Excerpts from three decades of conversations plus Frost’s insights called ‘more relevant now than ever’

Late journalist Sir David Frost interviewed evangelist Billy Graham many times over the course of 30 years, beginning in 1964. The recurring themes of their televised conversations were finding God and how to live out the Christian faith in a changing culture.

Now portions of the Frost/Graham interviews appear in Billy Graham: Candid Conversations With a Public Man (David C Cook), which releases Aug. 1. Frost believed Graham’s spoken words merited “additional study that is easiest in book form.”

Yet the book is more than a printing of transcripts. The excerpts Frost chose are arranged by topic and interspersed with his insights. In addition to the evangelist’s comments on faith, the book includes his thoughts on topics such as presidents, politics—and himself.

The publishing team at David C Cook found the taped interviews “more relevant now than ever” and decided to print the book to give the material “historical permanence,” as stated in the introduction.

Frost was known for his conversations with top political figures, being the only person to interview all the British prime ministers in office between 1964 and 2010 and all  American presidents serving between 1969 and 2008. His discussions with Richard Nixon led to the Oscar-nominated film Frost/Nixon.

As a teen, Frost had attended a Graham crusade in London, which ignited his interest in faith.

“I find interviewing Billy Graham endlessly fascinating,” Frost wrote. “We never have enough time to cover all of the subjects that I’d like to ask him about.”

Frost pointed out that Graham was always quick to mention how important Ruth was to him and their ministry. Frost was “touched by the depth of the relationship between Billy and Ruth,” he wrote.

In their last interview in May 1997, Frost asked Graham: “If this were to be our last interview, what is the message you would most want to communicate at the end of it?” Graham’s reply started with, “That God loves you…. No matter what you’ve done or what you’ve said or been, He loves you.”

The book includes photographs from the interviews and a chronology of events.

To order, call 800-323-7543, or visit bookstores.cookministries.com.

Lincoln Brewster and Thousand Foot Krutch share different takes on same theme

My Only Answer

Austin Adamec
Reunion Records
(Provident Distribution)
602341018227
Aug. 19

Adamec delivers his unique brand of adult contemporary music with debut release My Only Answer. The Florida native honed his craft as a worship leader for YouthQuake and Campus Crusade for Christ (CrU).

Tracks include debut single “My Only Answer,” “Chains Break” and “I Wouldn’t Trade.”

Reflecting the style of artists Brandon Heath, Hillsong, OneRepublic and One Sonic Society, Adamec’s music should appeal to fans of worship and modern pop styles.

Oxygen

Lincoln Brewster

Integrity Music (Provident Distribution)
000768622322
Aug. 19

Before the rock-worship genre hit its peak, Brewster was paving the way, delivering anthems like “Let the Praises Ring,” “Everlasting God” and “Today Is the Day.” Oxygen showcases a new collection of contemporary praise tracks by the California-based singer-songwriter. Songs include “Made New,” “Live to Praise You,” “Whole Again (Come Alive),”   “Oxygen.” “You Never Stop,” “Over All,” “23” and “Let It Be Known.”

Oxygen: Inhale

Thousand Foot Krutch
Fuel Music
(New Day Christian Distributors)
859712172280
Aug. 26

Modern rock’s Thousand Foot Krutch returns with the group’s first new studio release in two years, Oxygen: Inhale. Produced by the band’s frontman, Trevor McNevan, and Aaron Sprinkle (One Republic, Anberlin, Pedro the Lion), the album features the high-energy “Let the Sparks Fly” and melodic “War of Change,” among others.

Reflecting on the album’s title, McNevan said: “Most of us spend our entire lives taking half breaths when we were created to take full breaths. To live life to its fullest, to treat every day like it might be our last, and treat other people the same way.  We can’t see it, but we need it.  It exists. It fuels everything we are.”

Time Stands Still

Family Force 5
Word Entertainment
(Word Distribution)
080688892821
Aug. 5

Family Force 5—comprised of Derek Mount (nicknamed “Chap Stique”), Jacob Olds (“Crouton”), Joshua Olds (“Fatty”), Nathan Currin (“Nadaddy”) and Teddy Boldt (“Hollywood”)—releases the 15-song Time Stands Still.

