Christian Shelves

My final review for Asian Heritage Month is a book that takes place in China, with plenty of cultural and linguistic references that made me feel like I took a trip to Asia. Perfectly Placed by Liana George is the second book in the Hopeful Hearts series with a portion of the earnings from these books funding the Hopeful Hearts orphanage that seeks to help children with heart conditions, which is where the setting of the book is based off. If you haven't yet read Perfectly Arranged , the first book in the series, I heartily recommend it if you love organizing and want to step into the shoes of a professional organizer! Book Synopsis Nicki’s tasked with making New Hope the perfect place for orphaned children. So why has everything gone wrong? Six weeks after leaving China, Nicki Mayfield returns to complete two critical tasks: restore order at New Hope Orphanage and re-connect with Lei Ming, the little girl who stole her heart. However, a stonewalling supervisor, missing documents...

In looking for a Christian non-fiction book for Asian Heritage Month this May, I'm grateful that I came across  Dim Sum and Faith by Jenn Suen Chen . Not only did the title capture my attention as an Asian Christian, but it was great for me to try another spiritual formation book, which normally comprises a smaller part of my reading repertoire. This book ended up meeting both goals. As a bonus, this book was also enjoyable to read as I have friends serving in Asia wo have also faced similar circumstances, so this book helped me better understand the emotions attached to some of what they have undergone. Many thanks to Intervarsity Press  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : utilization of The Passion Translation, quotes from authors I don't read nor reference (Richard Rohr, etc.) Book Synopsis Discover the Sacred in Your Story Imagine gathering around a dim s...

This was such a fun book to read for the May Buddy Read as part of the  Clearly Christian Readathon . My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho - Rebecca's Plight is the original title, but it is also published as Married by Mistake by Susanne Dietze . What a perfect title for the conundrum that the main characters face! Book Synopsis Journey Now to Ruby City, Idaho of 1866 where a Marriage Mishap Creates an Awkward Love Triangle  Looking forward to a quiet life and a full stomach, mail-order bride Rebecca Rice is pleased to marry her shopkeeper intended, Mr. Fordham, until the justice of the peace calls him Thaddeus, not Theodore—proceeded by the title Deputy. When the newlyweds realize they’ve married the wrong partners with similar names, an annulment seems in order—and fast, since Rebecca’s true intended is impatient to claim her as his own, not to mention Rebecca would never marry a lawman like her father. But when the legalities take longer than expected, Rebecca wonders if...

If you've ever had to organize a family gathering, you know it can be fraught with all sorts of complications. Thankfully, in meeting the Stone family, it's evident that there is much love shared as each sibling works through different circumstances in their lives. A Convenient Marriage by Rose Fresquez is the fifth book in the Billionaires' Reunion series about Wade Stone, and it can be read as a standalone. Book Synopsis He's her late brother's best friend. He doesn't believe in love. And now he's her fake husband. When her brother died, Claire shared guardianship of his daughter with his best friend, Wade. She could handle her one-sided crush on Hollywood’s hotshot producer while he was at arm’s length. But now that toxic relatives want custody of her niece, Claire will do whatever it takes to keep the baby, including faking a marriage with Wade. Wade excels at keeping complications at bay while navigating the glitz of Hollywood. But playing house with ...

I first saw Janette Oke's books on a shelf in my high school library. I later had the pleasure of getting to interact with her husband when he worked in education. Little would I realize that this Canadian author would have such an impact on the Christian publishing industry and that I would be a beneficiary of her ministry through Christian fiction. As a result, it's rather fitting that the first book I gravitated toward was her biography, Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie , written by her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan . I soon hope to supplement this biography with actually reading Janette's own books! Book Synopsis The Story of One of the Most Beloved Novelists of Our Time Written by her daughter, Laurel Oke Logan, this book offers intimate glimpses into the life and heritage of author Janette Oke. An ordinary woman with extraordinary gifts, Janette grew up on the Canadian prairie to eventually become the wife of a pastor and educator, the mother of four grown children, ...

Freddie and Grace are the perfect candidates for having their travels upended by local mysteries that require their unconventional sleuthing, and  The Highland Heist by Pepper Basham  is no exception. This wonderful continuation of the series introduces us to even more skeletons in the closet. As a result, we get to know Lord and Lady Astley more fully as they embark on more travels and more clues, this time in Scotland! Many thanks to Barbour Books  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : mentions of ghosts, clairvoyance Book Synopsis Grace Storms a Scottish Castle to Save Her Sister Lord Astley surprises his wife with a trip to America to see her family before they end their honeymoon adventures. But just as they arrive, they find Grace’s sister, Lillias, is the prime suspect in her husband’s murder. To add to the confusion a solicitor arrives to tell the ...

