Questions for Tyndale Publishing on cursing

 

 I did a blog post a while back about a couple of books  - The Matthew Redd Series by Ryan Steck - published by Tyndale House Publishing that had some bad language in. - What the bleep is going on with some Christian authors? I unfortunately bought the second book in the series before I read the first one. The books were very well written - other than the curse words. The first was worse than the second, but I was disgusted at both. Thomas Nelson had some issues some years back, but seems to have cleaned up their act. I was shocked that Tyndale would allow it. I asked a lady who read an advance copy of the third book (due out in June) if there is bad language. There is.

We are so inundated with bad language these days. When I was a kid, it wasn't as popular. It was rare to hear the f-word. Nice people didn't use it. You saw it as graffiti on train cars and underpasses. Now professing Christians use it.

Curse words are everywhere: books, movies, TV shows, music - even some Christian music, presidential debates....everywhere you go. It is hard to stay away from it.

And you would think you wouldn't have to worry about it in Christian fiction.

You would be wrong.

Well, at least some of the time.

This is a big issue for me. I have blogged about it. I have emailed authors, publishers, and actually talked to the vice president of Thomas Nelson Publishers about 15 years ago. He did a word search and was going to send me another book, but had trouble finding one with no objectional language. A Christian publisher.

I had an author one time say that is how her character would talk. (I think it was actually my sister who emailed that author.)

Another author defended the language in the books by Tyndale, saying she can understand it for that kind of book.

I honestly don't know why there aren't more people bothered by bad language in a Christian book. The idea seems so ludicrous....but there are people who want it. And I think part of it may be a lot of people also read secular novels and are used to it. And I am not knocking anyone for reading secular books. I just prefer Christian fiction, and rarely read secular fiction. 

Last year in a Christian fiction Facebook group I am in, there was a female author I had never heard of complaining about so many Christian publishers censoring authors. She wanted to let loose with cursing and other inappropriate content. Censorship. Really? Why does she even want to market her books as Christian?

Anyway, I said all this to say I have some questions for Tyndale.

1) How high did the approval come to allow curse words in these books? Just the editor? Her boss? The VP of the company? The CEO of the company?

2) Why? Just why? Was it a case of where the author would only sign a contract if you compromised your values and allowed him to be the sailor he wanted to be? (Curse like a sailor. Get it?)

3) Can any Tyndale author put curse words in their books, or was this author the exception? Will there be more books coming out by other authors with curse words in them?

4) Where will you draw the line? WILL you draw a line and make some words taboo?

5) Did it ever occur to you that this would offend at least some of your customers? Your faithful customers, might I add? Do you care that you are offending some of us? I have been buying Tyndale products for years. And I am offended. 

6) Would Jesus be pleased by these words being put into a supposedly Christian book? Do you believe it honors God?

7) If you are going to put curse words in your books, why not make a special imprint for books like that? And why not put a note on the books that they contain words that could be objectional to some readers?

8) Does the editor of these books curse? Does the people who approve it curse? If not....then why do they think it is OK to put it in their books?

 The Matthew Redd Series is about a military/special ops guy. As I stated, some people excuse bad language in books like that. Baloney.

Here are some authors who write military/special ops type of books who do not use bad language. It is very possible. And there are tons of other Christian authors out there who do not use cursing in their books. 

John Galt Robinson. John has one series out. There are 4 books, with another releasing soon. (Hopefully really soon). His main character is a Navy SEAL named Joe O'Shanick. And his sidekick/romantic interest Dr. Christy Tabrizi, an ER doc. (The author is an ER).

The books are clean and curse free, and are some of the best books I have read in recent months. (No website as of  yet).

Lisa Phillips. Most of Lisa's books are suspense, but she does have at least one series about special ops/military type guys, and others about police officers. Her books are curse free and clean, and is another author I really enjoy and recommend. Website: AuthorLisaPhillips.com

Ronie Kendig. Ronie started out writing suspense, but went to writing about military/special ops, and does it well. Website: RonieKendig.com

Dave Pratt. This is a newer author, and especially new to m. He wrote two book so far along these lines: The Home Team and The Home Team 2. His books are about the military, and are squeaky clean and curse free. Website: DavePrattBooks.com

Rebecca Deel. I discovered this author last year. She has 3 series out: Fortress Security - 18 books, Otter Creek - 15 books, and Maple Valley - 5 books. Thirty-seven books about military/special ops/security....and not one curse word in any of them. And here is the amazing part: They are not Christian fiction. I believe the author is a Christian - she has no social media presence - but I get the idea she is. There are a few of the books that lean Christian, and one of the characters appearing in several books is a pastor. 

