Top 20 Christian Books Read in 2025

The observant among you will notice that I've doubled the number of books I'm recommending this year. The reason is a little sad; during 2025 I felt compelled to delete my Goodreads profile where I regularly reviewed books and was building a following for my own books. A fellow author decided to give all of my books a 1 star rating significantly reducing my rankings on both Goodreads and Amazon as they are linked. I attempted to resolve this by contacting Goodreads only for them to refuse to remove the ratings and then cut off communication with me. I decided I didn't need the stress. 

Unfortunately, my record of reading and reviewing is lost therefore I'm relying on my failing memory!

All of the books here are now on my bookshelf to be kept which means I rated them 4 or 5 stars out of 5. They are in no particular order:

1. Amazon Task Force by Peter Dixon (1984)- Medical and humanitarian mission in the Peruvian Andes of South America.

2. Mud, Bullets and Open Roads by David Robinson (2024)- 50 years of missionary service in Central Thailand, Cambodia and the UK.

3. The Condor of the Jungle by C. Peter Wagner/Joseph S McCullough (1966)- The story of Wally Herron, a man with a vision serving the people of Bolivia in disease infested jungles and amongst lepers.

4. Breath of Life by Patricia St John (1971)- The story of the Ruanda Mission.

5. Mission to the Headhunters by Frank and Marie Drown (2002)- Missionaries in Equador for 37 years witnessing huge changes as they reached the Indians with the Gospel.

6. Letters from the South Seas by Margaret Paton (1894 under a different title)- Author is the second wife of John G Paton missionary to the New Hebrides 1860s-1890s.

7. Triumph in Death by F Graeme Smith (1987)- The Story of the Malagasy Martyrs persecuted for their faith is a good reminder of God's faithfulness in times of trial.

8. A London Sparrow by Phyllis Thompson (2020)- The story of Gladys Aylward, missionary to China.

9. Star Over Gobi by Cecil Northcott (1957)- The story of Mildred Cable's adventures across the Gobi desert.

10. Soaring on Broken Wings by Kathy Bartalsky (1992)- A story of triumph in tragedy and faith made strong through the fires of suffering.

11. The Cross and the Swastika by F.T.Grossmith (1984)- A fascinating account of some of Hitler's men  and their last months in Nuremberg. This book looks at the impact of an unknown US army chaplain, Major Henry Gerecke.

12. I Am David by Anne Holm (1965)- David is 12 when he escapes from a concentration camp in Eastern Europe. This is his inspiring story and search for freedom (fiction)

13. Hidden Sorrow, Lasting Joy by Anneke Companjen (2000 Open Doors)- Important book about the women of the suffering church based on testimonies from the field.

14. Women Who Risk by Tom and Joann Doyle (2021)- Secret agents for Jesus in the Muslim world. Real life stories from Saudi Arabia, Syria, the Gaza Strip and other hot spots.

15. Steps Into the City by Edwin R Orton (2006)- The founding of the Birmingham City Mission.

16. Katharina and Martin Luther by Michelle DeRusha (2017)- The radical marriage of a runaway nun and a renegade monk.

17. As White As Snow by Noel Davidson (2005)-The fantastic deliverance of Debbie Forrest, a desperate drug addict.

18. My Sunflower Girl by Dyran Williams (2019)- Loss, grief and glory. A profoundly moving testimony to God's presence with his people in their darkest hours.

19. Voices of Hope by Fiona Fallon (2016)- The continued story of how the lives of young women are being changed at Hope House, Teen Challenge.

20. Inspired by Simon Guillebaud (2025)- Stories of risk taking, adventure and God's faithfulness. Eight individuals and their modern-day missionary stories.

Happy reading in 2026!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2024

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2024. For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021/22 and 2023 selections. 

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title links. 

1.  Imprisoned with ISIS- I received this book for free after watching the Artless Theatre Company perform "If Prison Walls Could Speak" which tells the true story of a Czech pastor imprisoned for his faith.

2.    Unexceptional- A series of short true stories about women serving God in various ministry roles and in community. Includes testimonies from 20 Schemes in Scotland.

3.   Startling Beauty- True story of the horrors of rape and one woman's faith in the midst of great suffering.

4.     Hell's Best Kept Secret- Ray Comfort's perhaps most famous book explaining why churches are full of false converts when we present the Gospel before people are convicted of sin through the moral law.

5.   The Real Baptism of the Holy Spirit- Sensible reminder of the Bible's actual teaching in areas including the charismatic sign gifts and general Christian living.

6.     The Seed Must Die- A short story of Christian love in action in occupied Korea. Very moving.

7.     Overcoming Walls to Witnessing- Brilliant little book dealing with fear and encouraging evangelism

8.     On the Beaten Track- Inspirational stories from the first 100 years of the Open-Air Mission

9.   What Love is This?- My most controversial choice and one of the longest books I've ploughed through. Dave Hunt explains how Calvinism misrepresents God.

10.     Commandos for Christ- Crazy and astonishing missionary adventures in the jungles of Bolivia.

I hope you find something worth reading in 2025. 

Happy New Year and happy reading!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2023

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2023. For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021/22 selections.

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title links.

1. Miracle at Tenwek: The Life of Dr Ernie Steury - It's always exciting to find a lesser known biography that's worth passing on to others. I loved this story from Kenya as Dr Steury combines medical work with mission and ensures the Gospel remains the priority.

2. A Rabbi looks at the Last Days: Surprising Insights on Israel, the End Times and Popular Misconceptions - This is a thorough and well researched presentation of the Zionist position based on Scripture. It is worth reading even if you don't agree with the author.

3. Surviving the Gunman - It's difficult to find Christian police officers these days and even more difficult to find those willing to write about their work in conjunction with their faith. This book was a gem but may be difficult to get hold of!

4. Out of the Deep: Devastated by Drugs, Delivered by God - This story of three brothers raised in a  Christian family who somehow end up addicted to heroin is tragic but the title offers hope. A motivator if ever there was one to never give up and keep praying for those who seem impossible to reach. 

5. The Visitation - Frank Peretti is a bit like Marmite in Christian circles; you either love him or you hate him, as a writer. I think understanding what he is trying to convey made this book more enjoyable and made me more conscious of the spiritual battle. That said, his books aren't for the faint hearted and some of them are terrible!

6. Julie - Coming of age drama with a back story about corporate greed. I loved this book for the story as it was unique and well crafted. 

7. Rebel with a Cause - I was curious about the son of the late Billy Graham. This book was a surprise as the author reveals a true evangelistic zeal underpinning both his life and the Samaritan's Purse organisation.

8. Seeing the Invisible - A compilation of short biographies about lesser known individuals who left their mark. I've not always found Faith Cook's books that enjoyable with a little too much emphasis on the facts over the story, but this book is an exception.

9. Song of Redemption - Fictionalised version of part of the biblical story of King Hezekiah. This was violent in places but really brings the story to life in a helpful and challenging way. This book is the second in the series.

10. Canopy of Darkness - Brilliant. Contemporary missionary biography dealing with the complexities of bringing the Gospel to tribal people in Papua New Guinea. This book needs a wider audience as it's full of amazing stories from the field.

I hope you can find something worth reading in 2024 as you look over my lists. 

Happy New Year!

Top 15 Christian Books Read in 2021/2022

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2021/2022. For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 selections.

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. 

1. Forgive Me Natasha- For those who enjoy dramatic stories of conversion, this autobiography documents the life of a Communist Youth leader turned Christian in Russia. 

2. To The Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson- The life of this well-known missionary despite his many setbacks and trials is always an inspiration.

3. The Demon Gods of Thorny River- Superstition and ancestral worship run rampant in this short account dealing with the dangers of the Occult. Lessons can be learned and warnings adhered to.

 

4. Green Leaf in Drought- Probably the only Isobel Kuhn book that hasn't been a disappointment. This short account deals with a family trapped in China and expelled as "foreign devils" during the rebellion.

 

5. No Greater Love- Perhaps my most controversial choice but it provides a more balanced view on the doctrine of God's sovereignty vs man's responsibility.

 

6. The Guiding Hand- Another book dealing with persecution in China but this one is autobiographical.

 

7. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire- Definitely not what I was expecting. Slightly on the charismatic side but with a focus on prayer.

