Books We Love

The Abide Bookshelf

Books We Love

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Fiction

The Queen's Gambit by Beth Brower, book cover

The Queen's Gambit

Beth Brower

If you are a fan of Beth Brower's Emma M. Lion series, then this book is for you. It took me a minute to get into it, but once I did I haven't been able to put it down. Brower has a way with creating strong female lead characters that don't leave you feeling like any sort of agenda is being pushed, but rather leaves you feeling inspired.

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Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, book cover

Theo of Golden

Allen Levi

I don't say this lightly: this has become my favorite book of all time. From the very first chapter I was hooked, and before long I was weeping.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower, book cover

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion

Beth Brower

Y'all told me for months to jump on this bandwagon, and I'm so sorry I waited. I told myself I'd stop after Book 4 — alas, I couldn't. Consider this your sign.

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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, book cover

Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

For the reader who has everything. An absolute delight on audiobook — smart, funny, and heartfelt. You have to listen to this one.

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Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell, book cover

Christmas in the Castle Library

Ann Swindell

Here's your next holiday read by the fire! Ann Swindell weaves a delightful tale of mystery, romance, and Christmas charm. Cozy, intriguing, and perfect for the season!

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Love in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell, book cover

Love in the Castle Library

Ann Swindell

After letting my 9-year-old read the first book, she specifically asked for book two for Christmas!

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Theology

Dust to Dust by Jen Wilkin, book cover

Dust to Dust

Jen Wilkin

I read Dust to Dust and instantly recommended it to everyone I knew. What I especially loved about the book was that it wasn't anything like I thought it would be (a book about botox and skin serums). Instead, it was more on the physical act of aging, of going from dust to dust.

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Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop, book cover

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

Mark Vroegop

Honest, hope-filled, and deeply rooted in Scripture. If you've ever wrestled with grief or unanswered prayer, it offers language for your pain.

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A Still and Quiet Mind by Esther Smith, book cover

A Still and Quiet Mind

Esther Smith

If you're a woman aged 13 to 99, you've struggled with invasive thoughts. What I love most is how practical it is — guided meditations worth taking weeks to work through.

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Strong in the Lord by Winfree Brisley, ed., book cover

Strong in the Lord

Winfree Brisley, ed.

When the lies feel louder than the truth, I pull this out and instantly the Lord uses it to quiet them. Whether you're in the fight or not, read this book.

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Rembrandt Is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey, book cover

Rembrandt Is in the Wind

Russ Ramsey

The way Russ Ramsey explores the intersection of art, suffering, and the human condition is simply beautiful. Even if art “isn't your thing,” this is a must-read.

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The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, book cover

The Screwtape Letters

C. S. Lewis

The classic that started it all — letters from one devil to another. Pairs beautifully with My Dear Hemlock as a two-book gift.

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Scrolling Ourselves to Death by Brett McCracken & Ivan Mesa, eds., book cover

Scrolling Ourselves to Death

Brett McCracken & Ivan Mesa, eds.

The first half is heavy as it exposes modern smartphone use, but by the second half the hope of the gospel shines through, and you walk away with real hope. And it's my husband's book, so I need to support him. ;-)

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My Dear Hemlock by Tilly Dillehay, book cover

My Dear Hemlock

Tilly Dillehay

If you've ever read The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, this book will feel familiar! A fascinating and thought-provoking read—I highly recommend it!

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Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart by Russ Ramsey, book cover

Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart

Russ Ramsey

Russ Ramsey's previous book, Rembrandt Is in the Wind, was probably one of my favorite books of 2022. The way he explores the intersection of art, suffering, and the human condition is simply beautiful! Even if art 'isn't your thing'—this book is a must read.

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Tim Keller on the Christian Life by Matt Smethurst, book cover

Tim Keller on the Christian Life

Matt Smethurst

It's rich, accessible, and full of gospel clarity—perfect if you've been shaped by Keller's work or just want to grow in everyday faithfulness.

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None Like Him & In His Image (Gift Edition) by Jen Wilkin, book cover

None Like Him & In His Image (Gift Edition)

Jen Wilkin

Few books have been as instrumental in my faith. Having both of these books in ONE stunning gift edition is honestly such the perfect move. Mother's Day gift? Check. Gift for a new woman of the faith? Check. Gift for your daughter's graduation? Check.

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Children & Families

Heidi by Johanna Spyri, book cover

Heidi

Johanna Spyri

Heidi might just be one of my favorite classic books of all time. My daughter and I listened to it on our way to her big mother-daughter trip for her 10th birthday and it was the perfect listen for us. For a girl who is so often frowned upon, her way with loving others is such an encouragement.

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Teach Me to Pray by Kristen Wetherell, book cover

Teach Me to Pray

Kristen Wetherell

My kids range from 2 to 9, and each one finds something in the daily readings that encourages their heart toward Christ. The perfect stocking stuffer.

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Arlo Takes Off by Betsy Childs Howard, book cover

Arlo Takes Off

Betsy Childs Howard

Arlo learns he can't fly — that he is exactly who God has made him to be: a little boy, made in God's image. A clean, gentle gospel hook.

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The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall, book cover

The Penderwicks

Jeanne Birdsall

Slow, character-driven storytelling that's hard to find these days. By the end I was full-blown crying. (Heads up: books 1–2 lean hard on “stupid” and “dumb.”)

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Do Great Things for God Series by Multiple Authors, book cover

Do Great Things for God Series

Multiple Authors

A household favorite — engaging stories with beautiful illustrations. Mini biographies of ordinary people God used to do extraordinary things.

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Help! I'm Ruining My Kids by Abbey Wedgeworth, book cover

Help! I'm Ruining My Kids

Abbey Wedgeworth

Abbey's book is a gentle, honest companion for those moments. She doesn't downplay the weight of our failures, but she also refuses to let us stay there—it leaves you with more of Jesus than guilt.

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Parenting with Words of Grace by William P. Smith, book cover

Parenting with Words of Grace

William P. Smith

This book has been such an encouragement in my parenting—reminding me of the weight and wonder of my words. It gently but clearly calls me to speak to my children the way God speaks to us: with truth, patience, and grace.

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