This last week, David and I went on holiday to Matlock Bath for the week. We had such an amazing time, and it’s one of our favourite places and areas to go to. On one of the days, we decided to have a walk to Matlock and to have a look round some of the shops there. One of my favourite shops to go to in Matlock is the Cornerstone Bookshop, which sells lots of Christian books and gifts.
We could literally have spent ages in there looking at all of the books! We both came away with a few books each and also I picked up a few Bible journaling supplies too. I really love the stickers that they have in there, and the little christian cards and bookmarks that they have on a stand, which I love using for Bible journaling. If you’re visiting the Matlock area, I highly recommend popping in to the bookshop. Plus they have a great selection of Bibles too!
I thought I would do a Christian book haul and share with you the books that I got from there. I’ll also be sharing the books that David picked up too in another blog post. I would love to know if you have read any of these books too? And I would love to know what you are currently reading, and what your favourite Christian book or books are?
Springtime at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes
Since reading my first Christian fiction novel a while back, I’ve been on the lookout for more! So I was very happy when I found the Christian fiction section in the bookshop. Two books actually caught my attention (you can find the other one next on my list). I think the beautiful covers on the front of both books is what did it for me. As I picked them up and had a look at the description of the books, I knew I just really wanted to read them. Plus they’re both by Pam Rhodes, who’s name you may recognise, who presented the BBC’s Songs of Praise for many years.
The first book in my list is called Springtime at Hope Hall, and is part of a trilogy.
“There’s never a dull moment at Hope Hall, as its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, temperamental dancing teachers, a choir without one decent singer to their name, knitters who natter, caterers who bake glorious cakes, slimmers nibbling chocolate, and a nursery group where it’s the grown-ups who are near to tears! But it’s all in a day’s work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone!
Springtime at Hope Hall is the first book in a delightful new trilogy centred on a Victorian church hall, the like of which can be found at the heart of life in so many towns across England – full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next.”
I’ve already started reading this book, and I’m really enjoying it.
You can buy a copy of Springtime at Hope Hall here.
Summer’s out at Hope Hall by Pam Rhodes
This is the next book in the Hope Hall trilogy that I mentioned above. The story continues and shares what one of the main characters, Kath, is up to next at Hope Hall.
“Hope Hall thrums with activity under the summer sun: sea cadets march in the yard and happy chatter issues from English language classes, as the weekly Food Bank reaches out to those in need. It’s all hands on deck as the hall’s centenary celebrations continue.
Kath is determined to honour the origins of Hope Hall, which was founded in memory of all those who were lost in the world wars.
Her efforts set Kath on a collision course with Celia Ainsworth, a descendant of the family who donated the land for the hall. Celia may be a stylish and successful businesswoman, but her manner when dealing with people leaves a lot to be desired.
Kath tries to rise above Celia’s brusque rudeness, but quickly discovers that there is one thing in Celia’s life she really does envy…
Summer’s out at Hope Hall is a fun and deeply moving story that celebrates the power of hope.”
I’m really looking forward to reading this book, and also getting my hands on a copy of Pam’s last book in the trilogy called Christmas at Hope Hall. I really love reading heart-warming and gentle novels.
You can buy a copy of Summer’s out at Hope Hall here.
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How Did I Get Here? By Christine Caine
Fun fact! When we were last on holiday together in Matlock Bath in 2021, we visited the bookshop in Matlock, but unfortunately they hadn’t yet got a copy of this book in stock. I think it had only just come out too. So as I was making my way through the books on the shelf last week, I spotted it! So I just had to get it this time. Plus it was also on offer, and had £2 off which was great!
“We’ve all at some point looked up from the daily grind and realised we had somehow drifted off course. Maybe we’ve been doing all the right Christian things and saying all the right Christian words, but inside we know something is just a bit off. Like we’ve run out of energy, vision, passion, and feel unable to move forward. The question we’re pondering is not only How did I get here? but also “What do I do now?”
Christine offers up deeply personal stories, scriptural insights, and an eye-opening admonition to start paying closer attention, helping us to stop drifting and start thriving as we place our anchor on our unchanging, trustworthy God.”
If you haven’t already listened to Christine’s Caine’s podcast, I highly recommend checking it out!
You can buy a copy of How Did I Get Here by Christine Caine here.
The Grace-filled Wilderness by Magdalen Smith
I actually went back into the bookshop and got this book. We saw it on our way out in the window, and it really caught my eye. The front cover of this book is beautiful, and I really loved the title too. After popping in to the shop again and reading the description on the back, this book also obviously came back with me too!
“The Grace-filled Wilderness connects contemporary encounters of wilderness with the traditional themes of Lent and Jesus’ journey to the cross. Magdalen Smith invites us to consider a series of subjects that are double-edged – they can bring us life or, if we handle them in the wrong way, drain life from us.
Our appetites, our identity, our work, our sense of freedom and our struggles with anxiety and pain are explored in connection with what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Six full weeks of readings help us to move gradually from wilderness to grace, until, finally, we encounter the miracle, hope and joy of Easter.”
As we are now in Lent, I thought that this would be a lovely book to read over the coming weeks.You can buy a copy of The Grace-filled Wilderness here. It’s also currently on offer!
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