While teaching a class 20 years ago, Larry Crabb wondered aloud what book he would write when he cared more about what God thinks than what people think. In his latest work, he writes, “This may be that book, perhaps the first of many.”

Crabb, a psychologist and best-selling author, is founder of New Way Ministries. His new Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group) title, Fully Alive: A Biblical Vision of Gender That Frees Men and Women to Live Beyond Stereotypes (9780801015304, $19.99, June), explores what it means to be masculine and feminine. 

Crabb asks a number of big questions, including: “What does it mean to be fully alive as a male or female for the glory of God?” and “What makes a man deeply masculine in a way that reveals something wonderfully unique about how God relates?”

To explain the biblical answers to these questions, Crabb closely examines the Scriptures, including Greek and Hebrew meanings of words. He discusses the difference between sex and gender, and critiques current thinking on this topic, including the traditionalist, complementarian and egalitarian approaches.

Crabb also presents the idea of “relational gender.” He writes that the triune God is “a community of persons” and “the relational divine being creates relational human beings.” According to Crabb, this relational aspect of God is meant to be expressed in distinct ways by each gender.

He also examines the core fears of men and women and offers practical advice. He challenges traditional understandings of submission, saying, in part, that it “requires wise discernment, not reflexive obedience.”

Fully Alive is not for couples only, but for all men and women. Crabb beseeches readers not to limit or define themselves by anything except God’s call to come alive in relational masculinity and femininity. 

To order Fully Alive, call Baker Publishing Group at 800-877-2665.

IVP Books, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, releases this month the third volume in the “Biblical Imagination Series” by author-artist Michael Card. Matthew: The Gospel of Identity (softcover, $18) is a passage-by-passage commentary on Matthew’s Gospel in which Card leads readers to see Matthew’s primary focus: the identity of Jesus and the radical new identity believers receive when becoming citizens of God’s kingdom. Also this month IVP releases Card’s companion music CD based on Matthew, The Penultimate Question.

Tish Hagee Tucker, daughter of Pastor John Hagee, tells her story of being healed of cancer in Master of the Impossible: Trusting the One Who Can Turn Anything Around. To encourage readers with a message of hope and total healing, Tucker includes biblical and contemporary examples of God’s miraculous intervention, as well as an appendix of scriptures related to healing. Charisma House releases the $15.99 softcover book this month.

In To Know Him: How Intimacy With God Changes Everything, Billy Humphrey examines the question “Who is God?” in marriage, parenting, finance, work and ministry. Founder and director of the International House of Prayer in Atlanta, Humphrey includes his own journey into a knowledge of God that transformed every area of his life. He shows readers how personal transformation is possible only through knowing God intimately. This month Passio (Charisma House) releases the book in softcover, retailing for $14.99.

Chosen (Baker Publishing Group) releases The Spiritual Warrior’s Guide to Defeating Jezebel: How to Overcome the Spirit of Control, Idolatry and Immorality (softcover, $13.99) by Jennifer LeClaire this month. LeClaire is director of the International House of Prayer, Fort Lauderdale, and news editor for Charisma magazine. Her book exposes the deceit and work of Jezebel in the church and equips readers with strategies to defeat this spirit in the lives of believers.

With step-by-step guides, resources and interactive pages, Downside Up: Transform Rejection Into Your Golden Opportunity leads women to renew how they think and response to rejection. In the Thomas Nelson book releasing this month, author and conference speaker Tracey Mitchell shares her own experiences as a daughter who never met her biological father and shows ways rejection can be one of the most powerful, positive tools in life. The softcover book retails for $15.99.

Waking Up in Heaven: A True Story of Brokenness, Heaven and Life Again tells the story of Crystal McVea, a skeptic plagued by guilt and a history of bad choices, who went into full respiratory arrest in the hospital one night and spent nine minutes with God in heaven, and how the experience dramatically changed her life. Written with Alex Tresniowski, McVea’s book releases this month from Howard Books and retails for $15.99.

