TSI: The Gabon Virus

Paul McCusker and Walt Larimore, M.D.

Howard Books

softcover, 448 pages, $13.99

978-1-416-56971-8

In the first in a new series, a team of scientists nicknamed the "Time Scene Investigators" (TSI) must find a cure for an impending super-virus pandemic. While being tested, the virus is loosed by radical environmentalists, spread by a boy on the run who is ignorant of his contagious condition.

Competing to find the cure is Ahaz Pharmaceuticals, willing to go to extreme lengths to make a profit. TSI finds that a similar super-virus wiped out half of an English village in the 1600s, and hopes to find clues among the victims. Thwarted and dogged at every turn, TSI must innovate and work hard to stave off global disaster.

Excellent writing and thorough research along with fast-paced action makes this a compelling read, though the story gets a bit bogged down with scientific facts and a multitude of characters. The characters, big and small, are vividly human; in the spiritual dimension, they struggle, and some find peace. The demise of so many is somewhat painful, though necessary in the nail-biting, redemptive story. Fans of forensic-science stories will enjoy The Gabon Virus.

—Allison Hyer

Craig Gross and Jason Harper

Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

hardcover, 208 pages, $17.99

978-0-801-01329-4

In their travels around the world, Gross, founder of Fire Proof Ministries and XXX Church, along with Harper, founder of The Extra Mile, have witnessed people who many would consider the worst of society—the prostitute, the porn star, the thief, the religious one and the forgotten. In Jesus Loves You, This I Know, the two join forces to share their eye-opening stories about the people Jesus loves.

Gross and Harper relay their encounters with those often considered unlovable and in the process reveal what they have learned about the far-reaching love of Christ. They also discover the after-effects of judgments believers place on societal outcasts, which contribute to their feelings of hopelessness and disconnection.

Jesus Loves You, This I Know is a humbling and yet encouraging reminder that no one in this life is free of sin, and that Jesus chose to commune with broken people so they might inherit the kingdom of God.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Shaken Not Shattered

Matthew Hagee

Charisma House (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 240 pages, $14.99

978-1-599-79464-8

Hagee, son of author and pastor John Hagee, delivers an emotional challenge in his debut book, Shaken Not Shattered.
Serving as the executive pastor of his father's Cornerstone Church in San Antonio and host of his own TV program, Hagee has a pastor's heart that is evident in the way he presents his ideas.

In sermon-like fashion, he surveys the modern social landscape and the deterioration of morality in American culture. He presents crucial points for believers to focus on in order to build a foundation of faith, including consistent prayer, discovering purpose, personal integrity and financial stewardship. Additionally, he shares stories from his own life and his father's, including a memorable account of how his father was called into ministry.

Hagee has a built-in audience based on the popularity of his father's ministry, but with Shaken Not Shattered, he presents himself as an author in his own right. Readers will find encouragement and spiritual tools to help them face uncertain times.

—DeWayne Hamby

The Overcomer's Anointing

Barbara J. Yoder

Chosen (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 160 pages, $12.99

978-0-800-79455-2

Senior pastor of Shekinah Christian Church in Ann Arbor, Mich., Yoder considers the uncomfortable theme of spiritual darkness in The Overcomer’s Anointing: God's Plan to Use Your Darkest Hour as Your Greatest Spiritual Weapon. With disarming transparency, she shares her own life experiences of feeling destitute, alone and abandoned by God.

Yoder addresses the phrase "dark night of the soul," derived from the title of a book by Saint John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish priest, who wrote about a season of spiritual distress.

The Overcomer's Anointing is a book of depth and biblical balance. Readers will ultimately find hope in the inextinguishable light of Christ and will be able to reframe their personal tribulations—as well as worldwide instability and "shakings"—as part of God’s plan and process. He guides believers through purposeful dark times, leading them into a brand-new day.

—C. Brian Smith

Unexplainable

Don Cousins

David C. Cook

softcover, 256 pages, $16.99

978-1-434-76808-7

Former associate pastor and one of the founding leaders of Willow Creek Community Church, Cousins addresses issues like life purpose, inner peace and contentment in Unexplainable: Pursuing a Life Only God Can Make Possible.

The author portrays examples throughout Scripture of when God used everyday people to fulfill His calling and to live a life that was unexplainable apart from Him. Cousins explores such accounts as the miracle of the birth of Isaac and the story of one of the greatest leaders of all time, the apostle Paul, who was able to experience peace even while chained and imprisoned.

Christians are encouraged to take hold of God's truths and promises, and experience a life that may seem impossible but can become reality for those who long for a deeper Christian experience. Unexplainable offers a fresh perspective, encouraging Christians to step out in faith and live an unexplainable life. This book would be a great tool for group or individual study.

—Vickie B. Mathews

The Youth Worker Book of Hope

Tim Baker

Zondervan/Youth Specialties

softcover, 176 pages, $12.99

978-0-310-28364-5

Baker is managing editor of The Journal of Student Ministries, director of a student ministry in Texas and the author of numerous books about youth ministry. So when he decided to tackle common problems that face youth ministers, he called on his peers.

A mix of men and women who have years of experience share their ministry "horror stories" and, refreshingly, take ownership for their mistakes.

One leader describes her emotional affair; another talks about a student who died while on a missions trip. Questions are explored, such as "What do you do when a teen gets pregnant?" and "What happens when the big event is a bust?" These veterans offer advice on how to handle less-than-ideal circumstances in ministry and also dish out plenty of encouragement.

Youth workers and directors can use this compilation as a field guide or a pick-me-up when hope seems nowhere to be found. Parents of teens can learn what pressures their sons or daughters’ spiritual leader is facing and, in turn, help lighten the load.

—Cara Davis

The Carousel Painter

Judith Miller

Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 336 pages, $13.99

978-0-764-20279-7

The Carousel Painter is a romantic tale of a young woman's journey to find peace despite the turmoil and injustice surrounding her. Miller takes readers back to a time when the lines of class and gender are strictly drawn, and a single woman trying to support herself in a man's world faces serious problems.

Carrie Brouwer, the only daughter of an accomplished Parisian artist, finds her life turned upside down when her father dies, leaving her nothing but two of his paintings and enough money to pay for the voyage back to America. With few options, Carrie accepts the invitation of her friend Augusta to join her family in Ohio.

But polite society of Ohio in 1890 is worlds away from the Bohemian lifestyle Carrie led in Paris. To make a life of her own, she convinces Augusta's father to hire her in his factory as a painter of carousel animals. Though she struggles with prejudice and false accusations, she begins to trust that God will provide deliverance.

The Carousel Painter is an adventure of love, friendship and the beauty of chasing dreams.

—Bonnie Bruner

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