But the majority of her 38 books are not Christian fiction, yet are clean and curse-free. Huh. 
There are a few of her books that have shirtless guys on, and I was hoping that didn't mean there were sex scenes. But since any I had read were clean, I read them....and they are just as clean as the rest.

If you are someone who is also bothered by Tyndale's decision to put curse words in their books - at least the series I mentioned - I encourage you to contact them. Click here. 

If no one says anything, how will publishers and authors know there are those of us who do not want this?

If The Boot Fits, Texas Ever After #2 by Karen Witemeyer

Book description: 

One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .

Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars' ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy's cry compels him to make a daring rescue.

Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother's life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind--his boot--and resolves to find him herself.

When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.

My review:
 This is the second book in this Old West retelling of popular fairy tales. The first was Sleeping Beauty, and the author took Cinderella on in this book. I have been looking forward to reading it, and it did not disappoint.

To make it even more interesting, she did a reverse on the story. It isn't the girl who leaves a  shoe behind, but the guy does. Well, actually a boot. 

Awesome is the perfect word for this story.

First, there are the characters. The author came up with such great and likable characters, that it seems like she is quietly demanding you to to fall in love with these characters she created. I am not exaggerating when I say she pulled out all the stops on these people she created with her pen. Or computer. :)

There is Asher and Samantha, the two main characters. He makes the perfect hero of the story, and she the perfect heroine, or fair maiden.

I love stories about family, and this book has that in spades. There is a stepmother in it - a very nice one - and she is Asher's step-mother. Instead of two evil step-sisters, he has two younger half brothers who are the opposite of evil. Samantha has a younger brother, and a father she considers unfeeling, but things can change.

There aren't as many parallels with the fairy tale as with the first - at least that I noticed - but it still is a clever and great version of it. 

The book is not marketed as suspense, but there is quite a bit of it in the book. Someone is out to off Samantha, and there is definitely a bad guy. (Who I figured out a little before the author revealed it).

Plot: very well done. And the ending....very nice, and humorous. No spoilers, but it involves a boot, potatoes,  and two mischievous younger brothers.

This series can definitely be read in any order, as each one is a stand alone with totally different characters and story.

With this second book in her Texas Ever After Series, Witemeyer further cements herself as one of the best Christian fiction authors to come along in recent years. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.

                              Book #1: Fairest of Heart (Sleeping Beauty)

Book #3: Cloaked In Beauty (Little Red Riding Hood), coming December 2024

One Last Shot, Alaska Air One Rescue #1 by Susan May Warren

Book description:

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz's new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans--signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show.

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she's a rookie to the team, so yes, she'll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm.

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower--including Oaken--to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

My review:

This is not a book that I was given to review. I bought it. I rarely do a review on my blog for books I was not given to review....but this book deserves it.

 This has got to be one of Warren's best books. This was an awesome read. I loved Boo and Oaken. They were both such great characters, and he made a great hero - a little uncertain and unsure of himself, but he came through when needed.

The book had a lot - a lot - of drama and tense moments. I think this author is at her best when she is writing about her characters rescuing people. She did such a great job of describing the scenes, the danger, the tense moments for the rescuers. It was epic.

And Warren did a pretty good job of writing country music lyrics :)

When the book started, Oaken thought God was out to get him, to punish him, and he had some pretty messed up ideas about his sister's death some years before. The author, through some of the characters, especially "Moose" and Axel, had some great truths.....which is something I love about Christian fiction. God can use it to speak to the readers.

For such an action and drama-filled book, it had a quiet but very cool ending. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I like the team the author has put together, and can't wait to read the others' stories.

About the author:

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has penned contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, rom-coms, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, she's a USA Today, ECPA and CBA bestseller, and has received numerous starred Publisher Weekly reviews. Library Journal says, "Warren’s characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance.”

Susan is a nationally acclaimed writing coach, and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year. She is the founder of Novel Academy, author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation, and a founding partner of Sunrise Media Group.

                                                Book #2, coming June 4

                                                 Book #3, coming August 6

Book #4, coming October 8

Levi's Vow by Penny Zeller

Book description: 

A man running from his past.

A woman facing an uncertain future.

Wrongfully imprisoned for a crime and disowned by his family, Levi Callahan endeavors to put the past behind him. When he travels to the Idaho Territory and secures a job on a small farm, he has no idea he’ll once again be defending the vulnerable.

Norah Hammett knows what it means to suffer loss. After her husband leaves her and their children for a “better” life and her hired hand steals from her, she is left to run the farm alone. When ruthless men attempt to steal Norah's Idaho farm, can Levi, a man running from his past, help her save it? Or will he prove to be disloyal like the rest of the men in her life?