“BZRK,” the first video from the album, garnered more than 250,000 views and 2,400 likes on YouTube in just eight days. Songs include “Let It Be Love” and “Walk on Water,” featuring Melodie Wagner of Hillsong Young & Free.

The disc was produced by Riley Friesen (Vota, Staggerford) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys, For King & Country).

Cast includes conservative commentator Sean Hannity and popular character actors

A naïve young son takes his father’s early inheritance in order to make a name for himself in the business world in A Long Way Off (818728010962, $11.99). Releasing Aug. 19 from Word Films and PRODIGALFILM, the movie is a modern retelling of the prodigal son parable.

Taken from Luke 15:11-32, but set in modern times, Jacob leaves the family farm, shunning his father’s religious and business ethics, to strike out on his own in the big city, poised to conquer the world in his own way—on his terms. Surprised that his father actually obliges his request for an early inheritance, Jacob sets out for his own idea of fortune and fame, and proceeds to spend millions of dollars living the high life—only to find it come crashing down and learning vital life lessons, coming back a humbled, appreciative son, finally ready to reconcile with both his earthly and heavenly Father.

A Long Way Off features Jason Burkey (October Baby, Mom’s Night Out), Robert Davi (Die Hard, Goonies, License to Kill), John Diehl (Escape From New York, Stargate, Pearl Harbor), Edie McClurg (Frozen, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles), Robert Amaya (Courageous) and talk show host Sean Hannity. Produced and co-directed by Michael Davis (Destiny Road) and John Errington, A Long Way Off captures the timeless tale of a journey to humility, repentance and reconciliation with both a loving earthly father and a heavenly Father.

The home entertainment release also will include a music video by Christa Wells performing the title song, “A Long Way Off.”

The movie will be promoted with a Father’s Day television network special in June, church movie screenings across the country and talk show appearances from some of the cast, including Hannity, who said: “We need more great faith and family films like A Long Way Off.”

In the film, the popular conservative talker plays a life trainer that Jacob’s father encourages him to speak with before Jacob receives his inheritance. Hannity appears alongside political pollster Scott Rasmussen and psychologist Dr. Bev Smallwood.

 To order A Long Way Off, call Word Distribution at 800-876-WORD (9673).

Variety abounds for kids and adults in this year’s holiday offerings

Retailers are ever aware that Christmas is right around the corner. Many a shopper will be looking for the latest seasonal story, kid’s book or cookbook—and publishers stand at the ready.

“We are publishing books for people who may be overwhelmed by the busyness of the season,” said Pamela Clements, associate publisher for Christian Living and Abingdon Fiction at Abingdon Press.

Clements also pointed to a new novella called Nora Bonesteel’s Christmas Past.

“I really believe that people love to immerse themselves in the Christmas season, and there is nothing better than a good story,” she said.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes one or two new Christmas titles each fall that are “giftable,” as many holiday titles are.

“We are very aware that most of the print copy sales are for gifts,” said Lonnie Hull DuPont, executive editor at Revell. “Obviously many ways of buying books are changing with the world of e-books, but we think there is still a reader desire for a physical, handsome book to give away for Christmas gifts.”

Nola Haney, sales manager for Barbour Publishing, also understands the draw of beautiful books for the season, noting the popularity of the company’s historical Christmas collection.

“The beautiful packaging lends itself well as a gift, and the unbeatable low price allows for multiple purchases for book lovers in every family,” Haney said. “Many of our retail customers off-price it even more for great Thanksgiving weekend sales.”

Abingdon also took into consideration readers for whom Christmas is difficult.

“For some people, it is not all joy and laughter, and having the right encouragement and showing that the original Christmas was anything but tinsel and music can be a wonderful gift for a reader who might be struggling,” Clements said.

The following titles are some of this year’s Christmas offerings:

BIBLE STUDY

THE MESSIAH

Douglas Connelly
IVP Connect (InterVarsity Press)
softcover, 64 pages, $8
9780830831326
July

The Messiah: The Texts Behind Handel’s Masterpiece from the “LifeGuide Bible Studies” series explores some of the key passages in the Old Testament about the Messiah and their completion in the life and work of Jesus. These passages led George Frederic Handel to write his oratorio, parts of which are sung during the Christmas season. However, what many fail to realize is that the entire text of Handel’s “Messiah” is drawn from Scripture. This inductive study guide leads the reader through the Scriptures used in Handel’s work that highlight Jesus’ identity and work.