 

8. How To Win Souls and Influence People- Evangelistic experience and advice from someone I have a lot of time for, Ray Comfort.

 

9. The Least, The Last and The Lost- This book can come across as a rant if you don't first listen to, or read, the testimony of the author and understand that it's more born of frustration that the evangelical church isn't doing more to reach those living in deprived communities.

 

10. Look, No Hands!- Heart-breaking tale of Brian Gault born with deformities due to the Thalidomide drug. However, Brian gains a new perspective when he becomes a Christian.

11. Called To Go- The impossibilities of missionary work and one lady's attempts to hurdle them, in God's strength, in the jungles of the Amazon.

12. My Beloved Russia: A Story of God's Love for a Persecuted People- For the historians, this tale of growing up in Russia from the perspective of a Christian looking back is probably unique.

13. Out Of The Black Shadows- Best autobiographical account I've read for quite a while. Gang member Stephen Lungu is dramatically converted. His terrible childhood may upset some readers.

14. Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan- This was a marathon but well worth reading. It will encourage you not to choose the broad path but to stay on the narrow that leads to life.

15. Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song- I'm aware these Trail Blazers books are for teens but I learned a lot about this famous poet and hymn writer. 

 

So, that's my list for 2021/2022. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at for 2023. Happy reading!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2020

 

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2020. My Goodreads Challenge lists 140 books. I read a lot more secular books than usual especially during the second part of the year largely due to finding them free locally and being at home a lot due to Covid-19.

For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 selections.

You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. 

1. Living Stones of the Himalayas- The third in the trilogy by an American missionary surgeon in Nepal. These are funny and real.

2. 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You- I remember this giving me a shock earlier in the year but then I promptly forgot its warnings and carried on as before....It seems to be virtually impossible to separate ourselves from the technology that we have become reliant on.

3. The Victor- Much loved children's author Patricia St John shines in this lesser known tale of forgiveness.

4. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe- A classic and well worth a re-read. Surely everyone has now heard about the Chronicles of Narnia, if only people thought about the spiritual side of things too.

5. Tony- Little known auto-biography by a man who came to faith from a background of drink but was then lured by false promises of healing when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

6. John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace- Well researched biography about this slave trader turned Christian minister.

7. Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England- I don't always get on that well with Faith Cook's writing style, but this is well written and an eye opener for the Ecumenical movement.

8. Born Again- Every Christian will know this story about the dramatic fall from grace of prominent politician Charles Colson and how he found faith in the midst of his trial.

9. No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green- This has to feature as it had such a big impact on me as a young Christian. The tragic story of Keith Green who lost his life at 29 told through the eyes of his wife.

10. Singing Through the Night- Eye opening stories about the persecuted church.

So, that's my list for 2020. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at for 2021. Happy reading!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2019

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2019. My Goodreads 2019 Challenge lists 77 books. I can't answer why it is exactly the same as last year, more by luck than judgement.

For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016, 2017 and 2018 selections.

I have now given up trying to cover a range of genres and sub-genres and accepted that I read a lot more biographies, especially by or about missionaries, than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.

The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2019.

1. Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story- I was surprised that I enjoyed this book more than Joni's first book about her diving accident. I can just see so many circumstances where this book will be helpful for Christians in gaining perspective in the midst of difficult circumstances. 

2. Spiritual Depression- I was amused to re-read my review of this, apologies for the brevity. I liked how practical this book was despite it being written a while ago. Every Christian struggles with a lack of joy at some point. This book helps to refocus the mind and heart.

3. Ice and Fire- Another book on discouragement, which needs to be included as it's up to date and contains examples of men and women of God who can inspire us to persevere in the race. I read this after a long Summer of beach missions when the excitement and fellow evangelists had disappeared back to their local work. It helped combat the "post camp blues".

4. Our Witchdoctors are too Weak- This was really funny, at least I thought so. It's also pretty unique as modern missionary biographies tend to focus on the spiritual emotions of the author rather than the practical side of missionary life. This author examines missionary life from the perspective of the tribes people when Westerners appear in their midst. Granted, at times he takes it too far and borders on the ridiculous and you really have to share his sense of humour to get this book.