Will God use desperate circumstances to bring two hurting hearts together?

My review:
  This is an author I discovered  last year, and have enjoyed everything I have read by her. This book is shorter than most of hers, but she still came up with a story I enjoyed.

 Both main characters, Levi and Norah, were likable characters....though Norah was a bit harder to like at first.

Levi was likable from the start, jailed for doing the right thing, and then banished by his dad. He made the perfect hero to save the day for Norah and her family. 

Kids always add a lot to a story, and it was sweet and awesome how Levi was with Hazel and especially with Enoch.

 This was a sweet story that showed God's providence and how He does help those who need it. The story had a great ending, and Zeller can be proud of the end result.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks. To sign up for her monthly newsletter with book news and other fun morsels, go to https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/262119/74964679867237940/share

A Nurse's Revenge, Fight to Thrive #1 by Rebecca Hemlock

Book description: 

Could her twin sister, a decorated police officer, be a criminal mastermind?

When Travel nurse Michelle Blackburn’s twin has been murdered, she comes back to her hometown to find her killer. Things quickly turn complicated when she comes face to face with the man who shattered her heart.

Detective Aiden St. James is determined to solve Anne Blackburn’s murder, but too much about this case doesn’t add up. The Westview PD has had their hands full with a local drug ring and a new lead makes Anne their prime suspect. But Michelle is certain her twin wasn’t a criminal.

After someone attempts to kidnap Michelle, Aiden realizes she could be right about Anne being framed and vows to keep her safe for old times' sake. Forced to accept the help and protection of the last person she feels she can trust, Michelle is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice, while discovering the importance of letting go of the past and understanding God's timing.

My review:
   It may sound bad to say at the beginning of the review that I didn't like the dead twin very much. You have to read the book, but what she did to Aiden and Michelle....ugh. 

  But I really liked Aiden and Michelle. Though each blamed the other for their breakup eight years before, they were still civil to each other and worked well together trying to prove her sister's innocence.

  The book had a good plot, likable characters, and plenty of suspense. I admit I was surprised at the identity of the bad guy, but I did figure out the baby angle. And I admit to be somewhat proud of myself for that. 😎

And this is an author who weaves a Christian message through the story. 

 I have read a few books by this author, and really enjoyed them. This one may be the best one that she has written of the ones I have read. It is a book that I had a hard time putting down, and read until the ending.....which was a great ending. 

I am looking forward to reading more in this series, and reading more from this author. 

Special thanks to the author for a review copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Rebecca Hemlock is an Award-winning author and has written articles for numerous publications while working as a freelance journalist. She is currently a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers.

Four of her fourteen books have also made it to the Amazon.com #1 bestseller list. Aside from writing Romance and suspense, Rebecca enjoys writing children's fiction. Her first children's book, The Lost Soldier, was published in 2016 by Westbow Press. She has a total of five children's books, all published under the name R.C. Burch.

Rebecca has earned a degree in English and an Appalachian Studies certificate in Creative Writing. Her favorite times to write are early in the morning when the sun is coming up and at sunset. Rebecca lives in Eastern Kentucky with her husband and children.

Check out her website at RebeccaHemlock.com

Forged In Peril, Forge Brothers Security Series #1 by Kendra Warden

Book description:

 She can’t keep running…

Ambitious paralegal Bristol Chaplin knows that achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer won’t be easy, but there’s a price that even she isn’t willing to pay. When a dark secret threatens to destroy her career, she’s forced to seek help from the man she thought she’d left behind forever.

Private security operative Cameron Forge is content to spend his life serving God and protecting the innocent. But as the woman who broke his heart brings danger straight to his doorstep, he realizes that keeping her safe might be his toughest mission yet.

With hidden threats lurking behind every shadow, they have no choice but to uncover the truth about who is hunting Bristol before it’s too late. Even if it means putting their lives–and hearts–on the line.

Serve. Protect. Redeem.

Each book in the Forge Brothers Security Christian romantic suspense series can be read as a standalone.

My review:
  Kendra Warden is not just a new author to me, she is a new author in Christian suspense. She has written fantasy under her real name.  I did read the free prequel to this series (available on her website) before reading this book. I highly recommend reading it first. 

  This is an awesome read. I love suspense novels that are about security/bodyguards, and this series is right up my alley.

 The main characters are Cameron and Bristol, and they are great and likable characters, but the author has come up with a great roster of characters for this series, especially the Forge brothers. And cousin. Reilly Forge, from the prequel, is referred to as a brother, but he is actually a cousin.

