Easter bookshelf

‘The Easter Stories’ by Trevor Dennis. SPCK £9.99 978-0-281-05849
After all the titles in Lent, it is less easy to find good quality spiritual reading for the Easter season. Easter Stories by Trevor Dennis of Chester Cathedral helps to fill the gap with a delightful book that is, in effect, a spiritual commentary on the familiar gospel narratives of the resurrection.

The author provides fresh insights at every turn, and helps us to focus upon these stories not only as proof of God’s triumph over evil and death but as stories that enable us today to encounter the Risen One. The book is enhanced by examples of the author’s poetry: these reflective pieces (and that on Emmaus is outstanding) contribute to a book that will have wide appeal and add an inspirational dimension to Eastertide.

‘Called into God’s Service’ by Brian Waters. Trafford Publishing 978-1-4251
This autobiography of Brian Waters’ ministry deserves notice in the Monmouth Diocese. Brian, who is a well-known and highly-respected priest, now in retirement, has produced a moving story of the ways in which he has felt the movement of the Holy Spirit at key stages of his active ministry.

He has vividly recorded the saga of that ministry in Monserrat, in the West Indies, in Kenya, and Uganda. He recaptures memorable experiences in the wake of Hurricane Hugo. Brian asks ‘what of the future?’ and writes, ‘the real lesson for us to learn from all this is that we never really retire from God’s service’.

Many will want to say ‘Amen’ to a very personal but spiritual odyssey that is told with integrity.

Canon Terry Palmer