New Christian books

To buy any of the following books, check out a local Christian Bookstore near you – Click here

This list is supplied by Denise Ramsay at House of James Bookstore in Abbotsford, BC

Non Fiction:

Familiar Stranger

by Tyler Staton

Thomas Nelson

(Re)Introducing the Holy Spirit to Those in Search of an Experiential Spirituality

Christians today are hungry for authentic spiritual experiences, yet all too often they don’t have the knowledge of or relationship with the Holy Spirit that is the key to a fully alive spirituality. In The Familiar Stranger, pastor and author Tyler Staton draws on Scripture, tradition, and spiritual practices to help you step into a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. For a generation searching desperately for an experiential spirituality, there’s good news: the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence to empower and transform is freely available. Unfortunately, confusion and unfamiliarity surround the Person of the Holy Spirit, leading too many Christians either to sideline him or misunderstand what he means for their spiritual lives.

In The Familiar Stranger, Staton reintroduces this oft-neglected Person of the Trinity, tracing the story of the Holy Spirit as it unfolds throughout the Bible, and inviting believers to close the gap between what Scripture reveals about the Holy Spirit and their lived experience. Along the way, readers will

• dig into key biblical images and metaphors that reveal the Holy Spirit’s nature, roles, and personality;
• learn about common misperceptions that keep believers and churches from experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence;
• discover how the Spirit brings discernment and access to miraculous power to partner with God in the work he’s doing in the world;
• reckon with the indispensable role of spiritual experience for walking with God; and
• understand how both Word and Spirit (too often separated in some church traditions) work together to draw people into a vibrant, intimate knowledge of God.

The Familiar Stranger will challenge, inform, and encourage believers from every background to become more deeply acquainted with the Person and work of the Holy Spirit–and experience his transformative, life-giving power in their lives.

Loved to Life

by Ann Voskamp

Tyndale House Publishers

A 40-Day Pilgrimage with Love Himself That Will Change Your Life

A 40-day journey to move you from barely getting through—to passionately living the fullest life. You aren’t alone. God knows what it feels like to be where you are, where you have been. God Himself knows how hard this broken planet is—He’s walked where you’ve walked. But out of those hard, dusty roads emerges a way into the exhilarating life you’ve longed to fully experience. This is the truest story in the whole universe: God is the only One who has ever loved you to death and came to resurrect you into the fullest life you always hoped for. Embark with New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp, on a 40-day spiritual pilgrimage following the entire life of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Loved to Life is an invitation into:40 inspirational, grace- and hope-filled devotionals;40 Bible passages that pilgrimage with Jesus from the beginning to the end of the Gospel of John to encounter and experience Him in a fresh, transformative way;40 original woodcut illustrations to mark each day of the pilgrimage. Jesus held the cup that holds the story you never wanted; the pain you wish you and your people had never known; the scars that have forever marred your only heart. For the love of you, Jesus drank this cup of suffering down to love you back to life. Turn and gaze on the One who gave you His whole life—and you’ll find the love you’ve been looking for your whole life.

Happy Lies 

By Melissa Dougherty

Zondervan

How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World

In this groundbreaking book, popular apologist Melissa Dougherty helps us understand how our society got to be so toxically subjective, why endless positivity is inherently destructive, and how we can live with faithful truth and genuine love in these self-obsessed times.

Melissa Dougherty skillfully diagnoses the issue and provides the cure: the authentic and life-giving truth of the Christian worldview. – Wesley Huff

Have you ever wondered how we ended up in a world where personal feelings could become the authority for reality? Or why so many of us are on a relentless pursuit for happiness yet somehow feel more exhausted and sadder than ever? You’re not alone.

Melissa deftly traces the roots of today’s social chaos back to a little-known (but veryinfluential) 1800s philosophy known as New Thought. A former follower of its teachings, Melissa provides clarity and compassion mixed with a dash of loving snark as she exposes New Thought’s deceptions and its many concerning tendrils within the church and our “self-help” culture.

You’ll be shocked, grieved, and encouraged as you learn:

• How you can experience true freedom, hope, and peace instead of the world’s counterfeits
• How an anti-God ideology so easily hijacked Christian-sounding ideas
• Why thinking positively is entirely different from the unbiblical and burdensome “positive thought” movement
• Why fake “authenticity” short-circuits real redemption
• How understanding the New Thought mindset can help us share our faith more effectively

Uncover a dangerous ideology that nearly everyone has met, yet few of us can name, in order to better understand our culture and joyfully live faithful to the gospel that is so much better than our world’s Happy Lies.

