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The Hole in Our Holiness

August 3, 2026 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

3 Aug

The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung

Title: The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness
Author: Kevin DeYoung
Major Themes: Christian Living, Spiritual Growth, Inspirational
Synopsis: Holiness is one of the most-talked about topics in the Bible, and DeYoung’s goal is to show us how it’s just as applicable now as it was back in Jesus’ day.

One Sunday morning, I grabbed The Hole in Our Holiness as we headed out the door, intending to get a little reading in on our half-hour drive to church. One of my brothers picked it up before I did, flipped to the middle of the book, and started reading chapter six. I didn’t bother to try to get it back from him, just watched him as he was engrossed in reading. Just before we got to church, I asked him, “So…do you think it’s a good book?”

“Oh, it’s great!” he replied, “it’s just like reading a sermon!” He then went on to ask if I could find an audio version for him, because he has more time to listen than read.

I thought his response was hilarious—and a fairly good summary of this book!

Publisher’s description:

What does it mean to be holy? Why should we care? And how can we change?

The hole in our holiness is that we don’t care much about holiness. Or, at the very least, we don’t understand it.

This is a book for those of us who are ready to take holiness seriously, ready to be more like Jesus, ready to live in light of the grace that produces godliness. This is a book about God’s power to help us grow in personal holiness and to enjoy the process of transformation.

My thoughts:

Personally, I found The Hole in Our Holiness harder to read than some of the Christian living books I’ve read lately. It’s a much more difficult subject, for one thing—it’s pretty sobering to realize, all over again, how often I miss the mark in my Christian walk!—but this also feels a bit more technical than some works I’ve read. I wouldn’t put it on the same level as, say, Sinclair Ferguson, but it did take a bit more thought than some books I’ve read.

Don’t let the slightly more technical nature of this book be off-putting, though. Where I expected this book to carry some condemnation or a “boot up the pants” sort of attitude, DeYoung outdoes himself in an effort to be encouraging and make holiness seem like a possible, actionable goal, rather than some airy-fairy thing for super-Christians.

There were two things I especially appreciated about this book:

First, DeYoung finally gave me language for the tension between faith and works that I’ve been trying to explain to myself for years. Somehow, he managed to do it without being legalistic or too grace-focused, and I appreciated that.

Secondly, he spent an entire chapter discussing sexual sin. Using his own dating experience, he was able to explain physical purity before marriage in a way I’ve never seen before—and in the most concise, memorable way possible. My parents were heavily influenced by the “Purity Culture” of the 90s, and when it came to my dating relationships, they set up some rules to try to protect my boyfriend and me. I appreciated the heart behind those rules, but struggled to know how much of it was Biblical and how much was hangover from the hype when they were courting. The way DeYoung talked about it here, though, made a lot of sense…and instead of giving a bunch of dos and don’ts, he quoted 1 Tim. 5:2, and basically made the argument that if you wouldn’t make out with your brother, sister, a stranger, or a friend, why would it be okay to do that with someone you’re dating, who you may or may not end up marrying?

This book gave me a lot of food for thought, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to read it. I haven’t read any books on holiness (aside from the Bible) before this, but it’s definitely a topic I’d be more interested in pursuing in the future. In my opinion, The Hole in Our Holiness is a book all Christians should read, if nothing else but to push us all on to more godliness in Christ.

WARNING: Chapter 7 mentions infant baptism as normal and legitimate (the author is Reformed and occasionally quotes Calvin).

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Hardcover | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Lizzy and Jane

July 31, 2026 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

31 Jul

Title: Lizzy and Jane
Author: Katherine Reay
Major Themes: Family, Food, Friendship, Cancer
Synopsis: Estranged since their mother’s death, Elizabeth and her sister are brought together again with Jane’s cancer diagnosis and Elizabeth’s failing culinary career.

Years ago, I remember seeing reviews for Dear Mr. Knightley, with multiple friends recommending the story. I didn’t have access to that book at the time, but soon afterward, I found Lizzy and Jane and decided to ask for a review copy. To my shame, I never quite managed to get around to actually reading the story, so it sat, languishing, in my Kindle. I had a goal this past year to work through some of my old ARCs, and this book was on my list. I’m so glad I finally took the time to read this story—it’s a gem!

Publisher’s description:

Lizzy and Jane couldn’t be further from Jane Austen’s famous sisters for whom they are named.

Elizabeth left her family’s home in Seattle fifteen years ago to pursue her lifelong dream—chefing her own restaurant in New York City. Jane stayed behind to raise a family. Estranged since their mother’s death many years ago, the circumstances of their lives are about to bring them together once again.

