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No Safe Haven

Kimberley Woodhouse and Kayla R. Woodhouse

B&H Books (B&H Publishing Group)

softcover, 352 pages, $14.99

978-1-433-67116-6

Fact meets fiction in this taut adventure written by a mother-daughter team. 

In real life, daughter Kayla has a rare nerve disorder, a condition mirrored in the story in Andie Tikaani-Gray, 12-year-old daughter of Jenna and Marcus Gray. Andie and Jenna have been alone for a year since Marcus was killed, their lives finally beginning to find peace. 

But a plane crash turns their world into a race for safety and even for their lives. Mysterious passenger Cole Maddox is certainly hiding something, but Andie and Jenna need his help to survive the harsh Alaskan landscape and the dangerous men who want them dead. As the trio battles to make it off Sultana Mountain, forces larger than they know are gathering to demand AMI, a weapon Marcus created—and died for. Can Cole protect “his girls” long enough to find AMI and save their lives? 

The authors Woodhouse have created a novel of high adventure, exhilarating suspense, powerful divine protection and enough love to bring tears all around. Aside from action-adventure fans, potential readers will include those who have seen the family’s story on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. 

—Ann E. Byle

A Simple Blessing

Michael W. Smith with Thomas Williams

Zondervan

hardcover, 176 pages, $18.99

978-0-310-32756-1

GRAMMY- and Dove Award-winning recording artist Smith was so moved by the hurt and failures expressed by fans at his concerts that he fashioned a blessing for them. A Simple Blessing: The Extraordinary Power of an Ordinary Prayer expands on the roots and results of the blessing.

Drawn from the Scriptures, it is not a promise of riches or fame, but rather one to equip the Christian to live a life of God-ordained blessing. With co-author Williams, Smith explains his blessing in six short chapters. With its outward focus, the blessing requires Christians to give to those whom God would bless through their hands and hearts.

This small, well-written book is relevant to any Christian. Readers will learn more about Smith’s experience of marriage, family, career and mission, and fans will appreciate the heart of ministry that motivated him to offer such a blessing.

—Eilene Ishler

Getting to Heaven

Don Piper and Cecil Murphey

Berkley Books

hardcover, $25.95, 320 pages

978-0-425-24028-1

Piper and Murphey, the pair behind the New York Times best-seller 90 Minutes in Heaven and Heaven Is Real,reunite to tackle the subject of heaven again in Getting to Heaven: Departing Instructions for Your Life Now. Piper again relays his story of dying and visiting heaven, this time coupled with stories from others and Jesus’ final days.

Inspired by the authors’ interactions with readers anxious about the afterlife, the book explores the subject to offer a sense of peace and calm. They present dying not as something to fear, but as a transition into a paradise free from worry, disease and sorrow. 

At the end of each chapter, reader challenges—such as “If you know you will die in the next 90 minutes, who are the people you need to forgive?”—are presented for further contemplation.             

In Getting to Heaven, Piper and Murphey offer a guidebook on the eternal reward promised by Christ for His followers, with scriptural descriptions alongside observations that include Piper’s own visit.

—DeWayne Hamby

Naked Spirituality

Brian D. McLaren

HarperOne

hardcover, 288 pages, $25.99

978-0-061-85398-2

McLaren—author, pastor, speaker and statesman of the Emergent movement—compels readers to drop all pretenses of religion in Naked Spirituality: A Life With God in 12 Simple Words. This book endeavors to strip down one’s relationship with God until there is only a love for Him and one’s neighbors remaining.

To guide readers in doing this, McLaren uses 12 words—such as No, Yes and Sorry—that have helped remind him of the various “doable and durable” spiritual disciplines he has used in various stages of his life. Readers may identify with the trajectory of McLaren’s story as he journeys from an initial simplicity of belief through the confusion that can come from life in the contemporary church to eventual harmony.

One unharmonious element in this book is its ambiguity of language in the introductory chapters, which may leave some readers confused as to whether or not McLaren believes that adherents of all world religions worship the same God.

—Dave Stuart Jr.

Verily, Verily

Jon Sweeney

Zondervan

hardcover, 224 pages, $18.99

978-0-310-32025-8

Why would anyone want to read the stodgy King James Version (KJV)—with its “thees and thous”—when more palatable and accurate translations exist? Sweeney offers a host of reasons in Verily, Verily: The KJV—400 Years of Influence and Beauty.

Not only is the KJV the most widely printed and circulated version, but it also embodies the most literary power, he argues. Completed in 1611 and marking its 400th anniversary this year, the KJV has profoundly impacted Western culture. Its phrases (such as “to see the handwriting on the wall”) are embedded in our collective unconscious. Moreover, the KJV has influenced poets (Emily Dickinson), presidents (Abraham Lincoln) and civil rights leaders (Martin Luther King Jr.). 

