Whether you're looking for gifts or are planning your reading for 2024, I hope you'll find something of interest in this list of favourites from my shelf this year!
Don’t forget, you can also visit my book reviews page to search reviews by topic!!
What You'll Find:
For Living Like Christ
Trembling Faith: How a Distressed Prophet Helps us Trust God in a Chaotic World by Taylor Turkington. This journey through Habbakuk isn't to be missed. There's many rich truths for us about how to live in a world that always seems to be crumpling around us. Read the whole review for more.
Women & Work: Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission Through Our Work by Courtney Moore. Not all work is glamorous but all of it is important for the kingdom of God. And yes, while it's written for women, men can benefit from it also, to understand the beauty and challenges of work for their sisters in Christ. I wrote a full review here.
To Grow in Spiritual Disciplines
Memorizing Scripture: The Basics, Blessings and Benefits of Meditating on God's Word by Glenna Marshall. Time in God's Word, not just reading but capturing in our minds is a discipline all the more important when we're training our brains catch snippets and sound bites through social media. Read my full review.
Help for the Hungry Soul: Eight Encouragements to Grow Your Appetite for God's Word by Kristen Wetherell. When your sould feels hungry and you're not sure how to satisfy, grab this book. The author helps guide your affections to God's Word. I wrote about it here.
To Build the Body
Welcome: Loving Your Church by Making Space for Everyone by Jen Oshman. We're encouraged to love our churches by welcoming everyone. This means every member is a greeter, yes that means you and me :)
Serve: Loving Your Church with your Heart, Time and Gifts by Steve Robinson. We've been created with passions and purpose, for loving our church, but there's things that keep us from doing this well. Be encouraged to love your local church by picking this up. I wrote all about it here.
From the Walls of Seminary
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive INdividualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman.“ This book is neither a lament nor a polemic. It is rather an attempt to explain how the revolution of the self came to take the form it has in the West and why that is so culturally significant.” This has been on my list for awhile and finally read it for my seminary course on the theology of the human person. I found it an insightful journey toward understanding some historical and philosophical elements of the sexual revolution. I'd definitely recommend it if you're learning about the topic.
The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. Taking the themes of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, this title helps you understand the unity of the Word and gain a greater understanding of biblical theology.
A Perilous Mission on the High Seas
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann. I read this for the 'New York Times Bestseller' category in my reading challenge. The story is based on The Wager's journey in 1742 as this British vessel set out in chase of a Spanish treasure fleet. You'll meet a crew of characters some who lead well and others who don't, those follow and support others and those who want to make their own way. They face many dangers along the way from their environment and each other. The court martial at the end...you'll want to finish this.
Saints Gone Before Us
5 Puritan Women: Portraits of Faith and Love by Jenny-Lyn de Klerk. There's some great insights and examples of godly living from these women who had different gifts and passion which influenced how they served others. I think you'll appreciate it too! For more, check out my review.
To Steward Your Time
Redeeming Your Time: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, & Wildly Productive by Jordan Raynor. In this crazy busy world, stewarding our time is so important, that's why this is such a helpful resource. You can read my full review here.
Read Aloud With the Kids
Emblems of the Infinite King: Enter the Knowledge of the Living God by Ryan Lister. We really enjoyed this journey through the doctrines of Scripture. The book is beautiful, but so is the imagery evoked around the topics. I'm looking forward to reading it again.
Tales Woven in Character and Adversity
Along a Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks. Set during the French Revolution, is the contrast of a soldier set to defend the new republic with gusto and a young, hopeful woman trying to survive amidst the oppression. When his orders are to dispose of her, he can't do it and must face the consequences. A dangerous journey to find safety unfolds. If you enjoy historical fiction this could be for you.
The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz. Enter the times of the Jacobite Rebellion where Lady Blythe is secreted in the middle of the night to a castle in Scotland for her protection. We meet the former soldier, Everard, now Lord Wedderburn, thankfully first impressions aren't always what they seem. Each has to make choices about their futures and where their alliances will lie - knowing these decisions aren't made lightly. Another engaging story from this author. She's one I usually don't miss.
Love Unseen by Rachel Kelley Stones. England, 1815. The author takes you into Hannah's world: the struggles she faces being among crowds and unfamiliar places, the disdain of her family, and the humility of a new friend who makes his own prideful blunders along the way - both extending grace and forgiveness.This is the author's debut novel and I really enjoyed it.
When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder. They've waited their whole lives for Papa to return, but what will happen when he does? This story is told from 4 points of view, sometimes feels a bit back-and-forth, but it keeps the story moving and gives needed insight into the characters. It's a gripping tale, about love, betrayal and protection. For those who enjoy an element of mysterious suspense.
Love at First Light by Stephanie Grace Whitson. Isobel is stood up at the altar. Reputation ruined. Seeking out her brother to help her, she finds him caught in addiction to escape the pain of his losses. Upon reuniting, God brings about change in each of their hearts, of hope and healing. Then, saved by a mysterious rescuer who keeps himself hidden—facing a past and scars of his own. Eventually he discovers peace and fulfillment in the calling God has given him. I found this on kindle unlimited and was glad I did.
Into the Fire by Irene Hannon. Enjoyed this suspense as two investigators work on the case of a suspicious fire that took the life of a colleague, taking them back to a cold case.
Now it's your turn! Tell me about your favourite this year!
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