Christian Shelves

The concepts of being known and loved can affect how we think and act as Christians. Thankfully, God's perfect love is not blind to who we are, nor is it empty or shallow. In Known and Loved by Glenna Marshall , we discover what it means that God has pure affection for us as His created beings through further studying Psalm 139 .  Many thanks to  Moody Publishers  for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Fearfully and wonderfully made—some truths transform us, body and soul. We hear that God is love and that He loves us, but what does that mean? And can this truth sink into our hearts in such a way that we are changed? In Known and Loved , Glenna Marshall reflects on Psalm 139, exploring the transformational truth that we are fully known and loved by the Triune God of the universe. This book, overflowing with truth and encouragement, combats the myths and lies that we are unlovable, alone, or unseen. God sets His love on us ...

If you've always wanted to know more about the Children's Overseas Reception Board program where British children were sent to Canada during the Second World War, the  Even If series  by Terrie Todd is an excellent introduction. Even If We Cry  was primarily set in Canada; however,  Even If I Perish  is mostly set at sea and touches on one of the passenger ships that was referenced in the previous book. Drawing on the book of Esther, this book releases on November 5, 2025. Many thanks to the publisher,  Mountain Brook Ink , for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds. "If I perish, I perish." A sermon based on Queen Esther's famous words spurs music teacher Mary Cornish to action. She volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain's World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard t...

I hadn't planned to share a review of Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo as I'm largely unfamiliar with the Basic Life Principles and as I was not raised in this type of subculture. However, I still find it helpful to learn about the experiences of other Christians, so if you're in the same boat as me, this book will be a useful resource in better understanding what teachings the Duggar family practiced when they were filming their reality TV show. I also had someone ask on Goodreads if I would review this book, so that was a further prompt to share my thoughts. Book Synopsis Jinger Vuolo, the sixth child in the famous Duggar family of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, recounts how she began to question the unhealthy ideology of her youth and learned to embrace true freedom in Christ. When Jinger Duggar Vuolo was growing up, she was convinced that obeying the rules was the key to success and God's favor. She zealously promoted the Basic Life Prin...

It takes a lot more effort to review one-star books than ones I like, but this book was such a disappointment that I felt I needed to share something, somewhere. This information isn't posted on Goodreads, and is only found here. At the end of the day, it's on me to be a bit more diligent on researching the books I read; however, I will note that Christianity and Wokeness by Owen Strachan actually garners high reviews. What is unfortunate is that based on the author's theological background, I had a feeling that the tone might turn out to be less than stellar, although I still harboured some hope that I might be proven wrong. What followed was what I somewhat expected going into the book, so that was where my disappointment laid. Now that I'm reading the synopsis as listed on retail sites, I shouldn't be surprised that the book turned out so poorly for me. Calling the statements below "baffling" is already a red flag for me as a Christian because it discr...

I'm quite amazed at the number of Christian romantic suspense authors from British Columbia, making me even more keen to read as many of these books as possible. Kidnapped for Ransom is the second book by Jacqueline Adam under the Love Inspired Suspense line and it's one that will keep you up as you follow along some harrowing escapes involving the mob. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Abduction is only the beginning…  Will murder be next? Doctor Chelsea Eidman thought she’d finally escaped the perils of her late husband’s secret life as a diamond thief—until his former accomplice attacks her. The danger escalates when a vengeful mobster kidnaps Chelsea’s daughter and friend, demanding the stolen diamonds in exchange for their lives. To recover the gems, Chelsea joins forces with officer Matt Reynolds, whose sister has also been abducted. As they race against tim...

If you've read How Can It Be?  and enjoyed its perspective from a worship pastor,  I Know the Feeling  by Kelli Galyean explores the perspective of a youth pastor, along with a behind-the-scenes look at a children's Christmas play. This is a great story going into the holiday season and will already have you humming along to some of the carols. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : social drinking, infidelity (not the main characters) Book Synopsis They say timing is everything. ER Nurse Maddie Reed is barely keeping her head above water at work. She certainly doesn’t have time to take over directing the children's Christmas play at church. But when the director is put on bedrest at the last minute, Maddie can’t say no. The children are counting on her! Maddie agrees to step up, prepared for the worst. Turns out “the worst” is worse than she thought. He...

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Carolyn Miller 's contemporary books, so discovering that she was going to have an Austen-themed series out made me want to read these books even more. Not Exactly Mr. Darcy is the first in The Silver Teapot series , promising us many Pride and Prejudice easter eggs through this family of five Bennett sisters (including a mother named Elizabeth) and all things Regency-related. It's the perfect blend of Carolyn's historical and contemporary romances! Many thanks to  Barbour Books  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Pride, Pemberley, and Second Chances When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall―one of England’s great houses once used ...

