Christian Fiction Devourers discussion

For this challenge, choose one of the U.S. states (home state, place you'd like to visit, etc) and record the books you read set in that state. For an added bonus, add a bullet list or brief summary of new things learned about the state from your reading.

Who's in for making a STATEment?

Hmmm... I think I might try this one. Not sure which STATE I will choose. I think most books I read take place in just a few states.

I will do this one! I am going to choose the state of Rhode Island.

1. Blizzard by John Rocco (March 18, 2024)
~ In 1978 they had a blizzard in New England. Rhode Island had over 4 feet of snow and it took over a week to get the snow plows through to everyone.

I'll give this a try! Not sure which STATE I will choose. Common states for most of my reads are Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Wyoming, Montana and California.

I am going to choose Maine.

Question - Can we pick more than one state?

Karen wrote: "Question - Can we pick more than one state?"

The idea to select just one state for a singular focus. It's ok if the volume for this challenge is low. The result will hopefully be that you are able to learn some new things about your selected state. Having just one makes this an easy challenge to remember. Best wishes selecting your state!

My state will be Missouri. Look forward to what the year will bring!

#1
Primarily set in a small town near Hannibal. I visited there several years ago to see Mark Twain's home town. It was great to be somewhat familiar with the area. I learned from the pages that there is a Christian publisher in St Louis: Concordia (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)

#2
This cozy mystery takes place in Canton, which is the northeastern part of Missouri.

#3
This historical romance novella is set in Saint Charles, which is a suburb of St Louis. I have an aunt and uncle that live there and this is where my dad's assisted living facility was located. It's where I last saw him and where he passed away in December of 2022. The author mention's in her note a historical downtown. I'd like to visit this area in the future.

#4
This cozy mystery takes place in Canton, which is the northeastern part of Missouri. I learned about a duel which happened between two lawyers. History about Missouri I had no idea about. The men participated in a duel twice with the second time leading to one of the men's death. The other went on to become a senator.

#5 Set in Canton, Missouri

#6 Set in Mexico, Missouri

#7 Set in Canton, Missouri

#8 About a third of the novel set in Independence, Missouri

I had no idea this novel was partially set in MO when I started reading it. I learned that Washington University (a school I aspired to attend when I was in high school) was previously named Washington Institute. The current name began in 1856.

#9 Set in Saint Charles, Missouri

#10 First Part is set in Kansas City and then St Joseph, Missouri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General...
I learned about General Order Eleven issued August 25, 1863 mandating Missourians from select counties evacuate their homes. Wow!

#11 Set in Canton, Missouri

#12 Set in St Louis

#13 Set in Mexico, Missouri

#14 Set in Canton, Missouri

#15 Set in St Louis

#16 Set in Canton, Missouri

#17 Set in Canton, Missouri

Staci wrote: "Karen wrote: "Question - Can we pick more than one state?"

The idea to select just one state for a singular focus. It's ok if the volume for this challenge is low. The result will hopefully be tha..."

Thanks for the clarification, Staci! Not sure yet which one I will pick.

Trying to decide whether to do one that we are visiting on this year's big RV trip OR one I've read very little from OR the one state remaining that I haven't been to yet. Like you, looking forward to what the year will bring!

I will try this one. Probably one of the northwestern states, since most of the books I read seem to be set in those, or Texas.
I think I will pick Alaska.

Beth - ;)
in Calgary

I'm in! I chose ALASKA as the state to highlight for this challenge:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
9. 10. 11. 12.

I'm in. I'll pick Texas where I lived for 31 years!!

#1After the Shadows (God can provide a second chance at love.)
#2 An Unforeseen Match (People are more than willing to help when a problem arises.)
#3 Doctor in Petticoats (Sometimes a woman can do a job better than a man.)
#4 Embers of Love (It's all right for a lady to be educated.)
#5 Hearts Aglow (A young woman should be able to become a doctor even if it is the 1880's)
#6 (A young woman can own a ranch and be a cowgirl)
#7 (Sometimes the guy you don't like can turn into the man you love)
#8 ( Fairy Tales can come true)
#9 (Something that seems bad can really be an unexpected gift)
#10 (Texas is the best place of all especially on a ranch)
#11 (When you think everything is gone, God will give you the strength to start all over)
#12

I’m in! I’ll pick New York.