Known for her absolute command of her culinary domain, Elizabeth’s gifts in the kitchen have begun to elude her. And patrons and reviewers are noticing. In need of some rest and an opportunity to recover her passion for cooking, Elizabeth jumps at the excuse to rush to her sister’s bedside when Jane is diagnosed with cancer. After all, Elizabeth did the same for their mother. Perhaps this time, it will make a difference.

As Elizabeth pours her renewed energy into her sister’s care and into her burgeoning interest in Nick, Jane’s handsome coworker, her life begins to evolve from the singular pursuit of her own dream into the beautiful world of family, food, literature, and love that was shattered when she and Jane lost their mother. Will she stay and become Lizzy to her sister’s Jane—and Elizabeth to Nick’s Mr. Darcy—or will she return to the life she has worked so hard to create?

My thoughts:

One of my favorite things about Katherine Reay’s books is the way she incorporates elements of classic stories while telling a whole new contemporary story. This book is, in a sense, an ode to Jane Austen’s works—but though I guessed from the title, before starting the book, that it would primarily be inspired by Pride and Prejudice, I must say I was thrilled to discover elements of my current Austen favorite, Sense and Sensibility, in the story as well. One scene that particularly stands out is when one character was brought to her knees because of a medical incident, and another character turned to her eventually, and said in effect, “That’s sweet and all, but can we be finished with our Elinor and Marianne moment?” I’d already been thinking how that scene was similar to one from Sense and Sensibility, and the comment made me chuckle. Definitely Reay at her best!

While I’d classify this book as contemporary romance, I loved that this book had more focus on the family relationships in the story than the romance, so in that way, it felt almost more like women’s fiction. The characters here were hurting in many different ways, and watching a fractured family move closer together—despite grief and loss—was one of my favorite things in the world. There’s a lot of deep heart work in this story…and while it’s not overtly Christian most of the time, the threads of redemption, hope, and faith were there, and I came away with a heart full of thanks for the transformation the Lord can work in our lives when we let Him.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the food element of this story! Having not read the back cover synopsis (I mean, why would you, when you can just discover it through the story?), that part caught me by surprise and thoroughly tickled my cooking heart. I’m not a chef, and don’t intend to be, but I loved the way the food in this story was creative, made with love, and used as a way of blessing and drawing people together. I want my home to have this kind of food culture.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-read, enjoyable story that has moments of lightheartedness as well as some deeper soul work, I’d highly recommend you check out Lizzy and Jane. I’m kicking myself for not reading it earlier, and I’m hoping to check out some of Reay’s other books before too long. Also, if you haven’t read Austen’s stories before this book, don’t worry—there are little easter eggs for those who know the classics, but your enjoyment of this book will not be lessened if you don’t know the stories.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Characters occasionally drink socially, hold hands, or kiss (never described in detail). Breast cancer, its effects on the body, and treatments are frequently talked about. Chapter 1: Worth a darn. Chapter 2: Lying. Chapter 4: Darn it. Chapter 6: Gee. Chapter 8: Heck. Chapter 25: Sleeping on a man’s chest on his couch at his house, alone (nothing wrong happens). Chapter 28: Brief reference to sex (talking about chemo’s effects on her body). Chapter 36: For goodness’s sake.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Adorning the Dark

July 29, 2026 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

29 Jul

Title: Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making
Author: Andrew Peterson
Major Themes: Creativity, Writing, Memoirs
Synopsis: A memoir of singer/songwriter/author Andrew Peterson’s creative journey, with encouragement and practical ideas for all writers trying to bring God’s light to the world.

Of the 51 audiobooks I’ve listened to this year, Adorning the Dark is unique in that it was one of the only, if not the only, audiobook I listened to at “normal” speed—everything else was sped up to 1.25 or 1.5x speed. Part of that, admittedly, is because Andrew Peterson is a fast reader…but it’s also because as soon as I got into the book, I realized this is one to savor, not speed through. I’m so glad I got the chance to read this book!

Publisher’s description:

Making something beautiful in a broken world can be harrowing work, and it can’t be done alone.

Over the last twenty years, Andrew Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts, and executive-produced a film—all in a belief that God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal. He’s stumbled along the way, made mistake after mistake, and yet has continually encountered the grace of God through an encouraging family, a Christ-centered community of artists in the church, and the power of truth, beauty, and goodness in Scripture and the arts.

While there are many books about writing, none deal first-hand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling, and vocation, along with a nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. In Adorning the Dark, Andrew describes six principles for the writing life:

serving the work
serving the audience
selectivity
discernment
discipline
and community

Through stories from his own journey, Andrew shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists, but for anyone interested in imitating the way the Creator interacts with his creation.