Am I ever thankful to  Mountain Brook Ink  for introducing me to another Canadian author who has written a book set in Canada. In preparation for an upcoming release by Terrie Todd , I was able to read the first book in the Even If series  called Even If We Cry  about the plight of British children sent to Canada as part of the child evacuee program. This insightful book has me even more excited about Terrie's follow-up book in this series called  Even If I Perish . Book Synopsis Nina’s one task is to keep her family together while a world war threatens to rip them apart. Warned they “mustn’t cry,” British teenager Nina Gabriel and her two young siblings board a ship bound for Canada as part of the WWII child evacuee program in 1940. Nina’s mischievous brother and seasick sister test her limits on the long voyage—but her burden of responsibility grows still heavier in Canada. Determined to fulfill her promise to her parents, Nina battles to keep the siblings tog...

This is the fall of sequels and I'm all here for it! Anywhere is the next book in the Mayberry University series by Kristina Welch and it's a fun return to Bible college with the Mayberry crew. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : While Anywhere could be read as a standalone, this is a heads up that there is a lot of terminology that is dependent on the previous book, especially around the university itself with all of the lingo and the nicknames for the characters. There are also mentions of sex outside marriage, though not in detail. Book Synopsis One frenetic runner. One compulsive helper. A collision they can’t seem to stop— And a God who won’t follow their lead. Always singing Sophie Appel has a system: stay busy, feel later. Austin Scott is the strong and swoony golden retriever of Mayberry University—but lately, it’s all fetch and no naps. Total opp...

Each time I read another book in the Christmas in Garland series , I'm blown away by the imaginative stories and retellings that A.M. Heath offers to readers. Journey to Christmas is the sixth book in this series and is loosely based off Shrek, involving a fun Christmastime road trip adventure. If you've seen Shrek, you'll quickly spot the parallels between some of the names and movie characters 😀 Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Love wasn’t on the map … but a little detour never hurt anyone. Desperate to prove that moving home won’t ruin her social media popularity, Felicity Pruitt is preparing for what she hopes will be a successful rebrand. Her content calendar is organized with charming, small-town events, and she’s even lined up a new on-screen boyfriend to increase viewership. There’s just one problem … she’s falling in love with the wrong guy. Shane Ab...

With Christmas coming in just a few months, it's the perfect opportunity to read the new Reluctant Romantics series by historical and now contemporary author, Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht . Terms and Traditions introduces us to an unconventional office romance, church friends, and a family gathering that could rival the Addams family over the holidays. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Fake dating my millionaire boss was not on my Christmas list, but I’m not complaining. Stephanie: I’ve kept my crush on Nash Prescott under wraps for two years. We might be friends, but I’m still his PA. Until that fatal office Christmas party when my frayed emotions had me opening my big mouth and asking Nash to spend the holidays with me at my dysfunctional family’s cabin… as my fake boyfriend. I’m not sure what’s more surprising—that I didn’t pass out when I asked or the fact he said yes. ...

Having read a number of books on racial justice recently, there is one that stands out as having such a compelling message for Christians accompanied with thorough research that I am still thinking about it. When you examine this topic at its core, it's not meant to be a political or a controversial issue, and I'm saddened when that has become the case. At the end of the day, it's a human issue and it speaks to how Christians can best love their neighbours. Racial Justice for the Long Haul by Christine Jeske moves beyond rhetoric and headlines to what matters most—the voice and dignity imbued in God's highest creation. This book releases on January 6, 2026. Many thanks to  IVP Academic  and  NetGalley  for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Enduring Hope: Ethnographic Insights into Long-Term Racial Justice Advocacy Many White Christians feel convicted when they hear of racial injustice but ar...

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by  Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping, removal of clothing (not main characters) Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a ...

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...

I am in such awe of the time and dedication that authors take to produce engaging and informative children's books. Ryan and Selena Frederick are parents and writers who have created the brilliant Atom & Iota series and it's an outstanding collection of books that desires to introduce children to the "wonder of God—through story." If you have the opportunity to read these books to your little ones or to pass them along, it's a wonderful way to learn about science and God at the same time. Many thanks to Theology Kids and  ICON Media Group  for providing a complimentary copy of this collection for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis Atom & Iota is new series for children with a simple goal—to make theology approachable, visual and deeply rooted in Scriptural truth, even for the youngest of minds. Atom & Iota are tiny characters with a big mission to help kids see God’s care in everything He made. Specifically designed for chil...