Skip to main content

Preferences and Style

rose placed on book with book pages curled in to form a heart

Since we all have things we tend to gravitate toward, I thought I would compile some of my observations about my library and tastes from over the years.

For Christian fiction, I have noticed that:

  • I have a penchant toward getting series, especially for historical fiction. And due to being a completionist, I try to get as many backlist titles as I can.
  • I am growing a small collection of suspense books to offset the amount of romance that I read, but at the end of the day, I still like the warm and fuzzies (although some romances are definitely set against grittier themes).
  • I have some auto-buy authors, but I am realizing that I am quickly running out of space on my bookshelves. I appreciate the new releases; however, I am likely still trying to catch up!
  • I am starting to read more from independent authors, especially due to Kindle Unlimited. It has definitely been a way to find more Christian authors, and I appreciate that I don't have to worry about availability through the library.
  • I am finding that more and more contemporary titles seem to incorporate things that I would not necessarily have envisioned within Christian books. I understand that some authors are becoming cross-over authors for broader appeal, but there are still some things that are surprising to see from time-to-time, given the Christian worldview. As a result, I am more often second-guessing my contemporary fiction purchases whereas for historical fiction, I don't have to scrutinize my decisions as much.

For Christian non-fiction, I have noticed that:

  • I deeply enjoy reading books on apologetics. This stems from being introduced to The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel at a young age, and appreciating books more centered on logic and facts than on emotions.
  • I have a lot of books on cross-cultural relations due to my passion for this topic. There has definitely been more books on racial relations now than existed a few decades ago when I was writing my theses about the subject.
  • I am starting to add more books about contemporary issues, like the aforementioned. Since a lot of the Christian non-fiction books I have are from my time in Bible college and seminary, finding updated books has kept me a little more current with the social issues we're facing.
  • I have a sizeable amount of Christian books related to work, leadership, productivity, organization, and so forth due to professional development funds and gifts from over the years. I have not read all of them, but I am grateful that I get to have a Christian perspective on these topics.
  • I also have more biographies than I realized! I used to think this was a small section based on a few gifted books from authors, but it has been steadily growing. I think this may be attributed to the inspiration behind the book, 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe.

There you have it; a brief glimpse of my evolving library. My tastes will likely continue to change, but it's nice to be able to see my preferences as a snapshot in time.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Review: 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity

If church history intrigues you, 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity by Mark W. Graham is an excellent addition to your home library, offering stories from the global church that are not to be missed. Ranging from well-known testimonies to more obscure happenings in farther reaches of the nations, it's a book that will develop your curiosity and cause you to rejoice in God's faithfulness throughout the ages. Many thanks to  Baker Publishing Group  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Discover 30 Remarkably Diverse Stories from the First Thousand Years of the Church Encouraging, inspirational, challenging, and convicting true stories of the global church Sheds light on Western and non-Western church history through stories from a wide variety of cultural, social, and political contexts Offers invaluable insights for our times For many Christians, our understanding of the history of the church ...

Review: Falling for the Preacher - Romance in Still Meadows #2

I had the opportunity to read all of Hannah Foster's published works recently and have enjoyed all of them, so it's no surprise that after reading Falling for the Preacher , I had to read about Austen's sister as well in Falling for the Farmer . What great introductions to such a gentle series! Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Eleanor Handson has thrown herself into serving and loving single moms and children. Marriage has long since become a faded dream, ever since Austen Stuart walked out of her life—not that she ever really planned to marry him in the first place. Austen Stuart is invested in church ministry while he interns under his pastor. Eleanor Handson has barely crossed his mind for the last twelve years—maybe a little on purpose. When Austen is called upon to ask for Eleanor’s help in the aiding of a young woman, they’re forced to work together. Can two estra...

Review: The Light of Stars - The Bluestocking Society #2

I am so overjoyed that I was able to read The Light of Stars by  Jenelle Hovde  as it was everything I hoped it would be, plus even more. I knew going into it that there would be suspense, intrigue, romance, crossing cultures, and science, but the way that everything came together was sheer bliss. A brilliant exposition into biblical justice without sacrificing any elements of the plot, the second book of The Bluestocking Society releases on July 14, 2026 and you'll want to add it to your TBR! Many thanks to  Tyndale House Publishers  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : self-forgiveness; child abductions; violence toward labourers; references to debauchery, corruption Book Synopsis An arranged marriage. A powerful company tainted with corruption. Two souls caught between obligation and a longing to find their true calling in this Regency romance set in g...