Verily, Verily contains helpful appendices, including a glossary of archaic words, as well as links to Web sites for parallel Bibles. Readers of Sweeney’s work, at minimum, will discover a newfound respect for the heritage and impact of the KJV.  

—Brian Smith McCallum

The Vampire Defanged

Susanna Clements 

Brazos Press (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 208 pages, $14.99

978-1-587-43289-7

Author Clements studies how Christianity figures into vampire fiction in The Vampire Defanged: How the Embodiment of Evil Became a Romantic Hero. In chronological order, she explores Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Anne Rice’s “The Vampire Chronicles,” Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charlaine Harris’ “Southern Vampire Mysteries” and Stephenie Meyer’s “The Twilight Saga.”

Defanged might be a simple compare-and-contrast if not for a clear progression toward the secular in the genre. Dracula is sin personified, but with each successive interpretation Clements examines, vampires have more free will—the foundation of a soul—and Christian theology matters less in the vampire universe. With “Twilight,” faith is almost nonexistent. Vampires can seemingly have it all: romance, family, physical perfection and cannibalism-free immortality. Appropriately, Meyer’s vampires have no fangs.

For Christian fans of vampire fiction, Defanged makes a useful reference point. Understanding the ideas behind the mythology helps the reader to separate theology from simple entertainment.

—John Leatherman

The Map Across Time

C.S. Lakin

Living Ink Books (AMG Publishers)

softcover, 288 pages, $14.99

978-0-899-57889-7

Lakin retells two fairy tales—The Water of Life from Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Prince Ivan and the Firebird, a Russian fairy tale—in a new and compelling way in The Map Across Time, book two in “The Gates of Heaven” series. She offers an adventure-filled story with loving relationships, as well as treacherous characters. 

The king’s son Adin—whose prominent birth defects include one leg shorter than the other—uses a unique map to take him into the past to discover the origins of an ancient curse that plagues the kingdom of Sherbourne. His twin, Aletha, follows in his footsteps as they travel through time, attempting to save the kingdom, their family and future—and follow their destiny. 

Readers of the prequel, The Wolf of Tebron, will want to continue this epic adventure. The use of “magic” and “spells” may confuse some, and these words should be discussed with younger readers.

—Jennifer Toth

The Prophecy Study Bible by John Hagee, general editor, has hundreds of pages of special features that offer a broad understanding of prophetic themes, salvation, covenants and other key doctrines of the Christian faith. From Thomas Nelson, the updated version of this New King James Version study Bible comes in hardcover for $39.99 and in iced tea/chocolate Leathersoft for $59.99. It releases March 22.

The New Classic Reference Bible from Crossway is an updated edition of the first English Standard Version (ESV) Bible ever published—the Classic Reference Bible. Its practical format combines the ESV text with an extensive concordance—more than 80,000 references located in the center column oneach page. The new edition also adds two-page introductions to each Bible book and 32 pages of full-color maps of Bible lands and illustrations of biblical sites, structures and objects. It also comes in a double-column, paragraph format with red-letter text, Smyth-sewn binding, a ribbon marker and presentation pages. The hardcover retails for $29.99, the TruTone chestnut filigree design or the brown/cordovan stripe design for $54.99, burgundy or black genuine leather for $69.99 and black premium calfskin for $199.99. The New Classic Reference Bible releases March 31. 

Thomas Nelson’s KJV/NKJV Parallel Bible, a center-column reference edition, offers the full KJV text side by side with the New King James Version. Marking 400 years of the KJV with a full-color, 24-page King James legacy celebration, the Parallel Bible also includes the full translators’ notes for the NKJV. Releasing March 1, the hardcover edition retails for $39.99.

Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent hit No. 1 on the New York Times Paperback Nonfiction list Jan. 23 and stayed there the following week. USA Today ranked the title on its Jan. 16 Top 150 at No. 19, and it also made a strong showing on the Jan. 24 Publishers Weekly Top Trade Paper list (No. 3) and on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association January list (No. 5). The Thomas Nelson title is also approaching a half-million copies shipped since the book’s November launch. 

Radical by David Platt has 500,000 copies in print, after less than 10 months in print. The book was at the top of the December 2010 CBA Top 50 and has spent 31 weeks on The New York Times Paperback Advice list, where it was No. 6 on the Jan. 30 list. This spring Multnomah Books release Platt’s Radical Together.

New York Times best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud, an Old Order Amish mother of nine, share the truths that bring them together in Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Releasing March 15 and retailing for $14.99, the WaterBrook Press book also includes Amish family recipes.

Listen to the Children humanizes the hot topic of immigration and allows the reader to eavesdrop on fictionalized conversations between immigrant parents, their children and their caregivers. Releasing this month, the Judson Press title by Elizabeth Conde-Frazier retails for $13.99.