 This book did have it all: suspense, bad guys, a lot of drama, great characters, great setting, and a terrific plot. This really isn't a spoiler, but possibly borders on being one: To understand the reason behind the attacks, one should read the prequel. I read it, and I was still surprised at the who and why. 😏

 There is of course romance. It was done well, and was not a "hero meets heroine, falls in love while fleeing bad guys, and live happily ever after." Those kind are fine, but in this one, the couple had dated years ago and broke up. (Well she did the breaking).

The story comes to a very tense, suspenseful, and dramatic point near the end of the book, and the author pulled out all stops to bring the story to a very satisfying and awesome ending. 

I am looking forward to more from this series and author, and highly recommend this book. (And the prequel).

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:
Kendra Warden, pen name for Stefanie Lozinski,  lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband, three young children, two cats, and a whole lot of books. She's passionate about (very) early mornings, long walks, and buffalo sauce. She loves to write exciting suspense stories that encourage readers to trust in the protection and love of Jesus.

Check out her website at KendraWarden.com . If you sign up for her newsletter there, you can download a free copy of the Forge Brothers Security Prequel, Forged In Darkness. 

Deceitful Above All Things, Hank Lin Mysteries #1 by Charles Hack

Book description:

 Grisly murder comes to the shores of Lake Tahoe.

The victim’s identity sends the local sheriff’s department into a tailspin.

An overly curious resident discovers a dangerous cover-up and races to find the murderer before they kill again.

Deceitful Above All Things is the first book in a new series of murder mysteries set at majestic Lake Tahoe.

Former Army Criminal Investigator Hank Lin returns to his childhood home at Lake Tahoe after suffering a battlefield injury. With the addition of Hank’s father’s death, he’s left nursing his pain and disappointment. Depressed and lonely, Hank is forced to start over with only his grief and inner demons as companions.

After rekindling an old friendship with Deputy Sierra McLean, Hank is infused with fresh energy. Simultaneously intrigued by the case and the irresistible Sierra, Hank pursues both with a curiosity that calms the inner turmoil. His independent side investigation frustrates Sierra and earns him the attention of the unidentified killer.

The hidden evil is as cold and deep as Lake Tahoe itself. A trail of greed and revenge exposes several suspects, but when Hank discovers the killer’s true identity, the hunt turns personal and Hank risks it all to stop them.

My review:
  This is a new author to me. I had never even heard of him before I ran across this book, but it sounded good. So here I am leaving a review for it. :)

  First let me say how refreshing it is to read a book by a male author that features a male character. I have read a few lately, but it is far more common to have a female be the main character.

 And Hank is a great character. No, he is an awesome character. Chinese - well, half Chinese - that is not too common either. He isn't perfect, but is extremely likable. He is also not a Christian, but has his sister and his best friend who is a pastor working to change that.

 He is accompanied by a great cast of characters, including the possible future sheriff, Sienna, and her fellow deputy, Truckee. (Yeah, that is really his name 😀). And of course Bo, the dog he inherited off his dad.

 The book starts out rather mundane (not boring), with a funeral. Then it doesn't take long for the discovery of the dead body. And things pick up. Hank investigates on his own - he had been some kind of investigator in the military before he got injured - and he ruffles some feathers and has some difficulties. 

 This is more of a decent paced mystery instead of a fast paced with chases, etc. That said, it is a great read that is extremely well written. The author did an excellent job of keeping the bad guys a surprise. I was sure early on who killed the guy, but that theory got shot down a couple chapters later. Literally. 😎

 I enjoyed the book. A lot. It is a book that I didn't want to put down, but had to because of work.

There is no romance in this novel, though there is a hint of interest between Hank and Sierra, so that may be something that develops later in the series.

 The author has created a great setting for his series, and created a perfect main character in the imperfect Hank Lin. I am definitely looking forward to reading more about this wanna be sleuth and his adventures. Hack has hit it out of the ballpark with his debut Christian fiction novel.

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Charles Hack is the author of the Space Warfare Group Sci-Fi/Space Opera books and the Hank Lin Mysteries. After writing for nearly twenty years, his first published novel is Into the Darkness. He studied electrical engineering in college and is still a licensed professional engineer with over twenty years of experience before retiring and entering full time Christian ministry. He currently serves as a pastor in his hometown and has a master’s degree in systematic theology. Writing is one of his passions along with reading, woodworking, and coffee. Charles is married with two children and three noisy dogs. They live on a small ranch, known as the Ranchini, in the Great Basin of Northern Nevada. 

Find out more about him on his website CharlesHack.com

And check out his science fiction series: