Book reviews in 2023

A Century of Poetry – 100 poems for searching the heart, by Rowan Williams

The former Archbishop of Canterbury says his principle of selecting the poems was ‘whether or not they open the door to some fresh and challenging insights about the life of faith’

A Comedian's Prayer Book by Frank Skinner

'A gem, a slim volume with some laugh out loud moments, and food for thought about the mystery, challenge, and privilege of prayer'

A Gift of Joy and Hope by Pope Francis

'For those who seek moments to reflect on simple truths of journeying with Jesus, this volume has a welcome place on the contemplative bookshelf'

A place at the table: Faith, hope and hospitality by Miranda Harris and Jo Swinney

'An extraordinary book, calling for Christians to embrace the practice of hospitality—which can be simpler and more profound than is often imagined'

A Place For Us: A Lent course based on West Side Story

Taking its cue from Spielberg’s 2021 remake, this set of five studies for Lent focuses on overcoming division in general and racial, sectarian and gender conflicts in particular

After God’s heart: life lessons from King David, by Andy Percey

'Andy brought an Old Testament Bible character closer to us in order to nudge us closer to Jesus'

An Advent Manifesto by Martin Percy

'If you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try'

Appointments with Bonhoeffer by Keith Clements

'Appointments has the air of a tour conducted by a specialist, going from room to room opening new vistas'

Back to Reason - Minimalism in Biblical Studies, By Niels Peter Lemche

This study addresses the development of ‘Minimalism’ from its roots

Bible in Ten, by David Kitchen

'Some minor quibbles, but overall a very useful short book for many readers of the Bible'

Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin

'Complicated, yet provides a rich set of study tools for understanding the Bible and for easing our way into conversation with the culture around'

Blown Away: From Drug Dealer to Life Bringer by Mick Fleming

Readable, thought provoking, and deeply moving account of the journey of faith of Mick Fleming, the pastor of Church on the Street in Burnley

Bookends II: reflections on the last verse of each book of the Bible, by P D Gray

Takes you on a journey to do something unusual in order to explore the Bible in a fresh way

Books as Bodies and Sacred Beings

To what extent can a sacred text acquire a life and character of its own, with a presence carrying a message independent of its content and acknowledged even by those with no commitment to it?

Boys will be Boys and other Myths, by Will Moore

'Explores the toxic myths which frame how we read scripture: a promising start and conclusion, and offers much just criticism of many aspects of our culture, but I felt there were some problems with the author's approach'

Braver by Deborah Jenkins

'Engaging and original first novel which accurately portrays a church's community outreach. I look forward to seeing the author's work develop'

Christ and the Culture Wars by Ben Chang

'A readable review of how four varied popular social movements have common patterns of success and how the Christian church might engage with them more effectively'

Clever Cub Trusts God by Bob Hartman

'It is so refreshing to see Biblical material well presented in an age appropriate manner for the young child'

Conversations by the Sea by Andrew Rollinson

'Very helpful discussions are enhanced by the author's evident experience of ministry and careful inclusion of different aspects of the issues - the book is a delight and I hope it will be ready by many'

Crazy about Horses by Patrick Coghlan

'An intriguing story with many themes relevant to a young adult readership; one to be enjoyed by anyone over 14, whether they are crazy about horses or not'

Deck the Hall by Andrew Gant

A rich resource tracing the development of 27 Christmas carols, hymns and songs

Emmaus: Journeying Toward and Onward from Emmaus by John Weaver

An example of autobiography as theology, full of wise reflections from the former Principal of South Wales (recently renamed Cardiff) Baptist College

Escape to Gwrych Castle, by Andrew Hesketh

The author explores the lesser-told history of the children who lived in this North Wales castle once used for I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here - a worthwhile read with some Baptist involvement in the story, too

Everyday Blessings by Aled Jones

'Has the potential to inspire meaningful reflection - but don’t give up on the daily Bible reading notes'

Everything is Extraordinary by Cole Morton

'Brilliant book from a Christian writer and broadcaster offering insights into the lives of the famous, the infamous, the fascinating and the forgotten'

Faith in Doubt: Prayers and Poems by Simon Woodman

'A special book, inspiring, honest, and a gift to all who seek to pray with integrity to God'

Faiths Lost and Found: Understanding Apostasy, by Martyn Percy and Charles Foster

Compelling narratives from people who have moved or are still moving from a recognised form of Christianity, though the sample of contributors is quite select

Finding Stability in Times of Trouble by Richard Frost

'A fresh and honest reflection on how to trust God when everything in life gets thrown up into the air' which deploys the story of Jesus calming the storm as told in Mark’s Gospel

Following on the Way by Karen E. Smith

A powerful and vivid portrayal of how Christian formation takes place within the community of faith; an invaluable resource which is much more than a commentary on Acts

For Christ and for Wales - A collection of essays in honour of John Griffiths

From coal miner to College Principal, this is a remarkable journey of faith and the book tells a valuable but forgotten story which deserves wider attention

Forgive – why should I and how can I? By Timothy Keller

The cross as both showing the love of God and satisfying the wrath of God is central to the author’s understanding of forgiveness

Godforsaken: The cross – the greatest hope of all by Stephen Cottrell

'A good book for Lent; if you are facing death or the death of a loved one; or if you just want to figure out what it is you really believe these days as a Christian'

