personality. While Amanda is a happy, secure Christian with tremendous faith, Kris has done everything in her power to be the ultimate "bad" girl, and does not believe in God. Amanda befriends Kris, who is seven months pregnant and has been abandoned by her live-in boyfriend. Th e women become best friends and move in together so that Amanda can help take care of the baby girl, Charlotte Grace, who is born in September 2011. By the time Christmas rolls around, both of their worlds have been turned upside down with the shocking kidnapping of Charlotte Grace. Th e next two months provide insight into Kris’ eventual relationship with God, the angels’ inability to change destiny, and a look into the lives of the kidnappers, Jack and Susan Peterson, and the reason behind why they committed such a horrible crime.

Treasure Harbor Complete Series


Leah Atwood - 2017
    When Nor’easter Igor unearths gold coins on Bounty Beach in the Outer Banks seaside town of Treasure Harbor, North Carolina, treasure seekers from near and far converge on the town in hopes of finding riches and the secret of a lifetime. Join your favorite contemporary Christian romance authors for the journey as seven couples find love in the midst of Treasure Harbor's Chaos. Some Kind Of Wonderful-1 When journalist Lara Callahan returns home to Treasure Harbor, North Carolina in order to write a series about pirate Drake Burton and his lost treasure, she joins forces with her childhood crush, Ryan Burton, who is determined to hunt down the missing treasure. Can Lara and Ryan find common ground in a town that has gone treasure crazy? The Space Between Us-2 When rumors of the legendary lost treasure resurface, Avery despairs of the attention it brings. She’d rather ignore the whole mess, but that’s impossibley. When Brody Chance shows her attention, she can’t help but roll her eyes-he's not her idea of husband material, however, her heart has different ideas. Treasured Love-3 Kori James is looking for a lost treasure and a fresh start. She doesn't want a relationship with gook-looking Max from Treasure Harbor. Max doesn’t care about the legendary treasure, but that new girl, Kori, just might be what he’s been seeking all his life. Stolen Legacy-4 Mallory is a lonely antique restorer who’s lived her life without a sense of belonging. Is her faith strong enough to help Victor overcome his pirate ancestry and find the treasure that is his heart? His Timeless Treasure-5 Professor Bree Burton is determined to use her academic skills to set the record straight about her family's history, but she finds she needs the platform of a most unlikely partner, meteorologist Reid Knight, who isn't afraid to ask questions--or keep secrets. Along the way, they both discover that there's truth and lies in all legends--and that the most timeless treasure in this coastal town might just be true love. His Precious Jewel-6 Archeologist Roman Sant'Angelo arrives in Treasure Harbor, North Carolina, in search of the famous missing jewel, the Star of Imara. When he teams up with beautiful local jeweler, Jade Sims, on a quest to find the legendary piece, the secrets he's keeping might jeopardize their blossoming love The Sum of Love-7 Paige Burton never knew why Levi left without an explanation two days after their engagement. Now he was back and she intended to get the answers—but what if the answers weren’t what she expected? Can a reconciliation lead to the end of the centuries-old feud between the Callahan and Burton families, and the discovery of the lost treasure?

The Spindle Chair


Shellie Arnold - 2015
    And she is usually able to overlook her husband’s moments of quiet sadness. If only God would give them a child … Pierce wants a child as badly as Laurie and has spent years praying alongside her. But he has no idea that a "yes" from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe. In The Barn Church trilogy's first novel, The Spindle Chair, Shellie Arnold explores what happens when "happily ever after" becomes more than one couple can handle.

Honey Creek Homecoming


Barbara Kaylor - 2013
    When her step-grandmother sends for her, Olivia returns with a plan. To marry the town’s wealthiest bachelor, Payton Vance. But things go quickly awry for the self-absorbed, arrogant, and angry woman. Secrets in her past, the devotion of a woman longing to be her grandmother, a destitute family, and Rusty Baker, the guy she humiliated in high school all push Olivia into an emotional battle only a Savior could help her win. Over a short amount of time, Olivia learns she can’t make it alone no matter how independent, ambitious, and stubborn she is. Something spiritual is at play here. Her return to Honey Creek was no random happening. God has chosen this particular time and place to give Olivia a choice. Either trust Him or lose everything.

