Fiction, nonfiction, even an unusual devotional. These books deal with gritty and real human dilemmas, and are written by humble and approachable authors.
The Lawman: Broken People by William R. Ablan (aka Richard Muniz)
This is his new one, just out: What starts as a routine Law Enforcement Operation, goes tragically south when Pam Harmon is wounded. She is a town marshal, former MP in the Marines, a widow with a small son. The incident thrusts her into facing demons from her past, demons she never wanted to face. Now it’s up to her friends and Detective Will Diaz’s wife, Jewell (who is a counselor), to save her before it’s too late. Broken People is about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the need to work through it.
Broken People is the third in the author’s The Lawman Series. You’ll want to read the other books because of Will Diaz, the Lawman himself, but also the other compelling characters, including one called Zorro.
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A Bright and Blinding Sun by Marcus Brotherton
Cameron Lost by Craig Matthews 
Into the Room by Steve RogersThis is Steve’s first book, an award winner, with more on the way! Can a journey across the Holy Land redeem a reluctant pilgrim?
Ben Cahill’s life is an alcohol-saturated mess. After an insincere effort in a rehab facility, he is alienated from his family, out of work, and determined to continue his habit. To make matters worse, he finds himself on a tour of Israel, along with, as he calls them, a bunch of Holy Rollers.
As the trip progresses, Ben experiences the Holy Land’s major historical sites and is exposed to God’s word. He interacts with his fellow travelers, gradually learning about their faith and their lives. Along the way, Ben becomes embroiled in a spiritual war, reinforcing his guilt and, in turn, forcing him to recall his past actions and behaviors. He also begins a different journey, one that leads him to redemption and a place in God’s family.
Jesus is All We Need by Jason Sautel
Jesus is All We Need is an honest devotional through the eyes of a former firefighter. Jason Sautel’s stories are a beacon of light for believers and seekers alike. With his own humble and relatable style, he shares his own missteps and foibles, but also what the Lord has done in his life. His dogs, Daisy Mae and Gronk, show up in one of these priceless devotions.
High school dropout Jason Sautel is an unlikely author, but his autobiography, The Rescuer: One Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him, is such a powerful one. Please have a look at both of his books.
Thank you, Joy, for sharing! 🥰
A couple of these are indie authors!
Love it – you’re such a resource, Joy – and a connector! 🥰
Aha, one of the perks of being mostly home-bound. I thank God every day for the internet, social media, and all these ways to network and connect!
I’ll put in a little extra thanks from myself…grateful to you, Joy, for all that you do to support so many of us. Love ya…mean it! 💕
Thank you, dear Vicki!
🥰
Thank you for giving Richard such a wonderful review and introducing me to the other authors.
Right now I am behind in my reading, but I will keep them on my list.
Thanks, GP! I didn’t have this one scheduled, but these books just kept nudging me.
I love when a book does that to me!
I think we need more redemption stories.
I agree!
Great, Joy! Thank you for introducing these authors and their books to me.
Thanks, Tim! I’m grateful to have found them. I seem to have an antenna for stories that seem to carry God’s fingerprint on them.
Thanks for the wonderful reviews, Joy! 💞
Thank you, Lauren. I hope that some will indeed become Father’s Day gifts!
No doubt, Joy!