Book reviews in 2024

A fine, hard-hitting series of messages on 1 Corinthians from the founder of the Message Trust

Moving and beautiful book in which the author shares her own journey following her husband's diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease and subsequent death; written for those who are grieving

A Year with Michael Green, edited by Stephen Poxon

Stimulating and recommended daily devotional anchored in the saving purpose of God through Jesus to develop prayerful reflection and quiet thought

Activating the Voice of God in Your Home by Matt Holman

'Great resource for families and those who lead children and youth ministries; full of practical suggestions for activating the voice of God'

Clever Cub and the Case of the Worries by Bob Hartman

'One is a good, age-appropriate and attractive for young children about worrying; the other is somewhat problematic because it uses the complex story Esther to guard against lying'

Clever Cub Forgives a Friend, and Invites Someone New, by Bob Hartman

Latest titles in series which takes the world of the child seriously and then tries to choose appropriate stories from the Bible to address their experiences - relevant and readable

Deepening your walk with Jesus

John Mark Comer's new book is “a summary and synthesis of ancient Christian orthodoxy” for a 21st-century audience, which works hard to make following Jesus practical and accessible in our modern day, writes Chris Goswami

God Never Gives up on you by Max Lucado

If you like Max Lucado’s style, you will enjoy this book tracking the life of Jacob – if he is unfamiliar to you, it is a good place to start

God’s Not Like That by Bryan Clark

Clark writes about how families influence views of God and contains much common sense - but does not address non traditional family situations in any depth

Heroes or Villains by Jeannie Kendall

'A gem of a book, thoughtfully and insightfully exploring the qualities we share with Bible characters'

Hold On, Let Go by Malcolm Doney and Martin Wroe

'Sometimes I have longed for a book of readings that is different and yet fits into where I am, giving me perspectives on faith from another angle, relevant to life today, and how God fits in - and this is one'

Island in the Sun: Growing Up in Jamaica 1948-1954 by Monica Carly

'Fascinating account by the daughter of a Baptist minister invited to lead a theological college in Jamaica when she was a teenager'

Lent with the Beloved Disciple by Michael Marshall

'A helpful book for the Lent season, enabling us to look afresh at the events which lie at the heart of our faith'

Letting Photos Speak: Visio Divina and Other Approaches to Contemplative Photography

'The simple but profound definitions and practical examples and exercises make this an accessible book – in this sense everyone can be a contemplative photographer'

Living Well with God by Jo Acharya

'An excellent and much needed volume for those with learning/conceptual difficulties - an often neglected yet very important section of our congregations'

Lydia by Paula Gooder

'Thoroughly recommended, not just as a historical novel, but also as a useful reference book kept close to the regularly-used commentaries'

My Big Story Bible by Tom Wright

'Wright is retelling the stories in an accessible way in something closer to the whole Bible, with his inclusions of the books of the prophets and the New Testament letters'

Pastoral Care in Practice by Michael Hopkins

'An excellent guide to pastoral care - should stimulate both the deepening of the church’s fellowship and enhance corporate and individual evangelism'

Poverty, Riches and Wealth by Kris Vallotton

A book which makes you think with sections you might disagree with - but the golden thread that you are wealthy in proportion to your generosity, not according to your riches - is an excellent, Biblical principle