With humor and compassion, Erin McPherson offers advice to moms—and dads—in The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Survive (and Love) Your Pregnancy. The Guideposts title releases this month and retails for $14.99.

Correction: In February 2011 Book Reviews, Christian Retailing misspelled June Hunt’s name in the review. Hunt’s book, Hope for Your Heart, released last month and is published by Crossway.

10 Lies Men Believe

J. Lee Grady

Charisma House (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 240 pages, $14.99

978-1-616-38137-0

Following up his 10 Lies the Church Tells Women, Grady, best-selling author and former Charisma magazine editor, offers the counterpart for men, 10 Lies Men Believe: The Truth About Women, Power, Sex, and God-and Why It Matters. 

Tackling such common beliefs as "A real man is defined by material success", "Real men don't need close male friendships" and "Real mend don't cry", Grady addresses the roots of these lies, counters with wisdom based on the Scriptures and affirms men as God has fashioned them. 

Grady speaks plainly about sex , male pride and priorities, yet asserts that spiritual breakthroughs are possible.  Men will relate will to him, as he opens up about his own insecurities and personal life.  

Each Chapter-beginning with sometimes startling quotes from sources ranging from movie actors to church fathers-includes discussion questions and a brief prayer. The book closes with an appendix offering keys to spiritual power in a man's life, including how to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

-Christine D. Johnson

Deep Like Me

Rick Bundschuh

Regal Books

softcover, 192 pages, $12.99

978-0-830-74688-0

In Deep Like Me: Extremely Profound Thoughts on Faith From a Disciple in Over His Head, Bundschuh, a teaching pastor and popular conference speaker, provides 31 short-essay examples from his own life, showing how following Jesus is not a prescribed walk of faith.

With wit and humor, Bundschuh offers hope and encouragement to believers struggling in their spiritual walk. With a reassuring voice, he lets them know they are not alone if they are questioning their faith, or the theology or actions of others—such as holding a John 3:16 sign at a football game.

In discussing topics such as honesty, judgment and forgiveness, the author challenges readers to think for themselves and consider what Jesus is really saying in His teachings rather than swallowing everything they’ve been taught.

Readers will enjoy Bundschuh’s conversational style. With Scriptures to reinforce each life lesson, Deep Like Me will support readers in their own spiritual journey.

—Nicole Anderson

Hope for Your Heart

June Hunt

Crossway

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-1-433-50397-9

Biblical counselor and radio host Hunt adds the encouraging Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life’s Storms to her numerous books on the subject. With insights gleaned from her longtime counseling ministry and award-winning radio programs, she focuses on biblical hope as an anchor for the soul. 

Hunt describes the kinds of anchors used by sailors depending upon the situation and the need. She likens the function of an anchor to the role of Christ in the believer’s life, whether in safe harbor or severe storms. The reader will learn many interesting facts about the oceans and how navigating them relates to life’s circumstances. Experiences from Hunt’s own life and those seeking counsel underscore the effective role of God’s Word as the believer’s sure hope. 

Hunt shows that Christian hope is much more than wishful thinking or mere sentimentalism. Each chapter centers on a Scripture passage and emphasizes the power of hope to heal. Written for all Christians, Hope for Your Heart will also aid pastors and counselors in their ministry.

—Eilene Ishler

Lazarus Awakening

Joanna Weaver

WaterBrook Press

hardcover, 240 pages, $19.99

978-0-307-44496-7

Best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit, Weaver concludes her look at New Testament siblings Martha, Mary and Lazarus in Lazarus Awakening: Finding Your Place in the Heart of God.

With sometimes humorous real-life illustrations, Weaver instructs and inspires readers with the story of Lazarus’ resurrection. Taking readers step by step through the story, she helps believers who question God’s love, just as Mary and Martha did. She helps readers move beyond “why” and learn that even in difficult circumstances, God is trustworthy.  She challenges believers to not get too comfortable in the tombs of their old selves and urges them to pull off the graveclothes that hinder freedom in Christ.

Well-written and insightful, Lazarus Awakening will not disappoint Weaver’s fans. It also includes a 10-week Bible study. 

—Johnson

The Brotherhood

Jerry B. Jenkins

Tyndale House Publishers

hardcover, 384 pages, $24.99

978-1-414-30907-1

softcover, pages, $14.99

978-1-414-30922-4 

Author Jenkins gives a look inside the life of a policeman struggling with his faith in The Brotherhood, the first in the “Precinct 11” series. Set in the near future, the book takes a frank look at the question of why God allows suffering.

Raised Christian but never passionate about his faith, Chicago police officer Boone Drake shuns religion after an accidental fire claims his wife and 3-year-old son. An expected promotion lifts him out of depression until a wrongful brutality charge threatens to end his career. When the case gets dismissed, he begins to appreciate the value of prayer. 

