Search our site:

Christian Book Reviews

Most of my Christian book reviews focus on books for women and children because these are the books I enjoy reading or ones I enjoy reading to kids.

Reading...it is one of the most overlooked and incredible gifts God has given us! To imagine that printed lines, wiggles & squiggles, can come together to provide both information and enjoyment.


Christian book reviews women

Yes, our first primary source of both comes from the Bible - God's inspired Word. And yes, nonfiction grows our intellect and understanding.

But there is also the gift of a story even if it is fiction. My favorite genre is Christian Historical Fiction. To be inspired by lives of the past, to be nudged to read and learn more about that time period, to be picked up and set in a different place and time...it all helps give me a different perspective and appreciate my life in the here and now.


Christian book Reviews - New Releases!    

The Collector of Burned Books 
Christian Book Reviews

Collector of Burned Books

Roseanna M. White’s latest book, “The Collector of Burned Books,” is a rich Christian historical fiction novel. Taking place in Paris during the German occupation of World War II, it gives glimpses into the lives of those who were affected, whether Parisian, Jewish or German, by the written word and the circumstances surrounding the freedom of them.

“I think,” he said slowly, “that the words we hear, the words we read, the words we sing along to on the radio and study in the papers with our morning coffee, become our thoughts. I think our thoughts become our beliefs. And I think our beliefs become our actions…”

In the above quote, Christian Bauer, one of the main protagonists, challenges a young German soldier to consider the power of words and the right of each individual to choose for themselves which will impact their own actions. Stationed in Paris, he is a German university professor and the officer of the Nazi party assigned to oversee the libraries locating both banned books and banned German authors who have relocated there. He is not all he seems though; he has both secrets and a reason for being in this position. 

Corrine Bastien, a native Parisian, is on mission to not only protect banned books, but also use them to pass coded messages for the Allies. As their paths become intertwined, each discovers the other’s secrets and together they forge through the impossible as they trust the God with whom all things are possible. (Mark 10:27)

One reason I love to read Historical Fiction is because it challenges me to dig deeper, to expand my knowledge and my thinking. I’ve read most of Roseanna White’s books, and this one reveals her extensive research as well as her passion for words and an individual’s freedom to decide for themselves which ones they will consume. As history points out, this freedom can be taken if we’re not careful. We may be familiar with the burning of banned books during this period of history, but I was challenged in discovering who did the burning and the reasons these books were deemed “un-German.” There were several points in the storyline I paused to do my own research into various topics mentioned. I felt like I walked away from this reading with more than I began…more knowledge, more thoughts, more understanding.

The Christian aspect of “The Collector of Burned Books” points to a Sovereign God Whose love is faithful. Even though the characters’ faith is tested, it is also deepened as they walk through such trying times. They are challenged again and again to display God’s mercy; what a powerful lesson for all of us as we walk this path called life wherever we are. James 2:13b tells us, “Mercy triumphs over judgement.” This story caused me to pause and picture what it must have been like to walk in the shoes of the souls who actually lived through this period.

All in all, this is a rich read where the story and thoughts will remain long after finishing. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to experience such a well written story with such a powerful message. Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale House for this ARC for my review; all opinions are my own.


Christian Book Reviews - Lynn Austin's Latest

Lynn Austin book review

More than a mere story, Lynn Austin, gives us a gift to lift us above the busyness of the holiday season to a space filled with God’s hope, love, joy and peace. Using each of the advent candles, she masterfully weaves the story into sections encompassing the meaning of each.

Addy and Howard’s first Christmas together turns out much different than they had expected. Addy finds eight-year-old Jack on her doorstep who has run away from an orphanage. Together Addy and Howard spend their time, money and energy helping Jack find his family. The setting of New York in 1901 provides many facets of history including how women’s suffrage was about more than just the right to vote. Along the way, Addy finds her true purpose in helping those God places in her path.

Addy sums up the lesson she learns by saying, “Maybe that’s all God asks of us. Some people are given the opportunity to do grand things in life, but if we just make a difference in the lives of the people God puts in our paths, I think He’s pleased with that.”

The characters are real and growing in their own faith. The way they handle their own doubts and struggles provide insight into truths about prayer, trusting God, and sharing these with children.

Refreshed, encouraged and hopeful are three words that fit how I felt after reading Waiting for Christmas. It’s everything you would hope to find in a Christian Historical Fiction.

This book helps to open our eyes to the small daily ways God brings opportunity for purpose during the Christmas season and beyond. It may be a book I now read every pre-Christmas season to remember and focus on this truth. It would also make a wonderful gift to share the truth of God’s great love and His gift of Jesus.

This novella is a continuation of the fuller story of Addy and Howard which is found in Lynn Austin’s previous book – All My Secrets. It is not necessary to read that book first though; I look forward to reading it next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

Available @ our affiliate link - 

Waiting for Christmas
By Lynn Austin / Tyndale House


Sarah E. Ladd's New Novel

Sarah Ladd book review

As an avid fan and reader of historical fiction and Sarah Ladd’s books, I was excited to get to read her latest!

In The Cloverton Charade, Ladd brings us quality character development and a fun plot with a few twists and turns. Lucas’s kind heart captured me from the beginning, and I loved watching Olivia’s confidence grow in who she was and her value both in society and business.

I enjoyed this clean regency story with such a well-developed plot. Much of the story takes place at a house party, but the focus isn’t just on romance or the usual surface situations. There is depth of relationship as both Lucas and Olivia participate among the elite and grow in relationship to each other as well as the others in attendance. There is also a mystery which did a good job of keeping me guessing. Setting the stage for the mystery does take a bit more of the book than the solving of it; the solution came together rather quickly, but was surprising.

I was disappointed there was no mention of faith or God since it was from a Christian publisher, but there is an underlying thread of goodness. It involves identity and seeing our value as well as how kindness and seeing beyond a person’s façade can make a difference. Lucas recognizes Olivia’s inner beauty and value, and Olivia sees beyond Mrs. Milton’s grief and terseness. There is the battle for truth and honesty along with moments of forgiveness, restoration and encouragement. In other words, there is inspiration found within its pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for the advanced copy to review with my honest opinion.


Roseanna M. White - Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

Roseanna White Book Review

This is next on my list to read!  Roseanna M. White is also one of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors.  

Here's what other reviewers have had to say:


"So many delightful layers to this tale, along with intriguing characters and beautiful descriptions. . . . It really puts you in the mood for Christmas."  --Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Tree Farm and A Royal Christmas


"Sugar plums, gingerbread, and all the Christmasy feels go into this charming holiday romance."  --Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas


Past Christian Book REviews

Special note: We do preview the websites to which we link, but are unable to peruse them completely. We try to check others' faith statements and make sure they do profess Jesus Christ as God's Son and salvation is found only in Him. It must, however, be your responsibility to personally dig into God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to be your first and final teacher on all subjects.

"Our website may contain affiliate marketing links, which means we may get paid commission on sales of those products or services we write about. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers or affiliate partnerships. This disclosure is provided in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR § 255.5: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Creative Bible-Bits Newsletter:

Let us help you keep up with what's new at Creative Bible Study with free Bible study lessons and ideas straight to your email!  Your information will be kept confidential and not be used for solicitation.

Free Ebooks: