Whatever Happened to Great Christian Literature? By James R. Coggins

Posted on March 11, 2026 by jrcoggins

BookBub is an online service that publicizes and sells new books. Customers can sign up to receive “Readworthy” emails containing brief information on new books in various categories: mysteries, novels, nonfiction books, etc. A recent email listed “This month’s best new Christian fiction.” When I perused the list, I discovered that every one of the books was a Christian romance.

Really?

Is this the best that Christians can do? Christians have the greatest vision of the world, and all we can talk about is romantic love?

Now, I am not blaming the writers of these novels. I am acquainted with some of these writers. They take their craft seriously. They produce formula fiction, but they often use this format to address significant issues—generational sin, incest, grief, and more. They follow in the footsteps and take their inspiration from the Brontes and Jane Austen, mainstream novelists of the 19th century.

The few Christian men writing novels nowadays also often write formulaic works, dealing especially with the end times.

But who am I to criticize? I also have mostly written formula fiction, murder mysteries, although, like the Christian romance novelists, I have tried to use formulaic fiction to address larger issues.

But this is not all we should be writing and certainly not all that Christians have written in the past.

Why are we Christians today not writing great literature? Why settle for producing adequate formulaic novels that sell thousands of copies, provide a modest income, and disappear from shelves in only a few years? They are useful witnesses for their time but don’t endure. Why are we not striving to produce great literature, the kind of literature that is so undeniably powerful that it wins a place in mainstream society, the kind of classic literature that will be read and appreciated centuries later? Why aren’t we writing books that are read by men as well as women? Why aren’t we writing books that not only stir the emotions but that also stimulate the mind, leading the reader to ponder, wonder, and understand? Why aren’t we writing books that disrupt and disturb sinful complacency?

Christians have produced that kind of literature in the past. Here are just a few examples that have inspired and challenged me.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a beautiful and profound long narrative poem written by an unknown author in the Middle Ages. It is a literary masterpiece rarely equaled and was still being read and studied in the last century. Unfortunately, it was written in Old English, and I have yet to see a modern translation that does it justice. It is almost worth learning Old English in order to read it.

Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is a profound analysis of human depravity.

I don’t know that the short story writer O. Henry was a Christian, but his “The Gift of the Magi” is a classic Christmas story and a profound depiction of self-sacrificing love.

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is another Christmas classic that continues to inspire generosity.

Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Tolstoy’s Family Happiness are among their many works with Christian elements. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn followed in their footsteps, with novels such as One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

There have been many great Christian poets, such as Robert Browning, whose long poems are character-driven stories.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’s Narnia books and other novels have obviously endured.

In North America, Catherine Marshall’s Christy is a book that goes far beyond the romances written by many modern Christian authors.

In our own times, John Grisham writes mostly formulaic (and very good) mainstream courtroom dramas but at times he has produced novels that could be considered great Christian literature. The Firm and The King of Torts illustrate the insidious corruption of greed. The Chamber looks at sin and guilt in a profound way. The Testament is one of the clearest expositions of the difference between secular and Christian life.

These are works that have impacted me. I am sure other readers could cite other books, both current works and works from previous centuries. Throughout the centuries, Christians have produced great literature that has had a profound impact on mainstream society. But we rarely achieve that today.

Why don’t we at least try to do better? It is a challenge worth considering. As stated, I have mostly written formula fiction, murder mysteries. However, my novel 1995, seldom read and even less often understood, was an attempt to do something more. My latest book, The Cabin and other stories, is a collection of short stories that at least attempts to move beyond formulaic fiction. I will leave it to others to determine how far I have succeeded.

The point is not that I have tried. The point is why more Christian writers have not tried. It is a challenge to myself and the many other Christian writers to aim higher.

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What Does God Wear? By James R. Coggins

Posted on March 4, 2026 by jrcoggins

What does God wear? How do we see Him?

God has no body. He is Spirit, not bound by the physical things He has created.

Psalm 104 is a song about God’s creation of the world and the creatures in it. However, the song starts with God Himself in heaven. The psalm says that He is “clothed with splendor and majesty.” God is awe-inspiring in ways beyond words. The psalm also says that God “wraps himself in light as with a garment.” God appeared to Moses as a fiery bush, and Moses’ face shone with light after meeting with God. On the Damascus road, the apostle Paul encountered Jesus as a blinding light. When Jesus appeared to the apostle John in Revelation 1:12-16 (a vision similar to Daniel’s vision in Daniel 10:4-6), the details were symbolic, but the primary impression was of fire and light: “The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”

Light brings truth, revelation, and life. Light was the foundation of creation in Genesis 1, where God first declared, “Let there be light.”

