Thin Places

Mary DeMuth

Zondervan

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-0-310-28418-5

In Thin Places: A Memoir, DeMuth traces her life's influences, both positive and negative. The title refers to the times and places throughout her life when the everyday and the spiritual world seemed close enough for her to reach across and touch Jesus.

While the book is autobiographical, it is not chronological. Each chapter traces a particular facet of her character through various seasons of her life. One chapter, for example, chronicles the three divorces of DeMuth's mother and how the loss of each successive father seemed to rob DeMuth of something. Then she skips ahead to a troubling season with her own husband, showing how her childhood struggles gave her the strength to restore her marriage for the sake of her children.

Some of the chapters are disturbing, as DeMuth has experienced childhood sexual abuse and child pornography. Still, Thin Places offers a poignant look at the development of a well-known Christian writer.

—John D. Leatherman

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God

Charles F. Stanley

Thomas Nelson

hardcover, 256 pages, $21.99

978-1-400-20092-4

Stanley continues to his writing on practical theology and the Christian life in How to Reach Your Full Potential for God: Never Settle for Less Than His Best. Deeply rooted in the Scriptures, the book enumerates the essentials of a rich, meaningful existence. A clean heart, a clean mind and a balanced schedule can do wonders to revive an arid soul, according to the author.

Stanley grapples with the existential issues that confront us all: questions of identity, meaning, purpose and destiny. He realistically and frankly discusses obstacles, setbacks and frustrations in the believer's path to reaching his or her potential—stress, alcohol, sexually transmitted diseases, broken relationships, fear and low self-value. More importantly, the popular Bible teacher inspires readers to learn about and exercise their spiritual gifts as well as to take risks—which is the essence of faith and trust in God.

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God makes for a good read when considering the new year and its resolutions.

—C. Brian Smith

Deliver Us from Evil

Robin Caroll

B&H Fiction (B&H Publishing Group)

softcover, 320 pages, $14.99

978-0-805-44980-8

The suspense novel Deliver Us From Evil sheds awareness about child sex trafficking within the United States. U.S.
Marshal Roark Holland is assigned the task of escorting a donor heart for a major witness that will open up a child trafficking case. Park ranger Brannon Callahan finds herself caught in the middle of Holland's case when she rescues him after a plane crash.

As they move through the woods, accompanied by Callahan's partner, Lincoln, they discover that someone is out to ensure their mission fails. Once they understand the mission is to save the life of innocent children, determination, teamwork and faith become their stablizing forces.

Caroll's action-packed adventure weaves together a mystery that keep the reader turning the pages and a lighthearted romance that builds between two strangers thrust together in life-threatening circumstances and loss.

—Nicole Anderson

Never Say Never

Lisa Wingate

Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 352 pages, $14.99

978-0-764-20492-0

Wingate's Never Say Never is a "deep in the heart of Texas" thrill ride. It begins with 71-year-old Donetta Brandford and her two best friends, Imagene and Lucy, who decide to take a cruise to break the monotony of their lives in small town Daily, Texas.

At a country store, they encounter twenty-something Kai, a cruise line employee who reveals that the ship has already left to get out of the way of a hurricane. Everyone else is trying to get out, too, including some bad characters and a church from Louisiana.

As this group unites, chaos reigns, but in the midst, God shows all of them that miracles do still happen. The book ends with a surprise event and everyone is thankful to God for finding such great friends.

Women, young and old, will identify with the theme of the quest for true love and be met with the promise of perfect love in Christ.

—Tanya Ohle

A Year of Blind Dates

Megan Carson

Regal Books

softcover, 192 pages, $12.99

978-0-830-74810-5

Debut author Carson's A Year of Blind Dates: A Single Girl's Search for 'the One' is a comical account of her search for Mr. Right. Though she has always been blessed with a supportive family, friends and a life full of purpose, at age 28 she becomes more determined than ever to find the man of her dreams.

With the help of a dating service and friends who are all too willing to introduce her to potential mates, Carson embarks on a series of dates that will change her in a way she never expects.

The World's Best Dating Service—names changed to protect the innocent—promises 14 dates in the course of a year, surely enough to find the perfect match. From Penthouse Pete to Miguel the Matador, most of the dates simply go from bad to worse. The few that have potential still do not make it far.

After a heart-breaking year, Carson accepts that she cannot change or, much less, spoil God's plan for her life. Her story offers encouragement to those looking for "The One" and is a sure reminder of God's love and faithfulness.

