Universal Love: Surrendering to the God of peace by John Dear (Orbis, £15.99 (£14.39); 978-1-62698-651-0)

“This book arose from a young man’s request that John serve as his spiritual director. He did not believe in God, but he believed in "love and truth and compassion." John replied that those are all names for God, and they agreed that they would speak of Universal Love. From this beginning, John discovered a new understanding of spirituality, and his own life of peace-making as an exercise in "surrendering to the God of Peace." In short reflections, he outlines what this means, offers practical exercises, and shows how this might lead us more deeply into the meaning of discipleship in a world of violence and conflict.”

Exploring Spirit: Finding what matters in a broken world by Giles Goddard (Canterbury Press, £14.99 (£13.49); 978-1-78622-649-5)

“Exploring Spirit is a guide for those seeking meaning, connection, and wholeness in an age marked by consumerism, disillusionment, and spiritual disconnection. Giles Goddard invites readers on a transformative journey—one that moves beyond religious dogma and toward an inclusive, open-hearted spirituality. Drawing from the rich well of Christian mysticism and in conversation with global spiritual traditions, Exploring Spirit offers a sacred space for questioning, discovery, and growth.”

Lost in the Forest: Finding joy in losing your way by Colin Heber-Percy (Octopus Books, £10.99 (£9.89); 978-1-80419-234-4). New in paperback

“Join parish priest Colin Heber-Percy in an invitation to get lost - to lose the labels society and institutions use to box us in - and to relish the liberation of losing our way in the world. Blending anecdotes from parish life, with philosophy, literature and tales from his local Savernake Forest, Colin argues that there is an overlooked richness, a spirituality and a freedom to be found outside the boundary lines our culture sets for us.”

Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.