In a cultural moment marked by spiritual deconstruction, doubt, and a growing hunger for authenticity, author, and creator Kendall Mariah launches her debut book today, THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE (Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson), offering a refreshing invitation to wrestle honestly with faith and rediscover what makes our faith burn bight. With a relatable and conversational voice, she invites readers to lean into the discomfort of doubt, deconstruction, and the messy middle of faith, reframing these struggles not as endings, but as the very fuel for transformation.
Drawing from her own experiences of being a high-achieving, rule-following kid to navigating an ADHD diagnosis, and the complex legacy of purity culture Kendall creates a safe space for those who feel their insides don’t quite match their outsides. She bravely dismantles the idea of a polished, “Hobby Lobby faith,” arguing that a genuine connection with God is often forged in the heat of our most challenging moments. This book is a much-needed conversation starter, engaging directly with the cultural tensions between authentic belief and performative “Christian culture,” including church hurt, legalism, and hypocrisy.
THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE isn’t about providing easy answers. Instead, it offers formative questions and practical exercises to help readers take a spiritual inventory, moving beyond inherited beliefs to build a foundation that is real, personal, and unshakable. It speaks directly to a generation feeling disconnected from traditional religious structures, offering reassurance that it’s okay for faith to feel heavy and that questioning is a vital part of spiritual growth.
This book is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in their own faith community, who has been told their questions are dangerous, or who is tired of pretending to have it all together.
Kendall’s vulnerable storytelling provides a powerful reminder that our “soul friction” is a guide, leading us toward a faith that is not only resilient but also bolder and brighter than ever before. It’s an invitation to find the hard-fought hallelujah in the midst of uncertainty and let your own little fire light the way.
About Author
Kendall Mariah is a lifestyle content creator, photographer, and brand strategist whose honest storytelling has cultivated a deeply connected online community. As a business owner, military spouse, and adoptive mom, she speaks authentically about the intersections of faith, identity, and everyday life. Her debut book, THIS LITTLE FIRE OF MINE, releases in February 2026.
About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, Zach Windahl, and Carlos Whittaker.
On Sale February 17, 2026
Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson / ISBN: 9781400251674
Contact: Devin Duke, Senior Publicity Manager, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com