—Bonnie Bruner

You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes

Lisa McKay

David C. Cook

softcover, 208 pages, $12.99

978-1-434-76726-4

McKay, a blogger writing her debut book with You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes…And Other Great Advice From an Unlikely Preacher's Wife, didn't plan on becoming a pastor's wife. Her husband, Luke, worked in construction, and they were on the brink of divorce before he got saved. Then, when he sensed God's call to ministry, McKay wasn't too certain about this vocational change and especially not her new leadership role.

With humorously refreshing advice to her fellow pastors' wives, McKay shares some of her mishaps in trying to fit into a stereotype that did not suit her personality—and reveals how God set her free from that mentality.

But the book is not written solely to pastors' wives; rather, she addresses congregation members, giving helpful, realistic guidelines to all—pastor, pastor's wife and church member—on how to serve each other and together build God's kingdom.

—Deborah L. Delk

Dug Down Deep

Joshua Harris

Multnomah Books

hardcover, 256 pages, $19.99

978-1-601-42151-7

Harris, best known for the teen advice book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, draws from his experience growing up in the church for Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters. Opening with a look at Rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage, Harris explains his personal spiritual journey and why all believers come to a point of personal faith ownership.

The author credits notables such as J.I. Packer and John Piper for defining moments in the formation of his understanding of theology. He also focuses on why theology, along with orthodoxy, has been overlooked—to the detriment of the church. Some of the most memorable moments, however, center on times when Harris discovers his life should revolve around God and not vice versa.

Dug Down Deep is an easy, conversational read targeting those who, like Harris, have found themselves in a shallow spirituality. He stresses the relevance of Scripture in modern living and urges readers to know what they believe and why.

—DeWayne Hamby

The Poverty and Justice Bible, which released to Christian stores from the American Bible Society last month, highlights more than 2,000 verses regarding the poor as well as a study guide for social issues such as immigration, abuse, literacy, wages and injustice, and offers practical ways the reader can apply the scriptures to life. The Contemporary English Version (CEV) Bible has been endorsed by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, as well as authors Rob Bell, Jenna Lucado and Shane Claiborne. The softcover Bible is available for $24.99.

Thomas Nelson will introduce the Mom's Bible: God's Wisdom for Mothers and the Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan, both with the New Century Version (NCV), next month. With notes by Bobbie Wolgemuth, the Mom's Bible includes devotionals and articles for women of all ages and stages of life, including mothers, grandmothers, expectant mothers and honorary mothers. Features include Walking In Ways that are pleasing to God; Our God Is... ; Godly Character; Passing It On; Moms in the Bible; Questions Kids Ask; and Wonderful Counselor, which covers topics from the perspective of a Christian counselor. The Dad's Bible is similar to the mom's version and includes topics on fatherhood such as Walking in Authority, Godly Character, Passing It On, Dads in the Bible, Building Your Children, Insights, and Questions and Answers. The Mom's Bible will release in a hardcover for $29.99 and a cranberry LeatherSoft for $49.99, while the Dad's Bible will release in a hardcover for $29.99 and a deep green LeatherSoft for $49.99.

Baker Publishing Group will release The Life of Jesus next month. Using God's Word translation, the Bible arranges the four gospels in chronological order. Additionally, it includes a list of the parables of Jesus, His radical ideas, His promises and other encounters with Jesus during His ministry. Other features include biographies of each gospel writer, a map of the places in Jesus' life and a timeline of His life. The hardcover Bible retails for $16.99.

Hendrickson Publishers is releasing next month the KJV Bible: 1611 Edition and the KJV Bible: 1611 Edition Without Apocrypha. Both editions preserve the original wording of the 1611 printing word for word and page for page, and include the original preface, margin notes and other introductory material. In addition, the Bible features an essay by Alfred Pollard on pre-1611 editions and the history of the Authorized Version. The KJV Bible: 1611 Edition will release in black genuine leather for $79.95, hardcover for $39.95 and leather hardcover for $39.95. The KJV Bible: 1611 Edition Without Apocrypha will be available in hardcover only for $39.95.

Still Standing

Carrie Prejean

Regnery Publishing

hardcover, 202 pages, $27.95

978-1-596-98602-2

Prejean, former Miss California and Miss USA runner-up, gave the answer "heard round the world" last year when questioned by gossip blogger Perez Hilton about her stance on gay marriage. After offering her unpopular opinion, Prejean's career trajectory changed, a journey she details in Still Standing: The Untold Story of My Fight Against Gossip, Hate, and Political Attacks.

