Our selection for April 2025 is:
The Reluctant Queen and other Reformation Woman
by Elaine Snuggs (Christian Focus, 2022)
The publisher writes:
The women in this book were Christians of outstanding courage and conviction. They were not flawless heroines but in their times of trial showed themselves to be brave, intelligent women, of strong character and radiant spirit, living for the Lord who would save them and whom they had come to know as the only saviour by grace alone through faith alone. See how God has exercised his sovereignty in history-in the public sphere as well as in the lives of individuals-and be inspired to love Christ more.
Mostyn Roberts writes in his foreword to the book: History helps us to face the future. Without a grasp of our past, we are less able to weather the storms of change within and attacks from without that assail every community as the years go by. History reminds us that the challenges we face are nothing new; old problems recur in fresh guises; circumstances and context may vary, but not the fundamental forces that drive human beings, whether great or lowly. Too often, we do not learn from history, but it does not have to be that way.
The book, available in paperback, can be bought online here: https://uk.10ofthose.com/
Our selection for May 2025 is:
The Holy War by John Bunyan
A modern english Edition by Thelma H Jenkins
(First published in 1682, this edition Evangelical Press, 2023)
The publisher writes:
This dramatic story by John Bunyan, is the account of a long and bitter battle for the city of Mansoul. The city is attacked by Diabolous using every means possible and the weakness and failings of the inhabitants of the city threatened disaster until Prince Emmanuel intervenes and secure his victory. This modernised version of Bunyan's original retains the beauty of his style whilst making the story accessible to all.
We say: This is an allegory in the same style as Pilgrims Progress, but the focus here is not on Pilgrim, rather it "reveals the surpassing Majesty, dignity and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ represented in the book by Prince Emmanuel". The story also speaks of the marvel of God's pardoning Grace to the utterly undeserving.
The book, available in paperback, can be bought online here: https://uk.10ofthose.com/
PS: There is a really good three book package deal available with this book, Bunyan's biography (reviewed in March) and The Pilgrims Progress available here.