A Simply Healthy Life

By Caroline Fausel

Tyndale House Publishers

Your Guide to Cultivating a Happy, Connected, and Intentional Life

Are you ready to change your life for the better?Do you wish you knew what practices actually lead to a healthier, more meaningful life? With all the information bombarding us, it can be hard to cut through all the noise to discern what’s most important. If only someone you could trust would parse through all the data, test it out in real life, and then cut to the chase about what really works.Good news: Health coach and wellness expert Caroline Fausel has spent the past decade researching what it really takes to live a healthy, fulfilled life and create a home where everyone in the family can thrive. What she discovered has changed her life and can make all the difference in yours.In A Simply Healthy Life, Caroline shows you how toEnvision what it would look like for you to feel genuinely happy and healthy;Fuel your body so you feel great and integrate exercise in a way that is realistic and shame-free;Create a clutter-free, non-toxic home;Use spiritual practices like Sabbath rest to grow deeper in your relationship with God;Set up your day with habits to reinforce your healthier choices, and more!When you make purposeful choices about your health, spiritual growth, and relationships, you will be able to flourish—and help those you love flourish too. Get started today!Contains helpful appendix with mental health resources, recipes, and discussion questions for each chapter!

The Fix

by Ian Morgan Cron

Zondervan

How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone In Between

Did you know that anyone–addicts or non-addicts–can benefit from working the Twelve Steps and find the freedom, joy, and intimacy with God that their hearts long for?

We all suffer from a sense of spiritual homelessness–a feeling that we’re not fully at home in the world. To cope with our painful feelings and life traumas, we search for quick “fixes” that eventually become habitual, self-destructive behaviors that ultimately create more problems than they solve.

As a person in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, Ian Cron is no stranger to these destructive habits. It wasn’t until he embraced the Twelve Steps that he found true freedom. He knows from personal experience that Twelve Step recovery is more than just a life-saving strategy for guiding substance users into sobriety. Everybody is addicted to something to numb the discomfort of living in a messed-up world, he says, but the good news is that if you committedly “work the steps,” you will eventually have a vital spiritual awakening that will give you an entirely new and radically beautiful orientation toward the life God has for you.

If you long for sustainable healing and joy amid life’s messiness, The Fix invites you to:

• Journey step-by-step through a spiritual curriculum that has helped millions overcome trauma, pain, and brokenness for over eight decades
• Understand how the Twelve Steps can be a transformative tool not only for people with chemical or behavioral addictions but for anyone who wants to move beyond self-help to a spiritual awakening
• Catch yourself in the act of self-sabotaging behaviors and understand how each day is a new opportunity to trade in self-willed reformation for grace-powered transformation

“My original subtitle for this book–Twelve Steps to Unscrewing Your Screwed-Up Life–was a little over the top,” Ian comments. “But anyone who has ever fallen for a quick fix (like drugs, alcohol, porn, overeating, work, religion, people-pleasing, and more) knows firsthand how our self-prescribed treatment plans derail us. They might not be as visible as empty bottles stashed inside a desk drawer, but they are just as life-complicating and soul-crushing.”

With his characteristic wit and transparent self-disclosure, Ian guides us in learning how to work each of the Twelve Steps so we will finally be given a “new pair of glasses” through which we will be able to see ourselves, others, and the world in a startlingly new way–and ultimately take hold of the freedom God has been waiting to give us all along.

Fiction:

Before the King

By Heather Kaufman (5 star)

Baker Publishing

Joanna’s Story – Women of the Way

“Heather Kaufman is a truly fresh voice in biblical fiction.”–TESSA AFSHAR, bestselling author 

“A beautifully told and imagined story of secrets, faith, love, and devotion. With a compelling plot and cast of characters, Before the King is a tale not to be missed.”–TOSCA LEE, New York Times bestselling author 

Joanna’s wealthy family aspires to Herod’s inner circle, but when her father’s esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore

By Sarah Sundin

Baker Publishing

A Novel of World War II

In a time of war, danger lurks beneath the water–and in the depths of the human heart

As the German war machine devours the Netherlands, the only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the occupation is to do the unthinkable–train to become a spy for the Nazis. Once dispatched to Britain, she plans to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. But her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

Yet perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence employs her to radio misleading messages to Germany from the lighthouse at Dunnet Head in Scotland–messages filled with naval intelligence Lachlan must provide. If the war is to be won, Lachlan and Cilla must work together. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy–a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?

Indigo Heiress 

by Laura Frantz

Baker Publishing Group

Virginia plantation life is all she has ever known. But could the life she was meant to live be waiting on a distant shore? 

