Inspirational Fiction
by Donna Rhame Crawford  

     Inspirational fiction provides so many hours of reading pleasure for the customers of Rapides Parish library. Two authors that are “leading the field” here in Central Louisiana now are Karen Kingsbury and Tracie Peterson.
     Karen Kingsbury is becoming so well known and well loved for two series Redemption and Firstborn. This author uses a unique manner when she titles her books. In the Redemption series, all of the books begin with the letter, “R.”: Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice, and Reunion.  In her other series that is enjoying equal popularity, all of the books begin with the letter, “F”: Fame, Forgiven, Found, Family, and Forever. Even though these two are her most popular, her series titled Red Glove also contain books one doesn’t want to overlook when browsing for new titles. In order, they are titled Gideon’s Gift, Maggie’s Miracle, Sarah’s Song, and Hannah’s Hope. Tiny red gloves grace the cover of each.
     Tracie Peterson, another author customers are delighted with, has many series out and available.  Among these are Bells of Lowell, Lights of Lowell, Desert Roses, Heirs of Montana, Westward Chronicles, Ribbons of Steel, Ribbons West, Yukon Quest, and last but not least, Alaskan Quest. The books in this last series, titled Summer of the Midnight Sun, Under the Northern Lights, and Whispers of Winter are true page turners, and are so well loved you will probably hear their titles being shared by customers as they browse the stacks in Central Louisiana!
     One of the reasons for the popularity of these two authors is that not only are their works available in regular print here in Rapides Parish Library, but each of these authors has fifteen books apiece available in large print! For our customers who are visually impaired or who travel a lot, our collection also offers audios in cassette or CD format.  Currently we have three for Tracie Peterson and twenty-four available by Karen Kingsbury.
     We invite you to call or drop into your local branch or the Rapides Parish Library, or visit our Main Library located at 411 Washington Street or browse our catalog online at www.rpl.org. If you feel you just don’t want to get started on a series at this time, both of these authors have many stand alone books also. Whether you decide to go with one of their series or a stand alone book, we don’t think you will be disappointed!! Happy reading!!
     Donna Rhame Crawford is the Manager of the Hineston Branch Library.