I Believe in Heaven: Real Stories From the Bible, History and Today by Cecil Murphey and Twila Belk (Regal, $14.99, softcover) is a collection of stories about people who have been to heaven and back, from biblical times to current day. It also includes numerous questions and answers about heaven. Murphey has authored and co-authored many best-selling books, including 90 Minutes in Heaven and Heaven Is Real with Don Piper. Belk works full-time with Murphey and has co-authored other books as well.

Drawing from research in psychology, neuroscience and technology, Drs. Archibald Hart and Sylvia Hart Frejd have written The Digital Invasion: How Technology Is Shaping You and Your Relationships ($14.99, softcover), to be released this month by Baker Books/Baker Publishing Group. They reveal how technology changes individuals and offer biblical strategies for handling the “digital invasion.” Archibald Hart is an author and professor of psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. His co-author and daughter, Sylvia Hart Frejd, specializes in Christian counseling and digital research.

Tyndale House Publishers is introducing a new line of teen Bibles called “Zips.” Each compact Zips Bible has a fashionable zipper closure that accents the cover design and keeps the Bible pages protected. Releasing April 1, each of the three canvas New Living Translation editions—now available in blue, red and yellow—retails for $19.99. 

The NIV Bible in 90 Days from Zondervan empowers readers to read through the full Scripture text in just 12 pages a day. Releasing April 23, this hardcover Bible helps readers achieve the goal of reading from Genesis to Revelation and can be used in a group setting in conjunction with The Bible in 90 Days curriculum. This special edition of the New International Version comes in larger print and has start and end markers to guide the reader day by day. Articles include “Why Read the Bible in 90 Days?” and insights are offered from Ted Cooper, founder of The Bible in 90 Days program. It retails for $27.99.

Available in three shimmery colors—  posh pink, violetta and teal, Zondervan’s NIV Sleek & Chic Collection Bible features  a flexible fabric cover, words of Christ in red, ribbon marker, presentation page and the complete NIV text in an extra-thin edition. Releasing April 23, the new edition retails for $34.99 each. 

Just in time for the Mother’s Day shopping season comes the CEB for Mothers Bible, available from Abingdon Press. This Common English Bible edition for mothers and grandmothers of all ages comes in a Thinline format and features additional pages of inspirational quotes and places to record special memories and family genealogy. This fabric with DecoTone edition is available April 1 and retails for $32.99.

Worthy Publishing releases this month The Good Fight: How Conflict Can Bring You Closer (hardcover, $19.99) by New York Times best-selling authors and marriage counselors Les and Leslie Parrott. Based on their extensive experience and research, the Parrotts reveal misbeliefs about marital conflict and new techniques to help couples constructively manage conflict. They provide practical advice for avoiding pitfalls, diffusing hurt and anger, and building harmonious relationships.

The newest book by New York Times best-selling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer is Making Good Habits, Breaking Bad Habits: 14 New Behaviors That Will Energize Your Life. Meyer examines the nature of habits, points out the first habit to establish—the God Habit, and explains how to break bad habits. She then discusses 14 good habits to develop, such as decisiveness, generosity and confidence. FaithWords releases this $19.99 hardcover this month.

Sex and Money: Pleasures That Leave You Empty and Grace That Satisfies by Paul David Tripp releases this month from Crossway (hardcover, $22.99). In the book, Tripp, president of Paul Tripp Ministries and director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care, addresses sexual and financial idolatry. By focusing on God’s grace and pointing readers toward Scripture, he offers practical guidance for finding true joy and satisfaction in a pleasure-oriented society. Regional conferences and a DVD curriculum are planned to supplement the book.

The Fearless Passage of Steven Kim (Whitaker House) is the true story of an American businessman imprisoned in China for four years for rescuing North Korean refugees. Written by Carl Herzig with Steven Kim, the book tells how Kim, after 50 years as a businessman in China, responded to God’s call to help North Korean refugees. Arrested for leading a prayer meeting in his apartment, Kim then led fellow inmates and his prison guard to Christ. Releasing this month, the softcover book retails for $12.99.