John reminds us that “No one has ever seen God” (1 John 4:12). John also said, “We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Isaiah 61:10 declares, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness.”

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Thirsting for God by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on March 2, 2026 by Nancy J. Farrier
Photo by Stephen H on Unsplash

In February our church hosted a one day women’s retreat. We had a guest speaker and our Pastor’s wife found a group to do the music—except that group backed out just three weeks before the retreat. So the pastor’s wife sent an email to all the women who are on the worship teams, including the Spanish worship team, asking for help.

I emailed her back and said I would be happy to help out. I play the keyboard for the worship team once or twice a month and sometimes sing—usually as a backup singer. I was expecting some of the others to step up to play guitar, drums, flute, or just to sing, but that’s not what happened. We ended up with me playing keyboard and singing and one of the Spanish worship team ladies singing with me. 

The pastor’s wife asked me to pick out the music. And then I got Covid. My head hurt so bad and my thinking was too fuzzy to focus. I prayed about the songs and picked some out but wasn’t even sure they would work. I had a little over a week until we were to practice, but I felt rough.

Discouragement set in and I whined to God. I knew He’d nudged me to volunteer but why the Covid right when I needed to be able to concentrate? I thought, “God, You own the musicians on a thousand hills, please send some to do this music.” Okay, that may be cattle on a thousand hills, but at this point I would take a Disneyesque animated cow playing the keyboard and singing in my place.

The funny thing about whining and having a pity party is that you leave yourself open to the enemy invading your thoughts. My head was filled with discouragement. Thoughts like—Your piano skills are subpar. Or,  Your voice isn’t good enough. That one felt especially true since Covid brought a dry throat and coughing. 

Finally, I realized this pity party had to stop. I prayed and God led me to 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you…” 

From there, He led me to Psalm 42:1, reminding me, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God.” 

I realized that I’d been depending on myself, not God to supply what I needed to lead the worship at the ladies retreat. Of course, I was in a panic. I’m not enough. I’ll never be enough. I have to rely on God’s strength and His grace to succeed. He also reminded me that in my discouragement, I wasn’t “panting” for Him but was looking for worldly reassurances.

Once I had my priorities straight, I moved forward with healing and with practicing. God provided what I needed, just as He will provide what you need when He asks you to do something that is hard. He’ll give you the strength, the help, the grace to get through the task and you can give all the glory to Him, because it is His doing.

On the day of the retreat, we had two sets of music, one for the morning session and one for the afternoon. As I was pondering how God had led me to do the music, I realized the songs were significant, especially for the afternoon session. The first song was Your Grace is Enough and the closing song was All Who Are Thirsty. Both of those songs were based on scriptures God led me to when I asked for His help. He chose those songs when I was too sick to really focus and used them that day to cement the teaching in my heart.

When life starts to get you down and you’re discouraged, remember that God’s grace is sufficient to see you through. Drink deep of the water He offers and avoid that pity party at all costs. God loves you and wants the best for you.

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Communicating with Both Hands Tied behind Our Backs by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 25, 2026 by jrcoggins

Experts tell us that when we speak to one another, 55% of our meaning is expressed by body language, 38% by the tone of our voice, and only 7% by the words. Which is why the lyrics don’t matter in rock songs.

So, what does that mean for us writers, who have only the words to communicate? Fortunately, we have developed some techniques to help make up for the lack of body language and tone of voice. We can SHOUT. We can emphasize some words. We can exclaim! Is it possible for us to also ask questions? And sometimes tone of voice can be communicated in other ways.

Handwritten letters can be printed in:

Humorous stories can be printed in a

Very serious ideas can be printed in a.

White space, —, *****, and … convey pauses. If necessary, we can even include photos, line drawings, maps, etc.

There is also an axiom among writers that we should “show, not tell.” Instead of saying that a character named Mary was angry, we say, “She slammed the door in his face” or “on his fingers.” Instead of saying that Peter was in danger, we say that “An eerie, moaning wind swept across the moors.”

Writers need to be highly skilled to communicate in their chosen medium. It is like dancing ballet in work boots, and only a very skilled writer can do it successfully.

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The Greatest Love of All

Posted on February 19, 2026 by dtopliff

The original “Valentine” was a Catholic priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius passed a law that soldiers could not marry during their military service so they would not be distracted. However, Valentine secretly performed weddings when Christian couples asked him to. He also would not renounce his Christian faith to worship Claudius as part of Rome’s Emperor Cult.

During Valentine’s imprisonment, he led many to faith in Christ, including his jailer. His prayer for the jailer’s blind daughter restored her sight. Since Valentine couldn’t be “stopped,” Claudius had him beheaded on February 14, 269 A.D.  His name was given to Valentin’s Day ever since and associated with devoted love.

However, Valentine’s Day represents much more than romantic love.

Out of all possible action verbs, John 3:16 says “God so LOVED the world that he gave…” That was His sole motivation. Salvation bought and paid for in the broadest terms. Available to everyone.

A friend posted the above awesome graphic on Facebook which seals the John 3:16 application for me. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone, celebrating the greatest love of all!The original “Valentine” was a Catholic priest during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Claudius passed a law that soldiers could not marry during their military service so they would not be distracted. However, Valentine secretly performed weddings when Christian couples asked him to. He also would not renounce his Christian faith to worship Claudius as part of Rome’s Emperor Cult

During Valentine’s imprisonment, he led many to faith in Christ, including his jailer. His prayer for the jailer’s blind daughter restored her sight. Since Valentine couldn’t be “stopped,” Claudius had him beheaded on February 14, 269 A.D.  His name was given to Valentin’s Day ever since and associated with devoted love.

However, Valentine’s Day represents much more than romantic love.

Out of all possible action verbs, John 3:16 says “God so LOVED the world that he gave…” That was His sole motivation. Salvation bought and paid for in the broadest terms. Available to everyone.

A friend posted the above awesome graphic on Facebook which seals the John 3:16 application for me. Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone, celebrating the greatest love of all!

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Children in the Faith by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 18, 2026 by jrcoggins

A recent statement in church caught my attention. The pastor was talking about parents who were grieving because their children had “left the faith.” Lost children are certainly a cause for grief. But I began to ponder whether the statement was true for all of the children in question. In particular, how many of those children were “in the faith” to begin with? Even though they do not practise infant baptism, evangelical Christians still seem to share the attitude of Protestants and Catholics. That is, they assume that children raised in a Christian home are “in the faith” unless and until they choose to leave at a later date. I don’t think this assumption is accurate. The Psalmist David said, “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5 NIV). The biblical view is that children raised in Christian homes are not automatically Christian from birth and therefore safe. They are sinful and need to personally come to faith in Jesus Christ. They need to be born again. Being born once to Christian parents is not enough. If Christian parents understood this, perhaps they would not be so complacent or so surprised if their offspring do not choose to follow Jesus. Like other children born to other parents, they need to be prayed for, presented with the gospel, and loved. Christian parents must also realize that there are no guarantees and that, despite the parents’ best efforts, their children are free to reject God.

Psalm 51 is a prayer to a holy and merciful God for forgiveness and salvation. It begins: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” It is a prayer that all of us, parents and children, need to pray.

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A Robe by Any Other Name by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 11, 2026 by jrcoggins

It has long been an axiom of literary scholarship that “Shakespeare was unequalled in the production of iambic pentameter couplets.” This has long puzzled teachers of literature (and the unfortunate students who were forced to listen to them) because no one was sure what an “iambic pentameter couplet” was. It would do no good to consult a dictionary because the first dictionary was not compiled until a century and a half after Shakespeare’s death. In Shakespeare’s day, words could be spelled “ennie waye what sownded guid and rite” and words could mean whatever you wanted them to mean—sort of like modern social media.

This was partially resolved when it was determined that a “couplet” (sometimes spelled “Capulet” by Shakespeare) was a variety of “doublet.” Partially because no one was sure what a “doublet” was either.

It was here that Iam Rongg, Professor of Garmentology at Stratford University, came to the aid of literary scholars. Rongg explained that a “doublet” was “an item of clothing with two appendages” such as pants with two legs or a shirt with two arms. Rongg pointed out that this was alluded to in Shakespeare’s plays with the repeated expression of “To arms! To arms!” (As already explained, there were no dictionaries in Shakespeare’s day, and there were many variations of spelings.)

Rongg also explained that there were “singlets” as well as “doublets.” A singlet was worn by the many individuals who had had a leg or arm cut off by a sword or axiom in one of the many battles fought on the fields of England and in Shakespeare’s plays.

