Christian Shelves

The next book in the  Secrets to Keep series , The Accused  by Cara Putman  takes things up a notch by taking on the case of a woman who is alone, far from family and friends, and only has one person so far who believes in her innocence. It's a riveting Christian legal suspense that brings out the true character of the people in the story. Book Synopsis When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer. Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position. When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel―not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese. Despite ...

Did I read the entire Secrets to Keep series this past weekend in time for the release of book three? Yes, and it was such a wonderful way to dive into the world of legal drama and a group of friends who are there for each other through difficult and even life-threatening circumstances. The Vanished by Cara Putman is the first book in this series, spanning history and continents due to the lucrative dealings around prominent artwork. I knew I loved legal suspense before, but this series really catapulted my enjoyment of this genre even further! Book Synopsis Janae Simmons left the small town of Kedgewick, Virginia, ten years ago to pursue her legal career and never looked back—until a professional mistake leads her to her grandmother's historic carriage house and to the town where her past threatens to find her. The quiet streets echo with her grandfather's sterling reputation, one that conflicts with fresh questions that claw at Janae, launching her on a reluctant journey t...

Since Asian Heritage Month is the Canadian name for the month-long celebration in May, it makes sense to feature a book set in Canada. Zenith of Tea by R.F. Whong (pen name for Ruth Wuwong ) is a standalone novella in the Apron Strings Tea Tales series and it pretty much encapsulates who I am as a Chinese-Canadian Christian, featuring main characters who share the same identity and background. I am thrilled to have discovered it and it makes me very grateful that Christian Bookstagram introduced this book to me. Inspired by The Nightingale , this story relays a dark moment in Canadian history while offering hope through Christ. Book Synopsis A cookbook, a glimmer of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope. In the early 1920s, accomplished martial artist Wang Mijen is haunted by her past and the red birthmark that she believes prompted her family to abandon her at six. She survives by robbing ancient tombs and living in a cave concealed from the soldiers. When she sav...

Continuing with more reviews for Asian Heritage Month , I was delighted to be able to read Becoming a Friendlier Church by Matthew D. Kim a few weeks prior. It's a fantastic resource for all churches and intentionally includes a cultural lens that can often be missed in books regarding ecclesial life and practice. Churches and congregants desiring to become more hospitable will find that this is a friendly and encouraging way to move beyond the status quo of civility into genuine warmth. Many thanks to Baker Books and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Help visitors become members Recognize what prevents visitors from feeling welcome Discover methods to welcome new members into your church Identify how you and your church can grow in hospitality In Becoming a Friendlier Church , Matthew D. Kim calls attention to the crisis of unfriendliness that prevents many churches from welcoming new peop...

I've been saving this review for Asian Heritage Month as I'm so thrilled to discover a Chinese-Canadian Christian author who has written such a neat series that incorporates the author's medical expertise in an alternate history setting. Healer's Blade by Kyrie Wang is the first book in the Enemy's Keeper series , offering a clash of worlds between the Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights, both on land and at sea. It's age appropriate for 13 years and up and showcases medieval medicine, which is fascinating to learn about throughout the ages! Book Synopsis A healer on the run. A rogue knight bound by secrets. Love was never part of the plan. At just eighteen, Aliwyn has already failed as a healer’s apprentice. Haunted by her mistakes, she withdraws from the world as a rebellion ignites against William the Conqueror. But when she agrees to hide an endangered orphan, Aliwyn is plunged into the deadly revolt. A daring escape entangles her with the young rebel lead...

It's not a secret that I'll drop nearly everything in order to read the next  Elizabeth Camden  book, whether it's historical or contemporary fiction now. I love that no matter the era, I can expect a deeply intriguing storyline with fascinating details pulled from history and characters who pop off the pages. This next book in the  Far and Away series , The Top of the World , delivers exactly that. With war secrets, complicated family histories, and a military base literally stationed at the top of the world, this book will make you feel the chill of the Arctic north while experiencing the most heartwarming romance. Book Synopsis They were perfect together—until powerful forces pulled them apart. Now fate has given them a second chance at the top of the world. Holly Fermoy fought her way out of poverty to build a successful career in the Air Force. Stationed at a remote Arctic base in northern Greenland, she is focused on her job—and trying to forget the college romance ...