Christian Shelves

When I saw this book being offered for #CampNetGalley  this summer, I knew that it would be an excellent opportunity to try biblical fiction with a twist on it. The Battle for Heaven and Earth by Mark M. Yarbrough and Jerry B. Jenkins is a book unlike what I've read before and it's already whet my appetite for what's next in the series. It's riveting with fast-paced scenes while plunging me into scenes of much spiritual depth. Since it won't be published until November 3, 2026, I am grateful I didn't have to wait that long to enjoy this title.  Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In the beginning—before Earth, before humanity, before sin--there was Heaven. And it was perfect. This is the story of creation as you've never imagined it. Once united in worship and purpose, the angelic realm is shaken when Lucifer—the most beautiful a...

I have been awaiting Gaacó's story ever since we first got to meet him in The Call of Living Water , the first book in the Refuge series by Alexis M. Melvin . In Rise of the Falcon , we also get to know Mar, the doctor who has played a pivotal role in helping her people. This unique series is worth binging, especially if you're looking to be transported to a different continent and setting. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis A jungle chief. A village doctor. A threat to the tribes they both love. Finding a connection built on past friendship, Gaacó and Mar work together to protect their people. Gaacó's new faith demands he trust the God of Living Water above his own strength. But trusting God in the midst of heartache and danger proves more difficult than he ever imagined. Meanwhile, Mar finds herself being drawn back to the jungle and tribal life - but her return threat...

I recently saw a carousel  post  from someone whom I don't follow that stopped me in my tracks. Essentially, it was about some of the issues found on Instagram; however, the slide that stood out most to me was the one stating, "I am not convinced Bookstagrammers actually read." While I certainly don't need to take the time to defend my actions or activity, I'm saddened at this thought. I've written before about The Privileges of Reading and Aspirational Reading , but things seem to have taken a turn for the worse with the proliferation of generative AI (not agentic AI—see Stop the Slop for the distinction) since I first wrote these posts. I'm careful not to make blanket accusations or pronouncements as many of the people I follow are both genuine and impressive in what they share, but it seems to be a sentiment that is growing in popularity. Whether people believe that I fall into the same category or not is something I cannot control. I can shout until ...

I've really been enjoying the Small Town Shenanigans series by Penny Zeller , also branded as the Love in Cloverdale Falls series (both are apt!). The townspeople are loveable and it's always a joy to see how Henrietta, the chicken, will show up again. Blueprint for Love is the third book and it's a true rivals to more story with plenty of comical antics along the way. Balancing humour and growth, this is definitely a Hallmark meets HGTV moment. Content to be aware of: depression Book Synopsis He’s a grumpy contractor. She’s a bubbly interior designer. Will an unexpected alliance be the blueprint for love? Eager to prove herself to her demanding boss, Jeanette Wertz travels to Cloverdale Falls with the hopes that helping renovate the local B&B will boost her interior design career. She never imagined the grumpy man she unexpectedly meets on the first day, when her car breaks down on Main Street, is the same man she'll be working with on the renovations. When her e...

Books that touch on culture are almost always at the top of my Christian non-fiction reading. False Peace by  Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez not only provides an ethnocultural lens on what unity can mean, it also speaks to the Christian culture found within churches. Combining a practical book on Christian living with helpful advice on church life, this book is sure to benefit both audiences once it releases on August 25, 2026. Many thanks to  Brazos Press  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Too often, what we call "peace" in our churches and communities is really just shallow unity—while below the surface, division is growing. But what if true Christian unity embraces differences instead of erasing them? In False Peace , Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez helps us recognize shallow approaches to unity that are rooted in colonialism and comfort. Through her pastoral wisdom, you'll learn to reject the su...

It's been wonderful getting to journey with Amanda Tero Matthews and her books over the years. Her young adult novellas and stories, whether in historical, contemporary, or fantasy formats, have been delightful, so I was thrilled to see her expand her writing to contemporary adult fiction. Now all I have left to enjoy are her mysteries! Coasts & Coworkers is the first book in the Sweethearts on Everwild series , and it's exciting to see what will come next for the incredible cast of characters that Amanda has created. Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Working together was required. Falling in love with her sister’s ex wasn’t. Natalia O’Brien makes a living writing other people’s stories. But when she’s assigned to write the biographical history of Everwild Island on a tight deadline, she feels completely unqualified. Accepting help from Noah Lester is the only solution...