5. John Williams: Messenger of Peace- This is in the Christian Heroes: Then & Now series. They are written for teens and adults. This is worth reading just for the story that I've quoted in my review. Williams approaches what he thinks is an unevangelised island in Polynesia only to find the natives have already heard the Gospel via a chain of Chinese whispers that originated with him decades earlier!

6. The Doulos Story- This was a blast from the past. I read it originally whilst serving on the Logos Hope, a sister ship to Doulos. It is a good reminder of the ups and downs of life as a volunteer, in a Christian community, whilst serving in various foreign countries.

7. Abide- More of a booklet than a book. Explains why a daily quiet or devotional time is necessary for spiritual growth.

8. Troubled Journey: A Missionary Childhood in War-Torn China- I've included this for the unique perspective it offers. Children were often sent away from parents for years or sent home to their country of origin for schooling. This painfully honest account by well-known author Faith Cook reveals the lasting damage.

9. Missing, Believed Killed- Life for missionaries during the Simba rebellion in the Congo. Margaret Hayes relays the various atrocities without sensationalism and keeps trusting God throughout her ordeal.

10. On the Far Side of Liglig Mountain- I like this author who works as a missionary doctor in the mountains of Nepal. I included his first book, Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees, in last year's list. I'm currently reading the final book of the trilogy. Hale simply tells stories from the field, many are about the remote hospital where he works. He doesn't hold back, revealing both the joys and sorrows and the small spiritual breakthroughs in a country where it is illegal to evangelise and to change faith from the national Hindu religion.

So, that's my list for 2019. Hopefully, you find something on it worth looking at in 2020. Happy reading!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2018

It’s time for my (belated) Christian book recommendations for 2018. My Goodreads 2018 Challenge lists 77 books. I missed my target of 100 by a long way due to other things going on...beach missions, open air missions, moving house, job and area etc.

For those that missed them, you can also see my 2016 and 2017 selections.

In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries), than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.

The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2018.

1. The Hiding Place- Every Christian should read this book about the determined efforts of one family to harbour Jewish refugees during the Nazi occupation. This is probably one of my favourite books. 

2. Through Gates of Splendor- Possibly the most well known missionary biography of modern times. Relays the story of Jim Elliot and his companions in the Auca jungles. 

3. Heaven and Hell- Absolutely terrifying but focuses the mind on eternal realities. 

4. Don't Let the Goats Eat the Loquat Trees- Gets the award for most intriguing title but this missionary biography is also laced with humour.

5. Boy Meets Girl: Say Hello to Courtship- Apart from the cheesy title, this book is pretty good. I wasn't expecting much and am surprised to be recommending it! 

6. This Little Church Went to Market- Some much needed insights on what happens when the church becomes like the world.

7. The Pursuit of Holiness- This had to appear as no book list is complete without something by Jerry Bridges. This is one of his best.

8. Darwin and Darwinism 150 Years Later- I don't read many books about science but this was simple enough for me to follow! It provides compelling evidence to debunk the popular theory of evolution using Darwin's own statements.

9. The Pursuit: The Work of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism- This is helpful as it encourages sharing the Gospel whilst remembering that God is responsible for any success. 

10. The Gospel for Muslims: An Encouragement to Share Christ with Confidence- I particularly liked this book as the author takes the opposite approach to many engaged in this vital work. Instead of developing new methods/ways of reaching Muslims believing they somehow need a different approach, he suggests we stick to the tried and tested by beginning and ending with the truths contained in the Bible.

I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2017

It’s time for my Christian book recommendations for 2017. My Goodreads 2017 Challenge lists 150 books. I anticipate slightly surpassing this target by the 31st.

For those that missed it, you can also see my 2016 selections.

In compiling my list, I have again tried to cover a range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries,) than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing.

The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link. The books appear in the order I read them in 2017.

1. God Planted Five Seeds- A lesser known missionary biography by the wife of one of five men martyred whilst trying to reach a remote tribe in Bolivia. They were serving with New Tribes Mission. This took place thirteen years before Jim Elliot and co were also killed trying to reach the infamous Auca tribe in Ecuador.

