TOP PICK

Living the Lord’s Prayer

Albert Haase

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

softcover, 252 pages, $18

978-0-830-83529-4

Although the Lord’s Prayer is often recited, its rote memorization and repetition may sometimes result in a loss of potency and meaning in believers’ lives. Haase intends to transform readers’ views of Jesus’ words from familiar phrases to a living conversation in Living the Lord’s Prayer: The Way of the Disciple.

Haase devotes a chapter to each phrase of the prayer and fleshes out its significance. The author draws upon Jewish tradition and the spiritual classics to illuminate the words. In addition, Haase includes vignettes from the lives of people he has encountered in his various roles, including priest, friar and spiritual director. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions that can be incorporated into spiritual direction sessions, small group discussions or personal meditations.

Ultimately, Haase views this prayer of Jesus as a road map for spiritual formation and as a handbook to holiness. Readers interested in their relationship with God and the world will be challenged and find refreshment and renewal in Living the Lord’s Prayer.

—C. Brian Smith

Real Church

Larry Crabb

Thomas Nelson

hardcover, 240 pages, $22.99

978-0-785-22920-9

In Real Church: Does It Exist? Can I Find It?, Crabb admits he doesn’t want to go to church. If that isn’t enough, he also recalls meetings with evangelical pastors and leaders who aren’t interested in church, either. Then he explains the reasons for their dissatisfaction.

Crabb also addresses what he feels are the wrong reasons for attending church, including that it makes the person better or helps them feel better about themselves. Instead, he suggests, church exists more for God’s benefit than for its members.

Average Christians, who probably find a lot to like about their church, may tune out before Crabb finally explains the type of church he would like to go to and how churches can change. If they keep reading, they may find some points to help them evaluate their church’s mission.

—DeWayne Hamby

Blood Bayou

Karen Young

Howard Books

softcover, 448 pages, $14.99

978-1-416-58750-7

Strong characters and a twisting, suspenseful plot drive Blood Bayou, the first Christian offering from general market romance novelist Young.

Divorced lawyer Camille St. James heads a program called the Truth Project until one of the wrongfully convicted death row inmates she worked to free becomes the prime suspect in a second murder in the waterfront town of Blood Bayou, La.

Because the victim is her ex-husband Jack’s sister, Camille breaks a seven-year silence and lets Jack back into her life, using his connections as the pastor of a small church in her investigation. Camille’s insistence on finding the truth puts her and those she loves at risk, but she persists to find the truth and the murderer.

Her faith journey plays a key role in renewing her relationship with Jack, who seeks her forgiveness for past wrongs and works toward a new start for their relationship.

Although some of the interpersonal drama feels contrived, and dialogue is slow in places, this romance is a satisfying read that will appeal to a wide audience.

You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

Allison Bottke

David C. Cook

softcover, 448 pages, $14.99

978-1-434-79949-4

Bottke, editor of the “God Allows U-Turns” compilations, tactfully and sympathetically brings realism into her latest novel, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing. The book offers a tightly woven scenario portraying the finer aspects of the disco era while mingling tragic elements.

When the opportunity of a lifetime propels Susan’s dreams beyond her Disco Diva salon, worlds collide and her 25-year marriage hits unstable ground. As a painful reminder of her past appears, Susan reaches a critical turning point.

By God’s grace, she is able to face her darkest nightmare triumphantly, realizing all “God-cidences” are planned. As she embarks on a journey of healing, Susan begins to see herself through the eyes of those who truly love her.

Keyed toward middle-aged women, this book offers encouragement for those who are still searching for healing among lost dreams.

—Vickie B. Mathews

Right on the Money

Pat Robertson

FaithWords

hardcover, 240 pages, $22.99

978-0-446-54958-5

Author and televangelist Robertson gives a common-sense explanation of money management in Right on the Money: Financial Advice for Tough Times. With the exception of sections on the more complex aspects of stock and bond trading, the language is simple and accessible enough for finance planning newcomers.Robertson covers budgets, credit, investing, home ownership, insurance and other basics of personal finance with lucid word illustrations and advice.

His suggestions and observations often come filtered through the context of recent events, though not always. In discussing retirement savings, for example, he doesn’t address how many employers are dropping the company match that makes 401(k)s an attractive investment.

While Right on the Money is valuable reading for anyone hoping to better understand finance, the book offers no magic escape from the current economic crisis.

The Myth of a Christian Religion

Gregory A. Boyd

Zondervan

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.99

978-0-310-28383-6

Boyd pastors a large church in St. Paul, Minn., where approximately 1,000 of his members left after he preached a series of sermons during election season about the separation of politics and faith. That series became his previous book, The Myth of a Christian Nation.

Boyd’s fearlessness is evident in his follow-up, The Myth of a Christian Religion, which questions how believers live in today’s secular society. Attempting to shift the paradigms American Christians have about 14 topics—ranging from racial reconciliation to sex—he minces no words, though he also heaps on hefty portions of grace to help the medicine go down. The book also includes a detailed Action Guide full of practical ideas on how to live consistently with the gospel of Jesus, which is the book’s ultimate goal.

Church leaders will especially benefit from Boyd’s perspective, but lay members will find themselves challenged as well, as he issues an irresistible call to join the “beautiful revolution” that is the kingdom of God.

Finding an Unseen God

Alicia Britt Chole

Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 176 pages, $13.99

978-0-764-20602-3

In Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist, Chole reflects on the wonderful memories of childhood as well as the folly of her own wisdom, but more so shares an encouraging story of how God works to call even the most intellectually driven individual into a relationship with Him.

Unlike many who have chosen not to believe in God because of tragic events or brokenness in their families, Chole grew up in a home where she knew she was loved, safe and secure. What her parents loved best was her inquisitive nature, and they delighted in her constant questions and never-ending quest for the facts. But her unquenchable thirst for knowledge was exactly what kept her from understanding the possibility of a God she could not see.

Chole gives a fresh perspective on what goes on in the mind of an atheist. Any Christian who has ever been challenged to defend their beliefs will appreciate her insight to both sides of the argument and, through her story, witness the power of an unseen God at work.

—Heidi L. Ippolito