Orders: Call 630-734-4711 or fax 630-734-4200.

CHILDREN'S

CHRISTMAS DOMINOES

Juliet David; illustrated by Jo Parry
Lion Hudson (Kregel Publications)
game, $9.99
9781781281420
Sept. 27

This first domino game and story booklet for young children will help them learn the story of Jesus’ birth. The large, colorful dominoes feature characters, numbers and animals.

Orders: 800-733-2607.

GOD BLESS OUR CHRISTMAS

Hannah C. Hall, Steve Whitlow
Thomas Nelson
board book, 20 pages, $9.99
9781400323999
Oct. 7

God Bless Our Christmas is the third title in the best-selling “God Bless Book” series. Its rhyming story will help children ages 1 to 4 focus on all the blessings of Christmas with family, including decorating cookies and trees, singing carols, giving gifts and celebrating Jesus. Animals such as penguins and polar bears each enjoy a different Christmas blessing or tradition. In the end, they gather around the tree, thankful for Jesus, the brightest part of the season.

Orders: 800-251-4000.

WHO’S COMING TO STAY?

Kregel Children’s Books (Kregel Publications)
board book, 12 pages, $5.99
9780825442063
Sept. 27

This small board book is also a Christmas ornament. Who’s Coming to Stay? tells the story of the animals in the stable as they make room for the baby Jesus. The book features layered die-cuts and sparkly foil.

Orders: 800-733-2607.

COOKBOOK

WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER’S AMISH FRIENDS CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK

Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour Publishing
concealed spiral hardcover, 160 pages, $12.99
9781628363906
Sept. 1

From Barbour’s New York Times best-selling author of Amish fiction comes Wanda E. Brunstetter’s Amish Friends Christmas Cookbook. This new cookbook with a lay-flat binding includes homestyle recipes and insights into Amish life during Christmastime.

Orders: Call 800-852-8010 or fax 800-220-5948.

FICTION

12 STORIES OF CHRISTMAS

Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson
hardcover, 256 pages, $14.99
9780718011963
Oct. 7
Morgan, pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, has more than 3.5 million books in print. In 12 Stories of Christmas, including six new stories, he offers the original works he shares with his church on Christmas Eve.

Orders: 800-251-4000.

CHRISTMAS AT ROSE HILL FARM

Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell (Baker
Publishing Group)
softcover, 240 pages, $15.99
Sept. 5

Bess Riehl is preparing Rose Hill Farm for her Christmas wedding, but her groom isn’t who she thought he would be. Billy Lapp is far away from his Amish roots working as a rose rustler and wants nothing to do with Bess, so she said yes to Amos Lapp. But as the wedding day draws near, her emotions tangle. In the end, Bess, Billy and Amos see that Christmas truly is a season of miracles.

Orders: 800-877-2665.

CLARA’S WISH

Beth Shriver
Realms (Charisma House)
softcover, 304 pages, $14.99
9781621365976
Oct. 7

In Clara’s Wish: An Amish Christmas Romance, Lizzy Ryder is looking for a hardworking, God-fearing gentleman—everything that Zachariah Schrock is not! But when Zach’s sister and Lizzy’s best friend, Clara, takes ill, they come together to give her a Christmas she’ll never forget. As Clara’s condition worsens, will they learn to lean on God and each other? Clara’s Wish also includes bonus Amish recipes.

Orders: 800-283-8494.

EVERGREEN

Susan May Warren
Tyndale House
Publishers
hardcover, 208 pages, $14.99
9781414394015
September

An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. As a blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over their marriage. Their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on embracing a new chapter of their lives.

Orders: 800-323-9400.