January - December 2024
1. (01/09/24)
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

2. (02/07/24)
Orphan Train Escape by Rachel Wesson

3. (02/17/24)
Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll

4. (02/20/24)
Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem
(Set in Los Angeles, but mentions NY a couple of times)

5. (02/24/25)
Predator by Terri Blackstock
(Set in Texas, but Megan is from New York & in TX for college)

6. (03/05/24)
Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

7. (03/12/24)
Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk
(Not set in NY, but mentions going to a cousin’s wedding in NY)

8. (03/31/24)
Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
(Not set in NY, but mentions a women’s suffragette meeting in NY)

9. (04/09/24)
Rebecca's Song by Dawn Kinzer
(Set in Wisconsin, but mentions a fashion designer’s designs being sent to NY to become Butterick patterns.)

10. (04/11/24)
On The Ropes by Hallee Bridgeman

11. (04/13/24)
Glimmer in the Darkness by Robin Patchen
(brief mention of a teenager’s dream to live in NY)

12. (06/05/24)
Rosa's Land by Gilbert Morris

13. (07/06/24)
The London House by Katherine Reay
(a few brief mentions of NY)

14. (07/18/24)
Tabitha by Vikki Kestell
(Tabitha takes a train from CO to NY to board a ship for England)

15. (07/28/24)
The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

16. (08/07/24)
The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

17. (08/09/24)
One Thursday Morning by T.K. Chapin

18. (08/25/24)
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold GM, language
(a few brief mentions of NY)

19. (09/11/24)
No Neutral Ground by Terri Wangard
(boarded a ship in NY to Europe)

20. (09/13/24)
A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

21. (09/23/24)
Had to be You by Lyn Cote
(lots of settings including NY)

22. (10/13/24)
From Russia with Love by Susan May Warren
(set in Russia, but Kat is from NY )

23. (10/31/24)
California by Jamie Lee Grey
(set in California, but there is travel to NY)

24. (11/17/24)
No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

25. (11/19/24)
Kept by Sally Bradley
(set in Chicago, but lots of mentions of NY)

26. (11/26/24)
Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

27. (12/07/24)
Twas The Night by. Dan Walsh
(Epilogue is set in NY)

28. (12/15/24)
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

I'm in. Will pick whichever state is featured in the first book of the year.

I'm going with Maine.

1. Warning Signs by Katy Lee(1/19/24)
This is the first book in her Stepping Stones Island series. I was curious as to whether Maine really had an island named that. According to MapCarta.com, "Stepping Stones is an island in Cumberland County, Maine."
2. Mailbox Mayhem by Susan Page Davis (4/15/24)
3. One Holy Night by Elizabeth Ludwig (4/20/24)
4. Manhunt by Brenda Clemmons (7/12/24)
5. Escaping With You: A Wright Heroes of Maine Prequel by Robin Patchen
6. Recipe for a Husband by Anne Greene (12/23/24)
7. Christmas in Maine: A Christian Christmas Romance by Kayla Lowe
8. by Katy Lee
9. by Katy Lee
10. by Katy Lee
11. by Mary Alford
12. by Colleen Coble
13. by Susan Page Davis
14. by Susan Page Davis
15. by Susan Page Davis
16. by Susan Page Davis
17. by Susan Page Davis
18. by Susan Page Davis
19. by Sandy Dengler
20. by JoAnn Durgin
21. by Kerry Evelyn
22. by Suzanne Woods Fisher
23. by Evelyn Grace
24. by Linda Hall
25. by Amy Rafferty
26. by Barbara Ross

I'm in don't know which state yet. I may follow Andrea's example and pick the state featured in the first book of the year. Or the first book I read that has a state in it.
Louisiana
1. mainstream cozy
2. mainstream cozy
3. mainstream cozy
Not only I am learning things about Louisana I'm knocking out books in an unfinished series.

Oh, this will be easy, I'll choose New Jersey, my homestate! As a local historian, this is the place I read the most about!

1) Ranch Hope: A Ministry's Fifty Year Journey Helping Children and Families Heal
2) Pictures of Hollis Woods
3) Lo, Michael
4) Keep Smiling Through
5) Province, Port and Pirate
6) Aunt Crete's Emancipation
7) Lone Point

Going for Texas ⭐️

Hannah wrote: "Going for Texas ⭐️"
I'm doing Texas as well, so I will keep an eye on your list. You can check out mine!

Loraine wrote: "Hannah wrote: "Going for Texas ⭐️"
I'm doing Texas as well, so I will keep an eye on your list. You can check out mine!"

I've got 38 on my shelf already also...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

I think I'm going to come in on this one. We're currently stationed in Washington State, so I think it would be interesting to focus on where we currently are.



Bits and pieces are set in Seattle.

Today I discovered that one of last year's NTM authors, Susan Page Davis, has a good number of books set in Maine to include several series.

