A distant melody

a novel by Sarah Sundin

Heiress Allie Miller and pilot Walt Novak meet at a mutual friend's wedding. They are both considered rather homely, but are attracted to each other although Allie is already in a relationship. They begin a correspondence which increases while he is in combat overseas in WWII. Because of Walt's lies to and about her, they almost end their friendship.

I usually enjoy wartime novels and this was a good one. The main characters were both Christians, but far from perfect. The story was entertaining and thought-provoking. The timing was especially appropriate for me since I read it during Remembrance Day week. The lessons on truthfulness and obedience were clear without sounding preachy.

This was the author's debut novel and I think she did a great job.

Shepherd's fall

by W. L. Dyson

Bounty hunter Jake Shepherd is part owner of a fugitive recovery business, left to him by his father. The business is not doing well, his marriage has fallen apart, and his teenage daughter is rebelling. Jake has always been confident in his abilities, but when a convict who has threatened to hurt his daughter escapes from prison, Jake can't keep all the balls rolling anymore.

This story was suspenseful and fast-paced, well-written and believable. It goes into the world of crime and drugs without being explicit. I appreciated the way the main character returns to his faith at the end. Recommended.