Hello Friends! Several new books have come out this summer (or will come out soon). I’ve read advance copies of all of these books and reviewed them with an eye for use for Christian formation in groups or individual spiritual formation. Click the titles for more information about prices and other details.
This month’s list includes both fiction and non-fiction. It’s all about story, and fiction about faith can often spark discussion that’s deeply engaging and thought provoking.
Non-Fiction:
Empty Nest, Full Life: Discovering God’s Best for Your Next by Jill Savage: This book offered excellent advice for new Empty-Nesters. The author covers a number of relevant topics, including new friendships, new relationships with children, new interests and activities, marriage, and sex during the Empty Nesting years. This would be a great book for adult Bible studies or small groups geared towards the late forties and fifties age range.
Completing Project Me by Matthew A. Thomas: This book included lots of stories of the author’s life and ministry, with lots of reference to the scriptures. This is a well written book. It would mostly appeal to an older audience. Recommended for adult formation groups.
Coming in September…
Following Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen. This book covers general Christian concepts and would be good for confirmation classes or adults new to the faith.
Fiction:
The Prayer Shawl Chronicles: Stories of Unlikely Connections & Unexpected Gifts by Cynthia Coe. I’m very biased, but my husband says this is the best thing I’ve written. Set in an Episcopal parish in Tennessee, prayer shawls donated anonymously end up in different continents, spark new romances, and heal the wounded, and shelter the homeless. Recommended for Episcopal adult formation, book, or prayer shawl groups.
The Vagabond Vicar by Charlotte Brentwood. An absolutely charming book! Fans of Jane Austen will love this sweet novel about a young Church of England clergyman who planned to pursue ministry in exotic locales overseas but finds himself sent to a sleepy village in remote England. The love interest is a feisty young girl who cannot seem to stick with her mother’s program of marrying her off to a local aristocrat. Beautifully written, charming characters and setting, a delightful read.
Have a Blessed Summer! Cindy
Cynthia Coe is the author of the newly published book, The Prayer Shawl Chronicles: Stories of Unlikely Connections & Unexpected Gifts. Available in paperback and e-book editions, included in Kindle Unlimited.
Sycamore Cove 