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...

In branching out to reading Christian fiction around the world, Ready to Be Loved by You by Enewerome was a charming wedding story set in Nigeria that had me wanting some jollof rice and puff-puff by the end of the book. What a fun way to celebrate the diversity of cultures while appreciating the commonalities we share, such as with wedding planning and the joys and whims of working with bridal parties. Levi and Vivienne's story had me feeling like I was at a wedding the entirety of the time I was with them. I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : infidelity (not with the main characters) Book Synopsis Haunted by the wounds from her past, Vivienne Adetokunbo, a fiercely independent professional bridesmaid and video content creator, wants nothing to do with God, love, or marriage. Levi Edegware, despite being saddled with the weight of a past mistake, is a devout Christian and hopeless r...

I'm grateful that Anne Gibson reached out to me to inform me about her debut novel, Misgivings , as it's one that reminded me of the work I used to do in domestic violence prevention and why it's so critical that we learn how to help others. This is a book that will take you into the heart of what abuse can look and feel like, and the decisions that people may feel driven to make. It's on Kindle Unlimited and worth reading as it compassionately lifts the voices of those who may be undergoing a lot on their own in silence. Content to be aware of: domestic violence and abuse Book Synopsis Desperate to avoid the turmoil that now engulfs her, Dee would do anything for a chance to turn back time. Wracked with regret and paralyzed by fear, she is forced to hide halfway across the world, all in a bid to safeguard the one person she holds most dear. If only she could undo the past and prevent this disastrous situation from ever unfolding. After waiting five long years, Luke tho...

This book has been on my radar ever since it was announced. Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham not only appeals to the Janeite in me, but it is Christian fiction that deftly communicates the themes of loving others and denying oneself, all from the perspective of a female author writing about a female author. This Regency book can't come soon enough  (October 14, 2025 is less than five months away now) 😄 Many thanks to  Thomas Nelson  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : mentions of ghosts Book Synopsis After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves—charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my d...

I remember mentioning a while back that I was on the lookout for a Christian romance book that was unapologetic about puns as that was one of the tropes in my own story 😊 Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long as A Valentine for a Vet by Carolyn Miller not only highlights these amazing puns but also uses them to charm the female main character. This second book in the Three Creek Ranch series manages to be lighthearted while tackling very serious issues at the same time and releases on May 29, 2025. I am grateful to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : animal death, suicide, mental health concerns Book Synopsis He knows this hardworking vet loves his dog, but can she find room in her heart for him, too? Veterinarian Jessie James loves her animals, loves her work, loves her family. She's got a lot on her plate, which means there's no time for a certain dishy teammate of her pro hockey-pl...

I'm always on the hunt for children's books that share concepts about God in an understandable manner, so I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to read this book set in the mountains. The Maker of the Mountain by Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson is a story that I would be happy to share with the children in my life as it combines Bible verses with a map and delightful scenes in nature. Many thanks to Merge Public Relations for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What is God like? Little Brown Bear is on an adventure to find the maker of the mountain and discover what he is like. Along the way, the bear meets new friends who share that the maker is like a bridge and a gate, a rock and a boat. And he’s always there to light our way home. This charming story offers: Imagery from the Bible to help young readers better understand what God is like A map of the bear’s world with corresponding Scriptures...

Who else is excited for the next installment in the Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer to release this month?! This is likely my favourite historical Christian fiction series and one I will continue to recommend. I kept my husband intrigued with enough hints for Every Hour Until Then that he now has to find time to read books two to four to get caught up 😄 Many thanks to  Bethany House Publishers  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling truth: Her own sister is destined to become the Ripper's ...

After visiting Colorado, I can see why this series has won a Colorado Book Award in the romance category. It's a celebration of all things small-town and Americana with a charming cast of characters. Wes and Addie Had Their Chance  by  Bethany Turner  is the third book in the Adelaide Springs series and it's helpful to read the first two books as they culminate in this story. This book releases July 15, 2025, so there's time to catch up on the previous titles if this clean book series is of interest to you. This is a disclaimer that although this book is published by a Christian publisher, this book falls along the lines of clean fiction, so expectations should be set accordingly. I shared the following when I reviewed  Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other  and Cole and Laila are Just Friends , and as this book follows those two, I'll adopt the same refrain again: This is more of a crossover title that fits the genre of what the author terms "pop culture-infused...