A Photopoetry Collection Exploring Resilience and Witness
🎉 Special Preorder Launch + Exclusive Bonuses 🎉
Water in Her Tender Leaves
Learn about this unique collection.
Water in Her Tender Leaves combines striking black and white portraiture with contemplative poetry, documenting the resilience of nine North American women across diverse Christian traditions. The artistic interplay of image and text creates a meditative space where readers can recognize the complex nature of resilience in their own lives.
Now available for preorder.
In this video, I share the journey behind creating this unique photopoetry collection and why these women's stories of resilience matter for our faith today.
Kate Motaung, Author of Letters to Grief, 2025 Christian Book Award Winner
“Filled with stark images and raw vulnerability, Water in Her Tender Leaves is a collection of stories worthy of being told, expressed in a fresh and compelling form. Brave, bold, and beautiful.”
Miriam M. Dixon, Pastor, lover of Jesus, author of Worth Celebrating: A biography of Richard J. Foster's Celebration of Discipline.
“Through the evocative mediums of black and white photography and fourteen different styles of poetry, Hubbard draws us into the stories, giving us a glimpse of what is possible when we bind our suffering to that of Jesus, trusting that by his grace, in the end, all shall be well.”
About the author
As a theologian, poet, and photographer, I've always been drawn to stories of resilience. My fascination with ancient Christian women martyrs like Perpetua, Felicitas, and Blandina began during my graduate studies at Regent College.
This project emerged as my Integrated Project in Theology and the Arts (IPIAT) for my master's degree, combining my passion for early Christian history, women's narratives, photography, and poetry.
Through my own experience with chronic pain, I've developed a deep appreciation for how women's bodies bear witness to suffering and strength in unique ways. This book is both personal testimony and an invitation to see resilience through a new lens.
About the Book
Water in Her Tender Leaves is Christina Hubbard’s debut chapbook, illuminating women's resilience through evocative black and white portraits and poetry. The book features nine remarkable women from diverse Christian traditions, ages, and ethnicities who share their journeys of faith with honesty and hope.
Through intimate portraits and poems crafted from their own words, this collection creates what Michael Nott describes as "both conversation and tension between image and word." The result is a meaningful dialogue that invites readers to discover their own stories of hidden resilience.
The book weaves together themes of testimony, virtue, family, the human body, and sacrifice—connecting ancient martyrs' experiences with modern women's journeys of faith. While acknowledging genuine struggles, these stories ultimately reveal the transformative power of resilience and the presence of Christ in our most challenging moments.
You Might Like This Book If You Enjoy...
Poetry collections that tackle complex themes with honesty and grace
Faith memoirs that explore real questions without shiny facades
Photography books that capture human emotion and dignity
Theological reflections on embodiment and women's experiences
Stories of resilience that inspire without offering simplistic answers
Authors like Kate Bowler, Sarah Bessey, Pádraig Ó Tuama, and Mary Oliver
Why Preorder?
📚 Preorder Exclusives:
Signed physical copy shipped to your door
Free eBook version delivered to your inbox before the preorder physical copies ship!
Why preorder directly from me?
Support an independent creator directly
Get exclusive bonuses unavailable elsewhere
Join a community of readers exploring these themes together
Receive your copy first before general release
Common Questions
"Why not wait until it's available on Amazon?"
Preordering directly from me ensures you receive exclusive bonuses and helps fund the final production costs. Plus, you'll get your copy before it's available anywhere else!
"I'm not sure if this book is for me..."
If you've ever struggled with your faith during difficult times, found yourself drawn to stories of courage, or simply appreciate beautiful photography and poetry, this book offers something meaningful. The diversity of experiences shared by these women means most readers find at least one story that deeply resonates.
"Is this only for women?"
While the book features women's stories, the themes of resilience, faith, and witnessing to truth speak to everyone. Many male readers have found these stories profoundly moving and perspective-changing.
"Should I purchase a physical book or a digital copy?"
This is a photopoetry collection where the visual elements are integral to the experience. The physical book allows you to fully appreciate the high-contrast black and white portraits and the intentional layout of images with poetry.
