November has been a busy month of reading as several author friends had books released. As I pondered what to share this morning, I decided to write reviews of five new books I highly recommend. These books are all so different, it makes me hope there’s something here for everyone to consider.

The End of the MAGI by Patrick W. Carr

There are few books I read more than once but The End of the Magi by Patrick Carr is a story I plan to read annually to kick off the Christmas season.

Myrad, a young Persian orphan, adopted by a respected Hebrew mage, tells his father about his dream of a star. What he doesn’t know is other magi have shared the same dream. The magi are king-makers which make them powerful. Before reading this book, I never realized the magi might have different motives for following the star. The author creates believable characters with distinct personalities and ambitions. Magi are forbidden to lie, but they can be clever in their responses to questions.

Before Myrad can be appointed into the ranks of the magi as an apprentice to his adopted father, there is an incident in the throne room which sets Myrad off on an adventure. Myrad faces many obstacles on his quest: he’s clubfooted, the wrong race, and he’s a danger to the ruling empire. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s a story of friendship, love, perseverance, and reward. Myrad often wonders why God would choose him to be a magi.

The end of the story is just the beginning. If your heart isn’t touched, you are missing something critical

When Silence Sings by Sarah Loudin Thomas

This book drew me in from the first page. The setting is Thurmond, West Virginia, and the year 1930. Coleman Harpe is a railroad man and he possesses a special gift; he can hear things others can’t, especially God. More than anything else in the world he wants to be a preacher. He’s avoided becoming embroiled in his clan’s feud with the McCleans, but when his cousin is killed by Jake McClean, his family challenges him to join the fight. Instead, Coleman attends a camp meeting where Serepta McClean, the matriarch of the McCleans is in attendance.  When Coleman thinks he’s heard God ask him to preach to the McCleans, the story takes a unique turn.

There are many villains in this story, and the characters are believable, and unique. This is a story of a man learning to trust God. It’s also a love story and a mystery. It’s full of family intrigue spurred on by greed. You know the author is skilled when she makes you feel sympathy for the villains as well as the hero. The author’s voice is pure Appalachian and I loved it.

Before and After by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate

This book is a compilation of true stories of survivors of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society which was operated by Georgia Tann, (a truly evil person) from the 1920’s to 1950. While Lisa Wingate was on tour promoting her fiction book, Before We Were Yours, which was inspired by the scandal of Georgia Tann stealing children from poor families and selling them for adoption,many survivors began to share true heart-wrenching stories. Lisa Wingate felt these stories must be recorded so she enlisted the help of long-time author friend and journalist Judy Christie. Together, they’ve interviewed and recorded the orphans’ stories which make up Before and After.

Some of the stories are uplifting and some are heartbreaking, but what I loved most about book is reading about the events at the reunion which seemed to be a catalyst for healing as those scarred by Georgia Tann met others with similar experiences.  I loved reading about the reunions of brothers and sisters, and extended families. These are stories of hope and overcoming.  I highly recommend Before and After and of course, if you’ve not read Before We Were Yours, I recommend it too.

Murder in the Family by Ramona Pope Richards

This book is the perfect holiday read. If you think your family imperfect, wait until you meet Molly McClelland’s family. Molly left home twenty years ago to chase storms and to get away from her family. When she inherits her hoarder aunt’s Victorian home, filled to the brim and then some, greed makes Molly’s family turn on her. Molly’s family tree has produced more than it’s fair share of rotten fruit but Molly is up to the challenger. Her feisty spirit made me laugh more than once and I loved how the small Southern community gathers around her and welcomes her with hospitality and help. It doesn’t hurt to have a handsome sheriff at your beck and call when someone’s trying to kill you. This murder mystery is as Southern as it gets. The ending caught me by surprise, which I loved.  After reading about Molly’s family, I really appreciate my own. Happy Reading.

The Death of Mungo Blackwell by Lauren H. Brandenburg

This book is not like anything I’ve read, and as a librarian, that’s saying something. This book is about starting over when your world crumbles and discovering your heart’s desire. Sometimes, something you think is terrible can lead you to the place you’re meant to be. I loved how Charlie’s aristocratic wife Velveteen sticks by him when he loses his job which forces them to move from the city into a fixer-upper in the tiny village of Coraloo. Velveteen and Charlie learn a lesson or two as they build a new life amid the quirky Blackwells, who have the habit of attending their own funerals before they die. Have you ever heard of such a thing?  I hadn’t.  Check it out. You won’t be disappointed.