This book is both a memoir of Andrew’s journey and a handbook for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide encouragement to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

My thoughts:

One of my goals this year was to read more books about creativity, and, specifically, writing. This particular book wasn’t on my radar until a couple of weeks ago, but when I heard about it from a friend, I knew I wanted to read it.

Adorning the Dark is more a memoir than a how-to-write book. It’s not the kind of book that gives strategies and ideas for how to build gripping, well-rounded stories (although that does come into it, to some extent); its focus is on living a creative life for God’s glory.

Through his own experiences in the music and later, book-writing industries, Peterson shares how creativity is intrinsically embedded in each of our souls. Since we are made in the image of a creative God, we are creative—whether that creativity ever shows up in the traditional “arts” sense or not. And as children of God, we are called to express that creativity to the best of our abilities, develop our skills more, and keep creating—whether or not we ever “publish” or make our art publicly available to the rest of the world.

As someone who has dabbled in writing in the past, this book resonated with me on a level I haven’t experienced in a long time. Peterson makes it feel possible to create—without the pressure of feeling like I have to write or craft perfectly. There’s something freeing in that, and something scary, because it means I have to be vulnerable with myself, and allow myself to just try, despite the fear that it will turn out completely worthless.

Adorning the Dark is a book I fully intend to buy and put on my shelf. It’s good, and I don’t want this to be the last time I read it. I would highly encourage you to listen to the audiobook, though, because there are some things in there you can’t experience from the printed page—not only does Peterson read his book (and he’s got a good voice for it!), but he also plays some of the songs he used as illustrations in the story. That’s something you can’t experience well unless you’ve got the book in your ears.

Recommended to anyone, whether you feel creative or not, who wants to glorify God with your life. If only because this memoir is more about a life lived for God, than about the things we can make with our hands or hearts.

WARNING: Chapter 2: Darn. Chapter 10: For goodness’s sake. Chapter 12: “The life of a writer is absolute hell” (quote from Roald Dahl), heck. Chapter 13: For goodness’s sake.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Widow of Gettysburg

July 27, 2026 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

27 Jul

Title: Widow of Gettysburg
Author: Jocelyn Green
Series: Heroines Behind the Lines, book 2
Major Themes: Civil War, Pennsylvania, Nursing
Synopsis: When Union widow Liberty Hollow’s farm is confiscated by the Confederate army and turned into a field hospital, she must figure out what the Lord wants her to do, while long-buried secrets from the past threaten her future.

After thoroughly enjoying (and being surprised by!) Wedded to War, I eagerly picked up Widow of Gettysburg. I’ve become a big Jocelyn Green fan over the past few years, and I knew I’d be in for a good story…and once again, she didn’t let me down. This is a powerful story, one I had a hard time stopping once I got into it. And, once again, there were some great surprises along the way!

Publisher’s description:

The farm of Union widow Liberty Hollow is confiscated and converted into a Confederate field hospital, bringing her face-to-face with unspeakable suffering and a Confederate scout who awakens her long-dormant heart. While Liberty’s future crumbles, the past comes rushing back to Bella, Liberty’s hired help, who was formerly enslaved. Bella finds herself surrounded by Southern soldiers—and one reporter who learns a secret she’s hidden from Liberty for 20 years.

In the wake of shattered homes and bodies, Liberty and Bella struggle to pick up the pieces the battle has left behind. Will Liberty be defined by the tragedy in her life, or will she find a way to triumph over it?

Widow of Gettysburg is a work of fiction inspired by first-person accounts from women whose letters and journals offer a glimpse into the lives of women living in Gettysburg during the battle and its aftermath.

My thoughts:

Before starting this book, I never really stopped to consider what life may have been like for people living in or near Gettysburg before the war came to their area. Usually, wartime fiction deals with people directly involved with the war effort in some way—not ordinary civilians who find the war on their doorstep. I felt like this book was a unique perspective on that battle, and I especially appreciated getting to know a bit more of the surrounding events at that time beyond what a history book might tell me.

Liberty…I connected with her almost right away. It was fascinating to see her change and grow in confidence as the story went on, and I also appreciated her attitude toward the different people who came along. One of my favorite parts about what she did in this story was the way she extended love and genuine kindness toward Confederate soldiers, even though she sided with the Union. She saw them as people made in the image of God who needed help, not just “the enemy.” That kind of love and care isn’t something I’ve seen in fiction very much (I remember being surprised by a similar theme in Fields of the Fatherless), and I really appreciated that!

Then, too, there’s Bella. I loved getting to know her, and especially appreciated the perspective she gave of what it was like to be black and looked down upon at that time. Her courage, conviction, and drive to do everything she could to help Liberty were beautiful to watch.