However, with your preorder, you'll receive both the physical copy AND the digital version, giving you the best of both worlds—the tactile experience of the printed book plus the convenience of digital access whenever you’d like.
"Is this a book of poetry, photography, or both?"
Water in Her Tender Leaves is a photopoetry collection, which means it's an artistic fusion of both mediums. Each woman's story is told through striking black and white portrait photography paired with original poetry crafted from their interviews.
The interplay between visual and written elements creates what the book describes as "an exhilarating dialogue" where the photographs provide depth and framework while the poetry gives flesh and meaning to the stories. Neither element stands alone—they're designed to be experienced together.
“What is the preorder price?”
The price is $30, which reflects the premium quality of this limited-run photopoetry collection, with professional photography and printing on high-quality paper to showcase the striking black and white portraits.
Your purchase supports the women who shared their stories, provides both physical and digital versions, and includes exclusive bonuses not available through other retailers.
When considering the artistic craftsmanship and the meaningful impact of your support, the value extends well beyond a typical book purchase.
Preorder Bonuses for Water in Her Tender Leaves
Here's what you'll receive with your pre-order. Simple, straightforward, and worth it.
Every Preorder Receives:
📚 Physical Copy of the Book
A copy of Water in Her Tender Leaves delivered to your address.
🖋️ Signed Bookplate
A bookplate signed by the author to place in your copy.
🎵 Curated Playlist
Access to a curated playlist of instrumental music that pairs well with the book.
📱 Digital Wallpapers
Set of digital wallpapers for your phone featuring imagery and selected lines from the collection.
🖼️ Digital Print Set
Three high-resolution digital prints of selected lines from the poems in the book paired with photographs, ready for printing or digital use.
Tier Bonuses:
Tier 1: Preorder 3 copies
Personalized Haiku - I'll write a haiku for you based on your name and background.
Tier 2: Preorder 10 copies
Group Discussion - A 60-minute virtual chat with you and up to 10 friends where we can talk about the book and answer questions.
Tier 3: Preorder 200 copies (this tier closes May 23)
In-Person Event - I'll come to your location in the USA and Canada for a reading and workshop, including Q&A and book signing. Includes video recording rights and pre-event planning. (Travel and accommodations included.)
Note: Preorder by May 28. Available preoorder digital bonuses delivered via email after checkout. Digital book copies delivered with 4 business days of your preorder. Physical books begin shipping on June 2, two weeks ahead of the official release date!
Exclusive Preorder Bonuses
What People Are Saying
Sarah K., Artist
"Christina's photopoetry book is beautiful, evocative, and truly breathtaking! The interplay of word and image conveying stories of female resilience cuts to the heart and unearths neglected voices. More than that, this book powerfully instills courage to keep witnessing to God's faithfulness."
Sean B., Poet
“What a powerful project! The stories of these women are so stirring. The combination of testimony with poetry and photography is rich.”
Lynn H. Cohick, Distinguished Professor of NT, Houston Christian University
"Water in Her Tender Leaves names suffering without flinching—chronic illness, abuse, infertility, mental health struggles—while simultaneously revealing the profound dignity of each woman portrayed. This is theology embodied, a witness to how Christ shows up in our stories. I couldn't put it down."
Ready to Order?
Join the conversation
Instagram: @christinahubbardwriter
Book Club Resources: Coming Soon!
"May you experience the generosity of these women's wisdom and hope, and know that you also carry a story of hidden resilience within your body."
— Christina
Support Water in Her Tender Leaves
Water in Her Tender Leaves is already touching readers' hearts, and with your help, it can reach even more. Your contribution to this ongoing project will:
Fund new print runs to meet continuing demand
Support marketing efforts to reach new readers
Enable distribution to independent bookstores
Allow me to maintain creative control as a self-published author
Each donation helps keep this literary work available to those who need its message. As a thank you, contributors will receive personal updates on the book's journey and impact.
Join the community of readers who believe in Water in Her Tender Leaves and help ensure this artwork continues to find its way into the hands of those who will cherish it.
Your support sustains independent literature and the arts!