Have a Little Faith by Kate Bottley

In this wise and evangelistic book Kate Bottley seeks to welcome and gently explain the faith to those who have a desire for the spiritual

Hope Wins, by Goff Hope

In the face of suffering, hard places or death, Goff Hope encourages us to hope in the gospel and the goodness of God

I, Julian, by Claire Gilbert

A clear challenge about our own walk with God by listening to Julian’s voice through the author’s thorough knowledge of her writings - story telling of the highest level

Images of Grace: a journey from darkness to light at Easter

'Uses story, poetry, reflection and rich metaphor to explore frequently used Christian terms and apply them to our lives today - a joy to read'

Interpretation - A Critical Primer, by Nathan Eric Dickman

Examines the nature of interpretation - an interesting subject, but the language is highly technical

It's not supposed to be this way, by Lysa TerKeurst

A robust and coherent response to a devastating family saga, to declare that God has a purpose even in the terrible things that happen to us

Knowing you, Jesus 365 Devotional - various

Gospel-focused devotional intended to aid with spiritual formation rather than be an exposition

Lead: 12 gospel principles for leadership in the church, by Paul Tripp

What can we do to prevent pastors from leaving the ministry? Tripp is insightful, thoughtful, and deeply caring. His moral lens is excellent, but is it sufficient?

Liberating Christian Learning, by Rhona Knight, Sally Myers, and Sally Nash

'Learning is at the heart of our missional and discipleship work - this is a great resource book to help us think about how best to facilitate these wonderful opportunities for learning'

Life from the Living Word by Stuart Creed

'A fine introduction to the principles of understanding and interpreting the Bible'

Mark: living the way of Jesus in the world, by Tracy Cotterell

Engaging Bible study series which focuses on a contemporary presentation of the message in the Gospel of Mark, and has a robust emphasis on practical Christian living

Mary, Bearer of Life, by Christopher Cocksworth

'A delightful read, containing some insightful and careful thinking about Mary'

Maturing in the Religious Life by Noel Jeffs

'Provides food for thought and a plea for a broader appreciation of what it is to be fully human, mature, and spiritual'

Meeting God in Matthew by Elaine Storkey

'Clearly written, clearly structured, but if one favours a safety-first approach to Matthew, then this will appeal'

Miles to Go Before I Sleep by Claire Gilbert

A meditation on suffering, joy and community as the author writes beautifully and honestly about journey through cancer and pioneering steam cell replacement treatment

Mind Fuel by Bear Grylls and Will Van der Hart

Mind Fuel covers almost 200 mental health topics, aimed at a particular target audience

Mindful Devotions: a 40-Day Journey Through the Bible

Both authors have seen clearly, through their personal practice and investigation of mindfulness, that mindfulness is a mission gift to the church - and this is a gentle introduction to mindful spirituality

On this Rock by Alex Harris and Chrissy Remsberg

'If you are giddily delighted in Jesus but bewildered as to why the church is struggling, On This Rock will help frame the start of some good reflection born out of the lived experience of very different Christian leaders'

Religion as Relation - Studying Religion in Context

Religion in relation to life, ‘lived religion’ as a complement to doctrine and dogma, rites and rituals

Romans: A Letter that Makes Sense of Life by Andrew Ollerton

'A gem - an opportunity to come to understand Paul even without the help of your minister'

Safe All Along, by Katie Davis Majors

A call to truly trust the Lord Jesus in any and every circumstance - helpful how Katie points the reader in the right direction and writes as a fellow traveller, rather than one who has found all the answers

Smuggling Jesus back into the Church by Andrew Fellows

'Points to some weaknesses in the church - but does not prove that Jesus is outside the door'

Still Crazy - Love, laughter and tears from the world of the Sacred Diarist, by Adrian Plass

Focuses on two new themes: growing older and the Covid pandemic, which may help readers to work through their traumas and questions

Struggling with God: mental health and Christian spirituality

'An excellent primer to engage with the topic offering thoughtful analysis, wise words and balanced reflections'

The Complexity of Conversion by Valérie Nicolet and Marianne Bjelland Kartzow

Addresses the complexity of conversion, using a range of cases, texts and theories, and initiates a dialogue between ancient sources and present concepts or practices

The Craft of Church Planting by Christian Selvaratnam

'Those who are thinking of planting from a large and vibrant congregation with a number of potential participants will find this book useful; less so a small and elderly congregation in a very secular context'

The diary of Isabella M Smugge, by Ruth Leigh

The author has created a modern, memorable character, and amid Issy’s story is a slow-developing, well-observed narrative about her relationship with God

The Falling of Dusk: The 2023 Lent Book by Paul Dominiak

'Explores the seven phrases spoken by Jesus from the cross; not an easy read, but a rewarding one'

The Fire Still Burns by Stuart P Scott

Scott seeks to analyse the URC's struggles: despite this book’s specific and possibly unfamiliar context, it is worth reading by everyone concerned for the future shape of churches in 21st-century Britain

This Dark Heart by Christa Laird

Well researched historical fiction that captures well the maelstrom at the centre of Herod’s reign

Transforming Love: How friendship with Jesus changes us, by Amy Boucher Pye

A gentle and helpful book, which uses the three stories of Mary, Martha and Lazarus to help us consider further what friendship with Jesus might look like