Additionally, two other of last year's NTM authors, Colleen Coble and Mary Alford have books set there too.

I'm really excited about finding all of these - especially since we will be spending time there this summer.

Karen wrote: "Today I discovered that one of last year's NTM authors, Susan Page Davis, has a good number of books set in Maine to include several series.

Additionally, two other of last year's NTM authors, Col..."

There is a surprising number of CF novels set in Maine. Plenty to choose from.

Thanks, Staci - I was surprised at how many I have found so far.

I finished with 28. About half were set in New York. The other half had other settings, but some mention of New York.

1. (01/09/24)
When the Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

2. (02/07/24)
Orphan Train Escape by Rachel Wesson

3. (02/17/24)
Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll

4. (02/20/24)
Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem
(Set in Los Angeles, but mentions NY a couple of times)

5. (02/24/25)
Predator by Terri Blackstock
(Set in Texas, but Megan is from New York & in TX for college)

6. (03/05/24)
Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

7. (03/12/24)
Chop, Chop by L.N. Cronk
(Not set in NY, but mentions going to a cousin’s wedding in NY)

8. (03/31/24)
Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson
(Not set in NY, but mentions a women’s suffragette meeting in NY)

9. (04/09/24)
Rebecca's Song by Dawn Kinzer
(Set in Wisconsin, but mentions a fashion designer’s designs being sent to NY to become Butterick patterns.)

10. (04/11/24)
On The Ropes by Hallee Bridgeman

11. (04/13/24)
Glimmer in the Darkness by Robin Patchen
(brief mention of a teenager’s dream to live in NY)

12. (06/05/24)
Rosa's Land by Gilbert Morris

13. (07/06/24)
The London House by Katherine Reay
(a few brief mentions of NY)

14. (07/18/24)
Tabitha by Vikki Kestell
(Tabitha takes a train from CO to NY to board a ship for England)

15. (07/28/24)
The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham

16. (08/07/24)
The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

17. (08/09/24)
One Thursday Morning by T.K. Chapin

18. (08/25/24)
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold GM, language
(a few brief mentions of NY)

19. (09/11/24)
No Neutral Ground by Terri Wangard
(boarded a ship in NY to Europe)

20. (09/13/24)
A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

21. (09/23/24)
Had to be You by Lyn Cote
(lots of settings including NY)

22. (10/13/24)
From Russia with Love by Susan May Warren
(set in Russia, but Kat is from NY )

23. (10/31/24)
California by Jamie Lee Grey
(set in California, but there is travel to NY)

24. (11/17/24)
No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

25. (11/19/24)
Kept by Sally Bradley
(set in Chicago, but lots of mentions of NY)

26. (11/26/24)
Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes

27. (12/07/24)
Twas The Night by. Dan Walsh
(Epilogue is set in NY)

28. (12/15/24)
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake

Fun to read through the states of focus and novels read.

I ended up reading 17 novels set in MO. Mostly from The Secrets of Grandma's Attic Series which is a good one.

#1
Primarily set in a small town near Hannibal. I visited there several years ago to see Mark Twain's home town. It was great to be somewhat familiar with the area. I learned from the pages that there is a Christian publisher in St Louis: Concordia (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)

#2
This cozy mystery takes place in Canton, which is the northeastern part of Missouri.

#3
This historical romance novella is set in Saint Charles, which is a suburb of St Louis. I have an aunt and uncle that live there and this is where my dad's assisted living facility was located. It's where I last saw him and where he passed away in December of 2022. The author mention's in her note a historical downtown. I'd like to visit this area in the future.

#4
This cozy mystery takes place in Canton, which is the northeastern part of Missouri. I learned about a duel which happened between two lawyers. History about Missouri I had no idea about. The men participated in a duel twice with the second time leading to one of the men's death. The other went on to become a senator.

#5 Set in Canton, Missouri

#6 Set in Mexico, Missouri

#7 Set in Canton, Missouri

#8 About a third of the novel set in Independence, Missouri

I had no idea this novel was partially set in MO when I started reading it. I learned that Washington University (a school I aspired to attend when I was in high school) was previously named Washington Institute. The current name began in 1856.

#9 Set in Saint Charles, Missouri

#10 First Part is set in Kansas City and then St Joseph, Missouri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General...
I learned about General Order Eleven issued August 25, 1863 mandating Missourians from select counties evacuate their homes. Wow!

#11 Set in Canton, Missouri

#12 Set in St Louis

#13 Set in Mexico, Missouri

#14 Set in Canton, Missouri

#15 Set in St Louis

#16 Set in Canton, Missouri

#17 Set in Canton, Missouri