Prejean speaks openly about her Christian faith and how she was encouraged to keep it under wraps by pageant officials even before being confronted with the infamous question. She details the fallout from her answer, including her firing from the Miss USA organization, meetings with Donald Trump, the surfacing of nude modeling photos and even the leaking of her parents' divorce papers to the press. Prejean doesn't set herself up as a victim or a hero, however, but rather someone who shared unpopular views with an angry audience.

With endorsements from Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter and a foreword from Sean Hannity, Still Standing is poised to appeal to a conservative political audience, but offers spiritual lessons in addition to cultural analysis.

—DeWayne Hamby

Points of Power

Yolanda Adams

FaithWords

hardcover, 256 pages, $19.99

978-0-446-54578-5

In Points of Power: Discover a Spirit-Filled Life of Joy and Purpose, recording artist and radio talk-show host Adams
offers stories of encouragement and hope in Christ.

Using examples from the Bible such as Joseph and Daniel, and individuals like Billy Graham and Chris Gardner, as well as her own life experiences, Adams relays uplifting stories of what it means to live a life focused on God and surrounded by His grace. She encourages readers to walk in obedience, freely confess shortcomings to Christ and allow Him to work in their hearts, so that they can live a life of power and purpose.

Points of Power is full of short stories and life-application questions, and is useful for the busy reader desiring spiritual growth.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Happy Spouse...Happy House

Pat and Ruth Williams with Dave Wimbish

Standard Publishing

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-0-784-72356-2

Author and sports executive Williams and his wife, Ruth, offer marital advice in Happy Spouse...Happy House: The BEST Game Plan for a Winning Marriage. "BEST" is an acronym for Bless, Edify, Share and Touch.

The authors devote several chapters to each action.Though most of the principles apply to both spouses, Pat usually speaks to the male reader, while Ruth's segments target wives. One section could belong in a different book, as the authors devote nearly a chapter to choosing the right mate.

Most of the advice will be familiar to readers of marriage books, but the couple offers their own unique slant to keep it from becoming cliche. The understated premise of the authors' qualification is that they have between them 19 children, and both work in full-time careers requiring travel.

—John D. Leatherman

An Amish Gathering

Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Barbara Cameron

Thomas Nelson

softcover, 400 pages, $14.99

978-1-595-54822-1

With the backdrop of the Pennsylvania countryside, fans of romance fiction will enjoy sharing in the lives of Leah Petersheim, Rebecca Miller and Amanda Graber in this three-novella collection, An Amish Gathering: Life in Lancaster County.

Opening with "A Change of Heart," Leah teaches readers how to be themselves and follow their dreams. In "When Winter Comes," readers will learn from Rebecca how to overcome grief and fear, and know true forgiveness. Finally, in "A Place of His Own," Amanda is an example of a true friend who never gives up on the ones she loves.

Each novella centers on following God's will, and when it's least expected, He sends the right person to help. These heartwarming stories show humorous complications in courting while spotlighting lessons in true love. Extras include recipes, a glossary of Amish terms and a Reading Group Guide.

—Nicole Anderson

Start Somewhere

Calvin Nowell with Gayla Zoz

Tyndale House Publishers

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-1-414-32331-2

Christian recording artist Nowell offers Start Somewhere: Losing What's Weighing You Down From the Inside Out as an encouragement to anyone who has ever felt trapped by unhealthy patterns.

Nowell shares memories from childhood that seem to have planted the seeds that would later grow into a lifestyle of secret sin. Overindulgence in food was the sin that eventually took over, though he managed to function for years keeping up the appearance that he had his life together.

But at his breaking point, he began to understand that God had wonderful plans for his life that he would never see unless he submitted his food addiction to Him. The process of changing his routines was difficult, but the most significant transformation was the one that took place in his heart and mind.

Readers will find Nowell's honesty and transparency touching. Though the topic of weight loss is central to the book, its themes are global and applicable for all readers.

—Bonnie Bruner

Forgotten Girls

Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

softcover, 175 pages, $16

978-0-830-8373-1

Author and speaker Strom and Sisters in Service founder Rickett are on a campaign to give voice to the voiceless victims of crime and depravity around the world: young women.