Rongg suggested that Shakespeare likely decided to capitalize on his fame by bringing out his own line of clothing. In this, he was like many modern actors, who believe that being able to convincingly recite words written by someone else qualifies them to be clothing designers—or political commentators. Shakespeare may also have operated a sideline business supplying costumes to the theatre. As any writer can tell you, this would almost certainly have produced more income than writing. Shakespeare wasn’t all that serious about the theatre anyway. He was just playing, right? Literary scholars are constantly talking about Shakespeare’s “works,” but they were really just “plays.” This further explains the reports that Shakespeare “invested in the theatre” or “was invested in the theatre”—an indisputable reference to the vestments that he sold to it.

Rongg’s theory also sheds new light on literary scholars’ assertions that “Shakespeare constructed his stories out of whole cloth,” “Shakespeare’s plots are seamless,” and “The thread is easy to follow.” (No one knows what those expressions mean either.)

Rongg’s explanation, while convincing, left open the question of what “iambic pentameter” means. Examination of this question led to an intriguing answer to another question that has long puzzled literary scholars—that is, who actually wrote Shakespeare’s plays? As scholar Richard Armour wrote, “Whoever wrote Shakespeare’s plays, one thing is certain. It could not possibly have been Shakespeare. That would have been too obvious.” Rongg postulated that “Iambic Pentameter” was Shakespeare’s actual name and “William Shakespeare” was just a stage name. (Other critics have pointed out that this would mean that Rongg and Shakespeare share the same first name, “Iam” being short for “Iambic.”) Shakespeare undoubtedly chose the new name because he thought it would be easier to spell, although he demonstrably failed at that too.

Whatever the case, near the end of his life, Shakespeare abandoned the theatre (in the same way that he had earlier abandoned his wife to pursue the theatre) and returned to the hamlet where he was born.

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Finding Peace in Times of Trouble by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Nancy J. Farrier

Have you heard the a phrase about “the past coming back to haunt you?” From what I gather the meaning of that has to do with something in your past popping up again and bothering you to the extent it effects your daily life. Not a pleasant thought, and certainly not pleasant when it happens.

I had that happen to me this past week. I’m even struggling to write this post, although I believe it will be helpful to others—and to myself.

About eight years ago I served on a jury. The trial had to do with a man who raped a young girl and was also charged with other crimes of a sexual nature. Listening to the testimony was horrific. I couldn’t eat breakfast on the trial days because my stomach was in knots. Although I prayed for all involved throughout the weeks of the trial, I didn’t feel the deep peace of God, perhaps because the content was so disturbing.

Eight years and I thought that was behind me. Then I received a jury summons. At first, I wasn’t bothered. Not all trials are of that nature. But as the day drew closer I found myself struggling to do my work. My thoughts wouldn’t coalesce and my emotions were scattered. At odd times, that previous trial and the memories of it would run through my mind.

I’ve pondered this scripture verse from Philippians chapter 4: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (verse 8)

What happens when you are in a situation where you can’t think on the pure or lovely or praiseworthy things? When instead, you are forced to consider the despicable, the vile things of life? When life batters you with thoughts you don’t want to consider but must?

In that same chapter of Philippians, verse 4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

How do you rejoice in the midst of conflict or horrible images and testimony? Well, that verse doesn’t say rejoice because you feel like rejoicing. Paul is talking in this passage to two women who are at odds in the church. He’s saying to rejoice because of Who God is. We can rejoice in any situation because we belong to Him and He knows our needs and our every situation. Rejoice in the God of our salvation.

Paul goes on to say, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

We are first to rejoice in God and then to talk to Him. He wants to hear about our conflicts and troubles as much as He wants to hear our praises. He knows the ugly world we live in and He understands our needs. Pray. Be honest with God because He knows our hearts intimately.

I wasn’t called for jury duty this time, but recalling that previous trial brought out some negative thoughts and feelings I hadn’t realized were still there. I am rejoicing that God brought this to my attention and praying for peace of mind. I also prayed for those involved in the trial—both the victims and those responsible. 

God is sufficient for all my needs. And the other verse in that passage comes true when we do the aforementioned. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Only God is able to give us peace in such times of trouble. I pray if you have faced difficult circumstances that you can also Rejoice, Pray, and find Peace.

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Salt by James R. Coggins

Posted on February 4, 2026 by jrcoggins

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told His followers: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Matthew 5:13). What does it mean that we Christians are to be salt? Salt is a preservative and adds flavor to life, and it also makes people thirsty. The challenge for us is whether we bring joy to those around us, whether we help preserve society, and whether we make people thirsty for God. The intriguing thing about Jesus’ metaphor is that He says we can’t do the work of salt unless we are salt. Salt can’t lose its saltiness because salt is what it is. In other words, we must be genuine.

Jesus used the same metaphor two other times. In Mark 9:30-50, Jesus told His immediate followers: “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” The context is significant. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to die on the cross. And what were His followers doing? They were arguing about who would have the most power and influence in Jesus’ kingdom, and they were telling other Christians what they could and could not do. This was in sharp contrast to Jesus’ self-sacrificing attitude. It was the opposite of what Jesus had taught in the Sermon on the Mount, that His followers were to be poor in spirit, meek (humble), merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers. In Mark 9, Jesus taught them these things over again by placing a child among them and urging them to love those weaker than themselves and to cut off anything that would hinder their Christian walk. They were acting nothing like salt.

In Luke 14:25-34, Jesus, again stated, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.” Again, the context is significant. Jesus had just been teaching that He did not want lukewarm, half-hearted followers, but only those willing to make a whole-hearted commitment to Him. The point is that Christians must be genuine, the real deal, completely committed to following Jesus and being like Him. It is only people like that who are really salt, people who preserve everything that is good in the world, people who add flavor to life, people who make other people thirsty for God.

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February Faith: Finding God in the Quiet

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Author Mary Alford

February is a quiet month.

The celebrations are over, spring still feels far away, and life slows beneath gray skies and cold days. It’s an in-between season—and often, that’s where God does some of His deepest work.

Scripture reminds us that waiting is not wasted.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” — Psalm 37:7

February also brings Valentine’s Day, a reminder that real love isn’t loud or perfect. Biblical love is patient, faithful, and chosen daily—not just felt.

Winter faith can feel muted, but it’s still faith. Growth doesn’t always look like blooming. Sometimes it looks like roots forming beneath frozen ground.

This slower month invites us to rest, reflect, and listen. Reading—whether Scripture, a devotional, or faith-filled fiction—can become a gentle way to renew our hearts.

February won’t last forever. Light is returning. Hope is ahead. And God is just as present in the quiet as He is in the celebration.

All the best…

Mary

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Contemplating Divorce by James R. Coggins

Posted on January 28, 2026 by jrcoggins

My wife and I recently connected with a number of friends from years ago. We were disconcerted to discover that three of the couples we had known back then had since been divorced. These were friends whose Christian faith had been exemplary and whose marriages we had considered good models for our own.

We pondered what had happened and how our own marriage had managed to survive and remain a blessing. We did not judge, knowing that we were no more deserving of God’s grace.

Looking at the damage these broken marriages had brought about, I was convinced again that divorce is a result of sin. After all, in the Bible, God said that it was wrong. Of course, divorces are not all the same, and those who are divorced are not all equally guilty. No person is perfect, but there are certainly cases where the fault lies mainly, even almost exclusively, on one side. When one spouse descends into a maelstrom of alcoholism, drug addiction, sexual sin, gambling, crime, abuse, or extreme mental illness, the other spouse often has to let go to avoid also being dragged into a downward spiral.

But not all divorces are like that. What concerned us is that in some of these cases, the couples seemed to have just “drifted apart.” This was what really bothered my wife and me. Without judging the couples who were divorced, we wondered how such divorces happen and what we could do to make sure divorce did not happen to us. We are happily married and don’t foresee any serious problems, but still…The possibility was worth pondering.  

One thing that occurred to me is that a marriage is a union of two imperfect people and it is important to remember that. Too often, as time goes on, spouses judge the other’s imperfections to be intolerable and their own to be excusable. They demand perfection from the other but not from themselves. True marriage requires loving an imperfect partner, knowing that we, too, are imperfect. Loving imperfect people is what God does for us. One of the secrets to the success of our marriage is that my wife has learned to tolerate my eccentricities (a nice term for my flaws and failures), recognize that she cannot change them, and even laugh about them.

