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One of the joys of my role here at The Good Book Company is organizing our wonderful Reviewer Program. It’s such a privilege to work with Christians from all around the world and from different walks of life who seek to build up their brothers and sisters in Christ by pointing them to biblical and useful books and resources from a breadth of publishers.
Many of our book reviewers have been a part of our program for years. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to build relationships with several of these brothers and sisters over time, and our program is always growing. The reviewers below are some of those newer to our program, most of whom have joined in the last year. We’re looking forward to continuing to partner together, and to receiving their valuable and honest feedback. If you’re looking for new reads, we think you might enjoy giving them a follow, too.
What's your favorite book that you read this year?
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. This fictional piece was so inspiring in many ways, particularly in my parenting and in assessing what my heart longs for. It is a classic masterpiece that I recommend over and over.
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
I believe that we can be shaped by literature in so many ways, both good and bad. I wanted to share literature that inspires, edifies and points our hearts to Christ. As I read widely, I share about many genres, including children’s picture books and chapter books, Christian living, theology, devotionals, and adult fiction. Thus you will find inspiration to cultivate a rich literary life for the whole family.
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
My hope and prayer is that my followers would have their eyes opened to the glory of God and that they would find inspiration and a friend in the journey of motherhood.
You can check out Jessica’s Instagram account here!
What's your favorite book that you read this year?
This is such a hard question for a book lover! I’ve got two nonfiction and two fiction favorites. My favorite nonfiction books were Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung and Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell. My favorite fiction books were The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh and Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet.
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
My “why” has evolved over the year I’ve been reviewing. It started out really simple—I wanted to share the amazing books I was reading with my community on Bookstagram. While that’s still an important part of it, I’ve come to realize how integral reviews are to supporting the work of authors and publishers. That’s become a huge part of my “why” these days—using my little corner of the internet to share books that may fly under the radar, but are notable and worth reading.
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
I want to see the women and men that are a part of my Booksta community grow in their understanding of and love for God. We were created to glorify him and enjoy him forever and solid Christian books are a resource that can aid in that endeavor. It’s my hope that the books I share help these readers live into that great purpose.
You can follow Brandi’s Instagram account here!
What's your favorite book that you read this year?
So hard to pick out just one, but I really enjoyed "The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs Kip"—a charming story, tackling tricky topics, with such well-written characters that made me want to spend more time in their company.
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
A love of reading and an opportunity to encourage other authors, who pour so much of themselves into their work.
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
That they find some great stories that will encourage and inspire their own faith journey.
You can follow Rob’s Instagram account here and find his blog here.
What's your favorite book that you read this year?
Hard Is Not The Same Thing As Bad by Abbie Halberstadt
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
I wanted to share good books with fellow Christians that have really impacted, encouraged, convicted, and grown me in my walk with God. I was reading all these great books and learning so much. I wanted an outlet to share them with others and help other Christians find theologically good books with thoughtful and discerning reviews. I especially wanted to share books for parents and children to encourage other parents in raising our children up in the Lord!
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
I want my content to encourage other believers in growing in their sanctification, relationship, and knowledge of God. I also want to encourage my followers to be discerning and share problems I see in certain books, so that we are ultimately making sure what we are believing and reading about God and ourselves matches up with the truth of God's word. What we believe about God is so important because it affects how we live. My prayer is that, as believers, we would grow in knowledge of God's word, renewing our minds to the truth of Scripture and not being conformed to the world.
Romans 12:2 ESV
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
You can follow Zorina’s Instagram account here.
What’s your favorite book that you read this year?
My favorite book I’ve read this year was Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad by Abbie Halberstadt. It was the perfect blend of encouragement, conviction, practical advice and feeling as if you just sat down for a chat with a dear friend. I loved that this book focused on shifting your perspective to view the difficulties of motherhood through the lens of biblical truth! God uses the “hard” in our lives to sanctify and refine us.
My account focuses a lot on children’s book recommendations though, so I have to mention a few children’s favorites from this year…
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
As long as I can remember, I’ve loved books! I love learning and getting lost in a good story. Stories have the power to help us to remember things, to discover new worlds and to learn important biblical truths that stay with us all of our lives. I also recognized the need that parents have in this unique time in history to be provided with wholesome book recommendations. Trips to the library with my three daughters had become difficult because so many books were filled with content I did not want to expose them to. Remedy Storytime was born out of my desire to share wholesome book recommendations that families could enjoy together and it expanded into my desire to encourage parents to disciple their children, lead them in family worship, and help their kids become passionate readers. My favorite thing about reviewing books is connecting with other Christians who love books!
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
I hope to encourage my followers to love the Lord, engage in family discipleship/worship, and to love reading! My goal is to provide recommendations that are wholesome, encouraging and hopefully that point parents and their children to the Lord. My audience is largely moms of children who have babies up to elementary school, and I hope they always find Remedy Storytime to be an encouraging and Christ-centered place where they can come for book recommendations for themselves and their children!
You can follow Katie’s Instagram account here.
What's your favorite book that you read this year?
Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson
Why did you decide to become a book reviewer?
I started reviewing books about five years ago on a blog because I both love reading and wanted to share helpful and inspiring books with others. When Bookstagrams became a thing, it made perfect sense to start my own to share about books alongside beautiful photos!
What is your hope for your followers/readers?
My hope for my followers is that they find books that both inspire and inform them in ways that benefit their lives and the lives of those around them.
You can follow Amanda’s Instagram here and find her blog here.
Abigail Talbott is the Publicity Manager at The Good Book Company. She and her husband Thomas and daughter Evangeline attend Grace Church in Martinsburg, WV. She enjoys coffee, classic literature, and nachos.