Murder for Emily's Sake


Larry Timm - 2017
    Once he gets his hands on the three women he holds responsible for his daughter's death, they will regret the day they met Emily outside the abortion clinic. He will expose a dark secret. He will bury them, as he buried Emily. Bury them alive. And after their caskets are in the ground, they will die ... for Emily's sake.

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman


Carole Brown - 2013
    So when her husband, a founding member of the cult, suffers a massive heart attack, Caralynne allows her husband to die. Caralynne’s secret seems safe until Dayne MacFarland returns, determined to learn the truth about the cult. His investigation and his rekindled love for Caralynne lead the pair toward a confrontation with the group’s elders. Can Dayne’s love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the community? Or will Caralynne’s deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

Anna's Courage


Kristin Noel Fischer - 2015
     Helicopter pilot Anna Morgan hasn’t flown since her husband’s death several years ago. Instead, the young army widow has sought refuge with her son on peaceful Rose Island. Surrounded by family and friends, Anna vows never to do anything more dangerous than arrive late to a PTA meeting. All that changes when Captain Nick Peterson comes to the island to take custody of his orphaned nieces. Anna feels compelled to help Nick with the girls, but what is she supposed to do about her growing attraction to him? And will the disappointments in Nick’s past prevent him from embracing the power of forgiveness and family? From the author of “A Mother’s Choice,” comes a new series filled with romance, faith, and healing. Told with humor and sincerity, “Anna’s Courage” will have you yearning to visit the peaceful community of Rose Island again and again.

A Charles Martin Collection: When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, and Wrapped in Rain


Charles Martin - 2016
    A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. But the little girl’s pretty yellow dress can’t quite hide the ugly scar on her chest.Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives.Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners. Chasing Fireflies They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.“Never settle for less than the truth,” she told him. But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive—and as magical—as chasing fireflies on a summer night.A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death. Wrapped in Rain An internationally famous photographer, Tucker Mason, has traveled the world, capturing things other people don’t see. But what Tucker himself can’t see is how to let go of the past and forgive his father.On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in., Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.

Searchlight


Dayo Benson - 2014
    A passionate love. A firm resolution. Ambition For as long as Crystal remembers, she has wanted to be a singer. For as long as she remembers, her parents have feared the SOT, a celebrity cult that will make you famous, but destroy you in the process. When Luke, leader of the SOT, sets his sights on Crystal will she have the courage to stand her ground, or will she give in? Destruction After the SOT deals a deadly blow, Crystal has no choice but to obey their orders to sign up for Searchlight. Searchlight is the biggest talent show on TV. With the SOT’s backing, Crystal could win, but is she willing to pay the price? When she unexpectedly finds love, she is afraid to pursue it for fear that darkly handsome Juda could become an SOT target too. At Searchlight, her dreams and nightmares collide. According to Juda, it’s the darkest places that need light the most, but the SOT is much darker than Crystal imagined. Heartbreak Not everything is what is seems to be, and not everyone is who they say they are. Crystal is tough, but she’s only human. There’s only so much heartache and betrayal one girl can take. Then she is tested and forced to make a choice. It’s a choice between light and darkness. Good and evil. Faith and despair. But choosing God could mean choosing death. The SOT is back, and this time they mean business! Lexi escaped. Will her daughter, Crystal? Fans of the popular Beauty for Ashes Series, by the same author, will love this new novel, which focuses on Crystal, supermodel Lexi Washington’s daughter.

Sabotage


Anne Patrick - 2006
    Serving God in a position that brings awesome responsibility and, sometimes, great sacrifice is never easy. Neither is raising twin twelve-year-old boys without a father. When she is forced to make a ruling against an old flame, her life is turned upside down.Graham Bishop has had feelings for Katie since they were in grade school together. So when someone puts a target on her back, and he's placed at the top of the suspect list, he's determined to prove to Katie and the police they're after the wrong guy.Katie wants to believe Graham would never hurt her but with all the evidence pointing to him it's obvious someone is either framing him or he isn't the man she thought he was. Trusting her instincts could prove fatal, but if she doesn't she will lose her chance at happiness again.