NORA BONESTEEL’S CHRISTMAS PAST

Sharyn McCrumb
Abingdon Press
hardcover, 160 pages, $18.99
(hardcover and e-book)
9781426754210 (hardcover)
9781426757655
(e-book)
Oct. 7

Nora Bonesteel returns in this novella from New York Times best-selling author McCrumb. When someone buys the old Honeycutt house, Nora is glad to see some life brought back to the old mansion, even if it is by summer people. But when they decide to stay through Christmas, they find more than old memories in the walls. In a story of spirits, memories and angels unaware, McCrumb’s characters know there is more to this world than the eye can see, especially at Christmastime.

Orders: 800-251-3320.

THE CHRISTMAS CAT

Melody Carlson
Revell (Baker
Publishing Group)
hardcover, 176 pages, $15.99
9780800719661
September

After years abroad, Garrison Brown heads home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While he hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother’s instructions don’t allow for speed. Garrison’s job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing a monetary gift. And along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him want to stay.

Orders: 800-877-2665.

THE WESTWARD CHRISTMAS BRIDES COLLECTION

Wanda E. Brunstetter et al.
Barbour Publishing
softcover, 448 pages, $14.99
9781628368123
September

Attempting a westward journey during the winters of the 1800s is either brave or foolhardy. But the promise of a new life is strong for those heading to new settlements, as well as those using any excuse to run from their pasts, gain adventure and find a place to call home. As Christmas approaches, will the couples find new hope in romance, or will they have to turn back?

Orders: Call 800-852-8010 or fax 800-220-5948.

WHERE TREETOPS GLISTEN

Tricia Goyer,
Cara Putman and Sarah Sundin
WaterBrook Press
softcover, 352 pages, $14.99
9781601426482
Sept. 16

Set in 1940s’ Lafayette, Indiana, Where Treetops Glisten tells the tale of Abigail, Pete and Merry Turner, each of whom faces the uncertainty of life during wartime, but relies on faith and God’s leading to find lasting love and enduring hope. Where Treetops Glisten is a collection of three stories of courage and romance set during World War II.

Orders: 800-733-3000.

 
NONFICTION

NOT A SILENT NIGHT

Adam Hamilton
Abingdon Press
softcover, 144 pages, $13.99 (softcover/e-book), $17.99 (large print)
9781426771842 (softcover)
9781426793967 (e-book)
9781630882952 (large print)
Sept. 16

In Not a Silent Night by pastor and best-selling author Hamilton, readers will witness the life of Christ through the eyes of His mother, Mary, starting at the end of His earthly life and working back to His birth.

Orders: 800-251-3320.

Ray and Tina Houser
Warner Press
softcover, 152 pages, $12.99
9781593177393
July 1
With Egermeier’s Fun Family Devotions: 52 Interactive Devotions From the New Testament, families can read and enjoy the Bible in a fun atmosphere. The step-by-step approach to each lesson makes the family devotion process simple. The guide includes 52 lessons from the New Testament that correlate with Egermeier’s Bible Story Book, and each lesson includes Scripture references, background information and questions. Following each lesson are creative, engaging activities for preschoolers and older children that reinforce the story and can be done with simple objects.
Orders: Call 800-741-7721 or fax 800-347-6411.

Joy, laughter and friendship are celebrated in a new whimsical collection by renowned author and artist Mary Engelbreit, known for her New York Times best-seller The Night Before Christmas. Releasing July 29, The Blessings of Friendship Treasury (9780310745099, $17.99, hardcover, Zonderkidz) is filled with poems, sayings and Scripture verses that teach the true meaning of friendship and show the blessings of a life surrounded by love.

Orders: 800-727-1309.

Girls of all ages want to feel like Cinderella at the ball, but some feel more like Cinderella before the ball—overlooked, inadequate, hurting or maybe even used and abused. Best-selling author Serita Ann Jakes knows how past failures and present hurts can prevent believers from realizing their true identity in Jesus, and has helped hundreds of girls work through personal struggles such as poor self-esteem, difficult friendships, family problems and secret shame. In The Princess Within for Teens (9780764212048, $14.99, softcover, Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group), Jakes, wife of T.D. Jakes, sets out to help young women to walk in confidence, knowing her true beauty comes from a Christ-honoring life.

Adult editions of The Princess Within have sold nearly a quarter-million copies. The teen edition includes insights from her debutante program for young women.

Orders: 800-877-2665.