Reassigned to the Organized Crime Division, he finds himself positioned to topple all four of the gangs terrorizing Chicago and finally accepts that God has an unknowable yet masterful plan for his life.

Jenkins’ simple, expressive style brings gangland Chicago to life, and though some readers may find the resolution simplistic, Boone’s struggle to make sense of God’s sovereignty is easily relatable for believers.

—John Leatherman

Words

Ginny L. Yttrup

B&H Books (B&H Publishing Group)

softcover, 352 pages, $14.99

978-1-433-67170-8

Ten-year-old Kaylee Wren has a giant vocabulary—evidence of hours spent pouring through the pages of her mother’s dictionary. However, Kaylee doesn’t speak, and why would she?

Abandoned by her parents, molested by her mother’s former boyfriend time and again in a cabin in the redwoods, Kaylee has every reason to shut herself away emotionally. The many words she has collected in her mind are her only companions, a hollowed redwood her only refuge. 

Kaylee’s future seems hopeless until, from the security of her tree, she spots gifted artist Sierra Dawn Bickford. Tormented by the death of her newborn daughter 12 years earlier—a result of drug use during pregnancy—Sierra needs a chance to be the mother she always wanted to be, and she gets that chance with Kaylee. 

Beautifully written, Yttrup’s first novel is also captivating, as the story is told from both Kaylee’s and Sierra’s perspectives. Words vividly demonstrates how lives can be saved by the healing power of Jesus.

—Sarah Stegall

Luke: The Gospel of Amazement

Michael Card

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

softcover,  284 pages, $18

978-0-830-83835-6

Luke: The Gospel of Amazement is the first release in the “Biblical Imagination Series,” which will also engage the rest of the canonical Gospels. In the series, Card, an award-winning musician, pays homage to his mentor, scholar William Lane, who taught him how to read the Bible with “informed imagination,” linking the mind and heart. 

Card, who holds a master’s degree in biblical studies, works his way through Luke’s Gospel not line by line, but with blocks of text and bigger themes. For instance, he explains that Luke serves as a bridge between the Old Testament faith of waiting for Christ to the New Testament faith of following Him. 

Readers will come to understand that Luke was not an eyewitness. Rather, he was a meticulous historian as well as a doctor, a Gentile and perhaps even a slave. 

Though Card taps into the discoveries of scholars, his work is accessible to the lay reader. Overall, he lives up to his goal of providing a fresh, rich approach to the biblical text.

—Brian Smith McCallum

Thomas Nelson’s “Classic Series” of Bibles expands with the Checkbook Bible, NKJV in fleshtone beige with gilded-silver   page edging. Its checkbook size makes it easy to carry. Features include translation and textual footnotes, in-text chapter headings and the words of Christ in red for the $29.99 Leathersoft New King James Bible edition releasing this month. TheCheckbook Bible is also available in the King James Version and also releases this month.

Crossway’s ESV Compact Bible in TruTone, purple paisley design comes in a double-column, paragraph format and readable 6.4-point black-letter type. The English Standard Version (ESV) edition features a presentation page, Smyth-sewn binding, a concordance with nearly 6,000 entries, ribbon marker, introductions to each Bible book and a free ESV Bible resources software offer. Releasing Feb. 28, it has a lifetime quality guarantee and retails for $24.99.

Compact in size, The Message//REMIX 2.0 from NavPress is available Feb. 11 in a purple swirl, leather-look design. It features a numbering system unique to The Message and in-depth book introductions on the history, key words and phrases, and the theme of each book. It also includes a guide by Eugene H. Peterson on how to use a reading Bible in contemporary language for youth to understand. It retails for $36.99.

The KJV Gift Bible, Thinline Edition releases Feb. 15 in espresso, blue and lilac from Hendrickson Publishers. The Flexisoft leather edition retails for $14.95. Features of this King James edition include a presentation page, key Bible promises and an 18-page Study Helps section with a harmony of the gospels, miracles and parables of the Old and New Testaments, prophecies of Christ’s Passion, Scofield setting, full-color maps, words of Christ in red, a ribbon marker and a printed window on the packaging to show the color of the cover.

Thomas Nelson releases the Gift Bible, KJV and the Gift Bible, NKJV in cornflower blue this month. With a Leathersoft binding, it has gilded-silver page edging. The Gift Bible comes with a presentation page, ribbon marker, words of Christ in red, dictionary-concordance and full-color maps. Releasing Feb. 15, each retails for $19.99.

The ESV Thinline Bible in TruTone, chocolate/blue with paisley band from Crossway includes a presentation page, a concordance with more than 12,000 references, full-color maps and a free ESV Bible resources software offer. Releasing Feb. 28, the English Standard Version Bible comes in a double-column format and retails for $29.99.