Using personal stories and Scripture meditations in The Easy Burden of Pleasing God, Patty Kirk reminds readers that God’s yoke is easy and the burden of loving Him is light. Writer-in-residence and associate professor at John Brown University, Kirk addresses the issues at the heart of a spiritual life tainted by perfectionism and explores God’s promises of ease. Retailing for $15, the softcover book releases this month from IVP Crescendo, an imprint of InterVarsity Press.

In Sabotage: How Insecurity Destroys Everything, Trinity Jordan aims to help readers connect with God and others the way God has designed. He addresses the root issues behind insecurity, such as discontent and comparing oneself to others, which sabotage the abundant life God intends for believers. Jordan is a church-planting facilitator for the Church Multiplication Network and founder, with his wife, Ami, of Elevation Church in Layton, Utah. Passio, an imprint of Charisma House Book Group, releases this softcover for $14.99 this month.

God Makes Lemonade: True Stories That Amaze and Encourage offers vignettes from ordinary people who discovered unexpected sweetness in sour circumstances, from life-threatening situations to day-to-day challenges. The stories are compiled by Don Jacobson, former president and owner of Multnomah Publishers and founder of the author management company D.C. Jacobson & Associates, and a series is planned. Thomas Nelson releases this softcover book ($15.99) this month.

Motivational speaker and director of Life Without Limbs, Nick Vujicic has written Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life. Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs, draws on materials from his best-selling books Life Without Limits and Unstoppable, offering 50 short, faith-building readings. Topics include relationships, health and disability concerns, the power of dreams, surrender, serving others and more. WaterBrook Press releases Limitless this month in hardcover for $14.99.

Top Pick

Illusion

Frank Peretti

Howard Books

hardcover, 512 pages, $26.99

978-1-439-19267-2 

FICTION

Ever-popular author Peretti will surely delight his many fans—more than 15 million copies of his novels are in print—with this newest plunge into the space between reality and fantasy.·

Dane and Mandy have been a popular magic act for 40 years, until she is killed in a traffic accident. But when she reappears as a 19-year-old girl with no memories of their years together, Dane’s life turns upside down. Is he crazy? Can it really be her? Or is she crazy? Mandy, who now goes by Eloise Kramer, takes up magic, soon making a name for herself with her amazing abilities. But what seems like extraordinary skill becomes much more when the truth is slowly revealed. 

Peretti weaves a marvelous tale of magic and science that will keep readers guessing—and gasping—from start to finish. His illusions and allusions will leave fans pondering the power of human and divine love, as well as this caution: “So to put the lesson simply, we are not God.”

—Ann E. Byle

AUTO/BIOGRAPHY

 Miracle for Jen

Linda Barrick with John Perry

Tyndale House Publishers

hardcover, 288 pages, $19.99

978-1-414-36119-2

Heading home from a concert in November 2006, the Barrick family’s van was struck by a drunk driver in Lynchburg, Va. In Miracle for Jen: A Tragic Accident, a Mother’s Desperate Prayer, and Heaven’s Extraordinary Answer, Jen’s mother, Linda Barrick, tells of the accident that left all of the family members with serious injuries.

Worst of all, 15-year-old Jen suffered brain trauma and skull fractures that left her in a coma for five weeks, but even while comatose, she was able to talk to God clearly. Jen eventually opened her eyes and began praying and praising Him, though she didn’t always recognize her parents or even recall that she had a brother. 

Barrick shares openly her struggles in wanting to see Jen get back to normal. She uses Jen’s journal entries before the accident to show the depth of her daughter’s faith, as well as comments from hospital visitors and others impacted by Jen’s life.

A well-written, inspiring story, Miracle for Jen not only celebrates God’s goodness, but also demonstrates the power of love as seen through the unsung heroes who sacrificed to help the Barrick family recover.

—Nicole Anderson

CHRISTIAN LIFE

 1000 Days

Jonathan Falwell

Thomas Nelson

hardcover, 240 pages, $22.99

978-0-849-94808-4

Falwell’s 1000 Days: The Ministry of Christ focuses on Jesus’ public ministry, which transpired over the course of a mere three years. 

