It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving followed closely by Black Friday. The two often seem ironic so close together, but if not celebrated in excess, Black Friday can be a way of being smart with your money as you make purchases you’ll be thankful for in the year to come. The Indie Christian Books Black Friday sale is near and dear to my heart, and I’m expecially thankful that Kendra E. Ardnek took charge of the sale this year when I was too busy to organize it.
So, like last year, this post is an opportunity to share some of the books I am thankful I read this year. And it’s also a way to share the opportunity to find some wonderful, discounted novels with you.
- Exile, by Rachel Starr Thomson: This is the first in a four book series that features the Oneness–an allegorical representation of the unity of the church, the body of Christ. I’m thankful I read this book because it triggered me to really think about the value and importance of fellowship and Christian unity throughout 2016.
You can read my review of Exile and the other books in the series on Goodreads. Bonus: Exile is free for Kindle
- Dare, by Tricia Mingerink: My first reaction after reading this book was, “Why did it take me so long to try reading this?” Several friends had recommended the series to me, and it far exceeded my expectations for it. I’m thankful for the realness Tricia Mingerink infused her characters with and for the way they inspired me. Brandi inspired me to love boldly, Leith made sympathize with people aching for God’s love, and Renna reminded me to trust God when I’m battling fear.
Mingerink’s books are part of the Indie Christian Books sale. I definitely recommend them both for yourself and as Christmas presents.
- Fame, by Karen Kingsbury: Christian chick-flick’s aren’t my normal reading fare, but the Firstborn series gave me something light and hopeful to read during the roughest weeks of this year. The characters in these books kept me company in the hospital waiting room as my grandfather fought for his life and in the evenings after the funeral when I didn’t have much emotional energy left. Dayne, one of the main characters, is one of the most empathetic characters I’ve ever read. This isn’t a book reserved only for middle-aged Christian women. 😉
- Same-Sex Marriage, by Sean McDowell: This is another book I chose not to review here on the blog because the topic is so sensitive and I don’t want this to become a battleground for debate. However, it is definitely a book I’m thankful for this year. I’ve wrestled with how to respond to this issue, and while this book didn’t necessarily resolve that, it gave sincere and Bible based suggestions and perspective.
- The Way of KingsThe Way of Kings, by Brandon Sanderson: Sanderson is one of the most brilliant author’s I’ve ever read. I’m thankful that he isn’t afraid to tackle ethical and moral questions head-on in his novels. The Stormlight Archives have significant themes that portray honor, courage, the value of life, and more. It’s hard to find secular novels that are not only clean but have some substance to them, and I’m thankful that this is one of the few.
And the final bookish thing I’m grateful for … books on sale! There’s literally something for everyone at the Indie Christian Books sale.
Every single book listed on Indie Christian Books is on sale in one or more ways. Find discounted paperbacks, dozens of books offered with free shipping, $0.99 ebooks, package deals and more. Even if you have a budget of $0.0, new reading material awaits you.
Don’t know what to pick? The fearless Indie Christian Books team created a quiz that will generate a book list perfect for you! Check it out!
What awesome reads of 2016 are you grateful for? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2017?
Leah E. Good 