As a columnist for his local newspaper, Damien Underwood makes his living through the power of words. With love for his safe and picturesque hometown of Marlo, he writes to influence his friends and neighbors in positive ways. Though his family, complete with a wife and two teenage children, is not perfect, they fit quite normally within the quiet town.

Strange happenings in Marlo begin with a few domestic incidents that catch the attention of Officer Frank Merret. As outbreaks of violence increase daily, the only evident source for all the conflict lies with a Web site where private conversations of the town's residents are being published for everyone to read. Though at first the site is only a menace, hardly warranting a serious police investigation, it eventually turns the town down an unforgettable path of hurt, resentment, fear and violence.

Listen offers readers a gripping plot and a significant message that spoken words carry more weight than anyone can know.
-Bonnie Bruner

Listen

Renee Gutteridge

Tyndale House Publishers

softcover, 432 pages, $12.99

978-1-414-32433-3

A parishioner has made them both joint beneficiaries of an old theater, but the conditions state they must live together for six months before they can inherit it. Now Maura must face both Nick and the congregation she left behind. Somehow, she doubts she can satisfy either of them, nor Nick's God whom she used to serve so fervently. Complicating matters, it appears that Nick may have a younger and much more suited love interest, even though he is still legally married to Maura. Although the plot is simple, the book is an interesting read, especially when Nick and Maura begin to realize their mistakes.

Embracing the sanctity of marriage as well as the concept of free will, this book would be a good read for most any woman, especially those who have sometimes felt that their marriage was not necessarily made in heaven.
-Beth Anderson

The Pastor's Wife
Jennifer AlLee
Abingdon Press
softcover, 288 pages, $13.99
978-1-426-70225-9

Known for her good reputation, Rylee is amazed when she is mistaken for the thief the newspapers are calling the "Robin Hood Burglar." The incriminating evidence, according to local detective Nate Campbell, is that most of the victims of the crimes are clients of Rylee's. As Rylee and her new reporter friend Logan Woods work together to solve the crimes, they deal with feelings of concern for each other and Logan's skepticism of those helping her.

A central theme explored in Beguiled involves trusting God to make things right, as well maintaining integrity and honesty. Although it end ups being a good love story, the twists and turns of the excellent plot make it a good read for anyone from young adult to adult.
-Beth Anderson

Beguiled

Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand

Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 336 pages, $14.99

978-0-764-20628-3