Baking, embroidery, decorating, and gardening are top on the list for Christian publishers tapping into the lifestyle category in ways that blend Christian faith and worship with DIY and sustainable living.
“We believe in meeting Christian women right where they are in terms of interests, hobbies, and activities,” said Heather Green, associate publisher for Harvest House, one of the biggest publishers of such books. “We know Christian women love to gather together, and why not provide books for them that celebrate that passion within their worldview? Or as they knit, embroider or hand letter, they can meditate on Scripture while learning a new skill.”
To meet that interest, Harvest House is sending out Embroider the Psalms: Unique DIY Projects You Can Frame by Michal Sparks (Oct) that comes with heavy cards to embroider, instructions, and pockets to hold supplies and projects in progress. Harvest House also released Hand Lettering God’s Word: Connect with Scripture in a Beautiful Way by Jenny Highsmith in March.
Other lifestyle trends getting a spiritual twist include sustainable living topics such as gardening and canning. Women are the primary audience, with books appealing to millennials and up, according to Green. She adds, “Our focus has been (reaching readers) through digital advertising, blogs, podcasts, print and online magazine placement.”
More upcoming books in the category:
Welcome Home: A Cozy Minimalist Guide to Decorating All Year Round
Decorating doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive, according to author Myquillyn Smith, whose web site is The Nester. She uses Christian principles to guide readers through seasonal decorating with more style and less stuff. (Zondervan, Sept.)
Celebrating with Sprinkles: More than 100 Party Possibilities to Add Joy and Sparkle to Any Occasion
This collection of creative DIY projects, recipes, and party ideas to turn any special occasion into a fun celebration comes from Brittany Young, the faith-based Certified Celebrator blogger. (Harvest House, Sept.).
It All Began in a Garden: A Practical Guide to God’s Gift of Essential Oils
Dawn Camp highlights 50 essential oils and their uses, including relieving pain and stress, aiding weight loss, and increasing focus and memory. (Harvest House, Sept.)
Home Made Lovely: Creating the Home You’ve Always Wanted
Shannon Acheson presents simple keys to styling and organizing a beautiful home, plus DIY projects, and a special blessing to dedicate your home to God. (Bethany House, Sept.)
DIY Room Makeover Ideas for Girls: Pretty Projects to Decorate Your Bedroom
Whitney and Westleigh Wood, the daughters of faith-based home décor expert KariAnne Wood, offer a year’s worth of crafts a girl can do to add style to windows, walls, door, and more. (Harvest House, Sept.)
The Gathering Table: Growing Strong Relationships through Food, Faith and Hospitality
The Gingham Apron — five farm-loving Iowa women behind the Apron website where the motto is “Taste & see that the Lord is good” — offer menus, recipes, Scripture-based devotional readings, prayers, and lots of ideas for entertaining large and small groups. (Revell, Oct.)
Reach Out, Gather In: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home
Through devotionals and practical tips, bestselling author Karen Ehman leads readers on a 40-day journey of God-ordained hospitality. (Bethany House, Oct.)
The Family Garden Planner: Organize Your Food-Growing Year
Melissa K. Norris, who calls herself “a plain country girl who loves Jesus,” offers worksheets, task lists, and advice to help plan a garden and record results. (Harvest House, Nov.) This is an accompanying volume to The Family Garden Plan: Grow a Year’s Worth of Sustainable and Healthy Food by Norris, of the Pioneering Today podcast with advice on modern homesteading, that released in January.