Book Recommendation

A Time to Rejoice and Reflect: Books for Easter and Beyond

BY Lynn Topel TIMEMarch 28, 2026 PRINT

Easter Rejoicing

With Easter in sight, churches are preparing for one of the most—if not the most—important events on the liturgical calendar. Churches will be brightly lit, filled with the scent of lilies, and choirs will sing heartily their songs of joy.

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‘Hallelujah!: The History of Contemporary Worship in 100 Songs’

By Les Moir

Probably one of the best parts of attending Mass or church services are listening toand singing along withthe hymns. In this ambitious project, author Les Moir, himself a leading figure in the international contemporary worship music community, has compiled 100 of the most influential hymns from the past 50-plus years: “How Great Thou Art!” “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God,” and “I Love You Lord,” to name a few familiar ones. 

These “ageless anthems for the church, songs that have become timeless treasures” have their backstories unpacked. Readers will learn how they became classics and, by scanning a QR code, can listen to a performance of these heavenly hymns. 

It is a truly delightful book for those who believe in the old saying: “He who sings, prays twice.”

SPCK Publishing, Hardcover, May 12, 2026

The Spring Cleaning of Our Lives

The days leading up to Easter (and sometimes beyond) are usually a time for introspection, a time to evaluate one’s relationship with God, with others, and with oneself. How can we clear the clutter—both physical and spiritual—in our lives? How can we be more intentional about becoming better people? This selection of books offers great advice on cultivating good habits that refresh the spirit. 

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‘The Sowing Season: A Practical Guide to Cultivating Small Habits That Invite God’s Abundance’

By Ashley Hetherington

Content creator and author Ashley Hetherington was a typical young adult: partying, drinking, and finding love with the wrong men. These left her hollow, and she wallowed in sin and shame. 

Now 28, she shares her journey from darkness to light in “The Sowing Season,” describing how she shed her old life one baby step at a time. These small, purposeful acts helped her attain a more meaningful existence—with everything happening in God’s time. 

Hetherington’s faith journey will resonate with young ladies. Her book reads like a conversation with a trusted friend—part confidante, part cheerleader—encouraging readers: “If I can do it, you can, too.”

WaterBrook, Hardcover, April 28. 2026

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‘Training the Tongue and Growing Beyond Sins of Speech’

By Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P.

Have you ever said something and instantly wished you could take it back? In this new book, Dominican friar Gregory Pine describes the tongue as a rudder, a Swiss Army knife, and a double-edged sword. Like these, the tongue, if used as intended by God, is an effective tool for many good things: an encouraging word, sound advice, and even reflecting virtues of truthfulness and love. But if used improperly, relationships can go south very fast, and reputations can be ruined. 

In this relatively short guide, Pine enumerates common speech habits, and readers will discover how to attain “verbal virtue.” Biting one’s tongue and thinking twice before speaking might become the norm.

Emmaus Road Publishing, Paperback, Feb. 6, 2026

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Uncluttered Faith: Own Less, Love More, and Make an Impact in Your World’

By Joshua Becker

Author Joshua Becker, who devised the Becker Method for decluttering, defines minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.” In other words, it is a life “with less stuff and more God.”

For the past 15 years, Becker has advocated eschewing materialism as a way of life not just as a social media trend. This book offers a very convincing argument for minimalism: The accumulation of money and material things does not buy happiness and it can be more freeing if we have less of these.

Becker’s book will spur readers to do some major “housecleaning”—not just in spring, but throughout life.

WaterBrook, Hardcover, Feb. 10, 2026

Finding Inspiration

At the heart of most faith-filled people is the drive to share that faith with others. It may seem archaic in this age of modernity and materialism, but one man leads the way in showing that it can still be done, even in places where it’s least expected.

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My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography’

By John C. Lennox

Math genius John C. Lennox is famous for writing books that illustrate the compatibility between science and religion. He has given thousands of lectures on these topics as well. 

In this autobiography, Lennox takes readers to his upbringing in Northern Ireland and the influence of his father, who engaged in lively discussions on faith at the dinner table. Lennox’s position as a math professor takes him on various trips to foreign countries, even those behind the Iron Curtain, including far-reaching Siberia! 

Readers will be fascinated by Lennox’s life of polite discussions with people from all walks of life and his seemingly chance encounters with strangers, who would open doors to other public speaking opportunities. It is an inspiring read of a modern-day prophet.

SPCK Publishing, Hardcover, May 19, 2026

What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc

Lynn Topel is a freelance writer and editor based in Maryland. When not busy homeschooling her sons, she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying out new places to eat.
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