2. Bound by Guilt- This gets my vote for Christian fiction by a lesser known author. I was gripped by the story and stayed up late to finish it! This book is the second of four books in the Thicker Than Blood series. I also read the first book, Thicker Than Blood, and plan to read books three and four in due course.

3. The Atonement Child- Controversy seems to follow popular Christian fiction writer Francine Rivers. I have been horrified by the content in several of her books, Redeeming Love and Bridge to Haven. However, I loved this realistic and sad story about a young girl who falls victim to a rapist. The story is sensitively relayed and shocking graphic details avoided.

4. Mission Possible- This missionary biography about two women serving with Wycliffe in Papua New Guinea is one of my favourite books of all time. The tragic and unnecessary death of a young boy within a short time of their arrival due to cultural practice will challenge anyone thinking about mission work.

On the missions front, I also enjoyed, When the Bamboo Sings and The Savage My Kinsman this year.

5. Agents of Babylon- A fictional narrative describing a possible end times scenario using the book of Daniel in the Bible. Each chapter gives a brief story followed by the theological explanation for the interpretation. This book helped me to understand the prophecies relating to the end times and really brought them to life. I recommend it regardless of your personal view as it will make you think. I also read, Agents of the Apocalypse, by the same author which focuses on Revelation.

6. I Am N- A contemporary account of persecution of Christians around the world, including by ISIS, from Voice of the Martyrs. I liked the combination of stories with the background, follow-up and aftermath. I have been frustrated by other popular accounts that either sensationalise with too much graphic detail, or embellish in order to sell books. The Insanity of God is one example that springs to mind.

7. Ark Fever- Most of you probably haven’t heard of this fascinating account of one man’s attempts to find Noah’s ark! It is told in a matter-of-fact, easy to read style that makes gripping reading. The conclusion is compelling; have people been searching in the wrong place?

8. There is Still Much to Do!- From the secretary of the Open Air Mission in England. This book is full of examples and conversations from the street. It is right up to date and a must read for anyone wanting to know how to get involved in evangelism. The author has also written, Why All the Suffering?, a useful resource.

9. The Parables of Jesus- MacArthur takes a fresh look at the parables explaining their relevance in the context of the Bible as a whole and seeking to apply them to our lives today. A great reminder to keep our focus on heavenly things and not to get caught up in the world.

10. Streets Paved with Gold- The history of the London City Mission. Although this book has been around for a while collecting dust, I absolutely loved it. In places, it reads like a Dickens novel as we walk with the missionaries through plagues, fires and war into the very heart of London’s poorest communities, to reach them with the love of Christ. Ending with a letter from a passer-by that should remind us that we never know who is watching!

I hope you will find some new recommendations to add to your shelves. I’ve been looking forward to reviewing my year of Christian books. Let me know your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree!

Top 10 Christian Books Read in 2016

I decided it was again time for a book related post mainly for the benefit of those who follow me on Goodreads. My Goodreads 2016 Challenge lists 164 books surpassing my goal of 150 (actually my original goal was 100 but I increased that when I realised it had become irrelevant…)

If you are interested, you can also read my previous posts about books--Reflections of an Amateur Christian Author and 10 Reasons for Writing Honest Book Reviews.

In compiling my list, I have tried to cover a wide range of genres and sub-genres which is quite tricky as I read a lot more biographies, (especially by or about missionaries,) than anything else. I prefer books with a clear Gospel message and Christian purpose in writing. The best books are those where the message does not feel “tagged on” but is a central focus of the book without it necessarily being immediately obvious to the reader—it doesn’t feel awkward but is woven into the narrative.

The majority of the books I recommend here are clean—no bad language or sexual content and limited graphic violence. Where there is slight deviation I have commented on this in my review so you should know what to expect. You can read my Goodreads reviews by clicking on the title link and purchase the books via the Amazon links. (I am not affiliated with Amazon or any of the authors so am not profiting from these recommendations in any way.) The books appear in the order I read them in 2016.

