Isn’t May a blessing? Even for those who love their jobs, and I do, the luxury of two Bank Holidays is just wonderful.

For me May Day Bank Holiday was spent with my family, a lovely weekend of walks, food, games and laughter. This late Bank Holiday promises to be a little slower though, with no set plans, just three whole days to indulge in.

I don’t really need an excuse to pick up a new book. But if ever I did need one, a quiet weekend would be just it. Here’s my top picks of books to read this coming Bank Holiday.

Fiction

A Passionate Hope

Rich in historical details, A Passionate Hope transports the reader back to the dusty streets of Shiloh, Samaria..

Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the beloved Biblical story of Hannah and Elkanah. Blending hope, patience and deliverance with a powerful message of hope and redemption.

A Passionate Hope is the fourth book in the Daughters of the Promised Land series.

Inspiration

Living a Life You Love

Bestselling author and Bible teacher, Joyce Meyer’s newest book offers a perspective-shirting answer to the daily aches and insufficiencies of life.

Blending her own story of moving from pain to perseverance with insightful Bible readings and inspirational new ways of thinking, she helps to show you what a life you love can look like.

Over chapters that explore the plan that God has for you, as well as why God made you, how to approach each day, about re-aligning your priorities with those of God’s. You’ll discover how God can change your life.

Biography

My Country Wept

My Country Wept is one man's incredible story of faith, hope and forgiveness in the Burundian Civil War.

Theo Mbazumutima was forced to flee his home in war-torn Burundi and endure a dangerous journey of hunger, refugee camps, mobs. Yet within the desperation is a God who faithfully provides.

My Country Wept isn’t just the story of fleeing home. It’s a story of trusting God, of holding close to hope, and of being a voice for peace in a land of war.

Thought-provoker

Landscape of Faith

Alister Mcgrath continues to be one of the UK’s top theology authorities. Known for his thought-provoking work, Landscape of Faith is no different.

Drawing on his own experience as staunch atheist turned committed Christian delighted by the creeds and on the theology of popular writers like C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton and Dorothy L. Sayers.

Full of stories and illustrations, this vivid portrayal of the imaginative power and vision of Christianity will prove invaluable to clergy, church leaders, theological students – and all who long to expand their understanding and love of God.

Children’s

Sparky Smart from Priory Park

A new series from much-loved children’s author, Alexa Tewkesbury.

These colourfully illustrated children’s books depict the antics and adventures of the Smart Family – in particular, the ever-inventive Sparky – and other residents of Priory Park.

Combining quirky families, mayhem and mishaps and laugh-a-minute antics, Sparky Smart from Priory Park also bestows a powerful message of unconditional love.

Suitable for ages 8-10

So there we go, which will you pick up over the weekend? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @edencouk

However you choose to spend your Bank Holiday weekend, we pray for a peaceful, joyous time.