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. 

When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family’s crippling debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal, Juliet realizes that fleeing Virginia is her only choice after finding herself in the midst of a scandal. The ship just leaving the harbor for Glasgow is her only hope. But she will soon realize that being part of the complex and calculating Buchanan clan is not the sanctuary she imagined–and the man who saved her from ruin is the very one she must now save in return.

Serial Burn

by Lynette Eason

Baker Publishing Group

Lake City Heroes Series

She’s out for justice. But the arsonist she’s tracking is out for retribution. 

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the twentieth anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires–including at Jesslyn’s church–brings up all those old feelings and offers new evidence.

Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past–one he’d prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.

As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories will come flooding in from the past to bump up against hopes for the future. And when Jesslyn comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she’ll have to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community of friends in order to survive.

Ambush 

By Colleen Coble

Thomas Nelson

(available Mar 4^th 2025)

A Sanctuary Novel #1

“Ambush is electric–the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and characters you swear are real. With a deadly mystery, past trauma, and future hope, Ambush is just one more proof of Coble at the top of her game.” –Tosca Lee, New York Timesbestselling author

The first book in the riveting Sanctuary Series from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble, where a young woman will do anything to uncover the truth of her parents’ murder–even work alongside the man who once broke her heart. Perfect for fans of Allison Brennan and Dani Pettrey.

Paradise Alden’s childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then, life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love’s betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust–in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.

After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She’s hoping the wildlife refuge where she’s accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future, but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures all point back to him, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn’t responsible. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father’s death . . . even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town’s moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.

Colleen Coble’s Ambush is just what her readers want–edge-of-your-seat suspense perfectly balanced with closed-door romance. The intricacies of a wild-animal sanctuary, sabotage, secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden, and the resurrection of first love make this a compelling story you won’t want to miss.

Also in The Sanctuary Series: Prowl (book #2, available November 2025) and Descent (book #3; available July 2026).

Available now from Colleen: Fragile Designs, and from Colleen Coble and Rick Acker:What We Hide and I Think I Was Murdered.

All include discussion questions that are perfect for book clubs.

Kids:

The Good For Nothing Puddle

by Jana Jackson

Zonderkids

Finding Hope When You’re Stuck in Sadness

In this powerful picture book about a girl experiencing loss, The Good for Nothing Puddle helps children explore the nature of grief and loss and leads them to find hope and redemption from pain.

When a girl loses the thing she loves the most, her tears gather into a puddle around her feet that follows her everywhere she goes. At first, she tries her best to make it go away, but it is inescapable. She even cries out to God to take it away. Eventually, a puppy, a farmer, and an artist stumble upon the girl and her puddle. Each one finds the puddle extremely useful in their own way and slowly the girl begins to understand that her “good for nothing” puddle might just be good for something after all! As she learns to accept her grief, she begins to find happiness again. Filled with moments of sorrow and joy, The Good for Nothing Puddle is a powerful metaphor for dealing with difficult emotions and navigating grief while holding onto faith.

The Good for Nothing Puddle:

• Is for children who have experienced loss of any kind, big or small
• Was reviewed and endorsed by a Christian counselor specializing in child therapy
• Teaches children as well as adults how to find hope in darkness
• Is filled with lively and dramatic illustrations
• Is great for families as well as Sunday school classes and church libraries, and anyone struggling to find God amid sadness

The Good Sheep and the Stubborn Sheep 

by Hannah E Harrison

Zonderkids

A Story of God’s Redemptive Love

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is a humorous and heartwarming picture book about God’s unconditional love. This story beautifully captures the essence of Psalm 23, showing the importance of trusting God, our Good Shepherd, with our lives.

Meet George, a silly and sometimes stubborn sheep living happily under the care of a Good Shepherd. But when shearing time comes, George decides it’s time to make a run for it, and soon finds himself on a journey full of unexpected disappointment, discomfort, and danger. Ultimately, he finds rescue and learns why he really does need a shepherd.

The Bible is full of references to sheep and shepherds, but what does it mean to be a good shepherd? And how are we like sheep? The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep uses an unforgettable character and riveting story to bring biblical truth to life for kids and illustrate the many comforting and loving attributes of God.

The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep is perfect for:

• Children ages 4 and up
• Family devotions and bedtime reading
• Discussions about the meaning of Psalm 23, the parable of the lost sheep, and how God is always with us
• Sunday school lessons and church libraries
• Easter baskets, baptism or First Communion gifts, birthday gifts, and other gift-giving opportunities