Another of the things that occurred to me is that divorce is a choice. Or, more accurately, a series of choices. Couples do not just wake up one morning and discover the marriage is over. A divorce is usually the result of a long process, a process that was driven by decisions and that could have been reversed at many points. When couples first think that maybe they would be happier with someone else, they should stop and examine their attitude. This suggests that they are seeking their own happiness rather than the spouse’s happiness. When negative thoughts first arise, they can choose to entertain them or reject them. When couples start to drift apart, there are many things they can do. They can rekindle their relationship with a date night. They can talk to each other. They can go to counseling. They can pray for help and guidance. They can change their habits and look for ways to serve and bless each other. They can look for and figure out what might make their spouse more content and do something to make that happen. They can choose to avoid temptation. They can make saving their marriage a priority. Given the damage and chaos that flow from divorce, they can commit to doing something, anything, to avoid it.

Again, we are not judging. We do not know whether the divorced couples attempted all of those things. We do not know if they tried even harder than we have to make their marriages successful. We are well aware of our own inadequacies and shortcomings. Rather, our friends’ troubles have reminded us to be vigilant, to not take our marriage for granted, to remind ourselves of the many things we should be thankful for in the other person, and to look for ways to make our marriage better.

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

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New Book Release by Tara Randel

Posted on January 26, 2026 by tararandel

I’m excited to announce that my next Harlequin Heartwarming book, The Single Mom’s Second Chance, will be released on January 27, 2026.

Tomorrow!

As always, I had so much fun writing this book. The story revolves around Addie, a single mom wanting to make her son’s life great while figuring out next steps in her life, and Nolan, a professional baseball pitcher, whose career is in question. As they lean on each other, will they fall in love?

Throw in estranged sisters coming to terms with the past, a Mom with a secret, and a town who loves to be in the know (they’re not rumors!), there is a lot going on. I’ve loved setting my stories in Golden ever since I created the town five books ago.

A fresh start…

Then an unexpected curveball.

When Addie Lane returns to Golden, Georgia, to open her own fitness center, she’s surprised to find her late husband’s best friend, professional baseball player Nolan Travers, offering to invest. Recovering from an injury, Nolan finds solace in helping a friend—and coaching her son Jacob’s baseball team. As the summer continues, their close bond threatens to be undone by Nolan’s expected return to pro ball and Addie’s challenging relationships with her mother and sisters. Only time will tell if their separate paths will pull them apart—or if Addie and Nolan can hit their love out of the park together.

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

A Golden, Georgia Romance

If you enjoy a book about falling in love that includes family dynamics and a small-town community, this one is for you!

I also have a book tour scheduled with JustRead Publicity Tours.

The tour runs from February 2 to February 6. There will be guest blogs, book reviews and the chance to enter a giveaway. Hope you can join me!

For info on where to purchase the books, go to http://www.tararandel.com

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Jewels and Rainbows by James R. Coggins

Posted on January 21, 2026 by jrcoggins

In Revelation 4:1-3, the apostle John describes God’s throne room in heaven: “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.’ At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.”

John’s vision of God on His throne in heaven is interesting and symbolic and should not be taken literally. The figure of God Himself was not described but rather only what was around Him. The primary impression was that of light. We know how a precious jewel such as a diamond reflects and refracts light to the point that it seems to be producing light itself. The jewels mentioned here are jasper, ruby, and emerald. We are not entirely sure what jewel “jasper” refers to, but it could be a diamond. The light around God’s throne would then shine white, red, and green. A small diamond in a ring will sparkle and catch attention. But imagine that light magnified and multiplied to be larger than a person sitting on a throne. The light would be dazzling, overwhelming the eyes of anyone who saw it. Royal thrones often have a high back adorned with gold and jewels and even a canopy, but this far outshines what any earthly king could afford.

The Greek word for “rainbow” is interesting. It is iris and refers to Iris, “a fleet-footed goddess who could travel quickly on the rainbow bridge between Earth and heaven” and was thus considered a messenger of the Greek gods. The name of the goddess became the name for “rainbow” (and, in English, the colored part of the eye). Revelation, of course, is referring to a rainbow, not a Greek goddess. But there is behind this the Old Testament idea that rainbows are a message from God.

Much of the imagery in Revelation, including the description of God’s throne, comes from the book of Ezekiel. This book opens with a vision Ezekiel had of “a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man…brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ezekiel 1:26-28). The Hebrew word for “rainbow” is qesheth, which means “bow.” It comes from a verb meaning “to bend” and refers to the curved shape. The same word is used for rainbows and for bows used by archers. This symbolism is intriguing. In Genesis 9, God made a “covenant” (a binding promise) with Noah to never again destroy the earth with a flood and set his “bow” in the clouds as a sign of this covenant.