The son of the late Reverend Jerry Falwell and senior pastor at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Va., highlights Christ’s pivotal reading of Isaiah 61 in the synagogue as recorded in Luke’s Gospel and shows that the mission of Christ focused on four groups: the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives and the blind. In brief, Christ came to liberate the oppressed. Falwell encourages the followers of Christ to pattern their lives after Jesus by studying his teachings and actions and by allowing themselves to be infused with the Holy Spirit.

Readers will see Christ’s brief ministry and journey in a new, transformative light through Falwell’s debut book.

—Brian Smith McCallum

 Heroes and Monsters

Josh James Riebock

Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 304 pages, $16.99

978-0-801-01398-0

A compelling look at a Gen-Y author’s journey toward understanding himself and his faith, Heroes and Monsters: An Honest Look at the Struggle Within All of Us engages the reader with vivid stories of childhood hero worship—and anguish at his father-hero’s failures.

When Riebock’s father’s drunken driving left the two of them stranded in a cornfield—his father unconscious—the frightened little boy focused on a scarecrow whom he imagined was named “Jack.” Riebock’s relationship with his father was shattered, but throughout his young years, he maintained a relationship with “Jack.”

Riebock relives his youth and early adulthood as he struggles with his failures and downplays his successes. Later in life, his wife and friends assist him in exploring his inner “monsters,” while his growing intimacy with Jack leads him to self-revelation and maturity. Jack’s desire to be a part of every area of Riebock’s life illuminates God’s desire to be known personally.

Riebock’s struggles are familiar, but unique, and the help he receives from Jack is reminiscent of William P. Young’s portrayal of God in The Shack. Readers may also appreciate Derek Geer’s graphic art throughout the book.

—Eilene Ishler

 The Fourth Fisherman 

Joe Kissack

WaterBrook Press

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.99

978-0-307-95627-9

When a Taiwanese tuna trawler picked up three Mexican fishermen who had been lost at sea in the Pacific for about nine months in 2006, it made headlines. While there were many skeptics questioning the facts, it was a powerful story of survival that could be credited solely to the constant presence of God.

Author Kissack, a Hollywood executive, was also lost, but in a different way, spiraling into his own sea of despair and on the verge of losing all he had when he finally exchanged his old ways for new life in Jesus. Soon thereafter, he writes, he distinctly heard the call of the Lord leading him to pursue the fishermen’s outlandish story to make a movie out of it. In the process he discovered it was not only a test of his newfound faith, but also a confirmation that no one is ever beyond God’s ability to rescue.

The Fourth Fisherman: How Three Mexican Fishermen Who Came Back From the Dead Changed My Life and Saved My Marriage is a story of the sovereignty of God, unshakable faith and a reminder that nothing is impossible with Him.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

 Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal

Michael Kelley

B&H Books

softcover, 272 pages, $14.99

978-1-433-67169-2

Admitting his propensity to be a “professional Christian,” Kelley, a former student pastor and LifeWay Christian Resources editor, found his faith put to the ultimate test when his 2-year-old son’s rash turned out to be more than what Kelley and his wife expected.

In Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal: A Boy, Cancer and God, what was thought to be a routine doctor’s visit proved to be something no parent wants to hear when young Joshua was diagnosed with leukemia. In the book, Kelley chronicles the journey that he and wife Jana faced during Joshua’s treatment, and is candid about his fears, doubts and how “everything he thought he knew about God was now being processed in real life terms.”

Ending on a happy note, the account of the family’s painful ordeal demonstrates that faith is a one-step-at-a-time walk with God. Raw, authentic and transparent, Wednesdays will challenge and guide believers walking through hard times.

—Aj Luck

 FICTION

 Covenant of War

Cliff Graham

Zondervan

softcover, 352 pages, $14.99

978-0-310-33186-5 

Author Graham expands on the Old Testament record of David’s conquests in Covenant of War, the second book in the five-part “Lion of War” series. This episode roughly correlates with 1 Chron. 11 and 2 Sam. 2-3.