 1. Out of the Depths: An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage,and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis. I don’t read a lot of war stories but this looked unusual. The title summarises the book. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I was inspired by the author’s reliance on and trust in God in terrible circumstances. There is some graphic violence which may upset some readers. (Amazon Kindle $5.91 Paperback $8.80)
 

2. The Hidden Altar. This gets my vote for best fiction by a self-published/indie author. The book actually tells two stories in alternating chapters. One story is set in the modern church and the other several centuries ago. They describe the persecution of Christians in different eras. There are some violence and torture scenes that may bother some readers. (Amazon Kindle $2.86)

3. Counter Culture: A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture in a World ofPoverty, Same-Sex Marriage, Racism, Sex Slavery, Immigration, Abortion,Persecution, Orphans and Pornography. Again the title gives the game away here. This book was my introduction to the author David Platt. I have since read his books Radical and Follow Me and can also recommend them. In my view Platt is a better author than speaker—I tried to listen to his sermons a few times but didn’t get on with the style. Although at times tending to extremes, Platt is a necessary voice in an age of apathy about serious biblical issues. (Amazon Kindle $8.88)

4. Girl in the Song. This is the only 4-star book on my list but it bravely tackles a controversial subject in a sensitive manner so I felt it should be included. This autobiographical account reveals the dangers of becoming unequally yoked (a believer becoming involved in a romantic relationship with a non-believer) and giving in to temptation. There are some minor theological issues hence the 4 star rating. (Amazon Kindle $8.88 Paperback $13.59)

5. Edges of Truth: The Mary Weaver Story. This biography appealed to me due to my interest in criminal justice/police/prisons and the court system due to my former profession. In this case it was a miscarriage of justice. It is rare to find a book like this written by a Christian and the author has done a fantastic job in keeping the focus where it should be. (Amazon Kindle $2.46 Paperback $13.95)

6. Peace Child. Somehow, I had missed this missionary biography despite it being on all of the best seller lists in Christian circles--I only got around to reading it last year. Richardson has a gift for taking the reader with him, I’m sure he adds a certain amount of creative detail but it works albeit with some graphic violence. I also enjoyed Lords of the Earth but Peace Child was my favourite. (Amazon Kindle $5.91 Paperback $14.99)

7. Father of Faith Missions: The Life and Times of Anthony Norris Groves(1795-1853.) This lesser known missionary biography may turn out to be my all-time favourite. It could be listed in the history genre being jam-packed with stories from the field and lessons in life—well, at over 600 pages it would have to be! The author provides an interesting overview of early Brethren circles and the well-known Christian figures of the day. Indeed, on the front cover there is a tree showing how Groves is connected to all of these people in one way or another. (Amazon Paperback $19.99)

Missionary biographies that I also read in 2016 and can recommend include; Behind the Ranges: The Life Changing Story of J.O. Fraser, John G.Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides, My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma, Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman, J. Hudson Taylor: A Man in Christ and When Iron Gates Yield (I had to put them somewhere!)

8. Worship: The Ultimate Priority. Those who follow my reviews won’t be surprised to see a John MacArthur book amongst my favourites for 2016. He provides an overview of biblical worship emphasising that it is a way of life for a Christian and not just about music. This book reminded me of the greatness and majesty of God. (Amazon Kindle $7.02 Paperback $9.74)

9. The Sparrow Found a House (Sparrow Stories #1.) Outside my usual reading genre but nevertheless enjoyable, the author has written a wholesome family series dealing with a lot of issues that Christian teens and young adults will face in this generation. I read this because a friend asked me for a recommendation for her teenagers—there is a gap in the market for this type of literature. (Amazon Kindle $2.48 Paperback $9.99)

 10. Chase Away Cancer. I read a fair number of Christian biographies last year. Some authors seem to tag God on to their stories and don’t seem to be trusting Him completely. Others take a single event and try to fill the pages of a book resulting in a monotonous reading experience. Still others have theological issues that trouble me or too much charismatic experience as the focus. This book avoids all of my pet peeves and tells the compelling story of a young boy suffering from cancer and his family’s attempts to help him whilst trusting God. (Amazon Kindle $13.15 Paperback $9.71)

I hope my list provides you with some new recommendations, feel free to comment on my selection or on my reviews. Let’s keep our reading choices focused on God—how we can be inspired, grow spiritually and benefit from the life lessons of others.