When Ezekiel saw the vision of God on His throne, Ezekiel “fell facedown” (Ezekiel 1:28), and when John saw a vision of Jesus, he “fell at his feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17). The rainbow reminds us of God’s glory and His awesome power and His righteous judgment (as devastating as an archer’s bow). But it also reminds us that He is a merciful God who keeps His covenants.

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Stories That Strengthen Faith and Shape the Heart

Posted on January 20, 2026 by Author Mary Alford

In a world overflowing with noise, opinions, and constant distractions, reading remains one of the quiet, powerful ways we can slow down and reflect. For many Christians, reading isn’t simply entertainment—it’s a chance to pause, to consider deeper truths, and to view life through a lens shaped by hope, grace, and redemption.

Reading as a Spiritual Practice

Scripture reminds us of the enduring power of words: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV). While the Bible is our foundation, Christian books—both fiction and nonfiction—often echo biblical themes in ways that connect personally and emotionally. Through story, we’re invited to wrestle with questions, recognize grace at work, and see faith lived out in imperfect, relatable lives.

When we read Christian novels, devotionals, or memoirs, we’re reminded that we’re not alone in our doubts, struggles, or joys. Characters face fear, loss, forgiveness, and restoration—experiences that reflect our own and gently point us back to God’s faithfulness.

Stories That Reflect Hope

Christian fiction holds a unique place in today’s culture. It offers suspense without despair, romance grounded in commitment, and conflict that carries meaning and purpose. These stories remind us that even in broken or uncertain moments, hope still exists—and that light can be found in unexpected places.

For many readers, a novel becomes a place of rest. It may offer comfort during grief, encouragement during uncertainty, or simply a quiet reminder that goodness and redemption are still part of the story.

Supporting Christian Voices

Choosing Christian books is also a way to support authors who thoughtfully use their gifts to tell meaningful stories. Many write with prayer, care, and a desire to reflect truth and hope through their work. When readers engage by reading, reviewing, and sharing these books, they help foster a community where faith-inspired stories continue to find their way into the world.

Because in the stillness of a good story, we often find reflection, comfort, and a whisper of hope.

All the best….

Mary Alford

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The Spirit’s Nudge by Nancy J. Farrier

Posted on January 19, 2026 by Nancy J. Farrier

Have you ever felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit asking you to talk to a person about God? A friend? A family member? A <gasp> stranger?

I’m not talking about sharing the gospel with someone—not necessarily. I’m talking about the unexpected time when the Spirit nudges you to put yourself out there and approach a person you normally wouldn’t.

Sometimes that’s happened to me. At first, I would struggle with the idea of approaching someone I wasn’t in a conversation with already. Especially if they were a stranger. Well, maybe even if they were a friend or a family member, because sometimes it’s harder to talk to those who knew us before we became a Christian. Still, there was always a hesitation—maybe only for a moment but still there. Let’s look at one of my favorite examples of this.

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:26-30

Here we have Philip following the direction of the Lord to go to a desert place. He didn’t argue and say, “But I’m doing work here,” or “I’m supposed to hang out with the guys tonight.” Instead, he rose and went.

Then there’s the Ethiopian. This is a man of means, a court official to the Queen, and in charge of all her treasure. He was important, riding in a chariot or carriage of some sort—probably dressed in expensive clothing. Someone a little above the normal traffic on the road.

And here’s Philip, who is not any of those things. Yet, when the Spirit said, “Go over and join this chariot,” Philip ran. Once again, he didn’t question the directive. He didn’t hesitate or stall with excuses—he ran. Can I emphasize that enough. He. Ran!

How I admire Philip’s heart for God, his unquestioning obedience, and his eagerness to serve. When he ran to that chariot he had no idea what he would find, what need was there. He simply obeyed, and that obedience encouraged a man to give his heart to Jesus.

Going forward, let’s remember this simple act that Philip did so eagerly. Perhaps the next time the Spirit nudges us to talk to someone, we won’t hesitate or come up with a million and one excuses. Instead, we’ll face the task with eagerness and the expectation of what God will do in that moment.

In fact, I challenge you to pray about a chance to serve by asking God to give you the opportunity to share the gospel, listen to a grieving person, pray with someone who is hurting, or just to see what God is asking you to do. I know I will be listening for His nudge. I hope you do too.

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