There’s a scene in Alex Fardon’s novel in which two characters argue about a racial slur. Though the word is never mentioned, the author fills his book with so much other vulgar language that the discussion seems hypocritical.

It’s a shame, because this well-told story of idealism and friendship gets off to a promising start. After a fifty-two-year estrangement, retired government lawyer Oliver Bartholomew gets a phone call from Rose Dellaplane, the woman who refused to marry him for a reason...

Allen Levi’s debut novel is reminiscent of “The Millionaire,” a 1950s TV show in which a reclusive benefactor donates a million dollars each week to a total stranger. Residents of Golden, Georgia, know their new neighbor only as Theo, who offers them something better than money.

Arriving in the spring, Theo discovers a bar decorated with pencil portraits of Golden citizens. He decides to purchase them, one by one, and get acquainted with each subject. During the interview he presents the...

Stephanie Cardel’s novel reminds me how tough it is to be a teenager. Romantic desires compete with career goals, while parents and friends warn you that the choices you make will resonate the rest of your life. And if you’re like Madison Ragland, determined to be a good Christian girl, pleasing yourself often conflicts with pleasing God.

Madison begins her senior year with hopes of becoming a ballet dancer. Her boyfriend, Calvin Westfall, is leaving for college. Madison hopes to marry him one...