This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl, is books that give off that summer vibe. Necee here 🙂 We decided to do something different as America wrestles with serious social injustices that are tearing our country apart. However, I know many need an escape from the hardships of reality to get through the virus and current state of our world. So, we have compiled a list of books that hopefully lighten your load and maybe even bring a smile to your face as you sleep tonight. In honor of Black Out Tuesday, our focus will be on on beautiful books and authors as we celebrate diversity in Christian Fiction. Praying over you and hoping you are staying safe wherever you are. May God bring a heart change that heals our nation and world from the inside out.

Photo credit: Rel Mollet

It’s Rel now 🙂

Hometown Favorite by Bill Barton and Henry O. Arnold – if you love sport and family drama, this one’s for you!

Deadly Charm by Claudia Mair Burney – I love every single one of Claudia’s novels. Her Amanda Bell Brown Mysteries are so much fun, so it’s a great place to start.

Worth a Thousand Words and Dreams that Won’t Let Go by Stacy Hawkins Adams – Stacy’s Jubilant Souls series is excellent. Issue-driven with wonderful romance and family drama, she’s a master at weaving faith threads with strength and subtlety.

A Dangerous Stage by Camy Tang – Another author whose entire backlist I love.  This suspense series with a touch of romance is fast-paced and has a fantastic heroine. Her contemporary romance Sushi series (not pictured as out on loan) is not to be missed.

Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate – Kim’s books are authentic and real, highly recommended.

Cherished by Kim Cash Tate – this one I’m yet to read, but I’m sure it will be another good one.

Zora & Nicky by Claudia Mair Burney – one of my ALL TIME favorite love stories. Both preacher’s kids, Zora is black, Nicky is white and their attraction is fast and furious, but their families have lots to say about that. Authentic and raw, it has stayed with me for a long time.

The Next Target by Nikki Arana – this is an excellent thriller, inspired by the author’s work within Muslim communities. Nikki has also written a the Regalo Grande trilogy, this time inspired by her life and marriage to an immigrant from Mexico.

Awakening Mercy and Abiding Hope by Angela Benson – Awakening Mercy was a RITA and Christy Award finalist and Abiding Hope won the EMMA Award for Best Inspirational Romance. They are wonderful love stories with faith themes woven in seamlessly.

The Trouble With Love by Toni Shiloh – the first in her Faith & Fortune Series and Necee tells me it is phenomenal! Look for her review to posted on the blog soon.

For those looking for additional reads including non-fiction and memoirs, here’s some that have been recommended to me but I have not yet read.

Photo credit: Shannon Marchese

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

Ready to Rise by Jo Saxton

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Becoming by Michelle Obama

We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Home Going by Yaa Gyasi

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

What books have you read/recommend from POC writers?