Are you looking for recommendations for books? Here are a few you might consider.
Pastor Gregg’s Book Recommendations
Why Grace Changes Everything – By Chuck Smith
Why Grace Changes Everything is a simple book with the simple message that it is by the grace of God that we come to faith and by that same grace that we remain by faith.
I have read and re-read this book many times and enjoy being reminded that I stand right before God not because of my works of righteousness, but because of the work of Christ on the cross. If you want to be free from the tendency of viewing your relationship with God as “if I do good deeds God will be pleased with me…” then this is the book for you. Other chapter topics include: The Door is Never Closed; A Garden Not a Factory; Free Indeed!; and Won’t They Go Wild?.
The Complete Husband – By Lou Priolo
I recently completed reading The Complete Husband for the second time (this time as part of a pre-marital counseling relationship with a young man from the church) and was impressed again with how excellent this book is. While reading and meditating on the book, I found it to be filled with practical ways to implement God’s word into your married relationship. The subtitle of Lou Priolo’s book is “A Practical Guide to Biblical Husbanding” and it couldn’t be more aptly named. Its pages are filled with Scripture that is explained in a clear and understandable manner and without hesitation I would call this the best book I have ever read on what the scripture teaches on being a husband of God. Its chapters are short (10-15 pages) and give you plenty of meat to chew on for a week or so at a time. You will also gain a lot by working through the end of the chapter activities that Priolo offers for you to apply what you are learning. You will be blessed by reading this book and your marriage will be strengthened by applying the truths you learn within.
The Man God Uses – By Henry Blackaby
Many may be familiar with the author (renown for the excellent work and study book – Experiencing God), but not as familar with this small book. I have read and re-read this book many times and have been blown away by the simplicity and profundity of its message. This simply written book will challenge you to grow in faith and trust in your loving Savior. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.Great Father’s Day gift as well.
The Great Physician – By G. Campbell Morgan
A challenging read, but divided into short (6-8 page) chapters looking at everyone of Jesus’ interactions with people (large and small) in the gospels. Take your time with this one and you will be blessed for having done so.
Carrie Turansky’s Christian Fiction Recommendations
William Henry is A Fine Name – By Cathy Gohlke
Thirteen-year-old Robert was raised in a family divided on the issue of slavery. As he grows up he must decide where he stands and what he will do about it. Through the actions of his best friend William, (the son of a freed slave) time spent in the south with his grandfather, and seeing the affects of slavery, Robert decides to become involved with the Underground Railroad. Cathy Gohlke’s first novel is a beautifully written and powerful story that can be enjoyed by mature teens and adults. The characters and events are so moving they will stay with you long after you finish the book. 250 pages from Moody.
Coldwater Revival – by Nancy Jo Jenkins
Nancy Jo Jenkins is a gifted author who has written a beautiful novel. Set in the 1920’s, “Coldwater Revival” is a coming of age story about a girl who grew up long before her time in a hard-working Texas family. Jenkins digs deep into her characters’ emotions and the protagonist, Emma Grace, is as sympathetic as any character can get. There are moments in the story when Emma Grace will move readers to tears as she fights to overcome burdens set on her heart when she was only a young girl. And after following Emma Grace’s long journey, readers will cheer as she opens her heart to the future and steps into womanhood. Readers will be moved by the satisfying ending of the book and will be refreshed by the lovely southern voice of the author. In spiritual fiction, Nancy Jo Jenkins’ style is a rarity and readers will appreciate the skillful talent of this debut novelist. 320 pages from River Oak/Cook.
The Redemption Series: Redemption, Remember, Return, Rejoice, Reunion – By Karen Kingsbury.
In Redemption, when Kari Baxter Jacobs discovers that her husband has been involved in an adulterous relationship and wants a divorce, she decides she will love him and remain faithful to her marriage at all costs. Can God redeem these broken hearts—and create a real love story? Includes discussion questions for personal reflection or reading groups. 300 pages from Tyndale. Also by Karen Kingsbury: One Tuesday Morning and Beyond Tuesday Morning.
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda NicholsWhen Mary Bridget Washburn flees her life of desperation in the Virginia hills, she starts anew in bustling Alexandria. There she meets Alasdair MacPherson, a widowed pastor with three young children, and longs to bring happiness to his troubled family. But has she fallen too far from grace to be able to pass it on? 352 pages from Bethany. Also by Linda Nicholas: If I Gained the World and In Search of Eden.
The Guy I’m Not Dating – By Trish Perry
Kara Richardson has had one breakup too many. So she’s determined to stick to her vow of “friendships” only—until she meets handsome Gabe Paolino. Can a strange elderly aunt, a bevy of matchmakers, an overcrowded road trip—and God—show Kara that the guy she’s not dating is the best boyfriend she’s ever had? 325 pages from Harvest. Also by Trish Perry: Too Good to be True.
No Legal Grounds – By James Scott Bell
How far will a man go to protect his family? Attorney Sam Trask will go farther than he ever dreamed, even in his worst nightmare. Because his worst nightmare is about to come true. At age forty-seven, attorney Sam Trask finally seems to have his life in order. The dark years of too much drinking and all-consuming ambition have given way to Christian faith. His marriage is strong again. Everything seems finally on the right track. Then a voice from the past comes back to say hello. 352 Pages from Zondervan. Also by James Scott Bell: Breach of Promise and Presumed Guilty.
Waiting For Summer’s Return – By Kim Sawyer
After losing her husband and children to typhoid, Summer Steadman moves to the Mennonite community of Gaeddert, Kansas, to be near their graves. Widower Peter Ollenberger hires her to teach his son, in spite of censure for helping an “outsider.” Will Peter marry Summer just to give his boy a mother—or does he really love her? 352 pages from Bethany. Also from Kim Sawyer: Where the Willow Grows and Bygones.
Freefall – By Kristen Heitzmann
A victim of amnesia—and maybe worse—”Jade” can’t remember how she came to Kauai, Hawaii, or even what her real name is. She has only a vague sensation of danger. Enlisting the help of a cynical-but-talented investigator, Cameron Pierce, she seeks answers. But will recovered memories bring healing—or more trouble? 416 pages from Bethany. Also by Kristen Heitzmann: Halos, Secrets, Unforgotten, Still of Night and A Rush of Wings.
Fair Game – Elizabeth White
Jana Cutrere’s Mississippi homecoming is anything but dull. Before she’s even reached town, the beautiful young widow hits a stray cow, loses her son in the woods, rescues an injured fawn, and comes face-to-face with her high school crush, Grant Gonzales. Will this journey end in red-faced regret—or rekindled romance? 352 pages, softcover from Zondervan. Also by Elizabeth White: Fireworks.
The Note – By Angela Hunt
En route from LaGuardia Airport to Tampa International, Flight 848 bursts into flames and crashes into Tampa Bay. All 261 passengers and crew are killed. For one week, newspaper columnist Peyton MacGruder and her fellow reporters cover one of the worst air disasters in years with overwhelming and numbed emotions.Then a woman Peyton has never met gives her a plastic bag that has washed up behind her house. The bag contains a note, almost certainly from the doomed flight, with a simple yet wrenching message: T- I love you. All is forgiven. –Dad. 400 pages from Thomas Nelson. Also From Angela Hunt: Unspoken and Canopy.