Family dramas with faithful perspective

The Nature of Small Birds

Susie Finkbeiner

The Nature of Small Birds is a fictional tale of Operation Babylift, a true event at the end of the Vietnam War, when thousands of orphans were flown from Saigon to the U.S. and other countries to be adopted. In time-slip fashion, three narrators provide details through their own eyes: mom Linda in 1975, sister Sonny in 1988, and dad Bruce in 2013. They tell the story of little Minh, a young Vietnamese girl they welcomed to their family. Finkbeiner is a master of nostalgia and perfectly captures the nuances of the slang, clothes, and pop culture of each era. A recurring theme throughout the story is learning how not to be afraid and to trust God in all circumstances.

The One You’re With

Lauren K. Denton

Everyone knew high-school sweethearts Mac and Edie would marry. After all, they were a couple all through school except for the one summer they broke up before their senior year of college. Now almost 20 years later, he’s a respected pediatrician and she’s a talented interior designer. They have two wonderful children. But one day a young lady arrives at Mac’s office, a daughter he never knew he had, from that fateful summer. Her sudden appearance has the potential to destroy all the Swan family has built. Each family member—especially Edie—has difficulty with this unexpected upheaval in their lives, and they must decide how to move forward. A thoughtful story, however devoid of spiritual influence.

Beyond the Tides

Liz Johnson

When Meg Whitaker’s mother falls ill, her father decides to sell his lobster-fishing business to have more time to care for his wife. But when Meg finds out the prospective buyer is Oliver Ross—a guy she’s had a grudge against since high school—she volunteers to take over the business, although she knows nothing about it and gets seasick every time she steps on a boat. Oliver is equally determined to prove himself worthy to run the operation. Meg’s dad delays his decision, forcing them to work together for the season. Love grows through mutual hardship. Meg’s pastor counsels, “Sometimes when the pain is too loud, all we can hear is the person crying with us. And that sounds a lot like love.”

‘Til I Want No More

Robin W. Pearson

Maxine Owens knows honesty is the best policy, but when it’s time for premarital counseling with her fiancé Teddy, she avoids the truth. The tighter she holds onto her secrets, the greater her guilt grows. And when her ex, JD, returns to town, Maxine realizes she must face her past to get on with her future. Older characters like Maxine’s grandma Ruby dispense sage advice. While preparing a meal she says, “That roast is like a marriage. A lot goes into it … sweet, sour, savory. All that work makes your life together into somethin’ good.” Pearson uses authentic Southern phrases in this feel-good, family drama and naturally weaves faith in God into the conversation without being preachy.