My Favorite Reads in 2023
Hey friends! How is it possible that we have only a few days left in this year? I like to take time during this space between Christmas and New Year’s to reflect on the goodness of God over the past months; His faithfulness in the good and the bad times. Remembering His love and provision gives me hope as we enter an uncertain year ahead. We can’t know what it will contain, but what a blessing to walk into it holding tightly to the One Who declares the end from the beginning and Who has promised to always be with us.
I have been looking forward to writing this post for a long time. Today, I’m sharing with you some of my favorite reads throughout 2023. If you have any questions about the books, or you’d like to share some of your favorites from the year, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Happy New Year!
As always, just because I recommend a book doesn’t mean that I agree with all of the author’s views, or would recommend other books by the same writer. Read with discernment, and compare everything with the word of God. And if you’re a reader in your early or pre-teens, it might be a good idea to go through this list with your mom.
Defying Jihad by Esther Ahmad. When Esther volunteered to join a militant Islamic group with the end goal of committing jihad, the last thing she anticipated was becoming one of the very people she planned to kill. This one is probably #1 on the list; I was riveted the whole way through. The debates between Esther and the Muslim clerics were really insightful as to what Muslims believe and how a Christian can engage in meaningful conversation. Esther’s love for Christ, which took her to some very dangerous places in life, definitely stands as a challenge to our comfortable western Christianity. 16+.
Najiba: A Love Story from Afghanistan by John Weaver and Jeanette Windle. God can do miracles, and He certainly did in the lives of John and Jeanne Weaver. I loved this sweet, incredible story of how God brought two people together in almost impossible circumstances and how He guided them to have a public Christian wedding in Afghanistan. Their unusual ceremony incorporated beautiful Afghani customs with an unashamed Christian message, a brave and bold thing to do in an Islamic country. For adults.
When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians by Todd Nettleton. A 40-day devotional that will take you on a journey to meet some unknown persecuted Christians who will challenge and inspire your faith. I was so convicted by the stories of our sisters and brothers who find contentment, joy, forgiveness, and peace in the midst of very unpleasant circumstances. These believers have found Christ to be enough, even when they lost everything.
Paul, Apostle of Christ by Angela Elwell Hunt. A historical fiction read that I really enjoyed. Based off the book of Acts, this book attempts to fill in the event of Paul’s imprisonment through the eyes of Luke. It also provides a sobering picture of what it meant to be a Christian in Rome during Nero’s persecution. Very well-written and inspirational. For adults.
I figured this might be a good place to insert a tip for choosing fiction to read. I will typically look up any fiction title (unless I completely trust the author) in Goodreads. This has spared me from starting a lot of books that I would have just ended up not finishing because of content.
The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson. I loved this one almost as much as The Lifegiving Table. It’s definitely a book that I’ll reread and refer back to in years to come. The Lifegiving Home contains so many great ideas for intentionally creating a home that will bless everyone in it. Messages like those in this book are so important in our culture today, with its low expectations for home and parenthood. Plus, there are so many practical “how-to’s.” I don’t always agree with the Clarkson’s theology (there is some Anglican influence throughout), but overall I highly recommend this book.
Not Part of the Plan by Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal. This book was definitely a help to me this year. I used it as a devotional, and it was an easy read but SO good. If you’ve taken your eyes off of Jesus due to life happening differently than you hoped, or you’ve allowed unbiblical expectations to cloud your hope in the Lord, then this is the book for you. Kristen and Bethany shared honestly from some hard things in their lives, but the challenge you will come away with is to trust the Lord no matter what.
She Made Herself a Home by Rachel Van Kluyen. Really enjoyed this one! Such beautiful photography and so many ideas on how to make a house into a functional and lovely home. The author shares how to make your home a place of beauty, warmth, and refuge for your family and others. It’s from a Christian perspective, which is nice.
Create Your Dream Home on a Budget by Daniel and Noell Jett. This book had so many practical ideas and details, even down to common measurements or amounts for materials (along with decor possibilities), and would be super helpful if you are planning on building or even just renovating your home. It’s definitely one that I would enjoy rereading in the future. It was fascinating to read about the whole process of building a home.
Cozy White Cottage Seasons: 100 Ways to be Cozy All Year Long by Liz Marie Galvan. I enjoyed the ideas in this book, even if the author does use the word “cozy” a few too many times. 😉 Overall, though, this book was a fun read with beautiful photos and many thoughtful ways to make your environment homier and more inviting during any season of the year.
