Summer reading recommendations from Sam and Leanna
If you are looking for Christian books to read over the summer, Sam and Leanna Williamson have put together some recommendations.
Sam's suggestions:
Glorifying and Enjoying God
Faith can feel rushed and duty-driven, Glorifying and Enjoying God invites us to slow down and rediscover the heartbeat of true worship: delighting in who God is. This 52 chapter book (1 for each week) takes you through the Westminster Shorter Catechism which reflects the core doctrines of the Christian faith. The elders are also working through this over the coming year, so you're welcome to join us. Read this book not just for information, but for transformation—and let it rekindle your joy in the God who made you for His glory. (It's hard to get a physical copy, but available as an ebook)
Daily Doctrine
Whereas 'Glorifying and Enjoying God' is more devotional this book is more theologically academic. Ever wondered what words like incommunicable, omnipresent, or soteriology mean—and what they reveal about God? Now's your chance. But doctrine isn't dry—it's life-giving truth about our great God. Daily Doctrine offers a year-long journey through the foundations of our faith in short, accessible but challenging readings. Persevere and you'll be pleased you did.
Strange New World
There are several good books on modern culture, but I found this the most engaging and encouraging. We're living in confusing times where ideas about identity, freedom, and truth are shifting fast. In Strange New World, Carl Trueman helps us understand how we got here—and how the gospel equips us to live faithfully today. Read it to see the cultural currents clearly and stand firm in Christ with wisdom and grace.
Leanna's suggestions:
A Way to Pray
It's not a book to read from cover to cover but an amazing resource to dip in and out of to deepen your prayer life. It helps turn mundane, personal feelings and vague prayer requests into prayers much more grounded in Scripture. Originally written in the 1700s by Matthew Henry but has been updated by O. Palmer Robertson. It's basically a guide to praying using the Bible itself—Henry turns verses into powerful, themed prayers for everything from praise to confession to intercession.
Memorising Scripture
This book is a practical and encouraging guide to making Scripture memory part of everyday life. Glenna Marshall writes with warmth and honesty, showing that anyone can do it—no matter how busy or forgetful you feel. It's not about perfection, but about growing closer to God through His Word. Simple, doable, and deeply motivating.
Loving your Adult Children
This book is a thoughtful, grace-filled guide for parents learning how to love and support their grown kids without overstepping. Gaye B. Clark shares honest stories, biblical wisdom, and practical advice in a really relatable way. It's comforting, challenging, and super helpful for navigating this tricky season with love and faith.
Whilst the links provided above are from Amazon, you might be able to find some of these books from alternative booksellers.
You can also find a whole range of helpful resources and books on our online bookstall in conjunction with the Good Book Company.