A follow-up to Daughters of Hope, which told the stories of persecuted Christian women, Forgotten Girls: Stories of Hope and Courage puts faces to the statistics of millions of persecuted girls throughout the world. Christian or not, young women are trapped in a cycle of poverty and oppression that Christians in the West—those who often have the resources and voices—have the ability to help.

Five sections—physical life, education, sexual protection, prison and war, and spiritual life—cover the gamut of issues oppressed women face today. While the book's stories are touching, and at times overwhelming, the authors are careful to infuse them with action steps the average person can take to help make a difference.

Forgotten Girls may not be a book readers want to read, but those who are interested in social justice will find it a helpful guide to awaken passion and educate them on the issues of global persecution that seriously affect women and children.

—Cara Davis

Becoming Lucy

Martha Rogers

Realms (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 304 pages, $10.99

978-1-599-79912-4

In Becoming Lucy, the first entry into historical fiction from Strang Book Group and the first installment of the "Winds Across the Prairie" series, Boston heiress Lucinda Bishop's world is shaken when a tragic carriage accident takes both of her parents. She moves to her aunt and uncle's ranch in Oklahoma Territory, where she must find a way to face her grief and adjust to a primitive land.

Meanwhile, she and one of her uncle's cowboys fight a growing attraction for one another—for her, because he does not share her faith, and for him, because of a hidden and shameful past. When he becomes a Christian, he reveals his past and returns to Texas to face the law, leaving her to continue life in the wilds of Oklahoma wondering if he will return.

Becoming Lucy is populated with sweet, earnest characters whose simple faith in God remains strong even through horrendous circumstances such as the death of loved ones and the loss of most of their earthly possessions. The story takes a satisfying route to a happy ending, and Rogers' debut historical romance will appeal to fans of the genre.

—Allison Hyer

How to Inherit the Earth by Scott A. Bessenecker releases this month from Likewise, an imprint of InterVarsity Press. The associate director for missions for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship writes about submission, using experiences from new friar communities, the history of Christianity and the words of Christ. The book will retail for $15.

Results of the polling of more than 50,000 couples are included in The Remarriage Checkup by Ron L. Deal and David H. Olson (Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group), releasing next month. The authors share marital advice in the book, which ties in with an online component, the Couple Checkup. The hardcover title will retail for $22.99.

Pastors and lay leaders are the intended audience for Michael R. Emlet's CrossTalk: Where Life and Scripture Meet from New Growth Press, released last month. Emlet gives tools on how to deal with life challenges brought by friends, family and church members. The softcover book retails for $15.99.

John Piper, best-selling author and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, uses the book of Ruth as reference in A Sweet and Bitter Providence($17.99), releasing in January from Crossway. Piper examines themes including God's sovereignty, the sexual nature of humanity and God's mercy for the undeserving.

Shaunti Feldhahn, author of For Women Only, examines men's views in the workplace in The Male Factor ($22.99, Multnomah Books), releasing Dec. 29. Topics include how men perceive workplace emotion, common situations with female colleagues that frustrate men and men's unwritten rules of the workplace. Multnomah is releasing a special Christian-retail version of the business book, which will include additional content.

More book news: For updated book news, including podcasts, blogs and exclusive interviews, visit www.christianretailing.com.

When Heaven Comes Down

Ché Ahn

Chosen (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 192 pages, $13.99

978-0-800-79479-8

In When Heaven Comes Down: Experiencing God's Glory in Your Life, Ahn explores the glory of God—what it is, how it is revealed, what it does and how to receive it.

The author maintains that God's glory is His manifest presence by which He reveals His goodness and displays His power through signs and wonders. Christians are called to glorify God and reflect His glory to the world. In other words, the glory of God brings about personal and societal transformation. Often His glory has manifested in revivals, and Ahn recounts the times in church history when this has been apparent and its effect on society.

Ahn's book will enlighten readers pursuing a deeper relationship with God, showing how that relationship produces fruit in the life of the believer and how the kingdom of God is extended through God's people.

—Deborah L. Delk

One Simple Act

Debbie Macomber

Howard Books

hardcover, 224 pages, $22.99

978-1-439-10893-2

In One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity, popular author Macomber touches on the story of the boy with the meager lunch of fish and bread that Jesus was able to share with 5,000 people, as a perfect example of what God can do with what one might consider so small.

Macomber reminds her readers that there is much more to be given than money. The gifts of time, intercession, comfort or hospitality are among those acts of kindness that make a world of difference. These are the gifts that matter most.