Israel’s new king, David, has just taken the throne in Hebron, and the northern tribes loyal to the late King Saul still view him with suspicion. David must supplement the largely green Hebrew army with paid mercenaries, some from enemy Philistia, while a lack of fresh water threatens to destroy Israel. Soft from years of philandering, he must return to the battlefield with his Mighty Men to capture the wells of Jebus (Jerusalem) in a showdown with the Philistines on the same plain where he slew Goliath years earlier.

Graham depicts 10th-century-B.C. warfare in meticulous and sometimes graphic detail. Some readers who have not read the first book may be confused by the shifting viewpoints and large cast of characters, but the biblical source will provide sufficient back story. With the first book optioned for film by Hollywood insiders, this series is one retailers will want to watch.

—John D. Leatherman

Lysa TerKeurst hit a nerve when she wrote Made to Crave, which aims to offer the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. Now tailoring her thoughts on the subject to the younger set, Made to Crave for Young Women is a book and Bible study to help younger readers find the desire to make healthy lifestyle choices and grow closer to God in the process. The 224-page softcover book from Zondervan retails for $12.99.

Author and apologist Dan Story takes a compelling look at what the Bible says about creation care in Should Christians Be Environmentalists? (Kregel Publications). Releasing March 1 and retailing for $13.99, the book addresses misconceptions and erroneous assertions that presuppose Christians are not concerned about taking care of the environment. Story reviews the stewardship guidelines given by God and reinforced by Jesus, and highlights both missional and evangelistic opportunities.

When You Are Down to Nothing, God Is Up to Something offers an encouraging word from Robert A. Schuller, son of televangelist and Robert H. Schuller, longtime pastor of the Crystal Cathedral. The younger Schulller was forced out of the pulpit in 2008 after being groomed as the congregation’s next pastor—a time when he felt alone despite the love of his family, friends and God. Reminded that God had his future in hand, Schuller is now able to forge his own path instead of following in his father’s footsteps. In stores March 28, the hardcover book from FaithWords retails for $22.99.

New York Times best-selling author and pastor T.D. Jakes explores the power of forgiveness in Let It Go: Forgive So You Can Be Forgiven, a Feb. 28 release from Atria Books/Simon & Schuster. Showing readers that a refusal to forgive means “we basically insist on setting our standards higher than God’s,” Jakes reveals battles he has had personally with forgiving others. The book retails for $25.

Richard R. Dunn, lead pastor at Fellowship Evangelical Free Church in Knoxville, Tenn., and Jana L. Sundene, associate professor at Trinity International University, offer guidance to those who mentor adults who are in their 20s and early 30s. In Shaping the Journey of Emerging Adults: Life-Giving Rhythms for Spiritual Transformation, they call on mentors of emerging adults to forgo formulas and walk alongside them as they learn to follow Christ. Releasing this month, the IVP Books title retails for $18.

For a favorite sport, hobby or job, men tend to go “all in,” immersing themselves with enthusiasm. In Man on the Run, pastor and author Zeke Pipher helps impassioned, or “hyper-hobbied,” men recognize what’s best in life. Pipher speaks from experience, having pursued up to 34 hobbies at one time. The Howard Books author encourages men not to overextend themselves so much that family is neglected, friends are pushed aside, and churches and civic groups lack male participation. The book retails for $14.99.

David Gregory—author of the best-selling Dinner With a Perfect Stranger and A Day With a Perfect Stranger (both WaterBrook Press)—continues his theme of meeting with Jesus in Night With a Perfect Stranger: The Conversation That Changes Everything, releasing this month from Worthy Publishing (EMI CMG Distribution). The third book of a trilogy was written for burned-out and frustrated Christians and offers the message that Jesus has something for believers beyond what they are currently experiencing. The hardcover book retails for $14.99.

Miraculous Movements: How Hundreds of Thousands of Muslims Are Falling in Love With Jesus recounts true stories of how imams, sheikhs and entire mosques are embracing Christ, and outlines the principle of service that opens doors of opportunity to the gospel. Author Jerry Trousdale, who works with CityTeam Ministries, also describes his organization’s program using disciple-making movements. The Thomas Nelson title releases this month and retails for $9.99.