Sutter's Cross by W. Dale Cramer

Another church library book...

Sutter's Cross is the story of a town - a largely ordinary town filled with ordinary people - and the transformation that takes place sparked by a stranger and a storm.  Exceptionally well-written (especially since this is a first novel), this book manages to be explicitly Christian and yet surprisingly subtle all at the same time - Christian characters are flawed; there is mercy, forgiveness, hardship, sorrows and redemption. 

Highly recommended as a excellent example of what Christian Lit can (and should) be!