If you enjoy historical fiction that tells lots of history while still pulling you into the characters’ lives and making you care for the characters, I’d highly recommend you pick up Widow of Gettysburg (as well as the rest of the books in the series! I’ve only read two, but I’m sure the other two will be just as good!). There’s a little romance in this story, but the main focus of the book is on the historical events and on the characters’ growth as people and in their faith. (I’ve read that there’s a bit more romance in the 10th anniversary edition, but knowing Green’s typical writing style, I’m guessing that will be tastefully done, too.) A great read!

WARNING: There are multiple mentions throughout the book of white men taking advantage of slave women. Chapter 5: For pity’s sake, “Took slaves to bed, and shot pa dead” (a rhyme repeated several times through the book). Chapter 7: “Which one should we ride first?” (lewd man referring to a woman or a horse), woman’s life is threatened. Chapter 27: Story of a man who woke up with a woman in his arms (and an assumption she took advantage of him while he slept). Chapter 28: Man tries to rape a woman, someone killed (some detail, but not gruesome). Chapter 29: Woman admits to ordering someone to give herself to a man, the devil it isn’t.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle | Audible Audiobook (unabridged)
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com

Operation Posthaste

July 24, 2026 by Esther Filbrun · Leave a Comment

24 Jul

Title: Operation Posthaste
Author: Chautona Havig
Major Themes: Friendship, Christian Romance
Synopsis: After discovering a decades-old sack of letters in his attic, nine-year-old Dylan realizes he has to deliver all of them, or potentially face even more loss than he’s already endured so far.

After finishing a longish classic, I was ready for a lighter read. In scrolling through my Kindle’s offerings, I came across Operation Posthaste. I remembered hearing something about it several years ago, and after a bit of deliberation, I decided to try it out, and it ended up being exactly what I needed at the time.

Publisher’s description:

{ Neither rain, nor sleet, nor seventy-five years… }

Brandie Oliver is starting a new life with her son in Elmhurst—one of Rockland’s oldest neighborhoods. It’ll just be the two of them now, and she’s determined to be the best mom possible. Heaven knows she hasn’t been in the past.

Then Dylan starts acting strange. His teacher, the grandson of her matchmaking neighbor, says he is falling behind and sleeps during class. Why, when he nearly passes out at dinner, she can’t understand. Is he sick?

Rudy Vincenzo hasn’t had so much fun in years. He’s finally found a girl his grandson, Jack, can’t seem to resist, Dylan isn’t too cool to talk to an old guy like him, and he’s helping the boy with a secret mission.

Every night, he follows Dylan up and down streets delivering mail—ensuring the boy’s safety. Jack’s worried about him. Brandie’s worried about Dylan, and conveniently, they’re spending all their time trying to figure out what’s going on. Could anything be better?

Operation Posthaste: They must finish the mission before someone catches on.

My thoughts:

I haven’t watched You’ve Got Mail, but as I understand it, this book is loosely inspired by that movie. I loved the mail part of the story—as a big history fan, that part was a lot of fun! Plus, I loved the mentions of Operation Mincemeat in the story; having just read The Man Who Never Was, those mentions felt like meeting an old friend all over again.

Another thing I loved about this book was the combination of two cultures in this story. Although the Latino/Mexican (I can’t remember right now which one it was) side didn’t come through as much, I loved that that was still there. I also loved the peek into Italian culture that this book gives. I mean, a pizza dough that takes three days to reach perfection? I’ve never heard of that before—but it does make me curious!

And then, of course, there are the friendships and romance. I loved the way Rudy took Dylan under his wing, and I also loved watching Rudy and Jack’s relationship as grandfather/grandson. That was great. The romance was too sweet, and I especially appreciated that it felt like the relationship was built on mutual trust, getting to know the other person, and seeking the Lord’s will, rather than solely on attraction and a “Will this make me happy?” attitude.

The faith element in this story was also convicting. I especially appreciated a discussion about why we can sometimes feel like something is missing in our relationship with the Lord, and how sometimes that’s because we’re holding something back from Him. That gave me pause to reflect—I love when Christian fiction does that!

If you’re looking for a mostly lighthearted, easy-to-read story that still has a bit of depth and some strong characters, I’d highly recommend you check out Operation Posthaste. It’s a novella, so a quick read (I almost read the whole thing in one day—if I’d realized I only had one or two chapters left at bedtime, I would have finished them!), but I came away thankful for another solid story from Chautona’s pen, and eager to start my next book by her. I’m thinking Clock Tower Bound is up next; I guess I’ll see which one I actually end up picking up!

WARNING: No warnings, aside from maybe one or two kisses and a 9-year-old hiding something from his mom.

Age levels:

Reading Independently—Ages 15 and Above, Adults

Links to buy this book:

Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com