“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” —Charles Spurgeon Hi friends! I hope everyone is having a marvelous summer! I’ll warn you: this is a long post. It’s a list of some of my favorite books, and I LOVE BOOKS. I love that quote by Charles Spurgeon where he says to “visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” And that’s my goal. So here’s a list of some good books you can visit—including historical fiction, biographies, other nonfiction, fantasy, and children’s picture books. I certainly didn't get every single one of the really good books I've read put on here, but I did attempt to put a good sampling together. I hope you enjoy visiting lots of good books this summer, but don’t forget to live in the Bible! So here goes, a list of some of my favorite books: Nonfiction:
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill If I were picking one favorite nonfiction book, this would be it. Corrie ten Boom was a simple watchmaker, a single woman in her fifties living with her father and sister, when WWII broke out. In Nazi-occupied Holland, she and her family risked their lives to help the Jews. Corrie was arrested, imprisoned, taken to a concentration camp, several of her family members were killed, but through it all, Corrie clung to her hope in Christ. Tramp for the Lord by Corrie ten Boom with Jamie Buckingham The sequel to The Hiding Place, this book tells the story of what Corrie ten Boom did after she was released from the concentration camp, after the war. She travelled the world, sharing her story and the message of hope in Christ. God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew with John and Elizabeth Sherrill This book tells the remarkable story of the man called “Brother Andrew.” It tells of his childhood in Holland during WWII, his time in the Dutch army, his conversion to Christianity, and then his life’s work of bringing Bibles to persecuted Christians in Communist countries and God’s hand in it. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Now considered a classic, this book was put together from a series of broadcast talks C. S. Lewis gave during WWII, covering the basics of Christianity. It’s very profound, yet easy to read; truly an excellent book. Radiant: Fifty Remarkable Women from Church History by Richard M. Hannula This is a wonderful collection of stories of Christian women from the past, including martyrs in the Roman arenas and martyrs in other eras, queens who used their position of influence for good, mothers who brought their children up in the Lord, missionary women, and other women who lived their lives surrendered to Christ. Trial and Triumph by Richard M. Hannula This collection of stories covers both men and women from all throughout church history—martyrs, missionaries, kings and queens, authors, pastors, fathers and mothers—all who lived lives of faithfulness to Christ. Will Our Generation Speak? by Grace Mally An excellent book on witnessing filled with personal stories, inspiration, and very practical help and tips, this book will encourage you to share the gospel boldly. Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally Written by three siblings, this book is funny, convicting, practical… really a great book to help you build good relationships with your siblings. Set Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy An amazing book encouraging young women (and old) to completely surrender every area of their lives to Jesus Christ. I have been very encouraged and impacted by this book! Christian Heroes: Then & Now and Heroes of History series by Janet and Geoff Benge These two series of books cover the lives of a number of heroes from history. Some of my favorites are Louis Zamperini, Amy Carmichael, C. S. Lewis, William Wilberforce, and Jacob Deshazer. Fiction: The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis Hands-down, my favorite fictional books. I’m amazed at how C. S. Lewis wrote such an imaginative children’s fantasy story, yet put so many biblical, real-life truths in them. My favorite of the seven books is The Horse and His Boy. The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis Through this book of letters written by a senior devil named Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, C. S. Lewis opens our eyes to how temptation works and how God can give us victory over temptation. It’s both an entertaining and a very serious book. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien Another classic fantasy written by C. S. Lewis’s friend J. R. R. Tolkien. I was first introduced to this fantastic book when I was thirteen and my mother read it aloud to my siblings and me. I recommend also reading The Christian World of The Hobbit by Devin Brown, a companion book that helps you see the Christian messages woven into this story. Viking Quest Series by Lois Walfrid Johnson In the late tenth century, Viking ships raided the Irish countryside, taking gold, silver, gems… and human prisoners. This hard-to-put-down historical fiction series tells the story of Bree, an Irish girl taken captive by the Vikings and made a slave and how she learns to trust in God through it. Crown and Covenant books written by Douglas Bond, illustrated by Matthew Bird This excellent historical fiction trilogy takes us back to the time of the Scottish Covenanters. Focusing on the fictional M’Kethe family, this book also weaves in some real historical characters and is packed full of historical details and biblical truths. Faith and Freedom books by Douglas Bond Sequel to the Crown and Covenant books, this trilogy follows later generations of the M’Kethe family in colonial America during the French and Indian War, in Scotland during the Jacobite Rebellion, and in America and France during the American Revolution. Heroes & History Series by Douglas Bond Another excellent series by Douglas Bond, these books can also each be read as a stand-alone novel. The books include Hostage Lands, an intriguing story set in the Roman era following a Roman centurion and a Celt who is a Christian, Hand of Vengeance, an extremely hard-to-put-down story about Cynwulf, shunned by the other members of the Anglo-Saxon community for being half Viking, and what happens when his battle-axe is found in a dead man’s skull, Hammer of the Huguenots, set in France during the time of the Reformation, this book tells of the struggles faced by the French Protestants told through the eyes of a young shipwright’s apprentice, who through most of the book is not quite sure what he believes, and The Battle of Seattle, following the real historical character, William Tidds, his role in the Indian War, the equally real Indian Charlie Salitat, and other figures from Pacific Northwest history. War in the Wasteland by Douglas Bond Yet another good historical fiction book by Douglas Bond, this one’s set in World War 1 and follows Nigel Hopkins, a Private in the British army under the command of 2nd Lieutenant C. S. Lewis, and Elsie Fleming, a young nurse in the WAAC. Fans of C. S. Lewis (like myself) will recognize much of the dialogue as coming from C. S. Lewis’s writings. The Resistance by Douglas Bond This was the eleventh book by Douglas Bond I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed the other ones I read and was not a bit disappointed with his one. Action-packed from beginning to end, this book follows American pilot Eli Evans, and his navigator, Charlie Tucker (he’s my favorite character; I love how he quotes Scripture so much), as they try to evade the Nazis in France after their plane crashes and meet British SOE Agent Garrett, French Resistance sympathizer Aimee, and other members of the French Resistance. The characters listen to broadcast talks by C. S. Lewis, heard as they listen for coded messages from the BBC. Twice Freed by Patricia M. St. John Historical fiction about Onesimus, the slave whom the Apostle Paul wrote about in the book of Philemon in the Bible. Onesimus hates his master, Philemon, and his master’s son, Archippus, eventually stealing money and running away. But then he meets the Apostle Paul, puts his faith in Jesus Christ and everything changes. From the Dark to the Dawn by Alicia A. Willis I’ve read many good books, but I don’t know if I’ve ever read another fictional book that is as Christ-centered as this historical fiction novel set in the first century Rome. Philip is a Briton taken captive by the Romans and made a slave. He resents his hard young master, Marcus, and lives for the day when he will be free and get his revenge on Rome. Then he becomes a Christian. After giving his life to Christ, he begins the hard task of forgiving and showing respect to Marcus, who is determined to crush his newfound faith. It’s a beautiful story of forgiveness and the power of the gospel. Grace Triumphant by Alicia A. Willis Another very good book by the same author as From the Dark to the Dawn, this one is set in the late 1700’s. Jack Dunbar was forced to join the British Navy and later is made a cabin boy on a slave ship commanded by the hardened Captain Russell. Through many hardships, Jack sticks to his convictions and tries to shine the light of Christ to his captain and the crew on the ship. Along with the fictional characters, this book also brings in the historical figures William Wilberforce and John Newton. Titus, A Comrade of the Cross by Florence M. Kingsley Written in the late 1800’s this book tells the story of the thieves who were crucified alongside Jesus. The Cross Triumphant by Florence M. Kingsley Also written in the late 1800’s and set in the first century A. D., this book follows Phannias, a young Jew who has always tried to keep the Law, but has failed. Covering the turbulent times leading up to the fall of Jerusalem and the fall of the Temple itself, this is a story that eventually shows how salvation is found in the cross of Jesus Christ alone. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare In Galilee, the time when Jesus walked the earth, a young Jew named Daniel hates the Romans and wants revenge on them for what they have done to his family. But when he listens to what Jesus teaches, he hears a very different message. Hittite Warrior by Joanne Williamson Biblical fiction set during the time of the Judges, specifically Barak and Deborah, this book centers on a young Hittite named Uriah, who, after the death of his father, and after he helps rescue a little boy from being sacrificed to the pagan god Molech, finds himself in one dangerous situation after another. God King by Joanne Williamson Taharka was the son of the Pharaoh, but everyone was surprised when Pharaoh named him the next ruler of Egypt instead of his older brother, and there are those who do not like him. He ends up being forced to run for his life and finds an unlikely friend in the Hebrew prophet Amos. Alone, Yet Not Alone by Tracy Leninger Craven The amazing true story of Barbara and Regina Leninger and their famliy. They came over to America from Germany, and during the time of the French and Indian War, Barbara and Regina were captured by hostile Indians and separated. But they clung to their hope in Christ knowing that they were "alone yet not alone," because He was with them. Traiven’s Pass by Jessica Marinos A wonderful, well-written fantasy set in an imaginary kingdom where the Truth has been pushed aside and the rightful king is missing. Lydia’s world is turned upside down when her father is killed and she is made a servant, but she desperately clings to the truth. Galen had never left the obscure little village he grew up in until news of a tournament seems to him the opportunity to prove himself to his father, and he sets out on a journey which challenges himself and his beliefs. Kestrel’s Midnight Song by J. R. Parker Another wonderful fantasy set in an imaginary medieval world, this book follows a young shepherd boy named Micah who is sent on a journey to bring his sheep to the Gable kingdom castle. Why, he’s not sure. An intriguing story filled with Marauders, a giant, and strange birds, this story about a shepherd boy also points us to the Good Shepherd, Jesus. Children’s picture books: The Dog Who Flew written and illustrated by Samantha McCrary I don’t think I’m just being biased because it happens to be my sister who wrote and illustrated this book—it really is a good book! Good writing, a good length to read aloud in one sitting, and great illustrations. Based on real events, this book tells the story of Wilson, a spunky Siberian Husky who becomes a rescue dog during WWII. The Pastel Pets of Ms. Patty Pummill written by Rick Mansfield, illustrated by Grace Obenhaus A delightful book about a girl, who because of family hardships, finds herself living with her grandmother in an old house in an old town, with no friends. I like the Bible-based lessons and Scripture verses woven into this story. The watercolor illustrations are simply delightful (and I’m not just saying that because it was a dear friend of mine who illustrated it; they really are lovely!). A Visit to Oaklenbrooke Farm written by Aleigha Israel, illustrated by Mariposa Aristeo This short and sweet rhyming story is about a brother and sister visiting a farm and all the interesting animals they see there. It makes an excellent read-aloud for young children, and I love the illustrations! Trusty the Train series written by Mark and Debbie Hamby, illustrated by Jennifer Brandon Some of the best children’s books I’ve seen, these rhyming stories teach Scriptural lessons through the adventures of a train named Trusty. I love the writing style, the messages, and the excellent illustrations! The Princess and the Kiss and The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop Two very good books, one geared towards girls, and one toward boys, teaching about purity and honor in an allegorical, age-appropriate way through stories set in a medieval kingdom. God’s Very Good Idea written by Trillia J. Newbell, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri A very good book for even very young children about God’s very good idea: to make people who will enjoy loving God and loving each other. People ruined God’s idea, but God rescued it by sending Jesus, and one day, He’ll come back again. Very good writing and very good illustrations! The Friend Who Forgives written by Dan Dewitt, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri Great storybook about how Peter failed and Jesus forgave, showing us how, even though we fail, God never fails us and always forgives. Illustrated by the same illustrator as God’s Very Good Idea, the pictures in this book are also delightful. Well, always remember, "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it," (1 Thess. 5:24). All for Him, Savannah Jane
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Hi! I'm Savannah Jane...I'm the author of several books for children and young adults with a passion to encourage young people to live for Jesus. The third born in an amazing family of seven children, I was homeschooled all the way through. This is where I share encouragement for Christian girls, updates about my books, writing tips, book and movie reviews, and assorted other tidbits. Archives
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Quote"When I try, I fail. When I trust, He succeeds."
-Corrie ten Boom I'm on GoodReadsFollow my family's writing, illustrating, and publishing business/ministry.Follow my blog on Bloglovin' |