One Simple Act is a wonderful book for anyone who is looking to find ways to be a blessing to others. Macomber offers assurance that no matter how big or small the act of kindness, when done in the love that Christ has shown His people, the act of kindness will never be in vain.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Tithing

Douglas LeBlanc

Thomas Nelson

hardcover, 176 pages, $17.99

978-0-849-90095-2

As part of "The Ancient Practices Series," LeBlanc's Tithing: Test Me In This explores responses to the text of Malachi 3:10. This seventh book in the eight-part series devoted to spiritual disciplines of the Christian church features a foreword by eminent religion editor and writer Phyllis Tickle.

LeBlanc, a journalist, traverses the United States and talks with pastors, priests and rabbis from a diversity of traditions, including Episcopalians, Catholics and Orthodox Jews. He discovers in his conversations that there are believers who actually view tithing as an act of compassion, joy and generosity, rather than a rigid, legalistic requirement. Furthermore, he encounters believers who give altruistically; that is, they do not "give to get" manifold blessings.

Tithing, overall, is conversational, personal and practical. Readers will no longer view tithing as a burden. Instead, they will be inspired by the stories of those whose lives have been enriched by obeying God.

—C. Brian Smith

Powers

John B. Olson

B&H Fiction (B&H Publishing Group)

softcover, 400 pages, $14.99

978-0-805-44735-4

Olson delivers a supernatural thriller in Powers, which, though a sequel to his novel Shade, is a self-contained story. Powers begins with Mariutza, raised in a Louisiana swamp by her grandfather, Purodad. He has trained her to be one of the Standing, a group to which God gives extrasensory powers against the Badness, Satan's human presence. When 10 cloaked men murder Purodad, his dying words send Mariutza on a quest for Jazzaniah the prophet and a treasure the Badness wants.

Meanwhile Jazzaniah, a struggling New Orleans musician, is experiencing strange visions leading him to Mariutza. Jazzaniah helps her find others of the Standing to aid their search while dodging police, FBI and shadowy government agencies convinced by the Badness that the Standing are a terrorist group.

The portions written in Mariutza's viewpoint may throw some readers since she does not understand everyday things such as automobiles and cell phones. Nonetheless, Powers offers a gripping plot that will keep the reader engaged.

—John D. Leatherman

Saving Cicadas

Nicole Seitz

Thomas Nelson

softcover, 320 pages, $14.99

978-1-595-54503-9

In Saving Cicadas, 8-year-old Janie Macy is a normal kid, as far as she knows. She lives in a small town with her mother, Priscilla Lynn; her older sister Rainey Dae, who has Down Syndrome; and their grandparents. When her mother gets pregnant though, her whole world changes.

Janie begins to understand what is at stake when her grandparents tell her about abortion, and she and Rainey look it up online. When Janie's mother schedules an abortion, Grandma Mona decides Janie needs to try to stop it. To help her do so, she tells Janie some closely held family secrets.

Seitz deals with the weighty issue of abortion through the innocent eyes of a child. The supernatural surprise at the end makes for a somewhat far-fetched story, though the book's message is powerful. Through Janie's eyes, readers will see the abortion issue in black and white.

—Allison Hyer

Do Something!

Miles McPherson

Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.99

978-0-801-01332-4

In Do Something! Make Your Life Count, McPherson challenges readers to make a difference in their lives and communities through the love of Jesus. Each chapter offers teaching couched in a real-life story demonstrating a biblical truth.

McPherson shares his personal experiences in dealing with drug addiction, unhealthy relationships and the pressures that come with being a professional athlete. His painful journey eventually leads him to follow Christ. He shares stories of his friends and congregation members, showing how loving people can impact the world.

Myths about who can "do something" for the Lord often hide the truth that anyone with a willing and open heart can be used by God to do something amazing. With each teaching, McPherson offers a prayer and a tangible challenge to show love in a real way.

Do Something! is an inspirational read. Readers will appreciate the practical lessons, and the book's concise chapters, along with an available DVD curriculum, makes this book useful for small group discussion.

—Bonnie Bruner

Political tome: On Nov. 17, Zondervan and HarperCollins will release Going Rogue, the memoir of former Alaskan governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. With an initial printing of 1.5 million copies, the hardcover book hit the top of best-seller lists nearly two months prior to its release, with advance orders. It retails for $28.99.